1.Feiyanning Inhibits Invasion and Metastasis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Regulating EMT via TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Pathway
Xiaojie FU ; Jia YANG ; Kaile LIU ; Wenjie WANG ; Zhenye XU ; Zhongqi WANG ; Haibin DENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):110-120
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of the anti-cancer compound formula Feiyanning in inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MethodsCell proliferation and activity were assessed using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay to evaluate the effect of Feiyanning on the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells. Wound healing and Transwell assays were conducted to examine Feiyanning's impact on the metastasis of A549 and H1299 cells. The effects of Feiyanning on EMT and the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway proteins in A549 and H1299 cells were detected by Western blot. Exogenous TGF-β1 was used to induce EMT in A549 and H1299 cells. The effects of Feiyanning on TGF-β1-induced NSCLC cell metastasis, EMT, and the TGF-β1/Smad pathway proteins were assessed by wound healing assay, Transwell assay, and Western blot. In vivo, an A549 lung metastasis model was established via tail vein injection in nude mice. A total of 28 SPF male nude mice were randomly divided into four groups: Model (NC) group, Feiyanning low-dose (FYN1) group, Feiyanning high-dose (FYN2) group, and the positive control group (TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitor SB431542 group). The corresponding interventions were performed. After 40 days, the mice were euthanized, and lung metastases were analyzed. The expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 in each group was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsAfter Feiyanning intervention, compared to the blank group, Feiyanning inhibited the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.01). The metastasis ability of Feiyanning-treated cells was significantly decreased compared to the blank group (P<0.01). The expression of EMT marker proteins N-cadherin and zinc finger transcription factors (Zeb1, Snail, Slug) was significantly reduced in the Feiyanning groups compared to the blank group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of p-Smad2/3, Smad2/3, TβRI, and TβRⅡ, key proteins in the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, was also significantly decreased (P<0.01). In the TGF-β1-induced EMT model, compared to the TGF-β1 group, the cell metastasis ability in the Feiyanning groups was reduced (P<0.01), and the expression levels of N-cadherin, Zeb1, Snail, and Slug were significantly lower (P<0.01). The expression levels of p-Smad2/3, Smad2/3, TβRI, and TβRⅡ were also significantly reduced (P<0.01). In vivo results showed that compared to the model group, the number of lung metastases in the FYN1, FYN2, and SB431542 groups was reduced (P<0.01), and the range of cell infiltration was narrowed. Immunohistochemical results showed that compared to the model group, the expression of E-cadherin in the FYN1, FYN2, and SB431542 groups was increased (P<0.01), the expression of N-cadherin decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression of p-Smad2 and p-Smad3, key proteins of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, was reduced (P<0.01). ConclusionFeiyanning inhibits the invasion and metastasis of NSCLC cells and EMT. The mechanism is related to the inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
2.Feiyanning Inhibits Invasion and Metastasis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Regulating EMT via TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Pathway
Xiaojie FU ; Jia YANG ; Kaile LIU ; Wenjie WANG ; Zhenye XU ; Zhongqi WANG ; Haibin DENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):110-120
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of the anti-cancer compound formula Feiyanning in inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MethodsCell proliferation and activity were assessed using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay to evaluate the effect of Feiyanning on the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells. Wound healing and Transwell assays were conducted to examine Feiyanning's impact on the metastasis of A549 and H1299 cells. The effects of Feiyanning on EMT and the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway proteins in A549 and H1299 cells were detected by Western blot. Exogenous TGF-β1 was used to induce EMT in A549 and H1299 cells. The effects of Feiyanning on TGF-β1-induced NSCLC cell metastasis, EMT, and the TGF-β1/Smad pathway proteins were assessed by wound healing assay, Transwell assay, and Western blot. In vivo, an A549 lung metastasis model was established via tail vein injection in nude mice. A total of 28 SPF male nude mice were randomly divided into four groups: Model (NC) group, Feiyanning low-dose (FYN1) group, Feiyanning high-dose (FYN2) group, and the positive control group (TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitor SB431542 group). The corresponding interventions were performed. After 40 days, the mice were euthanized, and lung metastases were analyzed. The expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 in each group was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsAfter Feiyanning intervention, compared to the blank group, Feiyanning inhibited the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.01). The metastasis ability of Feiyanning-treated cells was significantly decreased compared to the blank group (P<0.01). The expression of EMT marker proteins N-cadherin and zinc finger transcription factors (Zeb1, Snail, Slug) was significantly reduced in the Feiyanning groups compared to the blank group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of p-Smad2/3, Smad2/3, TβRI, and TβRⅡ, key proteins in the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, was also significantly decreased (P<0.01). In the TGF-β1-induced EMT model, compared to the TGF-β1 group, the cell metastasis ability in the Feiyanning groups was reduced (P<0.01), and the expression levels of N-cadherin, Zeb1, Snail, and Slug were significantly lower (P<0.01). The expression levels of p-Smad2/3, Smad2/3, TβRI, and TβRⅡ were also significantly reduced (P<0.01). In vivo results showed that compared to the model group, the number of lung metastases in the FYN1, FYN2, and SB431542 groups was reduced (P<0.01), and the range of cell infiltration was narrowed. Immunohistochemical results showed that compared to the model group, the expression of E-cadherin in the FYN1, FYN2, and SB431542 groups was increased (P<0.01), the expression of N-cadherin decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression of p-Smad2 and p-Smad3, key proteins of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, was reduced (P<0.01). ConclusionFeiyanning inhibits the invasion and metastasis of NSCLC cells and EMT. The mechanism is related to the inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
