1.Mechanism of Modified Si Junzitang and Shashen Maidong Tang in Improving Sensitivity of Cisplatin in EGFR-TKI Resistant Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells Based on Aerobic Glycolysis
Yanping WEN ; Yi JIANG ; Liping SHEN ; Haiwei XIAO ; Xiaofeng YANG ; Surui YUAN ; Lingshuang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):39-46
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of modified Si Junzitang and Shashen Maidong Tang [Yiqi Yangyin Jiedu prescription (YQYYJD)] in enhancing the sensitivity of cisplatin in epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI)-resistant lung adenocarcinoma cells based on aerobic glycolysis. MethodsThe effects of different concentrations of YQYYJD (0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 g·L-1) and cisplatin (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27 mg·L-1) on the proliferation and activity of PC9/GR cells were detected by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay after 24 hours of intervention. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for PC9/GR cells was calculated to determine the concentrations used in subsequent experiments. PC9/GR cells were divided into blank group (complete medium), YQYYJD group (5 g·L-1), cisplatin group (12 mg·L-1), and combined group (YQYYJD 5 g·L-1 + cisplatin 12 mg·L-1). After 24 hours of intervention, cell viability was measured using CCK-8 assay. Cell proliferation was assessed by colony formation assay, and cell migration was evaluated by scratch and Transwell assays. Glucose consumption, lactate production, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were measured by colorimetric assays. The expression levels of glycolysis-related proteins, including hexokinase 2 (HK2), phosphofructokinase P (PFKP), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), and monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), were determined by Western blot. ResultsBoth YQYYJD and cisplatin inhibited the viability of PC9/GR cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC50 of PC9/GR cells for YQYYJD and cisplatin were 5.15 g·L-1 and 12.91 mg·L-1, respectively. In terms of cell proliferation, compared with the blank group, the cell survival rate and the number of colonies formed in the YQYYJD group, cisplatin group, and combined group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the YQYYJD and cisplatin groups, the combined group showed a further significant reduction in cell survival rate and colony formation (P<0.01). In terms of cell migration, compared with the blank group, the cell migration rate and the number of cells passing through the Transwell membrane in the YQYYJD group, cisplatin group, and combined group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the YQYYJD and cisplatin groups, the combined group exhibited a further significant reduction in cell migration rate and the number of cells passing through the Transwell membrane (P<0.01). In terms of glycolysis, compared with the blank group, glucose consumption, lactate production, and ATP levels in the YQYYJD group, cisplatin group, and combined group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the YQYYJD and cisplatin groups, the combined group showed a further significant reduction in glucose consumption, lactate production, and ATP levels (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the protein expression levels of HK2, PFKP, PKM2, and LDHA in the YQYYJD, cisplatin, and combined groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The combined group showed a further significant reduction in the expression levels of these proteins compared with the YQYYJD and cisplatin groups (P<0.01). No significant differences were observed in the protein expression levels of GLUT1 and MCT4 among the groups. ConclusionYQYYJD can synergistically inhibit the proliferation and migration of PC9/GR cells and enhance their sensitivity to cisplatin. The mechanism may be related to the downregulation of the expression of glycolysis-related rate-limiting enzymes, including HK2, PFKP, PKM2, and LDHA, thereby inhibiting glycolysis.
