ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 （ZEB1） on the proliferation， migration， and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma H322 cells， as well as its underlying molecular mechanisms. MethodsThe gene expression characteristics of the transcription factor ZEB1 in lung adenocarcinoma were analyzed using data from the GEO and TCGA public databases. RT-qPCR and Western blot were employed to measure mRNA and protein expression levels of ZEB1 in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines （H322， A549， 95-D） and normal human bronchial epithelial cells （BEAS-2B）. Lentiviral transduction was utilized to establish stable ZEB1-overexpressing （Oe-ZEB1） and vector control （Oe-NC） H322 cell lines. Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8， colony formation， and EdU assays， while apoptosis was evaluated by Hoechst33258/PI double staining. Wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to examine cell migration and invasion capabilities. Cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry， and Western blot was used to analyze protein expression changes in relevant signaling pathways. ResultsThe findings from GEO and TCGA indicated that ZEB1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma varied with tumor malignancy grade. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses revealed significantly higher ZEB1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines compared to BEAS-2B cells （P0.05）. Results from the CCK-8， colony formation， EdU， wound healing， and Transwell assays demonstrated that， compared with the un-transfected control （Control） group， Oe-ZEB1 H322 cells exhibited enhanced proliferation， migration， and invasion capabilities （P0.05）. Hoechst33258/PI double staining and flow cytometry analyses showed that， relative to the Control group， apoptosis was reduced in Oe-ZEB1 H322 cells （P0.05）. Additionally， a decreased proportion of cells in the G₁ phase and an increased proportion in the S phase were observed in Oe-ZEB1 cells， indicating accelerated cell cycle progression. Western blot analysis further revealed that， compared with the Control group， Oe-ZEB1 H322 cells exhibited upregulated expression of N-cadherin， mutant p53 （mutp53）， and Cyclin D1 （P0.05）， while expression levels of E-cadherin， murine double minute 2 （MDM2）， and p21 were downregulated （P0.05）. ConclusionOverexpression of ZEB1 promotes the proliferation， migration， and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma H322 cells and may facilitate cell cycle progression by modulating the MDM2/mutp53/p21 signaling pathway， thereby promoting the transition of cells from the G₀/G₁ phase to the S phase.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the efficacy and mechanisms of Qingjie Fuzheng Granules (QFG) in inhibiting colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) development via RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) correlation analysis. METHODS: CAC was induced in BALB/c mice using azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), and QFG was administered orally to the treatment group. The effects of QFG on CAC were evaluated using disease index, histology, and serum T-cell ratios. RNA-seq and 16S rRNA analysis assessed the transcriptome and microbiome change. Key pharmacodynamic pathways were identified by integrating these data and confirmed via Western blotting and immunofluorescence. The link between microbiota and CAC-related markers was explored using linear discriminant analysis effect size and Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS: Long-term treatment with QFG prevented AOM/DSS-induced CAC formation, reduced levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-6, and interferon γ (IFN-γ), and increased CD3⁺ and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T cells ratio, without causing hepatic or renal toxicity. A 16S rRNA analysis revealed that QFG rebalanced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and mitigated AOM/DSS-induced microbiota disturbances. Transcriptomics and Western blotting analysis identified the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway as key for QFG's treatment against CAC. Furthermore, QFG decreased the abundance of Bacilli, Bacillales, Staphylococcaceae, Staphylococcus, Lactobacillales, Aerococcus, Alloprevotella, and Akkermansia, while increasing Clostridiales, Lachnospiraceae, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ruminococcaceae, and Muribaculaceae, which were highly correlated with CAC-related markers or NOD2/NF-κB pathway. CONCLUSION By mapping the relationships between CAC, immune responses, microbiota, and key pathways, this study clarifies the mechanism of QFG in inhibiting CAC, highlighting its potential for clinical use as preventive therapy.

Objective To investigate the establishment and evaluation of an idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)mouse model induced by the intratracheal infusion of bleomycin(BLM)of different concentrations.Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group,Model-L group(1.5 mg/kg,BLM),Model-M group(2.5 mg/kg,BLM),and Model-H group(3.5 mg/kg,BLM).An IPF mouse model was constructed by one-time intratracheal infusion of BLM.The general status,body mass,survival rate,and lung coefficient of mice in different groups were compared.Pathological changes in lung tissue,the hydroxyproline content,fibrosis markers and inflammatory factor levels were observed.Results Compared with the control group,the survival rate decreased and body weight showed a downward trend in the low-,medium-,and high-dose model groups,with significant increases in lung coefficients.Inflammatory infiltration(P＜0.01)and collagen deposition(P＜0.0001)were observed in the lung tissues of all model groups.Hydroxyproline levels in lung tissue and serum were significantly elevated(P＜0.05).The mRNA levels of fibrosis markers α-Sma,Fn1,and Col1a1 were upregulated(P＜0.001),with significant increases in corresponding protein expression(P＜0.05).The mRNA expression of the inflammatory factor Tgfb1 also increased(P＜0.0001).Conclusion 1.5,2.5 and 3.5 mg/kg BLM can induce an IPF model in C57BL/6J mice.Based on the results observed for survival rate,body mass,lung coefficient changes,lung tissue gross and pathological changes,and fibrosis-related biomarkers,2.5 mg/kg BLM is the optimal concentration for inducing an IPF mouse model.

BACKGROUND:Mitophagy is closely associated with the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis,but its mechanism remains unclear.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biological mechanism of mitophagy in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and provide ideas for the risk prediction of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and subtype differentiation.METHODS:The mitophagy-related genes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were obtained through GEO and Reactome Pathway databases.The mitophagy-related characteristic genes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were screened based on intergroup differences and random forest model.GO functional enrichment analysis and KEGG,Reactome with WIKI pathway enrichment analyses were performed by g:Profiler database.Mitophagy subtypes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were distinguished by consensus clustering method and immune infiltration analysis was performed.The mitophagy-related key gene was screened.Finally,the predictive value of mitophagy-related key gene for the risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis was quantified by alignment diagram and the correlation between mitophagy-related key gene and clinical characteristics of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis was explored.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 13 genes related to mitophagy in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were identified and 5 characteristic genes were screened,containing PINK1,RPS27A,SRC,HIF1A,and CDH6.(2)GO analysis was mainly involved in ubiquitin protein ligase binding,and cellular response to hypoxia.Pathway enrichment analysis was mainly involved in PINK1-PRKN mediated mitophagy,NOTCH signaling pathway,signaling by EGFR and angiogenesis.(3)HIF1A had significant expression differences between subtypes,which might serve as a key gene for the differentiation of mitophagy subtypes of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.(4)Immune infiltration analysis suggested that myeloid-derived suppressor cell,neutrophil and type 1 T helper cell might have infiltration differences between subtypes,while HIF1A was positively correlated with multiple immune cells.(5)Alignment diagram suggested that the risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis might be predicted by the expression level of HIF1A.(6)Clinical characteristics analysis indicated patients with high expression of HIF1A might have poorer lung function and more severe fibrosis.It is concluded that PINK1,RPS27A,SRC,HIF1A,and CDH6 may influence the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis through mitophagy,in which HIF1A may serve as a key gene for risk prediction with clinical subtype differentiation and HIF1A is strongly associated with the lung function of patients.

BACKGROUND:Mitophagy is closely associated with the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis,but its mechanism remains unclear.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biological mechanism of mitophagy in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and provide ideas for the risk prediction of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and subtype differentiation.METHODS:The mitophagy-related genes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were obtained through GEO and Reactome Pathway databases.The mitophagy-related characteristic genes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were screened based on intergroup differences and random forest model.GO functional enrichment analysis and KEGG,Reactome with WIKI pathway enrichment analyses were performed by g:Profiler database.Mitophagy subtypes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were distinguished by consensus clustering method and immune infiltration analysis was performed.The mitophagy-related key gene was screened.Finally,the predictive value of mitophagy-related key gene for the risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis was quantified by alignment diagram and the correlation between mitophagy-related key gene and clinical characteristics of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis was explored.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 13 genes related to mitophagy in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were identified and 5 characteristic genes were screened,containing PINK1,RPS27A,SRC,HIF1A,and CDH6.(2)GO analysis was mainly involved in ubiquitin protein ligase binding,and cellular response to hypoxia.Pathway enrichment analysis was mainly involved in PINK1-PRKN mediated mitophagy,NOTCH signaling pathway,signaling by EGFR and angiogenesis.(3)HIF1A had significant expression differences between subtypes,which might serve as a key gene for the differentiation of mitophagy subtypes of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.(4)Immune infiltration analysis suggested that myeloid-derived suppressor cell,neutrophil and type 1 T helper cell might have infiltration differences between subtypes,while HIF1A was positively correlated with multiple immune cells.(5)Alignment diagram suggested that the risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis might be predicted by the expression level of HIF1A.(6)Clinical characteristics analysis indicated patients with high expression of HIF1A might have poorer lung function and more severe fibrosis.It is concluded that PINK1,RPS27A,SRC,HIF1A,and CDH6 may influence the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis through mitophagy,in which HIF1A may serve as a key gene for risk prediction with clinical subtype differentiation and HIF1A is strongly associated with the lung function of patients.

Objective To investigate the establishment and evaluation of an idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)mouse model induced by the intratracheal infusion of bleomycin(BLM)of different concentrations.Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group,Model-L group(1.5 mg/kg,BLM),Model-M group(2.5 mg/kg,BLM),and Model-H group(3.5 mg/kg,BLM).An IPF mouse model was constructed by one-time intratracheal infusion of BLM.The general status,body mass,survival rate,and lung coefficient of mice in different groups were compared.Pathological changes in lung tissue,the hydroxyproline content,fibrosis markers and inflammatory factor levels were observed.Results Compared with the control group,the survival rate decreased and body weight showed a downward trend in the low-,medium-,and high-dose model groups,with significant increases in lung coefficients.Inflammatory infiltration(P＜0.01)and collagen deposition(P＜0.0001)were observed in the lung tissues of all model groups.Hydroxyproline levels in lung tissue and serum were significantly elevated(P＜0.05).The mRNA levels of fibrosis markers α-Sma,Fn1,and Col1a1 were upregulated(P＜0.001),with significant increases in corresponding protein expression(P＜0.05).The mRNA expression of the inflammatory factor Tgfb1 also increased(P＜0.0001).Conclusion 1.5,2.5 and 3.5 mg/kg BLM can induce an IPF model in C57BL/6J mice.Based on the results observed for survival rate,body mass,lung coefficient changes,lung tissue gross and pathological changes,and fibrosis-related biomarkers,2.5 mg/kg BLM is the optimal concentration for inducing an IPF mouse model.

Objective To explore the therapeutic mechanism of Modified Lugen Formula(Phragmitis Rhizoma,Cicadae Periostracum,Batryticatus Bombyx,Lonicerae Japonicae Flos,Glycyrrhiza,Menthae Haplocalycis Herba,Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix,Puerariae Lobatae Radix,Bupleuri Radix)in treating influenza from the virus-host interaction interface.Methods The phytocompounds were first collected from the HERB database,and then potential active compounds were screened out by Lipinski's rules of five.The targets of active compounds were further predicted through the SwissTargetPrediction platform.Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were determined from the human H1N1 influenza dataset GSE90732 available in the Gene Expression Omnibus database(GEO).H1N1-Homo sapiens-related protein-protein interactions(PPIs)were gathered from the Pathogen-Host Interaction Search Tool(PHISTO).The above mentioned bioinformatic datasets were integrated.Then a PPI network and a Formula-virus-host interaction network were constructed using Cytoscape.Functional enrichment analyses were performed by using R software.Finally,molecular docking was carried out to evaluate the binding activities between the key compounds and targets.Results A total of 1 252 active compounds,1 415 targets,951 influenza-related DEGs,and 10 142 H1N1-Homo sapiens-related PPIs were obtained.There were 72 intersection targets between the Modified Lugen Formula and influenza.Functional enrichment analyses showed that these targets are closely related to host defense and programmed cell death.The network topological analysis showed that active compounds in the Modified Lugen Formula,such as oleanolic acid,γ-undecalactone,and longispinogenin,regulate viral proteins M2,NA,NS1,and HA and/or the host factors HSP90AA1,NRAS,and ITGB1,thus exert therapeutic effect.Molecular docking results confirmed that these compounds had a good binding ability with the targets.Conclusion Multiple active ingredients in Modified Lugen Formula directly target influenza virus proteins and/or host factors,thereby play an anti-influenza role in multiple dimensions,including inhibiting virus replication,regulating host defense and cell death.This study provides a theoretical basis for further experimental analysis of the action mechanism of the Modified Lugen Formula in treating influenza.

