1.Interpretation on the ACcurate COnsensus Reporting Document (ACCORD): Reporting Guidelines for Consensus Methods in Biomedical Research
Haodong LI ; Junxian ZHAO ; Yishan QIN ; Ye WANG ; Huayu ZHANG ; Qi ZHOU ; Yaolong CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):534-545
The importance of consensus research in medical decision-making has become increasinglyprominent. However, this field has long lacked unified terminology definitions and reporting standards, leading to significant heterogeneity in study design, implementation, and result presentation that affects the credibility and reproducibility of outcomes. The ACCurate COnsensus Reporting Document (ACCORD) in the field of biomedical research provides a structured writing framework for various consensus methods such as the Delphi method and nominal group technique, aiming to enhance the completeness and transparency of study reports. Combined with specific cases, this article interprets the core items of ACCORD, offering references for the design, implementation, and reporting of high-quality consensus research in China.
2.Mechanisms of Curcumol in Inhibiting Proliferation and Migration in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Yu QI ; Yihan YU ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yilong ZOU ; Cunyu FAN ; Yiling FAN ; Jixian ZHANG ; Bo XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):34-45
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effects of curcumol (Cur) on the proliferation and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and to explore the underlying mechanisms. MethodsIn vivo, a subcutaneous tumor xenograft model was established to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of Cur. In vitro, the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to assess the effects of Cur at concentrations of 0, 60, 120, 240, 360, 480, 600, 720, 840, 960 μmol·L-1 on the viability of NCI-A549 and NCI-H23 cells, and to evaluate its inhibitory effect on the proliferation of human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Wound healing and Transwell migration assays were conducted to assess changes in cell migratory capacity following Cur treatment. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) was used to investigate the regulatory effect of Cur on the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway in tumor tissues. Western blot was performed to determine the protein expression levels of phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2), phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in tumor tissues and cells. To further verify the role of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in the pharmacological effects of Cur, rescue experiments were performed using the pathway agonist colivelin. ResultsIn vivo experiments showed that, compared with the model group, the tumor volumes of subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice in both low- and high-dose Cur groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the tumor inhibition rates were significantly increased (P<0.05). The inhibitory effect in the high-dose group was comparable to that of the cisplatin group, and the body weight of mice in the Cur groups remained stable throughout the experiment. In vitro, compared with the control group, Cur at concentrations of 120 and 240 μmol·L-1 inhibited the proliferation of NCI-A549 and NCI-H23 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05), with a significant inhibitory effect observed at 360 μmol·L-1 (P<0.01), while no significant effect on the viability of BEAS-2B cells was observed. Migration assays demonstrated that, compared with the control group, Cur treatment significantly reduced the migration rates of both cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05), with an inhibitory effect at 360 μmol·L-1 comparable to that of the cisplatin group. Mechanistic validation showed that, compared with the control group, the protein expression levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in tumor tissues and cells were significantly downregulated in the Cur groups (P<0.01), and the expression levels of downstream proteins PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA were also significantly decreased with increasing Cur concentration (P<0.05). In the rescue experiments, compared with the control group, colivelin pretreatment increased cell proliferation and migration rates (P<0.05) and upregulated the expression of related proteins (P<0.05). Compared with the Cur group, the colivelin+Cur group showed significantly increased proliferation and migration rates (P<0.05), along with significantly upregulated protein expression levels (P<0.05). ConclusionCur can significantly inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC both in vivo and in vitro, and its mechanism of action is closely associated with the inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway activation.
3.Eupatilin Inhibits Proliferation, Invasion, and Metastasis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via EZH2/H3K27me3 Signaling Pathway
Bo XU ; Yihan YU ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yu QI ; Shasha YUAN ; Yiling FAN ; Jixian ZHANG ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):58-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which eupatilin (Eup) inhibits proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through the enhancer of zeste homolog 2/histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (EZH2/H3K27me3) signaling pathway. MethodsIn vivo, a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model was established in nude mice using H1299 cells to evaluate the anti-NSCLC effects of Eup. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) was used to detect the expression of proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). In vitro, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were performed to determine the viability of H1299 cells treated with different concentrations of Eup (0-200 μmol·L-1) and to select appropriate concentrations. Colony formation and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Wound healing and invasion assays were conducted to assess cell migration and invasion. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) angiogenesis assays were used to evaluate the effects of Eup on angiogenesis. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify the targets of Eup in H1299 cells and to explore its major functions. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to predict the binding affinity and interaction stability between Eup and its target proteins. Western blot was used to detect the effects of Eup on the expression levels of EZH2/H3K27me3 pathway-related proteins and proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA. ResultsIn the subcutaneous xenograft model, compared with the model group, Eup treatment dose-dependently inhibited the growth of H1299 xenograft tumors, and the tumor inhibition rate was significantly increased (P<0.05). IHC-P results showed that, compared with the model group, high-dose Eup significantly reduced the expression levels of PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA in vivo (P<0.05). In vitro, compared with the control group, Eup inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of NSCLC cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Transcriptomic analysis further showed that, compared with the control group, Eup significantly downregulated EZH2 expression, and its functional effects were associated with inhibition of tumor metastasis. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that Eup exhibited strong binding affinity with EZH2 and stable interactions. Western blot results demonstrated that, compared with the model group, Eup significantly inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the expression levels of EZH2, H3K27me3, and proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins (PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA) in both in vivo and in vitro experiments (P<0.05). In vitro, compared with the control group, overexpression of EZH2 via plasmid transfection partially reversed the inhibitory effects of Eup on the expression of key proteins involved in proliferation and invasion/metastasis in H1299 cells. ConclusionEup effectively inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of H1299 cells both in vivo and in vitro. The underlying mechanism may be related to inhibition of the EZH2/H3K27me3 signaling pathway and downregulation of proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA. Eup may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for suppressing proliferation and invasion/metastasis in NSCLC.
4.Anti-lung Cancer Mechanisms of Yang-warming Herbs and Formulas: A Review
Bo XU ; Yu QI ; Jixian ZHANG ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yilong ZOU ; Cunyu FAN ; Yiling FAN ; Qing MIAO ; Yihan YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):70-79
Lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is the malignant tumor with the highest incidence and mortality in China and worldwide. In 2022, the global number of deaths reached 1.8 million, accounting for 18.7% of all cancer-related deaths, seriously threatening human health and life, and posing a severe challenge for prevention and treatment. Although treatment strategies for lung cancer have been continuously enriched in recent years, and progress has been made in targeted therapy and immunotherapy, long-term survival benefits remain limited due to primary or acquired drug resistance, low immune responsiveness, and chemotherapy-related toxicities. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore safe and effective adjunctive therapeutic strategies. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its advantages of holistic regulation and individualized syndrome differentiation, has played an increasingly prominent role in comprehensive cancer treatment. TCM holds that "Yang deficiency leads to accumulation" is a key pathogenesis of tumors. Based on the theory that "Yang transforms Qi, while Yin forms substance", deficiency of Yang Qi results in impaired warming and transformation functions, leading to internal accumulation of Yin-cold. This is closely related to dysregulation of the immune microenvironment, "cold tumor" characteristics, and dysfunction of the neuroendocrine system in modern medicine. Accordingly, the therapeutic strategy of "warming Yang, supporting healthy Qi, and combating cancer" has gained increasing attention. In recent years, commonly used Yang-warming Chinese herbs, including Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Cinnamomi Cortex, Epimedii Folium, and Psoraleae Fructus, as well as their active constituents, have achieved notable progress in anti-lung cancer research by regulating multiple signaling pathways, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting metastasis, and reversing drug resistance. In addition, Yang-warming formulae such as Sini Tang and Yanghe Tang have shown promising effects in alleviating myelosuppression, improving cancer-related fatigue, managing malignant pleural effusion, and relieving cancer pain. These therapies exhibit toxicity-reducing and efficacy-enhancing effects, significantly improving patients' quality of life and survival benefits. To systematically summarize the roles and mechanisms of Yang-warming Chinese herbal medicines and compound formulae in lung cancer, this paper provides a comprehensive review of recent advances, aiming to offer insights for the clinical practice of TCM in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer.
5.Mechanisms of Curcumol in Inhibiting Proliferation and Migration in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Yu QI ; Yihan YU ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yilong ZOU ; Cunyu FAN ; Yiling FAN ; Jixian ZHANG ; Bo XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):34-45
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effects of curcumol (Cur) on the proliferation and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and to explore the underlying mechanisms. MethodsIn vivo, a subcutaneous tumor xenograft model was established to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of Cur. In vitro, the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to assess the effects of Cur at concentrations of 0, 60, 120, 240, 360, 480, 600, 720, 840, 960 μmol·L-1 on the viability of NCI-A549 and NCI-H23 cells, and to evaluate its inhibitory effect on the proliferation of human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Wound healing and Transwell migration assays were conducted to assess changes in cell migratory capacity following Cur treatment. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) was used to investigate the regulatory effect of Cur on the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway in tumor tissues. Western blot was performed to determine the protein expression levels of phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2), phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in tumor tissues and cells. To further verify the role of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in the pharmacological effects of Cur, rescue experiments were performed using the pathway agonist colivelin. ResultsIn vivo experiments showed that, compared with the model group, the tumor volumes of subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice in both low- and high-dose Cur groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the tumor inhibition rates were significantly increased (P<0.05). The inhibitory effect in the high-dose group was comparable to that of the cisplatin group, and the body weight of mice in the Cur groups remained stable throughout the experiment. In vitro, compared with the control group, Cur at concentrations of 120 and 240 μmol·L-1 inhibited the proliferation of NCI-A549 and NCI-H23 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05), with a significant inhibitory effect observed at 360 μmol·L-1 (P<0.01), while no significant effect on the viability of BEAS-2B cells was observed. Migration assays demonstrated that, compared with the control group, Cur treatment significantly reduced the migration rates of both cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05), with an inhibitory effect at 360 μmol·L-1 comparable to that of the cisplatin group. Mechanistic validation showed that, compared with the control group, the protein expression levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in tumor tissues and cells were significantly downregulated in the Cur groups (P<0.01), and the expression levels of downstream proteins PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA were also significantly decreased with increasing Cur concentration (P<0.05). In the rescue experiments, compared with the control group, colivelin pretreatment increased cell proliferation and migration rates (P<0.05) and upregulated the expression of related proteins (P<0.05). Compared with the Cur group, the colivelin+Cur group showed significantly increased proliferation and migration rates (P<0.05), along with significantly upregulated protein expression levels (P<0.05). ConclusionCur can significantly inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC both in vivo and in vitro, and its mechanism of action is closely associated with the inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway activation.
