1.Imaging poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) in vivo with 18F-labeled brain penetrant positron emission tomography (PET) ligand.
Xin ZHOU ; Jiahui CHEN ; Jimmy S PATEL ; Wenqing RAN ; Yinlong LI ; Richard S VAN ; Mostafa M H IBRAHIM ; Chunyu ZHAO ; Yabiao GAO ; Jian RONG ; Ahmad F CHAUDHARY ; Guocong LI ; Junqi HU ; April T DAVENPORT ; James B DAUNAIS ; Yihan SHAO ; Chongzhao RAN ; Thomas L COLLIER ; Achi HAIDER ; David M SCHUSTER ; Allan I LEVEY ; Lu WANG ; Gabriel CORFAS ; Steven H LIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5036-5049
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is a multifunctional protein involved in diverse cellular functions, notably DNA damage repair. Pharmacological inhibition of PARP1 has therapeutic benefits for various pathologies. Despite the increased use of PARP inhibitors, challenges persist in achieving PARP1 selectivity and effective blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration. The development of a PARP1-specific positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand is crucial for understanding disease biology and performing target occupancy studies, which may aid in the development of PARP1-specific inhibitors. In this study, we leverage the recently identified PARP1 inhibitor, AZD9574, to introduce the design and development of its 18F-isotopologue ([18F]AZD9574). Our comprehensive approach, encompassing pharmacological, cellular, autoradiographic, and in vivo PET imaging evaluations in non-human primates, demonstrates the capacity of [18F]AZD9574 to specifically bind to PARP1 and to successfully penetrate the BBB. These findings position [18F]AZD9574 as a viable molecular imaging tool, poised to facilitate the exploration of pathophysiological changes in PARP1 tissue abundance across various diseases.
2.Acupuncture at Weizhong (BL40) attenuates acetic acid-induced overactive bladder in rats by regulating brain neural activity through the modulation of mast cells and tibial nerves.
Xin LIU ; Chao-Yue ZHANG ; Xiu-Yu DU ; Shan-Shan LI ; Yu-Qing WANG ; Yi ZHENG ; Han-Zhi DENG ; Xiao-Qin FANG ; Jia-Ying LI ; Zu-Qing WANG ; Shi-Fen XU ; Yi-Qun MI
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(1):46-55
OBJECTIVE:
The present study evaluated the effects of deep acupuncture at Weizhong acupoint (BL40) on bladder function and brain activity in a rat model of overactive bladder (OAB), and investigated the possible mechanisms around the acupuncture area that initiate the effects of acupuncture.
METHODS:
Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups, comprising a control group, model group, group treated with deep acupuncture at BL40, group treated with shallow acupuncture at BL40, group treated with acupuncture at non-acupoint next to BL40, and group treated with acupuncture at Xuanzhong (GB39). Urodynamic evaluation was used to observe the urination, and functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to observe the brain activation. The mechanism of acupuncture at BL40 in regulating bladder function was explored by toluidine blue staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the mechanism was verified by stabilizing mast cells (MCs) or blocking tibial nerve.
RESULTS:
Deep acupuncture at BL40 significantly increased the intercontraction interval in OAB rats and enhanced the mean amplitude of low frequency fluctuation of primary motor cortex (M1), periaquaductal gray matter (PAG), and pontine micturition center (PMC). It also increased the zero-lag functional connectivity between M1 and PAG and between PAG and PMC. Shallow acupuncture at BL40 and acupuncture at non-acupoint or GB39 had no effect on these indexes. Further studies suggested that deep acupuncture at BL40 increased the number and degranulation rate of MCs as well as the contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine, substance P, and histamine in the tissues around BL40. Blocking the tibial nerve by lidocaine injection or inhibiting MC degranulation by sodium cromoglycate injection obstructed the effects of acupuncture on restoring urinary function and modulating brain activation in OAB rats.
CONCLUSION
Deep acupuncture at BL40 may be more effective for inhibiting OAB by promoting degranulation of MCs around the acupoint and stimulating tibial nerve, thereby regulating the activation of the brain area that controls the lower urinary tract. Please cite this article as: Liu X, Zhang CY, Du XY, Li SS, Wang YQ, Zheng Y, Deng HZ, Fang XQ, Li JY, Wang ZQ, Xu SF, Mi YQ. Acupuncture at Weizhong (BL40) attenuates acetic acid-induced overactive bladder in rats by regulating brain neural activity through the modulation of mast cells and tibial nerves. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(1): 46-55.
