1.Molecular Mechanism of Astragali Radix and Hedyotis diffusa in Regulating LINC01134-CTCF-p21 Axis to Inhibit Lung Adenocarcinoma Proliferation
Haipeng SUN ; He ZHUANG ; Xue LIU ; Siyuan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):131-138
ObjectiveTo explore the interaction and competitive binding of Homo sapiens long intergenic non-protein-coding RNA 1134 (LINC01134) to CCCTC-binding factor CTCF, affecting the transcription of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (p21) and influencing the proliferation of A549 cells, in order to investigate the possible mechanism of Astragali Radix and Hedyotis diffusa (A-H) in inhibiting A549 proliferation by regulating this axis. MethodsRNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were conducted to examine the interaction between LINC01134 and CTCF, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to study the effect of LINC01134 overexpression on the interaction between CTCF and p21. Stable A549 cell lines (oe-NC and oe-LINC01134) were established using lentiviral transfection, and each group was treated with 10% A-H drug-containing serum. Real-time PCR and Western blot analyses were performed to detect the effects of A-H on the expression of LINC01134, CTCF, and p21 in A549 cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were used to assess the effects of A-H on A549 cell proliferation via LINC01134. Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate the effects of A-H on the A549 cell cycle through LINC01134, and Western blot was used to detect changes in cell cycle proteins. ResultsCompared with the IgG group, the oe-CTCF group showed a significantly increased abundance of LINC01134 aggregates (P0.01). Compared with the oe-Vector group, p21 abundance in CTCF complexes was significantly reduced in the oe-LINC01134 group (P0.01). Compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group, the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed the expression of LINC01134 and p21 (P0.05), but had no significant regulatory effect on CTCF. Compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group, the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed cell viability at 72 h (P0.05), inhibited malignant proliferation (P0.05), and reversed the proportions of cells in the G0/G1 and S phases (P0.01). Furthermore, compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group, the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed the expression of Cyclin D1, CDK4, Cyclin E, CDK2, phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (p-Rb), and E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) (P0.01). ConclusionA-H regulates the LINC01134-CTCF-p21 axis to block the G1/S phase transition of A549 cell cycle, accelerate cellular senescence, and inhibit malignant proliferation.
2.Molecular Mechanism of Astragali Radix and Hedyotis diffusa in Regulating LINC01134-CTCF-p21 Axis to Inhibit Lung Adenocarcinoma Proliferation
Haipeng SUN ; He ZHUANG ; Xue LIU ; Siyuan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):131-138
ObjectiveTo explore the interaction and competitive binding of Homo sapiens long intergenic non-protein-coding RNA 1134 (LINC01134) to CCCTC-binding factor CTCF, affecting the transcription of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (p21) and influencing the proliferation of A549 cells, in order to investigate the possible mechanism of Astragali Radix and Hedyotis diffusa (A-H) in inhibiting A549 proliferation by regulating this axis. MethodsRNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were conducted to examine the interaction between LINC01134 and CTCF, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to study the effect of LINC01134 overexpression on the interaction between CTCF and p21. Stable A549 cell lines (oe-NC and oe-LINC01134) were established using lentiviral transfection, and each group was treated with 10% A-H drug-containing serum. Real-time PCR and Western blot analyses were performed to detect the effects of A-H on the expression of LINC01134, CTCF, and p21 in A549 cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were used to assess the effects of A-H on A549 cell proliferation via LINC01134. Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate the effects of A-H on the A549 cell cycle through LINC01134, and Western blot was used to detect changes in cell cycle proteins. ResultsCompared with the IgG group, the oe-CTCF group showed a significantly increased abundance of LINC01134 aggregates (P0.01). Compared with the oe-Vector group, p21 abundance in CTCF complexes was significantly reduced in the oe-LINC01134 group (P0.01). Compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group, the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed the expression of LINC01134 and p21 (P0.05), but had no significant regulatory effect on CTCF. Compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group, the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed cell viability at 72 h (P0.05), inhibited malignant proliferation (P0.05), and reversed the proportions of cells in the G0/G1 and S phases (P0.01). Furthermore, compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group, the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed the expression of Cyclin D1, CDK4, Cyclin E, CDK2, phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (p-Rb), and E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) (P0.01). ConclusionA-H regulates the LINC01134-CTCF-p21 axis to block the G1/S phase transition of A549 cell cycle, accelerate cellular senescence, and inhibit malignant proliferation.
