Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Xiaojianzhong Decoction plus Dachaihu Decoction in the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG),and to provide scientific evidence for the clinical application of the formula.Methods The clinical observation was carried out in 80 CAG patients with spleen deficiency and stasis-heat syndrome of normal-people pulse type(the ratio of patients'pulse to the number of respirations within one minute being 4-5 evaluated by Changsangjun pulse-taking method)who attended the clinic of the Department of Gastroenterology of Shunde Hospital,Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine,from January 2020 to December 2023.According to the treatment method,the patients were divided into the treatment group and the control group,with 40 cases in each group.The control group was given conventional western medicine treatment,and the treatment group was given Xiaojianzhong Decoction plus Dachaihu Decoction.Seven days constituted one course of treatment,and the treatment covered 6 months.The changes of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome score,gastroscopy score,pathological score and gastric function indicators in the two groups were observed before and after the treatment.After treatment,the clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)After 6 months of treatment,the total effective rate of the treatment group was 90.00%(36/40),and that of the control group was 60.00%(24/40).The intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the efficacy of the treatment group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the scores of TCM syndromes in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease of the scores in the treatment group was superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the gastroscopy scores of the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),but there was no significant difference between the two groups after treatment(P＞0.05).(4)After treatment,the total pathological scores of the two groups and the scores of the gastric mucosal atrophy and intestinal metaplasia of the gastric antrum,gastric angle and gastric body in the treatment group were significantly improved compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the improvement of the gastroscopy scores in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).No statistically significant differences were presented in the scores of the gastric mucosal dysplasia and chronic inflammation of gastric antrum,gastric angle and gastric body in the two groups and in the scores of the gastric mucosal atrophy and intestinal metaplasia of gastric antrum,gastric angle and gastric body in the control group when compared with those before treatment(P＞0.05).(5)After treatment,the serum levels of gastric function indicators of pepsinogen Ⅰ(PGⅠ),pepsinogen Ⅱ(PGⅡ)and gastrin 17(G-17)in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).(6)There were no obvious adverse reactions occurring in the two groups during the treatment,with high safety.Conclusion Xiaojianzhong Decoction plus Dachaihu Decoction can significantly enhance the clinical efficacy of CAG patients with spleen deficiency and stasis-heat syndrome of normal-people pulse type,significantly improve the gastrointestinal function and pathological scores of the patients,and has high safety.

【Objective】 Dyslipidemia has shown to be associated with cardiovascular, metabolic and renal diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between residual cholesterol and the risk of subclinical renal damage (SRD). 【Methods】 A total of 2 342 participants were recruited from the previously established Hanzhong Adolescent Hypertension Study cohort. According to estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR) and urinary albumin-to-creatine ratio(uACR), the subjects were divided into SRD group and non-SRD group. The associations of residual cholesterol with eGFR, uACR, and the risk of SRD were analyzed by multiple linear and Logistic regression analyses. 【Results】 Residual cholesterol was positively correlated with uACR(r=0.081, P<0.001) but negatively correlated with eGFR (r=-0.091, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that residual cholesterol was an influencing factor of uACR (β=0.075, P<0.001) and eGFR (β=-0.027, P<0.001) after adjustment for gender, age, smoke, alcohol, exercise, BMI, hypertension, diabetes and serum uric acid. In addition, Logistic regression analysis revealed that residual cholesterol was significantly associated with the risk of SRD independently of potential confounders [OR(95% CI)=1.387 (1.113-1.728), P<0.001]. Further subgroup analysis showed that residual cholesterol was significantly associated with the risk of SRD in women but not in men. 【Conclusion】 Residual cholesterol is a contributing factor in the risk of subclinical renal damage with gender-specific association.

【Objective】 4-like protein with down-regulated expression and development in neural precursor cells (NEDD4L) plays an important role in blood pressure (BP) regulation and sodium homeostasis by regulating epithelial sodium channel protein. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship of NEDD4L gene polymorphisms with BP responses to sodium and potassium intake. 【Methods】 In 2004, 514 subjects from 124 families in Meixian County, Shaanxi Province, were recruited to establish a salt-sensitive hypertension study cohort. All the subjects received a 3-day baseline survey, a 7-day low-salt diet, a 7-day high-salt diet, and finally a 7-day high-salt and potassium supplementation. Their BP was measured and peripheral blood samples were collected at different intervention periods. The 14 gene polymorphisms of NEDD4L gene were genotyped and analyzed by MassARRAY platform. 【Results】 BP decreased on a low-salt diet, and significantly increased on a high-salt diet, and decreased again after potassium supplementation. NEDD4L SNPs rs74408486 were significantly associated with systolic BP, diastolic BP and mean arterial pressure responses to the low-salt diet. SNPs rs292449 and rs2288775 were significantly associated with pulse pressure response to the high-salt diet. In addition, SNPs rs563283 and rs292449 were significantly associated with diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure responses to high-salt and potassium supplementation diet. 【Conclusion】 NEDD4L gene polymorphisms were significantly associated with BP responses to sodium and potassium intake, suggesting that NEDD4L gene may be involved in the development of salt sensitivity and potassium sensitivity.