Animals
;
Urinary Bladder, Overactive/physiopathology*
;
Mast Cells/physiology*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Female
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Rats
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Brain/physiopathology*
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Tibial Nerve/physiopathology*
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Acetic Acid
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Urinary Bladder/physiopathology*
3.Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin mitigates atopic dermatitis by inhibiting Th2 differentiation through LCK phosphorylation modulation.
Hang ZHAO ; Xin MA ; Hao WANG ; Xiao-Jie DING ; Le KUAI ; Jian-Kun SONG ; Zhan ZHANG ; Dan YANG ; Chun-Jie GAO ; Bin LI ; Mi ZHOU
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(3):309-319
OBJECTIVE:
To assess the safety and topical efficacy of prim-O-glucosylcimifugin (POG) and investigate the molecular mechanisms of its therapeutic effects in atopic dermatitis (AD).
METHODS:
The effects of POG on human keratinocyte cell viability and its anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated using cell counting kit-8 assay and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Subsequently, the impact of POG on the differentiation of cluster of differentiation (CD) 4+ T cell subsets, including T-helper type (Th) 1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg), was examined through in vitro experiments. Network pharmacology analysis was used to elucidate POG's therapeutic mechanisms. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of topically applied POG was further evaluated in a calcipotriol-induced mouse model of AD. The protein and transcript levels of inflammatory markers, including cytokines, lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck) mRNA, and LCK phosphorylation (p-LCK), were quantified using immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and Western blot analysis.
RESULTS:
POG was able to suppress cell proliferation and downregulate the transcription of interleukin 4 (Il4) and Il13 mRNA. In vitro experiments indicated that POG significantly inhibited the differentiation of Th2 cells, whereas it exerted negligible influence on the differentiation of Th1, Th17 and Treg cells. Network pharmacology identified LCK as a key therapeutic target of POG. Moreover, the topical application of POG effectively alleviated skin lesions in the calcipotriol-induced AD mouse models without causing pathological changes in the liver, kidney or spleen tissues. POG significantly reduced the levels of Il4, Il5, Il13, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (Tslp) mRNA in the AD mice. Concurrently, POG enhanced the expression of p-LCK protein and Lck mRNA.
CONCLUSION
Our research revealed that POG inhibits Th2 cell differentiation by promoting p-LCK protein expression and hence effectively alleviates AD-related skin inflammation. Please cite this article as: Zhao H, Ma X, Wang H, Ding XJ, Kuai L, Song JK, Zhang Z, Yang D, Gao CJ, Li B, Zhou M. Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin mitigates atopic dermatitis by inhibiting Th2 differentiation through LCK phosphorylation modulation. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 309-319.
Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy*
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Animals
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Humans
;
Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
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Phosphorylation/drug effects*
;
Mice
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Th2 Cells/drug effects*
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Keratinocytes/drug effects*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Calcitriol/analogs & derivatives*
4.Effect of supplementing specific nutrients under calorie restriction on exercise performance in mice
Jiaqi YUAN ; Peng WANG ; Weifang LI ; Xin RAO ; Min ZHOU ; Mantian MI ; Yu QIN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(7):664-673
Objective To develop a composite nutritional preparation that can effectively improve exercise performance under calorie restriction(CR)condition.Methods A total of 24 male C57BL/6J mice(weighing 23~26 g,8 weeks old)were randomly divided into control group(CON),CR,CR+basal nutrient group(CRN1),and CR+compound nutrient group(CRN2).All groups underwent moderate-intensity running training 5 d per week,for totally 3 weeks.The grip strength of the forelimbs were measured weekly,and in 3 weeks after training,exhaustion and post-exhaustion distance tests were conducted to evaluate exercise performance.Blood biochemical indicators,levels of skeletal muscle and liver redox biomarkers,and histopathological conditions were measured and observed.Results After 21 d of intervention,the CR group and CRN1 group had the post-exhaustion running distance prolonged by 278%and 289%,respectively,reduced blood glucose level,and decreased muscle mass,subcutaneous fat and epididymal fat mass when compared with the CON group(P<0.05).Compared with the CON group,the CRN1 and CRN2 groups demonstrated significantly higher gastrocnemius glycogen content.The CRN2 group obtained even longer post-exhaustion distance(increased by 52%and 36%respectively,compared with the CON group and CRN1 group,P<0.05),enhanced grip strength of the forelimbs(raised by 9%,17%and 15%,respectively than the CON,CR and CRN1 groups,P<0.05),elevated brown fat mass(compared to the CON group and CRN1 group,P<0.05),increased blood glucose level(compared to the CRN1 group,P<0.05),decreased blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level(compared to the CON and CR groups,P<0.05),and increased glutathione peroxidase content in the gastrocnemius muscle(compared to the CON group,P<0.05).Conclusion Supplementing with compound nutritional supplements in mice under CR can promote exercise performance,including improving fatigue recovery after exhaustive exercise and enhancing forelimb grip strength.
5.Machine learning-driven personalized tranexamic acid administration recommendations improve perioperative outcomes in orthopedic surgery patients:A large-scale database study
Jian LI ; Mi ZHOU ; Xiang LIU ; Yiziting ZHU ; Xin SHU ; Xuhao ZHANG ; Wenquan HE
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(22):2868-2880
Objective To develop a personalized recommendation strategy for tranexamic acid administration during the perioperative period of orthopedic surgery based on machine learning,aiming to reduce perioperative bleeding and related complications and improving clinical outcomes.Methods A total of 11 727 patients undergoing orthopedic surgery from the INSPIRE database were subjected in this study.Missing data were handled using multiple imputation methods,and relevant feature variables were screened using Boruta analysis.We constructed various machine learning models,including Gradient Boosting Machine(GBM),Generalized Linear Model(GLM),eXtreme Gradient Boosting(XGBoost),K-Nearest Neighbors(KNN),Neural Network(NNET),Naive Bayes(NB),and Random Forest(RF),to evaluate their performance in predicting intraoperative bleeding and prolonged postoperative length of hospital stay.The optimal model was then selected and further integrated using a weighted ensemble,aiming to achieve the best prognosis by recommending usage strategies for tranexamic acid.The predictive performance of the constructed model was then verified against the testing set,and compared with the physician decision-making to complete the evaluation.Results In predicting intraoperative bleeding,the RF model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of 0.73,which was significantly better than other models.In predicting the prolonged postoperative length of hospital stay,the XGBoost model performed the best,with an AUC value of 0.84.Based on the above best-performing models,an ensemble strategy was implemented.The patients who followed the recommended strategy had reduced intraoperative bleeding and shorter postoperative length of hospital stay.Conclusion The use of tranexamic acid is associated with intraoperative bleeding and postoperative length of hospital stay.Personalized decision-making recommendation based on our constructed model can effectively improve the outcomes of the patients undergoing orthopedic surgery.
6.Potential of new self-crosslinked hyaluronic acid gel on the recovery of endometrium after artificial abortion: a multicenter, prospective randomized controlled trial
Chunying LI ; Lirong TENG ; Qing LIN ; Liping ZHAO ; Yunxia ZHU ; Xin MI ; Zhenna WANG ; Xiaoye WANG ; Lisong ZHANG ; Dan HAN ; Lili MA ; Wenpei BAI ; Jianmei WANG ; Jun NI ; Huiping SHEN ; Qinfang CHEN ; Hongmei XU ; Chenchen REN ; Jing JIANG ; Guanyuan LIU ; Ping PENG ; Xinyan LIU
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2024;59(11):864-870
Objective:To evaluate the impact of self-crosslinked hyaluronic acid (SCH) gel on endometrium recovery after artificial abortion.Methods:A multicenter, prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted across 18 hospitals from December 2021 to February 2023, involving 382 women who underwent artificial abortion. Participants were randomly allocated to receive either treatment with SCH gel (SCH group) or no treatment (control group) in a 1∶1 ratio. The primary outcome was endometrium thickness in 14 to 18 days after the first postoperative menstruation. Secondary outcomes included changes in menstrual volume during the first postoperative menstruation, menstruation resumption within 6 postoperative weeks, time to menstruation resumption, duration of the first postoperative menstruation, and incidence of dysmenorrhea.Results:Baseline characteristics of participants were comparable between the two groups (all P>0.05), with 95.3% (182/191) in SCH group and 92.7% (177/191) in the control group completed the study. The postoperative endometrial thickness in SCH group was significantly greater than that in the control group [(9.78±3.15) vs (8.95±2.32) mm; P=0.005]. SCH group also had significantly fewer participants with reduced menstrual volume [23 cases (12.6%, 23/182) vs 31 cases (17.5%, 31/177); P=0.038]. Although SCH group experienced less dysmenorrhea during the first postoperative menstrual period, this difference was not statistically significant [28.5% (51/179) vs 37.1% (65/175); P=0.083]. Outcomes were similar between SCH group and the control group regarding the proportion of participants who resumed menstruation within 6 weeks postoperatively, time to menstruation resumption, and duration of the first postoperative menstruation ( P=0.792, 0.485, and 0.254, respectively). No serious adverse events were observed during the study period, and no adverse events were attributed to SCH gel treatment. Conclusion:The application of SCH gel after artificial abortion is safe and might aid in the recovery of the endometrium.
7.Diagnostic concordance and influencing factors of quantitative flow fraction and fractional flow reserve
Rui-Tao ZHANG ; Peng-Xin XIE ; Zhen-Yu TIAN ; Lin MI ; Ji-Sheng ZHOU ; Ben-Zhen WU ; Li-Yun HE ; Li-Jun GUO
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(9):481-488
Objective This study aimed to explore the diagnostic concordance of fractional flow reserve(FFR)and quantitative flow ratio(QFR)and the characteristics affecting this concordance.Methods Patients with non-acute myocardial infarction admitted to the Department of Cardiology,Peking University Third Hospital between January 2019 and December 2021 were enrolled.The patients were divided into four groups:FFR+/QFR+and FFR-/QFR-,FFR+/QFR-and FFR-/QFR+with FFR or QFR≤0.80 as positive and>0.80 as negative.Using FFR as the gold standard,the diagnostic value of QFR was analyzed,and differences in clinical features and pathological characteristics among the groups were compared.Results A total of 236 patients were included.The mean age was(64.48±9.63)years,and 67.8%were male.All patients had 30%-70%coronary stenosis.The consistency rate of QFR and FFR was 78.0%(n=184),and the Person correlation coefficient was 0.557(P<0.001).Among FFR+patients,the minimum lumen diameter was larger[(1.56±0.34)mm vs.(1.39±0.31)mm,P=0.019],lesion length was shorter[(21.37±11.73)mm vs.(36.86±18.09)mm,P<0.001],and coronary angiography-based index of microcirculartory resistance(AMR)was higher[(277.50±28.87)mmHg·s/m vs.(178.02±49.13)mmHg·s/m,P<0.001]in the disconcordance group.Multivariate regression analysis suggested that AMR[OR 0.93,95%CI 0.88-0.99,P=0.030]and lesion length[OR 1.27,95%CI 1.01-1.60,P=0.045]were independent predictors of disconcordance.In the FFR-group,the lesion length was longer[(33.08±16.05)mm vs.(21.40±13.36)mm,P=0.020],and AMR[(169.66±24.01)mmHg·s/m vs.(265.95±44.78)mmHg·s/m,P<0.001]and low-density lipoprotein-C[1.57(1.10,1.97)mmol/L vs.2.15(1.79,2.74)mmol/L,P=0.031]were lower in the disconcordance group.No statistically significant variables were identified by multivariate regression.Conclusions QFR had high diagnostic value compared with FFR.In the FFR+group,AMR and lesion length may have affected the diagnostic consistency of QFR and FFR.The study provided more evidence for the clinical application of QFR.
8.Clinical trial of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of adults with mild and moderate depression
Shu-Zhe ZHOU ; Zu-Cheng HAN ; Xiu-Zhen WANG ; Yan-Qing CHEN ; Ya-Ling HU ; Xue-Qin YU ; Bin-Hong WANG ; Guo-Zhen FAN ; Hong SANG ; Ying HAI ; Zhi-Jie JIA ; Zhan-Min WANG ; Yan WEI ; Jian-Guo ZHU ; Xue-Qin SONG ; Zhi-Dong LIU ; Li KUANG ; Hong-Ming WANG ; Feng TIAN ; Yu-Xin LI ; Ling ZHANG ; Hai LIN ; Bin WU ; Chao-Ying WANG ; Chang LIU ; Jia-Fan SUN ; Shao-Xiao YAN ; Jun LIU ; Shou-Fu XIE ; Mao-Sheng FANG ; Wei-Feng MI ; Hong-Yan ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(6):815-819
Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression.Methods An open,single-arm,multi-center design was adopted in our study.Adult patients with mild and moderate depression who had received acute treatment of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides were enrolled and continue to receive Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules for 24 weeks,the dose remained unchanged during continuation treatment.The remission rate,recurrence rate,recurrence time,and the change from baseline to endpoint of Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Clinical Global Impression-Severity(CGI-S)and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale(ASEX)were evaluated.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was reported.Results The scores of HAMD-17 at baseline and after treatment were 6.60±1.87 and 5.85±4.18,scores of HAMA were 6.36±3.02 and 4.93±3.09,scores of CGI-S were 1.49±0.56 and 1.29±0.81,scores of ASEX were 15.92±4.72 and 15.57±5.26,with significant difference(P<0.05).After continuation treatment,the remission rate was 54.59%(202 cases/370 cases),and the recurrence rate was 6.49%(24 cases/370 cases),the recurrence time was(64.67±42.47)days.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 15.35%(64 cases/417 cases).Conclusion Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules can be effectively used for the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression,and are well tolerated and safe.
9.Clinical features and genetic analysis of 17 Chinese pedigrees affected with X-linked intellectual disability
Yan LI ; Litao QIN ; Ke YANG ; Xin CHEN ; Hongjie ZHU ; Luya MI ; Yaoping WANG ; Xinrui MA ; Shixiu LIAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2024;41(5):533-539
Objective:To analyze the clinical features and genetic etiology of 17 Chinese pedigrees affected with X-linked intellectual disability (XLID).Methods:Seventeen pedigrees affected with unexplained intellectual disability which had presented at Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from May 2021 to May 2023 were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data of the probands and their pedigree members were collected. Trio-whole exome sequencing (Trio-WES), Sanger sequencing and X chromosome inactivation (XCI) analysis were carried out. Pathogenicity of candidate variants was predicted based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and co-segregation analysis.Results:The 17 probands, including 9 males and 8 females with an age ranging from 0.6 to 8 years old, had all shown mental retardation and developmental delay. Fourteen variants were detected by genetic testing, which included 4 pathogenic variants ( MECP2: c. 502C>T, MECP2: c. 916C>T/c.806delG, IQSEC2: c.1417G>T), 4 likely pathogenic variants ( MECP2: c. 1157_1197del/c.925C>T, KDM5C: c. 2128A>T, SLC6A8: c. 1631C>T) and 6 variants of uncertain significance ( KLHL15: c. 26G>C, PAK3: c. 970A>G/c.1520G>A, GRIA3: c. 2153C>G, TAF1: c. 2233T>G, HUWE1: c. 10301T>A). The PAK3: c.970A>G, GRIA3: c. 2153C>G and TAF1: c. 2233T>G variants were considered as the genetic etiology for pedigrees 12, 14 and 15 by co-segregation analysis, respectively. The proband of pedigree 13 was found to have non-random XCI (81: 19). Therefore, the PAK3: c. 1520G>A variant may underlie its pathogenesis. Conclusion:Trio-WES has attained genetic diagnosis for the 17 XLID pedigrees. Sanger sequencing and XCI assay can provide auxiliary tests for the diagnosis of XLID.
10.Baicalin Prevents Colon Cancer by Suppressing CDKN2A Protein Expression.
Gang-Gang LI ; Xiu-Feng CHU ; Ya-Min XING ; Xia XUE ; Bukhari IHTISHAM ; Xin-Feng LIANG ; Ji-Xuan XU ; Yang MI ; Peng-Yuan ZHENG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2024;30(11):1007-1017
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanism of baicalin against colon cancer.
METHODS:
The effects of baicalin on the proliferation and growth of colon cancer cells MC38 and CT26. WT were observed and predicted potential molecular targets of baicalin for colon cancer therapy were studied by network pharmacology. Furthermore, molecular docking and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) analysis were performed to confirm the interaction between potential targets and baicalin. Finally, the mechanisms predicted by in silico analyses were experimentally verified in-vitro and in-vivo.
RESULTS:
Baicalin significantly inhibited proliferation, invasion, migration, and induced apoptosis in MC38 and CT26 cells (all P<0.01). Additionally, baicalin caused cell cycle arrest at the S phase, while the G0/G1 phase was detected in the tiny portion of the cells. Subsequent network pharmacology analysis identified 6 therapeutic targets associated with baicalin, which potentially affect various pathways including 39 biological processes and 99 signaling pathways. In addition, molecular docking and DARTS predicted the potential binding of baicalin with cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A), protein kinase B (AKT), caspase 3, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). In vitro, the expressions of CDKN2A, MAPK, and p-AKT were suppressed by baicalin in MC38 and CT26 cells. In vivo, baicalin significantly reduced the tumor size and weight (all P<0.01) in the colon cancer mouse model via inactivating p-AKT, CDKN2A, cyclin dependent kinase 4, cyclin dependent kinase 2, interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor α, and activating caspase 3 and mouse double minute 2 homolog signaling (all P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Baicalin suppressed the CDKN2A protein level to prevent colon cancer and could be used as a therapeutic target for colon cancer.
Flavonoids/pharmacology*
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Colonic Neoplasms/prevention & control*
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Animals
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16/metabolism*
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Cell Movement/drug effects*
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Humans
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Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects*
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Cell Cycle Checkpoints/drug effects*

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