6.Eupatilin Inhibits Proliferation, Invasion, and Metastasis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via EZH2/H3K27me3 Signaling Pathway
Bo XU ; Yihan YU ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yu QI ; Shasha YUAN ; Yiling FAN ; Jixian ZHANG ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):58-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which eupatilin (Eup) inhibits proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through the enhancer of zeste homolog 2/histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (EZH2/H3K27me3) signaling pathway. MethodsIn vivo, a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model was established in nude mice using H1299 cells to evaluate the anti-NSCLC effects of Eup. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) was used to detect the expression of proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). In vitro, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were performed to determine the viability of H1299 cells treated with different concentrations of Eup (0-200 μmol·L-1) and to select appropriate concentrations. Colony formation and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Wound healing and invasion assays were conducted to assess cell migration and invasion. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) angiogenesis assays were used to evaluate the effects of Eup on angiogenesis. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify the targets of Eup in H1299 cells and to explore its major functions. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to predict the binding affinity and interaction stability between Eup and its target proteins. Western blot was used to detect the effects of Eup on the expression levels of EZH2/H3K27me3 pathway-related proteins and proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA. ResultsIn the subcutaneous xenograft model, compared with the model group, Eup treatment dose-dependently inhibited the growth of H1299 xenograft tumors, and the tumor inhibition rate was significantly increased (P<0.05). IHC-P results showed that, compared with the model group, high-dose Eup significantly reduced the expression levels of PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA in vivo (P<0.05). In vitro, compared with the control group, Eup inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of NSCLC cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Transcriptomic analysis further showed that, compared with the control group, Eup significantly downregulated EZH2 expression, and its functional effects were associated with inhibition of tumor metastasis. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that Eup exhibited strong binding affinity with EZH2 and stable interactions. Western blot results demonstrated that, compared with the model group, Eup significantly inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the expression levels of EZH2, H3K27me3, and proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins (PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA) in both in vivo and in vitro experiments (P<0.05). In vitro, compared with the control group, overexpression of EZH2 via plasmid transfection partially reversed the inhibitory effects of Eup on the expression of key proteins involved in proliferation and invasion/metastasis in H1299 cells. ConclusionEup effectively inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of H1299 cells both in vivo and in vitro. The underlying mechanism may be related to inhibition of the EZH2/H3K27me3 signaling pathway and downregulation of proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA. Eup may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for suppressing proliferation and invasion/metastasis in NSCLC.
7.Anti-lung Cancer Mechanisms of Yang-warming Herbs and Formulas: A Review
Bo XU ; Yu QI ; Jixian ZHANG ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yilong ZOU ; Cunyu FAN ; Yiling FAN ; Qing MIAO ; Yihan YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):70-79
Lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is the malignant tumor with the highest incidence and mortality in China and worldwide. In 2022, the global number of deaths reached 1.8 million, accounting for 18.7% of all cancer-related deaths, seriously threatening human health and life, and posing a severe challenge for prevention and treatment. Although treatment strategies for lung cancer have been continuously enriched in recent years, and progress has been made in targeted therapy and immunotherapy, long-term survival benefits remain limited due to primary or acquired drug resistance, low immune responsiveness, and chemotherapy-related toxicities. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore safe and effective adjunctive therapeutic strategies. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its advantages of holistic regulation and individualized syndrome differentiation, has played an increasingly prominent role in comprehensive cancer treatment. TCM holds that "Yang deficiency leads to accumulation" is a key pathogenesis of tumors. Based on the theory that "Yang transforms Qi, while Yin forms substance", deficiency of Yang Qi results in impaired warming and transformation functions, leading to internal accumulation of Yin-cold. This is closely related to dysregulation of the immune microenvironment, "cold tumor" characteristics, and dysfunction of the neuroendocrine system in modern medicine. Accordingly, the therapeutic strategy of "warming Yang, supporting healthy Qi, and combating cancer" has gained increasing attention. In recent years, commonly used Yang-warming Chinese herbs, including Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Cinnamomi Cortex, Epimedii Folium, and Psoraleae Fructus, as well as their active constituents, have achieved notable progress in anti-lung cancer research by regulating multiple signaling pathways, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting metastasis, and reversing drug resistance. In addition, Yang-warming formulae such as Sini Tang and Yanghe Tang have shown promising effects in alleviating myelosuppression, improving cancer-related fatigue, managing malignant pleural effusion, and relieving cancer pain. These therapies exhibit toxicity-reducing and efficacy-enhancing effects, significantly improving patients' quality of life and survival benefits. To systematically summarize the roles and mechanisms of Yang-warming Chinese herbal medicines and compound formulae in lung cancer, this paper provides a comprehensive review of recent advances, aiming to offer insights for the clinical practice of TCM in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer.
8.Mechanism of miR-21 targeting inhibition of the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway in ameliorating chronic renal fibrosis in mice
Jiao QI ; Shanshan XU ; Qige QI ; Yan MENG ; Jianrong ZHAO ; Liying ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):217-224
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism through which miR‑21 improves chronic renal fibrosis in mice via targeted modulation of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. MethodsThirty‑two chronic kidney disease model mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=8 each group): model group, miR‑21 overexpression group, miR‑21 inhibition group, and miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 group. Eight healthy mice were included as the control group. The miR‑21 overexpression, miR‑21 inhibition, and miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 groups received tail‑vein injections of lentivirus (50 μL, 1×10⁸ TU per mouse) once weekly for three weeks. The control and model groups were injected with an equal volume of empty vector (LV‑NC). The miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 group additionally received gavage of the AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitor MK‑2206 (480 mg/kg) once weekly for three weeks. The expressions of miR‑21, 24 h urinary protein, serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and renal tissue levels of collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ, α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA), and PTEN protein, as well as p‑AKT/AKT and p‑mTOR/mTOR ratios, were compared among groups. HE staining was used to observe pathological changes in renal tissue, and Masson staining was used to observe the degree of renal fibrosis. A dual‑luciferase assay was performed to verify the targeting relationship between miR‑21 and PTEN. ResultsCompared with the model group, miR‑21 expression in renal tissue increased in the miR‑21 overexpression group (P<0.05) and decreased in the miR‑21 inhibition group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the miR‑21 overexpression group showed increased 24 h urinary protein, Scr, BUN, and renal tissue expression of collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ, and α‑SMA (all P<0.05), while these indicators decreased in the miR‑21 inhibition group (P<0.05). Compared with the miR‑21 inhibition group, the miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 group exhibited lower 24‑h urinary protein, Scr, BUN, and renal tissue expression of Collagen Ⅰ, Collagen Ⅲ, and α‑SMA (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the miR‑21 overexpression group showed decreased PTEN protein expression (P<0.05) and increased p‑AKT/AKT and p‑mTOR/mTOR ratios (P<0.05), while the miR‑21 inhibition group showed increased PTEN expression (P<0.05) and decreased p‑AKT/AKT and p‑mTOR/mTOR ratios (P<0.05). Compared with the miR‑21 inhibition group, the miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 group had lower p‑AKT/AKT and p‑mTOR/mTOR ratios (P<0.05), with no significant difference in PTEN protein expression. HE and Masson staining showed normal kidney structure and almost no fibrosis in the control group. The model group exhibited glomerular enlargement, capillary loop adhesion, and focal fibrosis. The miR-21 overexpression group showed severe destruction of glomerular structure, accompanied by extensive fibrosis and renal tubular atrophy. The pathological changes and degree of fibrosis were alleviated in the miR-21 inhibition group. The miR-21 inhibition + MK-2206 group showed only mild pathological changes and mild fibrosis, with the interstitium being largely normal. Compared with PTEN-WT + NC mimics 1, the relative luciferase activity in the PTEN-WT + miR-21 mimics group decreased (P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in relative luciferase activity between PTEN-WT + NC mimics group and PTEN-MUT + miR-21 mimics group. ConclusionmiR‑21 may improve renal function indicators and alleviate renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease mice via targeted modulation of PTEN and subsequently inhibiting the AKT/mTOR pathway.
9.Expression of SLC7A11 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues and its preliminary study on mediating tumor cell metabolism
Huakun ZHANG ; Mengfei SUN ; Qi SUN ; Ziru ZHOU ; Jie YU ; Yunzhao CHEN ; Xiaobin CUI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):270-276
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and clinical prognosis, and to determine its effects on ESCC cell growth, migration, and other biological activities. MethodsSLC7A11 protein expression was measured in 310 ESCC tissues and 259 adjacent normal tissues using immunohistochemistry to statistically assess the association of SLC7A11 with clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis in ESCC patients. The expression of SLC7A11 in ESCC cell lines was suppressed through siRNA-mediated knockdown. The specific effects of SLC7A11 knockdown on proliferation and migration were evaluated using CCK-8, clonogenic assay, and Transwell assays. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), lactic acid and pyruvate assays were used to measure ESCC metabolism. ResultsSLC7A11 protein expression was localized predominantly in the cytoplasm of ESCC tissues. Significantly higher SLC7A11 expression levels were observed in ESCC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues (P<0.001). High SLC7A11 expression was associated with poorer differentiation in patients (P<0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated significantly shorter overall survival in patients with high SLC7A11 expression compared to those with low expression (P<0.05). CCK-8 and colony formation assays demonstrated that the knockdown of SLC7A11 expression significantly suppressed the proliferative capacity of tumor cells (P<0.001). Furthermore, Transwell assays revealed a marked decline in tumor cell migration capacity following SLC7A11 suppression (P<0.001). Critically, SLC7A11 knockdown also reduced intracellular levels of ATP, lactate, and pyruvate, demonstrating that SLC7A11 modulated metabolic activity in ESCC cells(P<0.001). ConclusionThe expression level of SLC7A11 is relatively high in ESCC and is strongly associated with poor prognosis. Silencing SLC7A11 significantly inhibits esophageal cancer cell growth and migration. SLC7A11 has the ability to regulate glucose, lactic acid and ATP metabolism levels in ESCC, thereby affecting the metabolic microenvironment of ESCC.