【Objective】 Based on our previously established salt-sensitive hypertension cohort, we aimed to examine the association of genetic variants in uromodulin with blood pressure(BP) responses to dietary interventions of sodium and potassium intake. 【Methods】 In 2004, 514 subjects from 124 families in Mei County, Shaanxi Province, were recruited to establish the salt-sensitive hypertension study cohort. Among them, 333 non-parent subjects were selected and sequentially maintained on a normal-diet for 3 days, low-salt diet for 7 days, then a high-salt diet for 7 days and a high-salt diet with potassium supplementation for another 7 days. Thirteen single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) in the uromodulin gene were genotyped on the MassARRAY platform. 【Results】 BP levels decreased from the baseline to low-salt diet, increased from low-salt to high-salt diet, and decreased again from the high-salt diet to the high-salt plus potassium supplementation intervention. SNPs rs77875418 and rs4997081 of the uromodulin gene were significantly associated with diastolic BP(DBP) and mean arterial pressure(MAP) responses to high-salt diet. In addition, SNPs rs77875418, rs79245268, rs4293393, rs6497476, rs4997081, rs13333226, and rs12917707 were significantly associated with systolic BP(SBP), DBP, and MAP responses to high-salt diet with potassium supplementation. 【Conclusion】 Genetic variants in uromodulin gene are significantly associated with BP responses to sodium and potassium supplementation, suggesting that uromodulin may be mechanistically involved in BP sodium-sensitivity and potassium-sensitivity.

【Objective】 M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor(M3 receptor), encoded by CHRM3 gene, is widely distributed in the cardiovascular system and plays an important role in cardiac regulation. The aim of this study was to assess the association of genetic variants in M3 receptor with blood pressure(BP) responses to controlled dietary sodium and potassium interventions. 【Methods】 A total of 333 subjects from 124 families were recruited from the rural areas of northern China. After a three-day baseline observation, they were sequentially on a seven-day low-salt diet, a seven-day high-salt diet, and a seven-day high-salt diet plus potassium supplementation. Thirteen CHRM3 single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) were selected for analysis. 【Results】 SNP rs10802811 of the CHRM3 was significantly associated with diastolic BP(DBP) and mean arterial pressure(MAP) responses to both low-salt and high-salt diets while SNPs rs6429147, rs373288072, rs114677844 and rs663148 showed significant associations with systolic BP(SBP) and MAP responses to high-salt diet. In addition, SNP rs6692904 was significantly associated with SBP, DBP and MAP responses to high-salt diet with potassium supplementation. 【Conclusion】 Genetic variants in M3 receptor are significantly associated with BP responses to sodium and potassium intervention, suggesting that M3 receptor may be mechanistically involved in BP salt and potassium sensitivity.

ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention effect of total glucosides of paeony （TGP） on the renal injury of MRL/lpr mice based on the Toll-like receptor 9 （TLR9）/myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）/nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway and explore the immunological mechanism of TGP in preventing and treating systemic lupus erythematosus （SLE）. MethodMRL/lpr female mice of SPF grade were randomly divided into a model group， a dexamethasone group （0.15 g·kg^-1）， and high- （0.078 g·kg^-1） and low-dose （0.039 g·kg^-1） TGP groups， and female C57BL/6J mice were assigned to a blank group， with 7 mice in each group. Mice in each group were treated with corresponding drugs or normal saline by gavage at the same time every day. After 4 weeks， samples were collected. The kidney and spleen were weighed， and the organ index was calculated. Serum creatinine （SCr） and blood urea nitrogen （BUN） levels in each group were detected by biochemical assay. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the kidney. The degree of renal fibrosis was evaluated by Masson staining. The serum levels of interleukin （IL）-2， interferon （IFN）-α， IL-4， and anti-nuclear antibody （ANA） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The mRNA expression of TLR9， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 in renal tissues was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The protein expression of TLR9 and NF-κB p65 in renal tissues was detected by immunofluorescence. The protein expression of TLR9， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 in renal and spleen tissues was tested by Western blot. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group showed increased SCr， BUN， spleen index， and kidney index （P<0.05）， deteriorated pathological injury and fibrosis in renal tissues， elevated serum levels of IFN-α， IL-4， and ANA， decreased level of IL-2 （P<0.05）， and up-regulated TLR9， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 mRNA and protein levels in the kidney and spleen （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the TGP groups displayed reduced SCr， BUN， spleen index， and kidney index （P<0.05）， relieved pathological damage and fibrosis in renal tissues， decreased serum levels of IFN-α， IL-4， and ANA （P<0.05）， increased level of IL-2， and declining mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR9， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 in the kidney and spleen （P<0.05）. ConclusionTGP may inhibit the expression of downstream inflammatory factors to regulate immunity and resist SLE-induced renal injury by regulating the TLR9/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of erythropoietin (EPO) and erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) in patients with acute leukemia (AL) and its clinical significance. METHODS: The levels of EPO and EPOR in plasma were determined by ELISA kit. mRNA expression levels of EPO and EPOR were determined by RT-RCR. The protein expression levels of EPO and EPOR were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The EPO protein levels in marrow plasma of ALL and AML group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P＜0.05), EPOR protein levels in ALL and AML group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P＜0.05). The mRNA levels of EPO and EPOR in ALL and AML groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (P＜0.05). The mRNA levels of EPO and EPOR in the high risk ALL and AML groups were significantly higher than those in the medium, low risk group and the control group (P＜0.05). The protein expression levels of EPO and EPOR in ALL and AML groups were significantly higher than that in control group (P＜0.05). The mRNA levels of EPO and EPOR in ALL and AML groups did not correlate with hemoglobin level and erythrocyte count (P＞0.05). CONCLUSION The expressions of EPO and EPOR is higher in ALL and AML patients. The expression levels of EPO and EPOR relate with the risk of ALL and AML. High risk patients have higher expression levels of EPO and EPOR, however, the expression levels of EPO and EPOR do not correlate with hemoglobin level and erythrocyte counting.
Bone Marrow ; Erythropoietin ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; Receptors, Erythropoietin

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of silencing LNK gene on the expression of EPO and EPOR in acute myeloid leukemia cells (THP-1). METHODS: THP-1 cells were cultured. The lentivirus was used as a vector to silence the LNK gene stably. After 72 hours of infection, GFP expression level was detected by the fluorescent inverted microscopy. The lentiviral Infection efficiencies were monitored by flow cytometry. The LNK silencing effect was confirmed. The mRNA expressions of EPO and EPOR were detected by RT-PCR. The protein levels of LNK, EPO and EPOR were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: At the time-point of 72 hours after lentivirus infection, the expression level of GFP was above 85% detected by fluorescent inverted microscopy. The infection efficiency was above 99% by flow cytometry. mRNA expressions of LNK, EPO and EPOR in LNK silencing group were signifycantly lower than those in control group (P＜0.05). The protein levels of LNK, EPO and EPOR in LNK silencing group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P＜0.05). CONCLUSION THP-1 cell line of LNK gene silencing has been successfully established,the LNK gene has been silenced, the expression of EPO and EPOR decrease, indicating that LNK may participate in the regulation of EPO and EPOR.
Blotting, Western ; Erythropoietin ; Gene Silencing ; Humans ; Proteins ; genetics ; Receptors, Erythropoietin ; THP-1 Cells

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of STAT3 gene in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and its correlation with clinical characteristics. METHODS: The real-time quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect the level of STAT3 mRNA in bone marrow samples from 38 newly diagnosed patients with acute myeloid leukemia(AML), and its relevance with clinical characteristics and prognosis were statistically analyzed. Western blot was employed to detect the STAT3 protein level in AML patients. The bone marrow cells from 15 healthy subjects were used as control. RESULTS: At the mRNA level, the expression level of STAT3 in the AML group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The level of STAT3 in AML group correlated positively with the risk factors of patients (P<0.01，r=0.592）. The STAT3 expression level in the high-risk group was statistically higher than that in the standard-risk group and the control group (P<0.01，P<0.01). Furthermor, there was no statistical difference between the sub-groups of AML (P>0.05). The median survival time of patients in STAT3 low expression group was logner than that in high expression group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.005). The level of STAT3 protein in AML patients was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05）. CONCLUSION The STAT3 gene is highly expressed in AML patients, which may be used as a predictor for high-risk of AML.
Bone Marrow ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; Prognosis ; RNA, Messenger ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; genetics

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of BAX gene deletion on the sensitivity of BCR-ABL-induced B-ALL cells of mice to imatinib and the related mechanism. METHODS: The target gene-knock out (BAX) mice were used as bone marrow cell donors; the wild type bone marrow cells(B6BM) and BAX bone marrow cells(B6BM-BAX) of mice were transfected by using reverse transcription virus, then the BCR-ABL transfected B6BM cells and B6BM-BAX cells were treated with imatinib at different concentration (0,0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 μmol/L) for 48 hours. The number of viable cells was detected by trypan blue, the flow cytometry was used to detect the cell apoptosis, the Western blot was used to detect the changes of BAX, Caspase expression. RESULTS: In BCR-ABL transfected bone marrow cells treated with imatinib, the numbers of viable cells of BAX deletion group was significantly higher than that of wild type groups with statristcal difference(P<0.05), and effect- and dose-dependency(r=-0.9533 for BAX deletion group, and r=-0.9812 for wild type group). The flow cytometry showed that the cell apoptosis in BAX deletion group signifincantly decreased, compared with wild type group(P<0.05). The Western blot showed that the expression of apoptotic protein Caspase 3 in BAX deletion group was significantly higher than that in wild type group(P<0.05). CONCLUSION BAX deletion can reduce the sensitivity of BCR-ABL-induced B-ALL cells to imatinib.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl ; Gene Deletion ; Imatinib Mesylate ; Mice ; Piperazines ; Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; genetics ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein