1.Mechanism of Ruyan Neixiao Cream in Promoting Ferroptosis in Breast Precancerous Lesion Cells by Regulating Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Haotian ZHANG ; Yebei QIU ; Ran SU ; Xianxin YAN ; Min MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):98-107
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Ruyan Neixiao cream (RUC) induces ferroptosis in breast precancerous lesion (BPL) cells, and to enrich the theoretical foundation for its use in the treatment of BPL. MethodsThe inhibition of cell proliferation by 1%, 2%, and 4% concentrations of Ruyanneixiao Cream transdermal solution (RUT) was assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and a colony formation assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using the DCFH-DA probe, and the levels of ferrous ions (Fe2+), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined using appropriate kits. Lipid peroxidation was detected with the C11-BODIPY581/591 fluorescent probe. The expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) proteins was analyzed by Western blot. The BPL rat model was constructed using 2,2′-bis(hydroxymethyl)butyric acid (DMBA) combined with estrogen and progesterone, and the rats were treated with RUC for external application. After the 12th cycle, the rats were euthanized, and histopathological changes in breast tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Fe2+ and MDA levels in breast tissue were measured using corresponding kits. The expression of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 proteins in BPL rat breast tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the matrix group, the cell viability of MCF-10AT cells in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner, with the 24-hour half inhibitory concentration (IC50) being 2.23%. Compared with the 4% RUT group, cell viability in the RUT + Fer-1 group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the colony formation rates of MCF-10AT cells in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, the cell colony formation rate of the RUT + Fer-1 group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the levels of ROS and Fe2+ in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), while GSH levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and MDA and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, ROS and Fe2+ levels in the RUT + Fer-1 group were significantly reduced (P<0.05), while GSH levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), and MDA and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the RUT + Fer-1 group were significantly increased (P<0.05). In the in vivo experiment, compared with the matrix group, the breast tissue histopathological status of the BPL rats in the RUC group was effectively improved, with less dilatation of the mammary ducts and more orderly duct arrangement. No pathological morphology indicative of invasive cancer was observed. Compared with the matrix group, Fe2+ and MDA levels in the mammary tissue of the RUC group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the mammary tissue of the RUC group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). ConclusionRUC may induce ferroptosis in BPL cells by inhibiting the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway, increasing Fe2+ accumulation, and promoting lipid peroxidation.
2.Mechanism of Ruyan Neixiao Cream in Promoting Ferroptosis in Breast Precancerous Lesion Cells by Regulating Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Haotian ZHANG ; Yebei QIU ; Ran SU ; Xianxin YAN ; Min MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):98-107
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Ruyan Neixiao cream (RUC) induces ferroptosis in breast precancerous lesion (BPL) cells, and to enrich the theoretical foundation for its use in the treatment of BPL. MethodsThe inhibition of cell proliferation by 1%, 2%, and 4% concentrations of Ruyanneixiao Cream transdermal solution (RUT) was assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and a colony formation assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using the DCFH-DA probe, and the levels of ferrous ions (Fe2+), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined using appropriate kits. Lipid peroxidation was detected with the C11-BODIPY581/591 fluorescent probe. The expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) proteins was analyzed by Western blot. The BPL rat model was constructed using 2,2′-bis(hydroxymethyl)butyric acid (DMBA) combined with estrogen and progesterone, and the rats were treated with RUC for external application. After the 12th cycle, the rats were euthanized, and histopathological changes in breast tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Fe2+ and MDA levels in breast tissue were measured using corresponding kits. The expression of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 proteins in BPL rat breast tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the matrix group, the cell viability of MCF-10AT cells in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner, with the 24-hour half inhibitory concentration (IC50) being 2.23%. Compared with the 4% RUT group, cell viability in the RUT + Fer-1 group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the colony formation rates of MCF-10AT cells in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, the cell colony formation rate of the RUT + Fer-1 group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the levels of ROS and Fe2+ in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), while GSH levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and MDA and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, ROS and Fe2+ levels in the RUT + Fer-1 group were significantly reduced (P<0.05), while GSH levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), and MDA and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the RUT + Fer-1 group were significantly increased (P<0.05). In the in vivo experiment, compared with the matrix group, the breast tissue histopathological status of the BPL rats in the RUC group was effectively improved, with less dilatation of the mammary ducts and more orderly duct arrangement. No pathological morphology indicative of invasive cancer was observed. Compared with the matrix group, Fe2+ and MDA levels in the mammary tissue of the RUC group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the mammary tissue of the RUC group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). ConclusionRUC may induce ferroptosis in BPL cells by inhibiting the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway, increasing Fe2+ accumulation, and promoting lipid peroxidation.