3.Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis of Demyelination in the Brain of Balb/c Mice Infected by Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Zhen NIU ; Xiaojie WU ; Liang YANG ; Zhixuan MA ; Junxiong YANG ; Ying FENG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(2):293-300
ObjectiveTo investigate the demyelination induced by Angiostrongylus cantonensis (AC) infection in the brain of Balb/c mice and analyze the untargeted metabolomic changes in the corpus callosum, aiming to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. MethodsBalb/c mice were randomly assigned to a control group (n=6) and an infection group (n=6). The infection group was orally administered 30 third-stage larvae of AC, while the control group received an equal volume of saline. Body weight, visual function, and behavioral scores were measured on post-infection 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 days to assess neurological alterations. After 21 days, brain tissues were harvested for immunofluorescence staining, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and transmission electron microscopy to examine morphological changes in brain myelin and retina. Metabolomics analysis was performed, and differential metabolites were identified using volcano plots and heatmaps. The distribution of fold changes and bar charts were used to profile the key metabolites. These differential metabolites were then subjected to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and regulatory network analysis. ResultsOn the 9th day after AC infection, Balb/c mice showed a decline in neurological behavioral scores (P<0.05). By day 15, visual scores decreased (P<0.05), and by day 21, significant weight loss (P<0.001) and mortality were observed. Concurrently, transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence staining revealed significant myelin damage in the corpus callosum and a marked reduction in oligodendrocytes (P<0.001). HE staining showed severe retinal ganglion cell damage. Metabolomic analysis revealed that glycerophospholipids were the most abundant differential metabolites, with steroids and sphingolipids being relatively less abundant. Cholesteryl ester CE (20:2) was significantly upregulated (P<0.001), while phosphatidylmethanol (18:0_18:1) was significantly downregulated (P<0.01). KEGG enrichment and regulatory network analyses demonstrated that the differential metabolites were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways like steroid biosynthesis, bile secretion, and cholesterol metabolism, and were involved in key metabolic pathways such as sphingolipid metabolism, neural signal regulation, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. ConclusionsAC infection affects the metabolic state of mice via multiple pathways, modifying the levels of metabolites crucial for myelination and myelin stability. Demyelination may be closely linked to the disruption of these key metabolic pathways, particularly the dysregulation of cholesterol and sphingolipid metabolism, potentially playing a central role in demyelination onset. Furthermore, alterations in phospholipid metabolism and abnormal nerve signaling regulation may exacerbate myelin damage.
4.Analysis of syncopal DRVR in blood donors: multicenter hemovigilance data (2020—2023)
Junhong YANG ; Qing XU ; Wenqin ZHU ; Fei TANG ; Ruru HE ; Zhenping LU ; Zhujiang YE ; Fade ZHONG ; Gang WU ; Guoqiang FENG ; Xiaojie GUO ; Jia ZENG ; Xia HUANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(8):1071-1076
Objective: Data on syncopal donation-related vasovagal reaction (DRVR) collected from 74 blood centers between 2020 and 2023 was statistically analyzed to provide a reference for developing preventive strategies against syncopal DRVR. Methods: Data on blood donation adverse reactions and basic information of donors from 2020 to 2023 were collected through the information management system at monitoring sentinel sites. Statistical analysis was performed on the following aspects of syncopal DRVR: characteristics of donors who experienced syncope, reported incidence, triggers, duration, presence and occurrence time of syncope-related trauma, clinical management including outpatient and inpatient treatment, and severity grading. Results: From 2020 to 2023, 45 966 donation-related adverse reactions were recorded. Of these, 1 665 (3.72%) cases were syncopal DRVR. The incidence of syncopal DRVR decreased with age, being the highest in the 18-22 age group. Incidence was significantly higher in female donors than male donors, in first-time donors than repeat donors, and in university and individual donors than group donors (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference among different blood donation locations (P>0.05). The top three triggers were tension, fatigue, and needle phobia or fear of blood. Among syncopal DRVR cases, 60.36% occurred during blood collection, 87.63% lasted for less than 60 seconds, and 5.05% were accompanied by trauma. Notably, 57.14% of these traumas occurred after donor had left the blood collection site. Syncope severity was graded based on required treatment: grade 1 (fully recovered without treatment, 95.50%); grade 2 (recovered after outpatient treatment, 4.02%); and grade 3 (recovered after inpatient treatment, 0.48%). Conclusion: By analyzing the data of syncopal DRVR cases, it is possible to provide a reference for formulating blood donor safety policies.
5.Three-dimensional printed scaffolds with sodium alginate/chitosan/mineralized collagen for promoting osteogenic differentiation.
Bo YANG ; Xiaojie LIAN ; Haonan FENG ; Tingwei QIN ; Song LYU ; Zehua LIU ; Tong FU
Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2025;42(5):1036-1045
The three-dimensional (3D) printed bone tissue repair guide scaffold is considered a promising method for treating bone defect repair. In this experiment, chitosan (CS), sodium alginate (SA), and mineralized collagen (MC) were combined and 3D printed to form scaffolds. The experimental results showed that the printability of the scaffold was improved with the increase of chitosan concentration. Infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed that the scaffold formed a cross-linked network through electrostatic interaction between chitosan and sodium alginate under acidic conditions, and X-ray diffraction results showed the presence of characteristic peaks of hydroxyapatite, indicating the incorporation of mineralized collagen into the scaffold system. In the in vitro collagen release experiments, a weakly alkaline environment was found to accelerate the release rate of collagen, and the release amount increased significantly with a lower concentration of chitosan. Cell experiments showed that scaffolds loaded with mineralized collagen could significantly promote cell proliferation activity and alkaline phosphatase expression. The subcutaneous implantation experiment further verified the biocompatibility of the material, and the implantation of printed scaffolds did not cause significant inflammatory reactions. Histological analysis showed no abnormal pathological changes in the surrounding tissues. Therefore, incorporating mineralized collagen into sodium alginate/chitosan scaffolds is believed to be a new tissue engineering and regeneration strategy for achieving enhanced osteogenic differentiation through the slow release of collagen.
Chitosan/chemistry*
;
Alginates/chemistry*
;
Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry*
;
Printing, Three-Dimensional
;
Osteogenesis
;
Collagen/chemistry*
;
Cell Differentiation
;
Animals
;
Tissue Engineering/methods*
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Biocompatible Materials
;
Glucuronic Acid/chemistry*
;
Hexuronic Acids/chemistry*
6.Research progress in the role of gut microbiota in ethanol metabolism.
Yuchun YANG ; Xiaojie ZHANG ; Ti CHEN
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(3):501-510
In recent years, gut microbiota has been increasingly recognized as a key player in ethanol metabolism and the development of related diseases. On one hand, ethanol intake directly affects the gut, leading to significant alterations in microbial diversity and composition. On the other hand, gut microbiota influences ethanol-induced damage to various organs, especially the liver, through multiple metabolic byproducts (such as short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, propionate, and acetate), modulation of immune responses, alteration of intestinal barrier function, and regulation of ethanol-metabolizing enzymes. Given the close association between gut microbiota and ethanol metabolism, the gut microbiome presents a promising therapeutic target for alcohol-related liver diseases. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding how gut microbiota affects ethanol metabolism, aiming to elucidate its role in the onset and progression of ethanol-related diseases and to provide a theoretical basis and novel targets for microbiota-based interventions.
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology*
;
Ethanol/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism*
;
Liver Diseases, Alcoholic/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Alcohol Drinking/metabolism*
8.Xanthones from Garcinia pedunculata and Garcinia nujiangensis and their anti-inflammatory activity.
Xiaojie FAN ; Yufeng JIA ; Jiaxin GUO ; Jinyuan YANG ; Dahong LI ; Huiming HUA
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(2):225-233
Ten novel xanthones, garpedunxanthones A-G (1-5, 6a/6b, 7a/7b) and nujiangxanthone Q (8), along with sixteen known analogs (9-24), were isolated from Garcinia pedunculata and G. nujiangensis. Their structures were elucidated through high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS) data, comprehensive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analyses, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. All compounds without cytotoxicity were assessed for anti-inflammatory properties by measuring the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. Structure-activity relationships are also discussed. Compounds 7b, 19, and 21 exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 values of 16.44 ± 0.69, 14.28 ± 0.78, and 10.67 ± 3.28 μmol·L-1, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) demonstrated that compounds 7b, 19, and 21 inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of compound 21 on IL-6 at 20 μmol·L-1 was comparable to that of the positive control. In network pharmacology studies, potential targets of compounds and inflammation were identified from PharmMapper and GeneCards databases. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed that the overlapped targets were intricately associated with major pathogenic processes linked to inflammation, including positive regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, protein kinase activity, NO synthase regulator activity, MAPK signaling pathway, and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance.
Xanthones/therapeutic use*
;
Garcinia
;
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use*
;
Plant Preparations/therapeutic use*
;
Structure-Activity Relationship
;
Nitric Oxide/metabolism*
;
RAW 264.7 Cells
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
;
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases/metabolism*
;
Circular Dichroism
9.Analysis of menstrual conditions and influencing factors in 281 women infected with COVID-19
Rui YANG ; Danping CHEN ; Xiaojie ZHANG ; Wenjie TANG ; Xin XIA ; Yingjuan CHEN ; Jiaying XUE ; Jianghong XU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(6):582-588
ObjectiveTo investigate the menstrual conditions of women infected with COVID-19 in Shanghai and analyze the influencing factors. MethodsFrom December 2022 to March 2023, menstrual data from 281 women infected with COVID-19 in Shanghai were collected with a questionnaire survey, including usual menstrual characteristics, the most recent menstrual period post-infection, symptoms of infection, and medication usage. According to the crossover period between the menstrual period and the infection period of the respondents, the samples were divided into two groups for comparative analysis: those whose menstrual and infection periods overlapped (positive group) and those whose menstruation started after conversion to virus-negative (negative conversion group). ResultsAmong the 281 respondents, 196 (65.8%) experienced menstrual changes. Among them, 145 (51.6%) had changes in menstrual volume, color and texture, and 109 (38.8%) had changes in menstrual duration or cycle. Decreased menstrual volume (22.1%), darker color (23.49%), thicker texture (21.0%), increased blood clots (16.7%), and prolonged duration (21.8%) were observed in both groups. The rate of changes in menstrual volume, color, and texture was higher in the positive group (56.8%, 69/110) than that in negative group (37.3%, 76/171) (P<0.05). Regarding the menstrual cycle changes, the rate of early onset was higher in the positive group (14.5%) compared to the negative conversion group (3.5%)(P<0.05), while the rate of delayed menstruation was higher in the negative conversion group (25.1%) than that in the positive group (5.5%) (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed a weak association between sore throat and menstrual changes (r=0.154, P<0.05). ConclusionSome women infected with COVID-19 experience short-term changes in their menstrual conditions, characterized by reduced volume, darker color, thick texture, increased clots, and prolonged menstrual duration, reflecting a pathogenesis of blood stasis. Menstruation during the infection period tends to occur earlier, while delayed menstruation is more prevalent at post-conversion.
10.Construction of a risk prediction model for bloodstream infection induced by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae
Xiaojie YU ; Wenming YANG ; Pingping SONG ; Ying WEI ; Na WANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(1):75-79
OBJECTIVE To construct a risk prediction model for bloodstream infection (BSI) induced by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). METHODS Retrospective analysis was conducted for clinical data from 253 patients with BSI induced by K. pneumoniae in the First Hospital of Qinhuangdao from January 2019 to June 2022. Patients admitted from January 2019 to December 2021 were selected as the model group (n=223), and patients admitted from January 2022 to June 2022 were selected as the validation group (n=30). The model group was divided into the CRKP subgroup (n=56) and the carbapenem- sensitive K. pneumoniae (CSKP) subgroup (n=167) based on whether CRKP was detected or not. The univariate and multivariate Logistic analyses were performed on basic information such as gender, age and comorbid underlying diseases in two subgroups of patients; independent risk factors were screened for CRKP-induced BSI, and a risk prediction model was constructed. The established model was verified with patients in the validation group as the target. RESULTS Admissioning to intensive care unit (ICU), use of immunosuppressants, empirical use of carbapenems and empirical use of antibiotics against Gram-positive coccus were independent risk factors of CRKP-induced BSI (ORs were 3.749, 3.074, 2.909, 9.419, 95%CIs were 1.639-8.572, 1.292- 7.312, 1.180-7.717, 2.877-30.840, P<0.05). Based on this, a risk prediction model was established with a P value of 0.365. The AUC of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the model was 0.848 [95%CI (0.779, 0.916), P<0.001], and the critical score was 6.5. In the validation group, the overall accuracy of the prediction under the model was 86.67%, and the AUC of ROC curve was 0.926 [95%CI (0.809, 1.000], P<0.001]. CONCLUSIONS Admission to ICU, use of immunosuppressants, empirical use of carbapenems and empirical use of antibiotics against Gram-positive coccus are independent risk factors of CRKP- induced BSI. The CRKP-induced BSI risk prediction model based on the above factors has good prediction accuracy.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail