Huang-Qi-Jian-Zhong-Tang (HQJZT) is a well-known traditional Chinese herbal formulation. This study aimed to investigate the duodenoprotective properties of HQJZT against Indomethacin (IND)-induced duodenal ulceration in rats, and the mechanisms involved, particularly through NF-κB and STAT signaling pathways. Our results showed that HQJZT completely protected the duodenal mucosa from ulceration caused by IND, as indicated by improved macroscopic and histological appearances. There was a significant decrease in ulcer index and microscopic score, an increase in villus height and crypt depth, and a normalization of the tissue architecture of the duodenum in rats following HQJZT treatment. Blood flow into the duodenal mucosa was significantly increased after HQJZT administration. HQJZT significantly increased PGE₂ and NO levels in the duodenal mucosa. A significant reduction in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α was observed in the duodenal mucosa under treatment with HQJZT. Mechanistically, the administration of HQJZT significantly lowered the duodenal protein expression of inflammation-related genes, including p-NF-κB and p-IκBβ, compared with the ulcer control group. Furthermore, the STAT signaling pathway-related protein markers p-JAK and p-STAT were significantly reduced in the HQJZT (1.30 and 2.60 g/kg) groups. As a result of these findings, HQJZT alleviates duodenal mucosal ulcers caused by IND. A protective effect of HQJZT on duodenal ulcers is attributed to its ability to improve mucosal blood flow, stimulate the production of cytoprotective mediators, minimize proinflammatory cytokines, and block the activation of NF-κB and STAT signaling pathways.

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection is a crucial element in chronic gastritis progression towards precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) formation and, potentially, gastric cancer; however, screening for and eliminating H pylori has several challenges. This study aimed to assess the present research status, prominent themes, and frontiers of H pylori-related PLGC and to provide impartial evaluations of the developmental trends in this domain. This study extracted articles and review papers concerning H pylori-related PLGC published from 2013 to 2023 from the Web of Science Core Collection. The data was analyzed and visualized using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. The study encompassed 1426 papers, with a discernible upward trend in publications between 2013 and 2023. China emerged as the most productive country, whereas the United States exerted the greatest influence. Baylor College of Medicine was the most prolific institution. World Journal of Gastroenterology featured the highest number of published papers, whereas Gastroenterology was the most frequently cited journal. Kim N. from South Korea was the most prolific author. Co-cited literature pertained to various aspects such as gastritis classification, H pylori infection management, gastric cancer prevention, and managing patients with PLGC. Future research will focus on the Kyoto classification, cancer incidence, and gastric intestinal metaplasia. The results of this study indicate a persistent increase in attention directed toward H pylori-associated PLGC. The research emphasis has transitioned from molecular mechanisms, epidemiology, monitoring, and diagnosis to clinical prevention and treatment methodologies. The forthcoming research direction in this area will concentrate on controlling and preventing malignant PLGC transformation.

Background: The study aimed to conduct a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese patent medicine (TCPM), either used alone or combined with conventional treatment (CT) of chemical drugs, for treating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). Methods: We searched the literature from database creation to December 2023; our primary endpoint was clinical response rate. Secondary outcome measures were the inhibition rate of Helicobacter pylori and clinical symptom score, including pain and noisy scores for the stomach, score for belch and acid reflux, score for the bitter taste and the dry throat, and safety according to total adverse events. Data analyzed using RevMan 5.3, R (v4.0.2), and Stata SE 15.0. Mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcomes and odds ratios (ORs) for dichotomous outcomes and drug ranking by P-score. Network meta-analysis presented as forest plot and league table. Results reported as MDs/ORs with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Our analysis comprised 49 RCTs with 5218 patients. Compared to using CT alone, all TCPMs + CT performed better in improving clinical response rate. The Weifuchun tablet (WFCT) inhibition rate (OR = 9.05; 95% CI = 1.89–43.34; P-score = .92) was relatively high, but only 1 RCT supported this result. WFCT + CT (OR = 2.94; 95% CI = 1.97–4.39; P-score = .57), Qizhiweitong granule (QZWTG) + CT (OR = 2.91; 95% CI = 1.07–7.89; P-score = .55), and Moluodan (MLD) + CT (OR = 2.44; 95% CI = 1.37–4.36; P-score = .43) had certain advantages in inhibiting H pylori compared to using CT alone. Compared with CT, Weisu tablet (WST) + CT (OR = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.05–0.89; P-score = .24) and Xiangshayangwei pill (XSYWP) + CT (OR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.18–0.92; P-score = .44) were drugs that were less likely to cause adverse reactions. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that, compared to using CT alone, TCPMs combined with CT can improve the clinical response rate in the treatment of CAG. Additionally, some TCPMs combined with CT can enhance the H pylori inhibition rate. WST + CT and XSYWP + CT can even reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions.