1.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.
2.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.
3.Application of Ferroptosis Regulation in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Based on Spleen Deficiency and Turbid Toxin
Yuxi GUO ; Xuemei JIA ; Jie WANG ; Yanru CAI ; Pengli DU ; Yao DU ; Diangui LI ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):279-285
Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), a common digestive system disease, has an unclear pathogenesis. Currently, it is mostly believed to be related to Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection, immune factors, dietary factors, bile reflux, long-term use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, and other factors. Ferroptosis is a regulated cell death mechanism that is iron-dependent and characterized by disruption of iron metabolism and accumulation of lipid peroxides. More and more studies have found that ferroptosis is closely related to the onset of CAG. Professor LI Diangui, a master of traditional Chinese medicine, first proposed the turbid toxin theory, which holds that spleen deficiency and turbid toxin is the main pathogenic mechanism of CAG. Abnormal iron metabolism regulation is a prerequisite for the accumulation of turbid toxin in CAG, and ferroptosis is in accordance with the pathogenic mechanism (spleen deficiency and turbid toxin) of CAG. This article explores the pathological mechanism of spleen deficiency and turbid toxin in CAG from the perspectives of iron metabolism, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation, providing theoretical support of traditional Chinese medicine for the modern research on CAG. It enriches the modern scientific connotation of the turbid toxicity theory and provides new ideas and breakthrough points for the clinical treatment of CAG.
4.Application of Ferroptosis Regulation in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Based on Spleen Deficiency and Turbid Toxin
Yuxi GUO ; Xuemei JIA ; Jie WANG ; Yanru CAI ; Pengli DU ; Yao DU ; Diangui LI ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):279-285
Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), a common digestive system disease, has an unclear pathogenesis. Currently, it is mostly believed to be related to Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection, immune factors, dietary factors, bile reflux, long-term use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, and other factors. Ferroptosis is a regulated cell death mechanism that is iron-dependent and characterized by disruption of iron metabolism and accumulation of lipid peroxides. More and more studies have found that ferroptosis is closely related to the onset of CAG. Professor LI Diangui, a master of traditional Chinese medicine, first proposed the turbid toxin theory, which holds that spleen deficiency and turbid toxin is the main pathogenic mechanism of CAG. Abnormal iron metabolism regulation is a prerequisite for the accumulation of turbid toxin in CAG, and ferroptosis is in accordance with the pathogenic mechanism (spleen deficiency and turbid toxin) of CAG. This article explores the pathological mechanism of spleen deficiency and turbid toxin in CAG from the perspectives of iron metabolism, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation, providing theoretical support of traditional Chinese medicine for the modern research on CAG. It enriches the modern scientific connotation of the turbid toxicity theory and provides new ideas and breakthrough points for the clinical treatment of CAG.
5.Mechanism of warmed malate ringer's solution in fluid resuscitation in improving the lethal triad of severe trauma
Yinyu WU ; Han SHE ; Yunxia DU ; Yuxi ZHANG ; Xiaowei ZHOU ; Qinghui LI ; Tao LI ; Yi HU ; Qingxiang MAO ; Yaling WANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(3):216-225
Objective To explore the role and mechanism of warm malate ringer's solution(MR)in resuscitation of the lethal triad caused by severe trauma.Methods A rat model of severe trauma was established in SPF-grade SD rats(half male and half female,weighing 200~220 g)using combined multiple injuries and hemorrhagic shock,and the rats were randomly divided into 8 groups(n=8):Sham group,only arterial and venous catheterization;Trauma(Tra)groups with different time points(10,30,60,90,120,180 min)and a Trauma group that were observed without any treatment for 180 min after model establishment.The changes of activated clotting time(ACT),reaction time(R),maximum amplitude(MA),and rate of blood clot formation(Angle)at different time points were detected by using thromboelastography,and tail bleeding,core body temperature and arterial blood gas parameters,were also observed and detected.The plasma von Willebrand Factor(vWF)level,mitochondrial respiratory control ratio in pulmonary venous endothelium,and expression levels of vascular endothelial cadherin(VE-Cadherin),peroxisome proliferator activating receptor gamma coactivator 1α(PGC1α),dynamin-related protein 1(Drp1),p-Drp1,and mitofusin 2(Mfn2)were detected to evaluate the vascular endothelial injury and mitochondrial dysfunction.Another group of SD rats were randomly divided into severe trauma group(no treatment for 180 min after injury),and MR solution at room temperature and at 37 ℃ groups.MR solution at room temperature or at 37 ℃ was given to the rats using a medical blood transfusion apparatus at 60 min post-trauma.Above indicators were observed and detected to investigate the resuscitation effect of the MR solution.Results Compared with the Sham group,the severely traumatic rats at 180 min after injury had significantly prolonged ACT and R values(P<0.05),shortened MA and decreased Angle values(P<0.05),extended tail bleeding time(P<0.05),lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PCO2)and HCO3-and base excess(BE)levels(P<0.05),and continuously increasing K+(P<0.05)and decreasing Na+(P<0.05)and Ca2+levels(P<0.05).Additionally,plasma vWF level(P<0.05)and protein levels of VE-cadherin,PGC1α and Mfn2 in pulmonary vein endothelium were significantly reduced(P<0.05),the expression of p-Drp1 was enhanced and the mitochondrial respiration control rate was declined in the rats at 180 min after injury(P<0.05).MR solution resuscitation shortened tail bleeding time(P<0.05),increased core body temperature(P<0.05),elevated plasma vWF level(P<0.05),increased protein levels of VE-cadherin,PGC1α and Mfn2(P<0.05),and decreased that of p-Drp1 protein expression(P<0.05)when compared with the rats at 180 min after severe traumatic injury.The above effects were more significant in the rats infused with the solution at 37 ℃ than those at room temperature.Conclusion Warm MR solution significantly improves the lethal triad in rats after severe trauma,which may be associated with its improving mitochondrial function and attenuating vascular endothelial damage.
6.Effect of Coptisine on PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Rats
Jie WANG ; Pengli DU ; Jiaqi DONG ; Yuewei YANG ; Yunxiao GAO ; Hongyu MA ; Xuemei JIA ; Yuxi GUO ; Bolin LI ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(18):117-124
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of coptisine on chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) in rats based on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodA CAG rat model was induced by multiple factors, including sodium salicylate, N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), and irregular feeding. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, folic acid group, and high- and low-dose coptisine groups. The high- and low-dose coptisine groups were given coptisine (50, 10 mg·kg-1, respectively), and the folic acid group was given folic acid at 2 mg·kg-1 for 60 days. The pathological changes were detected by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal cells was observed by electron microscopy. Serum pepsinogen Ⅰ (PGⅠ), pepsinogen Ⅱ (PGⅡ), and PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio (PGR) were detected by immunoturbidimetry. Serum gastrin-17 (G-17) level was detected by radioimmunoassay. The content of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in serum of rats was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELSIA). Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression levels of TGF-β1, PI3K, phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt), mTOR, and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) in gastric mucosa. The mRNA levels of TGF-β1, PI3K, Akt, mTOR, PTEN, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3Ⅱ (LC3Ⅱ), and Beclin-1 were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultCompared with the normal group, the model group showed atrophy and reduced number of intrinsic glands in the gastric mucosal tissues, as well as inflammatory cell infiltration. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal cells in the model group displayed nuclear condensation, reduced and swollen mitochondria, and abnormal structure. The serum levels of G-17, PGⅠ, PGR, and the protein and mRNA levels of PTEN in gastric tissues were significantly lower in the model group (P<0.01), while serum levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and the protein and mRNA levels of TGF-β1, PI3K, Akt, and mTOR in gastric tissues were significantly higher (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, various drug intervention groups showed different degrees of improvement in pathological damage and gastric mucosal cell ultrastructure, significantly increased serum levels of G-17, PGⅠ, and PGR (P<0.05,P<0.01), and significantly decreased levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.05,P<0.01). The high-dose coptisine group significantly downregulated the protein and mRNA levels of TGF-β1, PI3K, Akt, and mTOR (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionBerberine has a therapeutic effect on CAG in rats, possibly exerting a protective effect on gastric mucosa by inhibiting inflammation and blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
7.Effect of cognitive style and temperament type on learning effect in flipped classroom of pediatrics
Yuxi DU ; Lina QIAO ; Yujiang YAN ; Xue YANG ; Hanmin LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2024;23(5):582-588
Objective:To investigate the performance of medical students with different cognitive styles and temperament types in the flipped classroom of pediatrics.Methods:A total of 85 medical students of the class of 2018 in eight-year program who studied the course of Pediatrics 2 in West China Medical School, Sichuan University, were selected and received the flipped classroom teaching of pediatrics. The cognitive style figure test was used to investigate the cognitive style of students, and the temperament self-test questionnaire was used to investigate the temperament type of students. The methods such as the cluster analysis, the ANOVA analysis of variance, the Pearson correlation analysis, and the chi-square test were used to describe the distribution of flipped classroom scores and related differences between the students with different cognitive styles and temperament types.Results:There were four temperament types of these students, i.e., choleric and sanguine temperament, sanguine and phlegmatic temperament, melancholic temperament, and choleric temperament, accounting for 28.24%, 23.53%, 27.06%, and 21.18%, respectively. There were two cognitive styles of field independence and field dependence, accounting for 51.76% and 48.24%, respectively. There was a significant difference in flipped classroom scores between the students with different cognitive styles ( t=3.18, P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in such scores between the students with different temperament types ( F=0.38, P>0.05). The correlation analysis showed that the score of phlegmatic temperament was significantly negatively correlated with flipped classroom scores ( r=-0.283, P<0.05), and the score of cognitive test was significantly positively correlated with flipped classroom scores ( r=0.346, P<0.05). Conclusions:In the flipped classroom teaching of pediatrics, it is necessary to flexibly apply specific interaction and evaluation methods in students with different temperament types and cognitive styles and grasp the relationship between cooperative learning and independent learning. The design of different links of flipped classroom should be further improved.
8.Progress on Pharmacological Effect of Terpinen-4-ol: A Review
Qing DU ; Yuxi ZHONG ; Ming YANG ; Lei CHEN ; Huimin ZENG ; Chongwen AI ; Yongmei GUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(14):265-271
Terpine-4-ol is abundant in nature. As a cyclic monoterpenoid compound, terpine-4-ol is distributed in a variety of natural plants. It is the main component and the key active substance in many traditional Chinese essential oils, such as Melaleuca alba essential oil and coral ginger essential oil. Terpine-4-ol has anti-microbial, anti-tumor, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, and other effects. It can treat cancer, as well as oral and cardiovascular diseases with great safety. In terms of antibacterial activity, terpine-4-ol can destroy bacterial cell walls, improve membrane permeability, and regulate bacterial migration, reproduction, and other related genes to inhibit bacterial activity. In terms of antifungal activity, terpine-4-ol can bind with ergosterol in fungal cell walls to cause fungal death. In terms of insecticidal activity, terpine-4-ol can inhibit Na+ and K+-ATPase activity and cause the death of the insect. In terms of anticancer activity, terpine-4-ol can regulate the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in cancer cells, so as to control the apoptosis of cancer cells. In this paper, the pharmacological activity and action mechanism of terpine-4-ol were reviewed to provide a reference for further research and utilization of terpine-4-ol.
9.Mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription Against Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Jie WANG ; Yunxiao GAO ; Hongyu MA ; Xuemei JIA ; Yuxi GUO ; Pengli DU ; Danyang ZHAO ; Tong ZHANG ; Bolin LI ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(18):161-168
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription in the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) based on network pharmacology and animal experiments,so as to provide scientific basis for clinical application. MethodThe possible targets and pathways of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription in the treatment of CAG were obtained based on the prediction of network pharmacology. The CAG rat model was induced by sodium salicylate,N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and hunger and satiety disorder. Then the CAG rats were treated with Xianglian Huazhuo prescription and morodan for 60 days. After administration,the rats were sacrificed,and the content of interleukin-6 (IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in serum was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). In addition, the protein expression of Bad and Bcl-2 in gastric mucosa was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultA total of 241 active components of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription and 53 core targets were obtained. Xianglian Huazhuo prescription affected multiple biological processes,such as cell proliferation and apoptosis,inflammatory reaction,regulation of DNA metabolism,and cell response to redox,as well as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt),TNF,mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK),cancer and cancer-related signaling pathways. The animal model verification showed that Xianglian Huazhuo prescription lowered the levels of IL-6,TNF-α,IL-1β and VEGF in serum of CAG rats,and reduced the protein expression of Bad and Bcl-2 in gastric tissue. ConclusionXianglian Huazhuo prescription could regulate PI3K/Akt signal pathway and improve gastric mucosal injury in CAG by participating in biological processes such as cell proliferation,apoptosis and inflammation.
10.Comparison of the Prognostic Value of Platelet-Related Indices in Biliary Tract Cancer Undergoing Surgical Resection
Lejia SUN ; Yuxi WEI ; Yang CHEN ; Wenmo HU ; Xin JI ; Haifeng XU ; Shunda DU ; Haitao ZHAO ; Xin LU ; Xinting SANG ; Shouxian ZHONG ; Huayu YANG ; Yilei MAO
Cancer Research and Treatment 2021;53(2):528-540
Purpose:
Platelet-related indices, including mean platelet volume (MPV) and plateletocrit (PCT), have been reported as new prognostic factors of overall survival (OS) in many cancers, but not yet in biliary tract cancer (BTC). We intended to assess these indices in predicting OS in BTC patients with the aim to build a new prognostic model for patients with BTC after surgical resection.
Materials and Methods:
Survival analysis and time receiver operating characteristic analysis were applied to screen the platelet indices. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were used to identify independent prognostic factors and develop a new prognostic model. Harrell’s C-statistics, calibration curves, and decisive curve analysis were used to assess the model.
Results:
MPV and platelet distribution width (PDW)/PCT showed the best prognostic accuracy among the platelet indices. In multivariable analysis, factors predictive of poor OS were presence of nodal involvement, Non-radical surgery, poor tumor differentiation, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 > 100 U/mL, MPV > 8.1 fl, and PDW/PCT > 190. The new model was found to be superior to the TNM staging system and our new staging system showed higher discriminative power.
Conclusion
MPV and PDW/PCT have high prognostic value in BTC patients, and the novel staging system based on these two indices showed good discrimination and accuracy compared with the American Joint Committee on Cancer 7th TNM staging system.

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