Objective:To monitor intra-fractional set-up errors in tumor radiotherapy using a real-time intelligent capture system for precision displacement.Methods:A simulated radiotherapy environment was created in both the laboratory and the treatment room. A three-axis ( xyz) displacement platform (LD60-LM) and dial gauges were used as displacement measurement tools. Moreover, a real-time intelligent capture system for precision displacement was developed for displacement monitoring. With 23 patients treated with radiotherapy enrolled in this study, the above system was employed to monitor their intra-fractional set-up errors in fractionated radiotherapy. Descriptive analyses were conducted on the deviations between the data captured by cameras and the actual displacement, obtaining the mean values and standard deviation. Results:The monitoring calibration data from the laboratory revealed displacement differences of ≤ 0.5 mm within 20 mm and a maximum displacement difference of 1.47 mm for 50 mm. In contrast, the calibration result from the treatment room exhibited deviations of ± 0.2 mm on the y- z axes, as displayed by both the left and right cameras, and ± 0.31 mm on the x- z axes, as displayed by the middle camera. During 37 radiotherapy sessions in 23 patients, the monitoring result from the middle camera revealed five deviations exceeding the threshold of 5 mm, with the maximum deviation duration and displacement of 57.2 s and 9.24 mm, respectively. Conclusions:The real-time intelligent capture system for precision displacement based on machine vision can achieve real-time monitoring of set-up errors during tumor radiotherapy. Nevertheless, further improvements and service testing are necessary for this system.

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of modified Weijing Decoction in the treatment of stable stage of bronchiectasis(phlegm heat accumulating in the lung pattern).Methods A series of N-of-1 trials using bronchiectasis patients in stable stage with phlegm heat accumulation in the lung pattern were performed.Participants meeting inclusion criteria underwent two distinct treatment protocols during a therapy period.Modified Weijing Decoction was used in the experimental period and ambroxol tablets were used in the control period,washout periods were set.The medication-use order in the control period and experimental period is random.The visual analog scale(VAS)was used to assess symptom changes before and after treatment.24-hour sputum volume and COPD self-assessment test(CAT)scores were recorded,while adverse reactions were monitored during the study period.Statistical analysis and drawing were performed on SPSS 25.0 and GraphPad Prism 8.Comparison of inter-group differences before grouping was assessed by independent samples t-test.Analysis of symptom score,24-hour sputum volume and CAT scores in the experimental and control periods,as well as comparison of differences between the above two groups before and after treatment were performed using paired t-test,which enabled comprehensive exploration of clinical and statistical distinctions.Results A total of 9 patients participated in 16 rounds of analysis.Statistically significant differences(P＜0.05)before and after the treatment in the experimental period were noted in total Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)symptom scores,cough,sputum,sputum color,chest tightness and chest pain,bitter and dry mouth,fatigue and tiredness,24-hour sputum volume,and CAT score.Paired t-tests revealed significant variations(P＜0.05)in the total TCM symptom scores,sputum color scores,scores of chest tightness and pain,and 24-hour sputum volume between experimental and control periods.No adverse events related to the test methods or drugs occurred during the observation period.Conclusion Modified Weijing Decoction could comprehensively improve clinical symptoms of bronchiectasis patients in stable stage.It exhibits superior efficacy compared to ambroxol,and maintains a favorable safety profile.