1.Effect of Shixiaosan on Neurological Function and Ferroptosis in Rats with Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury Based on Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Ying WEI ; Lixia WANG ; Junjun YIN ; Xiaohong CHEN ; Lijuan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):22-31
ObjectiveTo investigate whether Shixiaosan can improve neurological function and inhibit ferroptosis in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) by regulating the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway. MethodsA rat model of CIRI was established using the intraluminal filament method. Briefly, cervical blood vessels were separated, branches of the external carotid artery were ligated, and the common carotid artery and internal carotid artery were clamped. A nylon filament was inserted through the opening of the external carotid artery to the origin of the middle cerebral artery to block blood flow and induce cerebral ischemia. After 60-120 min of ischemia, the filament was withdrawn to restore blood flow, and the external carotid artery incision was ligated. The rats were divided into a CIRI group, a Shixiaosan low-dose (-L) group (intragastric administration of 1.26 g·kg-1 Shixiaosan), a Shixiaosan high-dose (-H) group (intragastric administration of 2.52 g·kg-1 Shixiaosan), a donepezil hydrochloride tablet (DON) group (intragastric administration of 0.45 mg·kg-1 DON), and a Shixiaosan -H + Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) group (intragastric administration of 2.52 g·kg-1 Shixiaosan combined with intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg·kg-1 ML385). An additional 12 rats underwent cervical artery separation followed by incision suturing and served as the control group. Equal volumes of double-distilled water were administered to the CIRI and control groups. Neurological function impairment was assessed using the modified Garcia JH score. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine the cerebral infarct volume ratio. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Prussian blue staining were performed to observe neuronal injury and iron accumulation in the ischemic penumbra, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of neuronal mitochondria in the ischemic penumbra. Commercial kits were used to measure ferrous iron (Fe2+), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity in the ischemic penumbra. The BODIPY (581/591) C11 fluorescent probe was used to detect intracellular lipid peroxidation levels. Western blot was performed to detect protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, transferrin receptor 1 (TFRC), ferritin heavy chain (FHC), and ferritin light chain (FLC) in the ischemic penumbra. ResultsCompared with the control group, the CIRI group exhibited neuronal injury in the ischemic penumbra, characterized by reduced neuron numbers, nucleolar shrinkage, and interstitial edema. Marked iron accumulation was observed in the tissue. Neuronal mitochondria showed atrophy and rupture, with reduced mitochondrial cristae and increased membrane density. The cerebral infarct volume ratio, Fe2+ content, MDA content, ROS activity, and lipid peroxidation levels were increased, whereas the modified Garcia JH score, GSH content, and protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, FHC, and FLC were decreased, and TFRC protein expression was increased (P<0.05). Compared with the CIRI group, the Shixiaosan -L group, Shixiaosan -H group, and DON group showed attenuated neuronal injury in the ischemic penumbra, reduced iron accumulation, alleviated mitochondrial damage, decreased cerebral infarct volume ratio, Fe2+ and MDA contents, ROS activity, and lipid peroxidation levels, as well as increased modified Garcia JH scores, GSH content, and protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, FHC, and FLC, while TFRC protein expression was decreased (P<0.05). The magnitude of changes in all indicators was greater in the Shixiaosan -H group than in the Shixiaosan -L group (P<0.05). Compared with the Shixiaosan -H group, all measured indicators in the Shixiaosan -H + ML385 group showed opposite trends (P<0.05). ConclusionShixiaosan may inhibit ferroptosis and restore neurological function in rats with CIRI by activating the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.
2.Application value of MR three-dimensional double inversion recovery sequence in the diagnosis of optic neuritis
Hui ZHANG ; Peng LIAN ; Shijie JIANG ; Peng LÜ ; Daoqing WEI ; Fengjun ZHAO ; Lijuan YANG ; Chenwang JIN
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(9):1449-1452
Objective To evaluate the application value of the MR three-dimensional double inversion recovery(3D DIR)sequence in the diagnosis of optic neuritis(ON).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on MRI images from 40 patients with sus-pected ON.All patients underwent conventional T2 WI fat suppression(FS)and 3D DIR sequences.The lesion detection rate and diag-nostic accuracy of the intraorbital,intracanalicular,and intracranial segments of the optic nerve were compared between the two sequences,respectively.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to assess the diagnostic performance,and the intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)were used to analyze interobserver consistency.Imaging assessments were independently performed by two senior and two junior radiologists.Results The sensitivity(SEN),specificity(SPE),and accuracy(ACC)in lesion detection of 3D DIR sequence were significantly better than those of conventional T2 WI FS sequence[odds ratio(OR)221 vs 104,P<0.001].Notably,3D DIR sequence exhibited superior performance in detecting lesions in the intraorbital segment[area under the curve(AUC)0.915,OR=102]and intracanalicular segment(AUC 0.858,OR=51)compared with conventional T2WI FS sequence.Additionally,3D DIR sequence significantly improved diagnostic consistency among junior radiologists(ICC value increased from 0.469 to 0.655),bring-ing their diagnostic performance closer to that of senior radiologists(AUC improved to 0.883,ACC reached 90.1%).Conclusion The 3D DIR sequence has outstanding diagnostic efficacy in detecting ON lesions,significantly improving ACC and interobserver consistency,thereby offering strong support for the precise diagnosis of ON.
3.Vascularization characteristics of tissue-engineered oral mucosa equivalents
Lijuan SHI ; Jian WEI ; Xuan ZHANG ; Lingxiao HE ; Xiaoxi JIANG ; Minhai NIE ; Jiana CHEN ; Xuqian LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(22):4748-4760
BACKGROUND:In previous studies,the equivalent structure of three-dimensional cell reconstruction of tissue engineering oral mucosa is similar to normal oral mucosa,including epithelial-like structure,lamina propria-like structure,and vascular lumen-like structure,and has initially achieved the establishment of vascular equivalent,but its vascularization characteristics are not very clear.OBJECTIVE:Vascular-like structures of vascularized oral mucosa equivalent were obtained by targeting vascular endothelial cells specific marker expression profiles correlated with laser capture microdissection system,and their vascularization ability was evaluated to reveal their vascularization characteristics.METHODS:Human gingival epithelial cells were cultured from human gingival epithelium and human gingival fibroblasts,human gingival mesenchymal stem cells were cultured from human gingival lamina propria.Human gingival mesenchymal stem cells were induced to differentiate into vascular endothelial-like cells after monoclonal expansion culture.Human gingival epithelial cells,human gingival fibroblasts,and vascular endothelial-like cells were loaded with acellular vascular matrix-0.25%human-like collagen type Ⅰ scaffold to construct the vascularized oral mucosa equivalent.The layered structure of oral mucosa equivalent(experimental group)and the acellular vascular matrix-0.25%human-like collagen type Ⅰ scaffold(control group)were implanted subcutaneously into the back of nude mice,respectively.14 days later,the incision surface of the two groups was coated with biogel.The biogel surface of the experimental group was inoculated with human gingival epithelial cells,while the control group was not inoculated with cells.The samples were collected after 14 days of feeding.The layered structure of oral mucosa equivalent was observed by morphology.The neovascular-like structures in oral mucosa equivalents were labeled by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence with a more comprehensive expression profile of vascular endothelial cells,and the vascularization characteristics were analyzed.A laser capture microdissection system was used to capture the neovascularization structures in the oral mucosa equivalents specifically labeled by immunohistochemistry and analyze their vascularization characteristics.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The morphology showed that the cell level of oral mucosa equivalent was clear,and the structure was similar to that of normal oral mucosa,that is,there were epithelioid structures,lamina-like structures,and vascular cavelike structures,and there were scattered erythrocytes in the vascular cavelike structures.(2)The results of EdU Apollo tracer seed cells in the oral mucosa equivalent group showed that human gingival epithelial cells labeled with EdU Apollo 488 showed green fluorescence expression.DAPI labeled human gingival fibroblasts showed blue fluorescence expression and formed lamina-like structures in vivo.EdU Apollo 567 labeled vascular endothelial-like cells showed red fluorescence expression and formed a vascular-like structure in vivo.(3)Vascular endothelial cell specific marker expression profile immunofluorescence labeling of vascular structure showed that compared with normal oral mucosa,the expressions of CD31,CD51,CD54,CD105,Tie-2,VWF,vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1,and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 in oral mucosa equivalents were increased(P<0.000 1).There were no significant changes in CD34 expression(P>0.05).(4)Compared with the specifically labeled oral mucosal vascular structures,the expression levels of CD51,CD54,CD105,Tie-2,VWF,vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1,and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 of the oral mucosa equivalents targeted by the laser capture microdissection system were increased(P<0.000 1).There were no significant changes in expression of CD31 and CD34(P>0.05).(5)The results showed that the oral mucosa equivalent reconstructed by three-dimensional cell stratification could achieve good vascularization,and its vascularization characteristics were consistent with the immunological function and characteristics of neovascularization.Vascularization helps three-dimensional cell layer reconstruction of oral mucosa equivalent regeneration.
4.Analysis of Global and Regional Lifetime Risk of Develo-ping and Dying from Lung Cancer in 2022
Zhen GUO ; Wei WANG ; Hong WANG ; Hongwei LIU ; Yin LIU ; Lijuan CHEN ; Shaokai ZHANG ; Qiong CHEN
China Cancer 2025;34(2):81-88
[Purpose]To analyze the lifetime risk of developing and dying from lung cancer at global and regional levels.[Methods]Data of lung cancer incidence and mortality were obtained from GLOBOCAN 2022 and the population and all-cause mortality data were obtained from the United Nations.The lifetime risk of developing and dying from lung cancer globally and across different regions was estimated by multiple primary adjustment method.[Results]The global lifetime risk of developing lung cancer was 3.59%[95%confidence interval(CI):3.58%~3.59%],ranking third among all cancer types.There were significant gender and regional differences in lifetime risk values.The risk for male was 4.43%(95%CI:4.42%~4.44%),which was higher than that for female(2.71%,95%CI:2.70%~2.72%),with a male-to-female ratio of 1.63.Among regions with varying human development index(HDI)levels,the risk increased with HDI levels,in very high HDI re-gions risk was 5.36%(95%CI:5.34%~5.37%),while in low HDI regions the risk was 0.34%(95%CI:0.33%~0.34%).Among the 20 global regions,East Asia had the highest lifetime risk of 7.53%(95%CI:7.52%~7.55%),while West Africa had the lowest risk of 0.16%(95%CI:0.16%~0.17%).The global lifetime risk of dying from lung cancer was 2.78%(95%CI:2.78%~2.78%),ranking the first among all cancer types.There were significant sex and regional differ-ences in lifetime death risk values.The risk for male was 3.64%(95%CI:3.63%~3.64%),which was higher than that for female(1.89%,95%CI:1.89%~1.90%),with a male-to-female ratio of 1.93.Among regions with varying HDI levels,the risk increased with HDI levels,in very high HDI re-gions the risk was 3.98%(95%CI:3.97%~3.99%),while in low HDI regions the risk was 0.31%(95%CI:0.31%~0.31%).Among the 20 global regions,the Federated States of Micronesia/Poly-nesia had the highest death risk of 5.80%(95%CI:4.98%~6.62%),while West Africa had the lowest risk of 0.15%(95%CI:0.15%~0.16%).The lifetime risk of developing and dying from lung cancer in China was 7.54%(95%CI:7.52%~7.56%)and 5.88%(95%CI:5.87%~5.90%),respec-tively,both ranking the first among all cancer types.[Conclusion]The lifetime risk of developing and dying from lung cancer remains high globally and across different regions,with a particularly heavy burden in high-HDI areas.In China,both the lifetime risk of developing and dying from lung cancer are higher than the global average.This highlights the need for continued enhance-ment of comprehensive prevention and control measures,including addressing lung cancer-related risk factors,as well as improving screening,early diagnosis,and treatment efforts to reduce the lung cancer burden.
5.Influences of tetrandrine on proliferation,apoptosis and immune escape of melanoma cells by regulating cGAS-STING signal pathway
Hui ZHOU ; Jie LI ; Lijuan HU ; Huimei LIU ; Wei ZHANG ; Lina WANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(2):357-361
Objective:To investigate influences of tetrandrine(Tet)on proliferation,apoptosis and immune escape of melanoma cells by regulating cyclic GMP-AMP synthase(cGAS)-stimulator of interferon gene(STING)signal pathway.Methods:MV3 cells were divided into NC group,Tet-L group(5 μmol/L),Tet-M group(10 μmol/L),Tet-H group(15 μmol/L),RU.521(cGAS inhibi-tor)group(1 μmol/L),Tet-H+RU.521 group(15 μmol/L+1 μmol/L).Proliferation of MV3 cells was detected by CCK-8 and plate cloning test;apoptosis of MV3 cells was detected by flow cytometry;Western blot was used to detect expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax),TGF-β,cGAS,STING proteins in MV3 cells.Cells in above groups were co-cultured with NK cells for 48 h through Transwell chamber,and named NC co-culture group,Tet-L co-culture group,Tet-M co-culture group,Tet-H co-culture group,RU.521 co-culture group,Tet-H+RU.521 co-culture group,respectively.ELISA was used to detect levels of IFN-γ and Granzyme B in supernatant of co-cultured cells;change of NK cell killing activity was detected.Results:Compared with NC group,A450,cloning rate,PCNA and TGF-β protein expressions of MV3 cells in Tet-L group,Tet-M group and Tet-H group were decreased,apoptosis rate,Bax,cGAS,STING protein expressions were increased,which was in a dose dependent man-ner,change trend of corresponding indexes in RU.521 group was contrary to the above(P<0.05);compared with NC co-culture group,levels of IFN-γ,Granzyme B and NK cell killing activity in supernatant of Tet-L co-culture group,Tet-M co-culture group and Tet-H co-culture group were increased,which was in a dose-dependent manner,change trend of corresponding indexes in RU.521 co-culture group was opposite to the above(P<0.05);RU.521 attenuated inhibition of high-dose Tet on MV3 cell proliferation,immune escape and its promotion on apoptosis.Conclusion:Tet may inhibit melanoma cell proliferation,immune escape and promote cell apoptosis by activating cGAS-STING signal pathway.
6.Analysis of Global and Regional Lifetime Risk of Develo-ping and Dying from Lung Cancer in 2022
Zhen GUO ; Wei WANG ; Hong WANG ; Hongwei LIU ; Yin LIU ; Lijuan CHEN ; Shaokai ZHANG ; Qiong CHEN
China Cancer 2025;34(2):81-88
[Purpose]To analyze the lifetime risk of developing and dying from lung cancer at global and regional levels.[Methods]Data of lung cancer incidence and mortality were obtained from GLOBOCAN 2022 and the population and all-cause mortality data were obtained from the United Nations.The lifetime risk of developing and dying from lung cancer globally and across different regions was estimated by multiple primary adjustment method.[Results]The global lifetime risk of developing lung cancer was 3.59%[95%confidence interval(CI):3.58%~3.59%],ranking third among all cancer types.There were significant gender and regional differences in lifetime risk values.The risk for male was 4.43%(95%CI:4.42%~4.44%),which was higher than that for female(2.71%,95%CI:2.70%~2.72%),with a male-to-female ratio of 1.63.Among regions with varying human development index(HDI)levels,the risk increased with HDI levels,in very high HDI re-gions risk was 5.36%(95%CI:5.34%~5.37%),while in low HDI regions the risk was 0.34%(95%CI:0.33%~0.34%).Among the 20 global regions,East Asia had the highest lifetime risk of 7.53%(95%CI:7.52%~7.55%),while West Africa had the lowest risk of 0.16%(95%CI:0.16%~0.17%).The global lifetime risk of dying from lung cancer was 2.78%(95%CI:2.78%~2.78%),ranking the first among all cancer types.There were significant sex and regional differ-ences in lifetime death risk values.The risk for male was 3.64%(95%CI:3.63%~3.64%),which was higher than that for female(1.89%,95%CI:1.89%~1.90%),with a male-to-female ratio of 1.93.Among regions with varying HDI levels,the risk increased with HDI levels,in very high HDI re-gions the risk was 3.98%(95%CI:3.97%~3.99%),while in low HDI regions the risk was 0.31%(95%CI:0.31%~0.31%).Among the 20 global regions,the Federated States of Micronesia/Poly-nesia had the highest death risk of 5.80%(95%CI:4.98%~6.62%),while West Africa had the lowest risk of 0.15%(95%CI:0.15%~0.16%).The lifetime risk of developing and dying from lung cancer in China was 7.54%(95%CI:7.52%~7.56%)and 5.88%(95%CI:5.87%~5.90%),respec-tively,both ranking the first among all cancer types.[Conclusion]The lifetime risk of developing and dying from lung cancer remains high globally and across different regions,with a particularly heavy burden in high-HDI areas.In China,both the lifetime risk of developing and dying from lung cancer are higher than the global average.This highlights the need for continued enhance-ment of comprehensive prevention and control measures,including addressing lung cancer-related risk factors,as well as improving screening,early diagnosis,and treatment efforts to reduce the lung cancer burden.
7.18F-D3FSP PET/CT machine learning models for evaluating subjective cognitive decline
Fansheng MENG ; Zhanyu TIAN ; Wei GONG ; Liang XIONG ; Haizhuang JIANG ; Lijuan YU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(4):573-577
Objective To observe the value of 18F-D3FSP PET/CT machine learning(ML)models for evaluating subjective cognitive decline(SCD).Methods Thirty-two SCD patients(SCD group)and 16 healthy volunteers(control group)who received 18F-D3FSP PET/CT were selected from Sino Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Decline(SILCODE)and divided into training set(n=34)and test set(n=14)at a ratio of 7∶3.Support vector machine(SVM),random forest(RF)and logistic regression(LR)models were constructed based on Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA)and standard uptake value ratio(SUVR)of brain regions being significantly different between groups to evaluate SCD.Then PET/CT data were amplified by format conversion and divided into training set(including 8 775 CT images and 1 833 PET images)and test set(including 2 025 CT images and 423 PET images)at the ratio of 8∶2.VGG16 models were constructed based on CT and PET images to evaluate SCD,respectively.Results The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of SVM,RF and LR model for evaluating SCD in training set was all 1.000,while was 0.863,0.872 and 1.000 in test set,respectively.LR model was overfitting,and RF model had better performance.The accuracy of VGG16 model for evaluating SCD based on CT and PET images tended to be stable after the 175th and 150th iterations,with the highest accuracy of 67.11% and 65.35% in training set,which tended to be stable after the 165th and 145th iterations,with the highest accuracy of 62.43% and 59.16% in test set,respectively.Conclusion 18F-D3FSP PET/CT ML models could be used to evaluate SCD.
8.Advances in radiomics and artificial intelligence for screening and predicting BRCA1/2-related hereditary breast cancer
Nan WU ; Lijuan LI ; Lijuan WEI ; Fangxuan LI ; Menghui LI ; Zhaoxiang YE
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(10):1763-1767
Hereditary breast cancer(HBC)is one of the important subtypes of breast cancer(BC),primarily characterized by mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes.Accurate identification of BRCA1/2 mutation carriers remains a significant clinical challenge.Traditional genetic testing methods for BRCA1/2 mutations are often expensive and complex.In recent years,advancements in radiomics and artificial intelligence(AI)have opened new avenues for non-invasive prediction of BRCA1/2 mutations.This review summarized the current research progresses in utilizing radiomics and AI for screening and predicting of BRCA1/2-related HBC.
9.Ultrasonic manifestations of local recurrence of breast cancer after surgery
Na ZHAO ; Shuai ZHENG ; Zhiguang CHEN ; Kai DU ; Liqian WANG ; Lijuan DU ; Tengfei YU ; Wei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(2):258-262
Objective To observe the ultrasonic manifestations of local recurrence(LR)of breast cancer after surgery.Methods Totally 82 female breast cancer patients with local hypoechoic in surgical area who underwent ultrasound follow-up were enrolled and divided into LR group(n=18)and non LR group(n=64)according to the local hypoechoic was LR or not.Clinical data and ultrasonic manifestations of primary lesion before operation and postoperative local hypoechoic were observed and compared between groups.Results Significant differences of surgical resection type,molecular subtype,status of smooth muscle actin,Calponin status,Ki-67 status,clinical staging,the maximum diameter and posterior echo of the primary lesion,as well as of involved tissue layer,location,long axis parallel to the skin or not,edge,internal echo,posterior echo,skin change and Adler blood flow grading of local hypoechoic in resection area were found between groups(all P<0.05).Conclusion Ultrasonic manifestations of LR of breast cancer after surgery had certain characteristics.
10.Related factors for dysphagia in patients with recent small subcortical infarction:an analysis of 188 cases
Mingyu CUI ; Xin LIU ; Lijuan WANG ; Ying LIU ; Xin WEI
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(3):313-316
Objective To investigate the incidence and risk factors of dysphagia in patients after re-cent small subcortical infarction(RSSI).Methods A total of 188 RSSI patients admitted to our department from May 2018 to May 2024 were enrolled,and according to Gugging swallowing screen(GUSS),they were divided into dysphagia group(GUSS score≤19,n=51)and non-dysphagia group(the score=20,n=137).The clinical manifestations and imaging data were com-pared between the two groups.Results When compared with the non-dysphagia group,the dys-phagia group had significantly older age,larger proportion of dysarthria,higher NIHSS and mRS scores,larger lesion diameter,higher incidence of pontine infarction,and higher scores of periven-tricular and deep white matter hyperintensities,but lower scores of mini-mental state examination and Montreal cognitive assessment(P<0.05,P<0.01).Binary logistic regression analysis showed that age,dysarthria,NIHSS score,lesion diameter,and pontine infarction were risk factors for dysphagia in RSSI patients(OR=1.203,95%CI:1.070-1.352;OR=34.464,95%CI:5.013-236.942;OR=4.579,95%CI:2.180-9.617;OR=0.623,95%CI:0.463-0.838;OR=0.020,95%CI:0.002-0.191,P<0.01).Conclusion For RSSI patients,especially those with older age,larger lesion diameter,dysarthria,severe neurological deficits,and pontine infarction,clinicians should be alert to the occurrence of dysphagia in order to avoid serious complications.

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