3.Role of exosomal miR-320c in gingerol-mediated defense against Staphylococcus aureus infection
Zhencai XING ; Mengxue XU ; Xiang KONG ; Jinghan SUN ; Zhen MA ; Yu GAO ; Siyuan DU ; Hong ZHENG ; Yakun LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):795-802
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effect of gingerol, an active component of ginger, on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection, and to preliminarily explore its mechanism related to extracellular vesicles (EVs). MethodsS.aureus infection models were established in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs), Vero E6 cells, and C57BL/6 mice. Experimental groups included control, infection, and gingerol-treated groups. Bacterial load and VE-cadherin protein expression were detected using immunofluorescence and Western blot. EVs were isolated by size exclusion chromatography and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. miRNA sequencing was performed on EVs. ResultsGingerol treatment significantly reduced the bacterial load in both in vitro and in vivo infection models and upregulated VE-cadherin expression. miRNA sequencing of EVs revealed that S. aureus infection upregulated the expression of hsa-miR-320c, while gingerol treatment reversed this abnormal expression. Bioinformatic analysis further predicted that the target genes of hsa-miR-320c were significantly enriched in cell junction-related pathways. ConclusionGingerol exhibits clear antibacterial and host-protective effects, by regulating hsa-miR-320c in EVs to maintain endothelial barrier integrity.
4.Serial mediating roles of cognitive distortion and hopelessness in the associations of stressful life events with subclinical depressive and anxiety symptoms
Xiaolin SUN ; Xinpeng XU ; Weigang PAN ; Ying YANG ; Siyuan LIU ; Xiaohong LI
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(4):375-380
BackgroundStressful life events are associated with subclinical depressive and anxious symptoms, which may increase the risk of subsequent depressive and anxiety disorders. However, the mechanisms linking stressful life events to subclinical emotional symptoms remain unclear. ObjectiveTo explore the clinical characteristics of individuals with subclinical depression and anxiety following stressful events, and to analyze the mechanisms by which stressful events affect subclinical depressive and anxious symptoms, so as to provide a reference for the early identification and intervention of emotional symptoms in individuals under stress. MethodsFrom December 2024 to April 2025, 80 individuals with subclinical depression and/or anxiety (study group) and 80 healthy controls were recruited via the online official accounts of Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University and Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Capital Medical University. Participants completed the Patients' Health Questionnaire Depression Scale-9 item (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 item (GAD-7), the Life Event Scale (LES), the Self-rating Idea of Suicide Scale (SIOSS), and the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS). Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to examine the associations in the study group. Serial mediation analyses were conducted using model 6 of Process version 4.1, to test whether cognitive distortion and hopelessness mediated the associations of stressful life events with subclinical depressive and anxious symptoms. ResultsCompared with healthy controls, participants with subclinical depressive and anxious symptoms had higher scores on PHQ-9, GAD-7, LES, SIOSS hopelessness subscale, and DAS scores (Z/t=10.294, 9.197, 4.659, 6.918, 3.517, P<0.01). In the study group, GAD-7 score was positively correlated with LES, DAS, and SIOSS hopelessness subscale scores (rs=0.233, 0.465, 0.588, P<0.05); SIOSS hopelessness subscale score was positively correlated with DAS and LES scores (rs=0.393, 0.309, P<0.01) and cognitive distortion was positively correlated with stressful life events(rs=0.432, P<0.01). Stressful life events were directly associated with subclinical anxiety symptoms (β=0.040, 95% CI: 0.015–0.065, P<0.05), and showed a significant serial indirect association with subclinical anxiety symptoms (indirect effect=0.006, 95% CI: 0.001–0.017, P<0.01), accounting for 7.15% of the total effect. Stressful life associated with subclinical depressive symptoms (β=0.087, 95% CI: 0.060–0.115, P<0.01), however, the indirect effect through cognitive distortion and hopelessness were not statistically significant. ConclusionAfter experiencing stressful events, individuals with subclinical depression and anxiety exhibit more pronounced cognitive distortions and hopelessness. Stressful events can both directly affect subclinical anxiety symptoms and indirectly affect them through the serial mediating effects of cognitive distortion and hopelessness. Stressful events have a direct effect on subclinical depressive symptoms, whereas the mediating effects of cognitive distortion and hopelessness are no statistically significant. [Funded by the Training Program for the Development of High-level Public Health Technical Talents (number, Academic Leader-01-22); www.chictr.org.cn number, ChiCTR2400093516]
6.Role and mechanism of PRMT7 in muscle inflammation,oxidative stress,and fibrosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy mice
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(8):1071-1077
Objective:To investigate the role and mechanism of protein arginine methyltransferase 7(PRMT7)in muscle inflamma-tion,oxidative stress,and fibrosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy mice.Methods:In this study,C57BL/6 wild-type mice were used as the control group,mdx mice as the model group of Duchenne muscular dystrophy,and mdx mice injected with AAV9-PRMT7 by the caudal vein as the experimental group.The levels of inflammatory factors were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Oxidative stress-related indicators were measured using commercial kits.Masson staining was performed to assess the fibrosis degree of the gastrocnemius.The expression of PRMT7,peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha(PGC-1α),and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)was analyzed by a Western blot assay.The arginine methylation level of PGC-1α was determined by an immunoprecipitation assay.Results:PRMT7 expression was significantly reduced in the gastrocnemius of mdx mice(0.67±0.03,F=70.764,P=0.001).The up-regulation of PRMT7 resulted in significant decreases in the levels of inflammatory factors(interleukin-1β:167.87±13.25,F=407.751,P<0.001;tumor ne-crosis factor-α:1071.54±46.63,F=55.996,P=0.048)and signifi-cant improvements in the oxidative stress and fibrosis status in the gastrocnemius of mdx mice(reactive oxygen species:1.16±0.03,F=86.820,P=0.008;malondialdehyde:66.11±3.84,F=228.175,P=0.001;glutathione/oxidized glutathione:2.53±0.06,F=499.962,P<0.001;fibrosis area:10.33±0.47,F=604.272,P=0.002),an in-crease in the arginine methylation level of PGC-1α,and significant increases in protein levels of PGC-1α and Nrf2(PGC-1α:1.94±0.11,F=31.565,P=0.038;Nrf2:1.53±0.12,F=140.761,P<0.001).Conclusion:Increasing PRMT7 expression attenuates the inflam-mation,oxidative stress,and pathological state of fibrosis in the gastrocnemius of mdx mice.Thses effects may be achieved through the PGC-1α/Nrf2 pathway.
7.Application Analysis of Animal Models of Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Based on Data Mining
Fangli LUO ; Luqiang SUN ; Yujun HOU ; Siqi WANG ; Ying LI ; Siyuan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):219-226
ObjectiveBased on literature data mining, this study explores the modeling elements of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) animal models in China and abroad, providing references and suggestions for improving modeling methods and evaluation indicators. MethodsRelevant literature on IBS-D animal experiments from 2014 to 2024 was retrieved through computer searches in databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP, Chinese Medical Journals Full-text Database, and PubMed. Information on experimental animal species, gender, body weight, modeling methods, modeling periods, intervention controls, modeling standards, and detection indicators was organized. Microsoft Excel 2021 software was used to establish a database and perform statistical analysis to examine the characteristics of IBS-D animal models. ResultsA total of 398 articles that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The IBS-D animal models were predominantly established using SD rats, Wistar rats, and C57BL/6 mice. Male animals were more commonly used, with rats typically aged 6-8 weeks and mice aged 4-6 weeks. In terms of interventions, piverium bromide was the main Western medicine, Tongxieyaofang was the primary Chinese medicine, and electroacupuncture was the primary acupuncture method. Among the modeling methods, the multi-factor combined composite modeling approach was the most common. Modeling periods were mainly concentrated between 1-14 days and 15-30 days. The success criteria for modeling were mainly evaluated based on the animal's general condition, fecal appearance, visceral sensitivity, gastrointestinal motility, behavior, and pathology. Detection indicators included apparent indexes, pathological markers, biochemical indicators, oxidative stress, brain-gut peptides, neurotransmitters, inflammatory factors, immune function, intestinal permeability, autophagy, apoptosis, proteins related to relevant signaling pathways, intestinal microbiota and its metabolites, etc. ConclusionThere are various methods for establishing IBS-D animal models, but no unified and universally accepted method has been established. The operation of the same modeling methods and the evaluation standards of the models vary across studies. Based on the results of data mining, the authors suggest that the multi-factor combined composite modeling approach most closely reflects the pathophysiological processes of IBS-D, better simulating the complex clinical symptoms of IBS-D patients, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, and has a high degree of clinical relevance. This method is relatively recommended. While animal models in general align with Western medicine standards, models incorporating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes are relatively few. Therefore, one of the future directions for research is to establish IBS-D animal models that meet the combined clinical disease and syndrome requirements of both Western and Chinese medicine.
8.Molecular Mechanism of Astragali Radix and Hedyotis diffusa Regulating Sp1-miR-582-3p-p27 Axis to Inhibit Lung Adenocarcinoma Proliferation
Haipeng SUN ; Lufan XU ; Xue LIU ; Siyuan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):116-124
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of excessive activation of the Specific protein 1 (Sp1)-MicroRNA-582-3p (miR-582-3p)-cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (p27) axis on the cell cycle and proliferation of A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells at the cellular level, thereby investigating the possible mechanisms by which Astragali Radix and Hedyotis diffusa(A-H) regulate the axis to inhibit A549 cells proliferation. MethodsLentiviral plasmid transfection technology was used to obtain four stable A549 transgenic cell lines: shRNA-Sp1+LV-miR-582-3p mimic, shRNA-Sp1+LV-mNC, shRNA-NC+LV-miR-582-3p mimic, and shRNA-NC+LV-mNC. Real-time PCR was used to detect the effect of Sp1 on miR-582-3p expression in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. CCK-8 and colony formation assay were used to detect the effect of Sp1 on cell proliferation through miR-582-3p, while flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of Sp1 on cell cycle via miR-582-3p. Western blot was used to detect the effect of Sp1 on cyclin in A549 cells through miR-582-3p. CCK-8 was employed to detect the effects of different concentrations (5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 80%) of A-H on A549 cell viability, and the optimal concentration was selected for subsequent mechanism exploration. Stable transgenic strains oe-Sp1 and control oe-Vector were constructed using the above-mentioned transfection techniques. Real-time PCR was then used to investigate the effect of A-H on miR-582-3p expression in A549 cells, while Western blot was employed to detect the effect of A-H on Sp1 and p27 expression in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. ResultsCompared with the shRNA-NC+LV-mNC group, the expression of miR-582-3p was significantly inhibited in the shRNA-Sp1+LV-mNC group (P<0.01). Compared with the shRNA-Sp1+LV-mNC group, the shRNA-Sp1+LV-miR-582-3p mimic group significantly reversed miR-582-3p expression (P<0.01), indicating that Sp1 has a significant regulatory effect on miR-582-3p. Compared with the shRNA-Sp1+LV-mNC group, the shRNA-Sp1+LV-miR-582-3p mimic group significantly reversed cell proliferation (P<0.01), suggesting that miR-582-3p can partially reverse the proliferative effect of Sp1 on A549 lung adenocarcinoma. Compared with the shRNA-Sp1+LV-mNC group, the shRNA-Sp1+LV-miR-582-3p mimic group showed a significant decrease in G0/G1 proportions, while the G2/M and S phase proportions increased significantly (P<0.01), indicating that miR-582-3p can partially reverse the effect of Sp1 on the A549 cell cycle. Compared with the shRNA-Sp1+LV-mNC group, the shRNA-Sp1+LV-miR-582-3p mimic group significantly reversed the expression of various proteins with the decrease of p27 and the increase of Cyclin D1, CDK4, Cyclin E, CDK2, p-Rb, and E2F3 (P<0.01), indicating that miR-582-3p can partially reverse the effect of Sp1 on the cell cycle of A549 lung adenocarcinoma. Compared with the blank group, the serum containing A-H significantly inhibited A549 cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Therefore, 10% A-H was selected for intervention of subsequent mechanism experiments. Compared with A-H+oe-Vector, A-H+oe-Sp1 significantly reversed the downregulation of Sp1, miR-582-3p, and the upregulation of p27 (P<0.01). This suggests that Sp1 can partially reverse the effects of A-H on miR-582-3p and p27 levels in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. ConclusionOveractivation of the Sp1-miR-582-3p-p27 axis significantly promotes the proliferation of A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells, and the potential mechanism of the inhibitory effect of A-H on the proliferation of A549 cells may be related to its inhibition on the overactivation of the Sp1-miR-582-3p-p27 axis.
9.Effect of jaw osteoblasts on B cell development via cytokine secretion
Xinyu WANG ; Qianye CHEN ; Jiping SUN ; Tingwei LU ; Xiangru HUANG ; Siyuan SUN ; Yuanqi LIU ; Houwen PAN ; Qinggang DAI ; Lei SHEN ; Lingyong JIANG
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(9):1106-1115
Objective·To investigate the regulatory effects and underlying mechanisms of mouse mandibular osteoblasts on B cell differentiation and development.Methods·Single-cell suspensions from mouse mandibular bone were prepared using an optimized enzymatic digestion method and induced to differentiate into osteoblasts in vitro.Osteogenic potential was validated by real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR),alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining,and alizarin red S(ARS)staining.The spatial localization relationship between osteoblasts and B cells in mandibular tissues was examined via immunofluorescence staining.High-purity hematopoietic progenitor cells were isolated using fluorescence-activated cell sorting.A Transwell co-culture system was established to assess the regulatory effects of different osteoblast concentrations(5×104,2.5×105,and 5×105 cells/well)on B cell differentiation(5×104 cells/well).Flow cytometry and RT-qPCR were employed to evaluate B cell viability and differentiation.Additionally,RT-qPCR was used to analyze the expression of osteoblast-secreted factors associated with B cell development during osteogenic differentiation.Results·Mandibular osteoblasts exhibited robust osteogenic potential,as confirmed by ALP/ARS staining and high expression of osteogenic markers(Runx2,Osx,Ocn,and Alp)via RT-qPCR.Immunofluorescence revealed close spatial proximity between osteoblasts and B cells in mandibular tissues.In the co-culture system,osteoblasts promoted B cell differentiation in a concentration-dependent manner.RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence demonstrated that osteoblasts significantly upregulated key genes involved in B cell development(Ebf1,Rag1,Il7r,and Pax5;all P<0.001).Furthermore,osteoblast-derived factors(Il7,Baff,and Flt3l)were markedly elevated during osteogenic differentiation(all P<0.05).Conclusion·Mandibular osteoblasts enhance B cell differentiation and development in a concentration-dependent manner,likely through secreting growth factors that upregulate critical B cell differentiation genes.
10.Proficiency testing for 11 clinical biobanks in Beijing City: simulation study and result analysis
Qian ZHANG ; Yun ZHANG ; Lu HAN ; Min LIU ; Yongbo YU ; Yan WANG ; Ying HU ; Hui ZHONG ; Dan GUO ; Shipeng SUN ; Jinxi LIN ; Siyuan XU ; Xiaokun TANG ; Gaoyuan SUN ; Chuanbao ZHANG ; Hexin LI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(9):1590-1596
Objective:To evaluate the sample preparation proficiency and storage proficiency of 11 clinical biobanks in Beijing through simulated experiments, and to establish an assessment method for the quality comparability of biological samples.Methods:An exploratory research design was adopted. In November 2023, artificial composite serum quality control materials containing six recombinant human protein markers—recombinant human alanine aminotransferase (rhALT), recombinant human aspartate aminotransferase (rhAST), recombinant human creatine kinase (rhCK), recombinant human creatine kinase-MB (rhCK-MB), recombinant human B-type natriuretic peptide (rhBNP), and recombinant human troponin I (rhTNI)—were distributed to 11 clinical biobanks in Beijing City. Sample preparation and storage followed the standardized operating procedures. Proficiency differences were assessed through statistical analysis.Results:Three-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed all six protein markers showed a declining trend over storage time in ultra-low-temperature environments ( F values 11.68-4 179.66, all P<0.01). However, neither long-term/temporary refrigerator types ( F values 0.01-1.23, all P>0.05)nor placement locations within refrigerators significantly affected the stability of these six proteins ( F valus 0.03-1.47, all P>0.05). The biases in detection results for rhALT, rhAST, rhTNI, and rhBNP at different storage time points were within the allowable bias limits for each item, supporting their use as markers for protein stability in biobank samples. All 11 institutions passed the storage proficiency assessment. In the preparation proficiency assessment, deviations were observed in post-preparation sample results, with a notably high out-of-control rate for rhCK (36.36%). Conclusion:Sample preparation proficiency can serve as a quality control metric for clinical biobanks. Future external quality assessment systems for biobanks should focus on sample preparation rather than storage processes.

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