2.Effect of Yiqi Yangyin Jiedu Prescription on sPD-L1 in Peripheral Blood of Patients Treated with EGFR-TKIs and Prognosis Analysis
Liping SHEN ; Yuqing CAI ; Yanping WEN ; Yi JIANG ; Lingshuang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):219-226
ObjectiveTo observe the prognosis effect of soluble programmed death ligand-1(sPD-L1) in treating patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma treated with epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors(EGFR-TKIs) and the influence of Yiqi Yangyin Jiedu prescription. MethodA prospective cohort-controlled study was conducted to enroll patients treated with EGFR-TKIs in the first line of treatment,who were admitted to the Oncology Department of Longhua Hospital and Shanghai Chest Hospital from May 1st, 2021 to June 30th, 2023, and they were evaluated as non-progressive and identified with deficiency of Qi and Yin after one month of treatment. The patients were divided into an exposed group (EGFR-TKIs combined with Yiqi Yangyin Jiedu prescription) and a non-exposed group (EGFR-TKIs alone)according to whether or not they were treated with Yiqi Yangyin Jiedu prescription and were treated until disease progression, or death and intolerable adverse reactions occurred. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to detect the level of sPD-L1 in patients at the time of enrollment and disease progression,and Cox risk proportionality model was used to analyze the independent prognostic factors affecting disease progression of patients treated with EGFR-TKIs. ResultA total of 90 patients (39 in the exposed group and 51 in the non-exposed group) undergoing disease progression after EGFR-TKI treatment were enrolled. At the time of enrolment and after disease progression,the levels of serum sPD-L1 in the 90 patients were 12.06 (27.54) ng·L-1 and 41.99 (62.93) ng·L-1,respectively. Compared with that at the time of enrollment, the serum sPD-L1 level in the 90 patients was significantly increased after disease progression (P<0.01). The serum sPD-L1 level in patients in the exposed group was 12.27 (24.78) ng·L-1 and 29.57 (61.12)ng·L-1 respectively at the time of enrolment and after disease progression. In the non-exposed group, patients had serum sPD-L1 levels of 11.81 (28.46) ng·L-1 and 49.54 (74.12) ng·L-1 respectively at the time of enrolment and after disease progression. Compared with that at the time of enrollment, the serum sPD-L1 level in the two groups of patients was significantly increased after disease progression (P<0.01). In addition, compared with that in the non-exposed group, the sPD-L1 level in the exposed group was greatly reduced after disease progression(P<0.01). Cox multifactorial analysis showed that sPD-L1 level and age at the time of enrolment were associated with patients' progression-free survival(PFS),and that low levels of sPD-L1 (<12.06 ng·L-1) prolonged the PFS and reduced the risk of disease progression in patients treated with EGFR-TKIs compared with high levels of sPD-L1. ConclusionElevated sPD-L1 level is a poor prognostic factor for the long-term efficacy of EGFR-TKIs,and treatment with Yiqi Yangiin Jiedu prescription can down-regulate sPD-L1 level of patients treated with EGFR-TKIs.
3.Effect and mechanism of Erastin on ferroptosis of acute myeloid leukemia cells
Xiandong Jiang ; Yingying Huang ; Xiaoying Hong ; Xindi Lin ; Donghong Lin ; Liping Lin
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):15-21
Objective :
To explore the role of lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3(LPCAT3) in Erastin-induced ferroptosis of acute myeloid leukemia(AML) cells and its related molecular regulatory mechanisms.
Methods :
Tetrazolium salt(MTS) method was used to detect the sensitivity of different AML cells to the classic ferroptosis inducer Erastin, real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR) was used to detect the basal expression level ofLPCAT3mRNA, and the correlation between them was analyzed. Lentivirus-mediatedLPCAT3overexpression AML cell lines(OE group) and negative control lines(NC group) were constructed. After Erastin intervention, MTS, flow cytometry, and micromethods were used to detect cell viability, lipid reactive oxygen species(ROS), and Malondialdehyde(MDA), respectively. qPCR and Western blot were used to detect unfolded protein response(UPR) classic pathway signaling molecules(PERK, ATF4, GRP78, etc.) expression levels. The above ferroptosis-related indicators were detected after combined intervention with the UPR inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid(4-PBA), and the regulatory relationship was analyzed.
Results :
Four different types of AML cells had different sensitivities to ferroptosis, among which K562 cells were relatively insensitive. The IC50of the four types of AML cells to Erastin was negatively correlated with the expression level ofLPCAT3(r=-0.919,P<0.001). After Erastin intervention, the cell viability of K562 cells in the OE group was significantly inhibited by Erastin compared with the NC group(P<0.001), and the levels of lipid ROS and MDA increased(P<0.001). The results of qPCR and Western blot showed that, compared with the NC group, the mRNA and protein expression of UPR classic pathway moleculesPERK,ATF4, andGRP78mRNA and protein increased in the OE group(P<0.01). After inhibiting the UPR pathway by 4-PBA, the viability of K562 cells decreased(P<0.01), and lipid ROS and MDA levels increased(P<0.01) compared with the uninhibited state.
Conclusion
Overexpression ofLPCAT3can promote ferroptosis in K562 cells, and this process is negatively regulated by the classical UPR pathway PERK/ATF.
4.Association of diabetes and risk of tuberculosis in community population in Shanghai
Jin LI ; Qi ZHAO ; Jinyan ZOU ; Yong LI ; Genming ZHAO ; Yonggen JIANG ; Liping LU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(4):42-46
Objective To explore the association of diabetes status with the development of tuberculosis (TB) among the community population in Shanghai, and to provide evidence for the formulation of tuberculosis prevention and control strategies. Methods This population-based cohort study was based on Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank (SSACB) in China. The baseline data were acquired by questionnaires, physical examinations and blood biochemistry tests. TB incidence was obtained by matching with TB management information system data. A Cox proportional risk model was established to assess the risk of tuberculosis. Results A total of 36 014 research subjects were included, with an average age of 56.3±11.3 years, of which 14 587 (40.5%) were male. Over 6 years of follow-up, 47 individuals progressed to tuberculosis (incidence rate: 19.8 per 100 000 person-year, 95% CI: 14.6 -26.4). An increased risk of TB was observed in participants with newly diagnosed diabetes compared with those without diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.73; 95% CI, 1.19 - 6.28). Conclusion The risk of tuberculosis in newly diagnosed diabetic patients is significantly increased, and strengthening tuberculosis screening for this population should be considered in practical work.
5.Strategies and practices for joint prevention and control of cross - border infectious diseases between Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China and Vietnam
Jianfeng CAI ; Jun MENG ; Liping HU ; Zhihua JIANG ; Guanghua LAN
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(5):451-454
This article discusses the important role and practical experience of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region as a bridgehead between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the joint prevention and control of cross-border infectious diseases between China and Vietnam. The cross-border transmission of infectious diseases has been effectively managed in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region through a package of strategies, including government leadership, construction of the joint prevention and control mechanism, establishment of dialogue platforms, collaboration of scientific researches, and personnel exchange and training; however, there are still challenges. Further deepening of collaboration is required to meet future needs for infectious disease prevention and control.
6.Application of P1 response threshold of cortical auditory evoked potential in rehabilitation evaluation of young children with cochlear implant.
Hui JI ; Yaofeng JIANG ; Fei ZHONG ; Baona LI ; Ye FAN ; Shiyu TAO ; Liping MENG
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(10):962-966
Objective:To explore the application value of P1 response threshold of cortical auditory evoked potential(CAEP) in evaluating the rehabilitation effect of cochlear implant in young children. Methods:Thirty-three young children after cochlear implantation were divided into groups according to hearing age: Group A(hearing age 1-<2 years old) 10 people; Group B(hearing age 2-<3 years old) 13 people; Group C(hearing age 3-<4 years old) 10 people. The subjective assessment was carried out using the assessment tool for hearing-impaired children- "Criteria and Methods for assessing Auditory and language ability of hearing-impaired children" and objective electrophysiological examination was carried out using CAEP to evaluate the rehabilitation effect. SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results:The results of subjective assessment of auditory ability and language ability in each group showed an increasing trend with the increase of auditory age. In this study, the P1 response threshold of CAEP in CI implanted children had a significant positive correlation with the 2 kHz hearing threshold after intervention, and the P1 response threshold of CAEP was negatively correlated with many items in subjective auditory ability and language ability assessment. Conclusion:The P1 response threshold of CAEP has a stable correlation with the results of speech audiometry, which can effectively and objectively evaluate the postoperative rehabilitation effect of young children with cochlear implantation.
Humans
;
Child, Preschool
;
Infant
;
Male
;
Female
;
Evoked Potentials, Auditory
;
Cochlear Implantation/rehabilitation*
;
Cochlear Implants
;
Auditory Threshold
7.GRK2 activates TRAF2-NF-κB signalling to promote hyperproliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis.
Chenchen HAN ; Liping JIANG ; Weikang WANG ; Shujun ZUO ; Jintao GU ; Luying CHEN ; Zhuo CHEN ; Jiajie KUAI ; Xuezhi YANG ; Liang XU ; Yang MA ; Wei WEI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):1956-1973
G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) participates in the phosphorylation and desensitization of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), impacting various biological processes such as inflammation and cell proliferation. Dysregulated expression and activity of GRK2 have been reported in multiple cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, whether and how GRK2 regulates synovial hyperplasia and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) proliferation is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the regulation of GRK2 and its biological function in RA. We found that GRK2 transmembrane activity was increased in FLSs of RA patients and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. Additionally, we noted a positive correlation between high GRK2 expression on the cell membrane and serological markers associated with RA and CIA. Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry and pull-down analyses revealed tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) as a novel substrate of GRK2. Furthermore, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and molecular docking assays determined that the C-terminus of GRK2 binds to the C-terminus of TRAF2 at the Gln340 residue. GRK2 knockdown and the GRK2 inhibitor CP-25 attenuated synovial hyperplasia and FLS proliferation in CIA both in vitro and in vivo by decreasing GRK2 membrane expression and activity. Mechanistically, increased GRK2 transmembrane activity contributed to the recruitment of TRAF2 on the cell membrane, promoting GRK2-TRAF2 interactions that facilitate the recruitment of the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM47 to TRAF2. This enhanced TRAF2 Lys63 polyubiquitylation and induced nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation, leading to synovial hyperplasia and abnormal proliferation of FLSs. Our study provides a mechanistic and preclinical rationale for further evaluation of GRK2 as a therapeutic target for RA.
8.Cerbera odollam fruit extracts enhance anti-cancer activity of sorafenib in HCT116 and HepG2 cells.
Supawadee PARHIRA ; Orakot SIMANURAK ; Khemmachat PANSOOKSAN ; Julintorn SOMRAN ; Apirath WANGTEERAPRASERT ; Zhihong JIANG ; Liping BAI ; Pranee NANGNGAM ; Dumrongsak PEKTHONG ; Piyarat SRISAWANG
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(1):108-126
OBJECTIVE:
While higher therapeutic doses of toxic cardiac glycosides derived from Cerbera odollam are frequently employed in cases of suicide or homicide, ongoing research is investigating the potential anticancer properties of low-concentration extracts obtained from the fruits of C. odollam. The present study aimed to determine the enhanced anticancer effects and minimize potential side effects of combining extracts from C. odollam fruits from Thailand with sorafenib against HCT116 and HepG2 cells.
METHODS:
The dried powder of fresh green fruits of C. odollam was fractionated, and its phytochemical contents, including total cardiac glycosides, phenolics, flavonoids, and triterpenoids, were quantified. The cytotoxic effects of these fractions were evaluated against HCT116 and HepG2 cells using the MTT assay. The fractions showing the most significant response in HCT116 and HepG2 cells were subsequently combined with sorafenib to examine their synergistic effects. Apoptosis induction, cell cycle progression, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were then assessed. The underlying mechanism of the apoptotic effect was further investigated by analyzing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the expression levels of antioxidant proteins.
RESULTS:
Phytochemical analysis showed that C. odollam-ethyl acetate fraction (COEtOAc) was rich in cardiac glycosides, phenolics, and flavonoids, while the dichloromethane fraction (CODCM) contained high levels of triterpenoids and saponins. Following 24 h treatment, HCT116 showed the most significant response to COEtOAc, while HepG2 responded well to CODCM with IC50 values of (42.04 ± 16.94) μg/mL and (123.75 ± 14.21) μg/mL, respectively. Consequently, COEtOAc (20 μg/mL) or CODCM (30 μg/mL), both administered at sub-IC50 concentrations, were combined with sorafenib at 6 μmol/L for HCT116 cells and 2 μmol/L for HepG2 cells, incubated for 24 h. This combination resulted in a significant suppression in cell viability by approximately 50%. The combination of treatments markedly enhanced apoptosis, diminished MMP, and triggered G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest compared to the effects of each treatment administered individually. Concurrently, increased formation of ROS and decreased expression of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase 2 and catalase supported the proposed mechanism of apoptosis induction by the combination treatment. Importantly, the anticancer effect demonstrated a specific targeted action with a favorable safety profile, as evidenced by HFF-1 cells displaying IC50 values 2-3 times higher than those of the cancer cells.