10.Effect and Mechanism of Xiao Qinglongtang Against Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Rats with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Induced by Monocrotaline
Lei QI ; Huifei ZHANG ; Ling GONG ; Jifu HE ; Wenjing CHEN ; Weipin NIU ; Xiao LI ; Yuehua JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):11-19
ObjectiveThis study aimed to establish a monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) rat model to systematically evaluate the protective effect of Xiao Qinglongtang (XQLT) on right cardiac function in model rats and further elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanism. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly assigned to the normal group, model group, XQLT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (XQLT-L/M/H), and the beraprost sodium tablet group (BST). Except for the normal group, rats in all other groups were given a single subcutaneous injection of MCT (60 mg·kg-1) to induce PAH. Three weeks after injection, rats in the XQLT-L/M/H groups were administered XQLT intragastrically at 3.07, 6.14, 12.28 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively. Rats in the BST group received beraprost sodium at 12.6 μg·kg-1·d-1, and rats in the model group received an equal volume of saline. All treatments lasted for 3 weeks. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was measured by right ventricular catheterization. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. The right ventricle was weighed to calculate the right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe myocardial morphology. Serum metabolomic changes were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics was used to detect differentially expressed (DE) proteins in the right ventricle, and Western blot was used to measure the expression of uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit p110α (PIK3CA), L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM), and quinone oxidoreductase (CRYZ). UPLC-MS/MS was used to analyze the chemical components of XQLT. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased RVSP and RVHI (P<0.05), along with pathological changes in myocardial morphology. Compared with the model group, all XQLT-treated groups exhibited reductions in RVSP and RVHI as well as significant improvements in cardiac function and myocardial morphology. Among the XQLT groups, XQLT-M showed the most pronounced effects (P<0.05), comparable to the BST group. Serum metabolomics revealed 105 differential metabolites in the XQLT groups versus the model group [variable importance in projection (VIP) >1, P<0.05], including 58 upregulated and 47 downregulated metabolites. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that XQLT intervention downregulated phenylalanine metabolism (P<0.01) and upregulated unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis (P<0.05). Proteomics analysis showed that 982 DE proteins were identified in the MCT groups versus the normal group, including 455 upregulated and 527 downregulated proteins (|fold change (FC)| >1.3, P<0.05). Compared with the model group, 237 DE proteins were identified in the XQLT groups, including 124 upregulated and 113 downregulated proteins (|FC| >1.3, P<0.05), with 57 overlapping DE proteins. KEGG enrichment suggested that XQLT mainly modulated pathways related to mineral absorption, ribosomal biogenesis, peroxisomes, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, spliceosomes, and thyroid hormone signaling. Western blot analysis showed that, compared with the model group, XQLT increased the expression of UCP3, PIK3CA, and L1CAM, while decreasing the expression of CRYZ (P<0.05). ConclusionXQLT exerts a protective effect on right heart function in MCT-induced PAH rats, and its mechanism is associated with maintaining myocardial homeostasis and alleviating right ventricular remodeling.

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