3.Xihuangwan Inhibits Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism in Ovarian Cancer Cells
Xianxin YAN ; Shouyi HONG ; Ruirui MA ; Yanqiu WANG ; Junyi BU ; Min MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(1):70-76
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Xihuangwan extract on mitochondrial energy metabolism in ovarian cancer SKOV3 and HEY cells and to explore the underlying mechanism. MethodSKOV3 and HEY cells were cultured in vitro and treated with different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 g·L-1) of Xihuangwan extract. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) was used to examine the viability of SKOV3 and HEY cells treated with Xihuangwan extract. The adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) levels in SKOV3 and HEY cells were measured by kit. Flow cytometry was employed to measure the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ co-activator 1α (PGC1α), transcription factor A, mitochondrial (TFAM), translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOMM20), and aplasia Ras homologue member Ⅰ (ARHⅠ) in SKOV3 and HEY cells. Mito-Tracker Green staining was used to observe the morphological changes of mitochondria in SKOV3 and HEY cells. ResultCompared with blank group, Xihuangwan extract treatment for 24, 48 h inhibited the viability of SKOV3 and HEY cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with blank group, Xihuangwan extract (10, 15, 20 g·L-1) groups presented lowered ATP levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the 20 g·L-1 Xihuangwan extract group had lower ATP level than the 10 and 15 g·L-1 Xihuangwan extract groups (P<0.05). Compared with blank group, Xihuangwan extract increased the content of ROS in SKOV3 and HEY cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the 20 g·L-1 Xihuangwan extract group had higher ROS content than the 10 g·L-1 Xihuangwan extract group (P<0.05). Compared with blank group, Xihuangwan extract up-regulated the expression level of ARHⅠ protein in SKOV3 and HEY cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.01), and the expression levels of ARHⅠ protein was higher in the 20 g·L-1 Xihuangwan extract group than in the 10 and 15 g·L-1 Xihuangwan extract groups (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, Xihuangwan extract down-regulated the protein levels of PGC1α, TFAM, and TOMM20 in SKOV3 and HEY cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the protein levels of TFAM and TOMM20 in the HEY cells treated with 20 g·L-1 Xihuangwan extract were lower than those in the HEY cells treated with 10, 15 g·L-1 Xihuangwan extract (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, 20 g·L-1 Xihuangwan extract decreased the Mito-Tracker fluorescence intensity of SKOV3 and HEY cells (P<0.05). ConclusionXihuangwan can compromise the mitochondrial function of ovarian cancer SKOV3 and HEY cells and reduce cell energy metabolism to inhibit the proliferation of SKOV3 and HEY cells by up-regulating ARHⅠ and inhibiting PGC1α/TFAM signaling axis.
4.Animal Models of Ovarian Cancer Based on Characteristics of Clinical Symptoms of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Chu YI ; Xinyi MA ; Yangjie WU ; Junyi BU ; Min MA ; Xianxin YAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(8):206-214
ObjectiveOvarian cancer is the third most common gynecologic cancer worldwide, with the second highest mortality rate among gynecologic cancers, and age-standardized rates are gradually increasing in many low- and middle-income countries. At present, its etiology and pathogenesis are not clear. There are no obvious symptoms in the early stage, and when the symptoms become obvious, it often indicates the advanced stage. The 5-year survival rate of the advanced stage is only 17%, which poses a great threat to women's health. Therefore, an in-depth study of the etiology and pathogenesis of ovarian cancer is very important to the exploration of prevention and treatment methods for ovarian cancer. Based on the clinical characteristics of ovarian cancer in traditional Chinese and Western medicine, and combined with the existing evaluation methods of animal models, this study evaluated the animal model of ovarian cancer, and provided analysis and suggestions. MethodThis study searched China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang data, VIP information database, and PubMed database using the keywords "ovarian cancer" and "animal model", excluded the articles that did not meet the criteria, and then classified the remaining studies. Combined with the clinical diagnostic criteria of Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation, the related indicators of ovarian cancer animal models were assigned and the degree of agreement was evaluated. ResultThe use of the transplanted animal model exhibited the highest frequency, followed by that of the induced model. The degree of agreement of traditional Chinese medicine for each model was lower than that of Western medicine. The induced ovarian cancer model had a high degree of clinical agreement and was similar to human ovarian cancer in terms of tumor growth pattern, disease progression and complications, which is an ideal animal model of ovarian cancer. Although this animal model can simulate the etiology and pathogenesis of ovarian cancer to a certain extent and reflect some indicators of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, it lacks differentiation of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes. ConclusionOn the basis of the original model, the animal model of ovarian cancer was added with Qi deficiency syndrome, blood deficiency syndrome, Qi stagnation syndrome, blood stasis syndrome, heat-toxin syndrome, and Yang deficiency syndrome to establish an animal model combining traditional Chinese medicine disease and syndrome of ovarian cancer, which could better simulate the clinical actual situation of traditional Chinese and Western medicine and lay a solid foundation for the study of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine for the treatment of ovarian cancer.