CONCLUSION
Utilizing sub-IC50 concentrations of COEtOAc or CODCM in combination with sorafenib can enhance targeted anticancer effects beyond those achieved with single-agent treatments, while mitigating opposing side effects. Future research will focus on extracting and characterizing active constituents, especially cardiac glycosides, to enhance the therapeutic potential of anticancer compounds derived from toxic plants.
9.Coupling of an Au@AgPt nanozyme array with an micrococcal nuclease-specific responsiveness strategy for colorimetric/SERS sensing of Staphylococcus aureus in patients with sepsis.
Xueqin HUANG ; Yingqi YANG ; Hanlin ZHOU ; Liping HU ; Annan YANG ; Hua JIN ; Biying ZHENG ; Jiang PI ; Jun XU ; Pinghua SUN ; Huai-Hong CAI ; Xujing LIANG ; Bin PAN ; Junxia ZHENG ; Haibo ZHOU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(2):101085-101085
Rapid and ultrasensitive detection of pathogen-associated biomarkers is vital for the early diagnosis and therapy of bacterial infections. Herein, we developed a close-packed and ordered Au@AgPt array coupled with a cascade triggering strategy for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and colorimetric identification of the Staphylococcus aureus biomarker micrococcal nuclease (MNase) in serum samples. The trimetallic Au@AgPt nanozymes can catalyze the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) molecules to SERS-enhanced oxidized TMB (oxTMB), accompanied by the color change from colorless to blue. In the presence of S. aureus, the secreted MNase preferentially cut the nucleobase AT-rich regions of DNA sequences on magnetic beads (MBs) to release alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which subsequently mediated the oxTMB reduction for inducing the colorimetric/SERS signal fade away. Using this "on-to-off" triggering strategy, the target S. aureus can be recorded in a wide linear range with a limit of detection of 38 CFU/mL in the colorimetric mode and 6 CFU/mL in the SERS mode. Meanwhile, the MNase-mediated strategy characterized by high specificity and sensitivity successfully discriminated between patients with sepsis (n = 7) and healthy participants (n = 3), as well as monitored the prognostic progression of the disease (n = 2). Overall, benefiting from highly active and dense "hot spot" substrate, MNase-mediated cascade response strategy, and colorimetric/SERS dual-signal output, this methodology will offer a promising avenue for the early diagnosis of S. aureus infection.
10.Coral calcium hydride promotes peripheral mitochondrial division and reduces AT-II cells damage in ARDS via activation of the Trx2/Myo19/Drp1 pathway.
Qian LI ; Yang ANG ; Qing-Qing ZHOU ; Min SHI ; Wei CHEN ; Yujie WANG ; Pan YU ; Bing WAN ; Wanyou YU ; Liping JIANG ; Yadan SHI ; Zhao LIN ; Shaozheng SONG ; Manlin DUAN ; Yun LONG ; Qi WANG ; Wentao LIU ; Hongguang BAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(3):101039-101039
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common respiratory emergency, but current clinical treatment remains at the level of symptomatic support and there is a lack of effective targeted treatment measures. Our previous study confirmed that inhalation of hydrogen gas can reduce the acute lung injury of ARDS, but the application of hydrogen has flammable and explosive safety concerns. Drinking hydrogen-rich liquid or inhaling hydrogen gas has been shown to play an important role in scavenging reactive oxygen species and maintaining mitochondrial quality control balance, thus improving ARDS in patients and animal models. Coral calcium hydrogenation (CCH) is a new solid molecular hydrogen carrier prepared from coral calcium (CC). Whether and how CCH affects acute lung injury in ARDS remains unstudied. In this study, we observed the therapeutic effect of CCH on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced acute lung injury in ARDS mice. The survival rate of mice treated with CCH and hydrogen inhalation was found to be comparable, demonstrating a significant improvement compared to the untreated ARDS model group. CCH treatment significantly reduced pulmonary hemorrhage and edema, and improved pulmonary function and local microcirculation in ARDS mice. CCH promoted mitochondrial peripheral division in the early course of ARDS by activating mitochondrial thioredoxin 2 (Trx2), improved lung mitochondrial dysfunction induced by LPS, and reduced oxidative stress damage. The results indicate that CCH is a highly efficient hydrogen-rich agent that can attenuate acute lung injury of ARDS by improving the mitochondrial function through Trx2 activation.


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