1.Effect of LncRNA SNHG16 targeting miR-141-3p/HMGB1 axis on angiogenesis of endometrial stromal cells in ectopic adenomyosis
Ting LIU ; Mingyang WANG ; Xiaofeng ZOU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):533-539
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of interfering with long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene16 (SNHG16) on improving angiogenesis of ectopic endometrial stromal cells (EScs) in adenomyosis (AM) by targeting upregulation of miRNA (miR)-141-3p and inhibition of high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1). MethodsThe expression levels of SNHG16, miR-141-3p and HMGB1 mRNA in endometrial tissues of 52 patients with adenomyosis (AM group) and 52 patients who needed hysterectomy due to cervical cancer or ovarian cancer (control group) were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Y14 cells were divided into small hairpin RNA (shRNA) NC group, shRNA SNHG16 group, shRNA SNHG16+miR-141-3p inhibitor (inhibitor) group, shRNA SNHG16+inhibitor NC group and blank group. The targeting relationship between miR-141-3p and SNHG16 as well as HMGB1 was verified. The expression levels of SNHG16, miR-141-3p and HMGB1 mRNA in Y14 cells were detected by qRT-PCR. CCK-8 and Transwell assay were used to detect cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Microvascular density (MVD) was determined by immunofluorescence. The expressions of hypoxia-inducing factor α (HIF-1α), cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and HMGB1 were detected by Western blot. ResultsThe expression of SNHG16 and HMGB1 mRNA in AM group was higher than that in control group, but the expression of miR-141-3p was lower than that in control group (P0.05). The expression of SNHG16, HMGB1 mRNA, proliferation rate, migration, invasion number, MVD, expression of VEGF, HIF-1 α, Cox-2, and HMGB1 proteins in the shRNA SNHG16 group were lower than those in the blank group and shRNA NC group, while the expression of miR-141-3p was higher than that in the blank group and shRNA NC group (P0.05). Inhibition of miR-141-3p reversed the improvement of EScs angiogenesis by interfering with SNHG16. ConclusionInterference with LncRNA SNHG16 improves EScs angiogenesis and inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of EScs by targeting upregulation of miR-141-3p and inhibition of HMGB1.
2.Construction, breeding, and genotypic identification of an inducible mouse model with skin CD4+ T cell deficiency
Na SHAO ; Xuyang ZHOU ; Ting CAO ; Ying ZOU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):1061-1068
ObjectiveTo establish and characterize an inducible,
3.Pathogenic characteristics of measles virus genotype D8 in three cases in Daye City, Hubei Province in 2025
Ting ZHANG ; Wenjing ZOU ; Xianfeng TANG ; Jing LI
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(5):31-35
Objective To analyze the pathogenic characteristics of measles virus genotype D8 in three cases in Hubei Province. Methods An epidemiological investigation was conducted on three consecutive confirmed cases of measles in a city of Hubei Province within a week. Measles virus IgM antibody was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the measles virus nucleic acid was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain, and the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify the C-terminal 450-nucleotide sequence of the N gene. A phylogenetic tree of measles virus genotypes was constructed to compare the isolated strains with reference strains of measles from other regions, and the nucleotide homology and genotype were analyzed. Results The nucleotide homology of the N gene of three measles virus strains in Hubei Province in 2025 was 99.80%-100.00%, with one amino acid site difference. The N gene homology with the Swiss strain (MVs/Bern.CHE/19.23D8) and the Japanese strain (MVs/Tokyo.JPN/24.23/23124/D8) was 99.3% -99.7%, with one amino acid site difference. The nucleotide homology of N gene with the WHO D8 genotype reference strain (MVi/Manchester.GBR/30.94/D8) was 98.00%-98.20%, with six amino acid differences. The nucleotide homology of the N gene compared with the vaccine strain Shanghai-191 was 91.40%-91.60%, with 21 amino acid differences from the vaccine strain S191. Conclusion All the three measles virus strains in Hubei Province are of the genotype D8 and have a high homology. It is necessary to pay attention to imported cases of measles, and the etiological monitoring of measles virus should be continuously strengthened to provide a scientific basis for the elimination of measles.
4.Inhibitory Effect and Mechanisms of Yupingfeng San on HMGB1-induced Angiogenesis in Liver Cancer via Modulating RAGE/MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway
Qian XU ; Wenyue HOU ; Shaomei GAO ; Yichao YAN ; Ting ZOU ; Lurong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(23):1-11
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of Yupingfeng San (YPFS) on high-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1)-induced angiogenesis in liver cancer. MethodsAn orthotopic liver cancer model was established in 30 C57BL/6 mice. The mice were randomly divided into a model group, YPFS low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (20, 30, 40 g·kg-1, respectively), a positive control group (sorafenib, 10 mg·kg-1), and a normal control group. After 14 days of medication, tumor and adjacent tissues were harvested. Tumor inhibition rates were calculated based on tumor weight. Microvascular density was determined via immunohistochemistry. HMGB1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression levels were determined using immunofluorescence. An HMGB1-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation model was established, and cell proliferation was evaluated by a methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. HUVECs were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group (HMGB1 800 μg·L-1), along with YPFS low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (HMGB1 800 μg·L-1 + YPFS 10, 30, 50 g·L-1, respectively). HUVEC migration ability was evaluated via a scratch assay and a Trans well chamber assay. Tube formation ability was detected by a tube formation assay. Microvascular sprouting ability was evaluated by an aortic ring assay. Furthermore, RAGE/MEK1/2/ERK1/2 pathway-related protein expression in HUVECs was measured using Western blot (WB). ResultsCompared with the model group, all three doses of YPFS significantly reduced tumor weight in mice with orthotopic liver cancer (P<0.01), with inhibition rates of 31.49% ± 8.27%, 49.60% ± 3.77%, and 56.81% ± 9.70%, respectively. Also, YPFS significantly decreased microvascular density in tumor and adjacent tissues (P<0.05), as well as VEGF and HMGB1 expression levels (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, HMGB1 promoted HUVEC proliferation, migration, tube formation, and microvascular sprouting in aortic rings (P<0.05). After YPFS administration, the HMGB1-induced proliferation rate, migration rate, number of tube formations, and microvascular sprouting in aortic rings were significantly reduced compared with the model group (P<0.01). Additionally, YPFS downregulated receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2), phosphorylated MEK1/2 (p-MEK1/2), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) protein expression in HMGB1-induced HUVECs (P<0.01). ConclusionYPFS exerts anti-angiogenic effects against HMGB1 induction by suppressing the RAGE/MEK/ERK signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting liver cancer tumor growth.
5.Inhibitory effect of β-elemonic acid on proliferation and invasion of colon cancer cell lines
Ting SUN ; Teng ZOU ; Yisong YANG ; Shuangping LIU ; Xin REN ; Dan WANG
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(6):748-754
Objective To investigate the inhibitory effect of β-elemonic acid(β-EA)on the proliferation and inva-sion of colon cancer cells and the underlying mechanisms through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.Methods The effects of β-EA on colon cancer cell proliferation were evaluated using the MTT assay and colony formation as-say.Transwell invasion assay were used to assess the impact of β-EA on invasion.Western blot analysis was con-ducted to detect changes in PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway proteins after treatment.Results MTT assay showed thatβ-EA effectively inhibited the proliferation of colon cancer HCT8 and HCT116 cells in a dose-dependent manner.The colony formation assay confirmed its inhibitory effect on cell proliferation.Transwell invasion assays demonstra-ted that β-elemonic acid reduced the invasion abilities of the cells.Western blot analysis revealed increased expression of apoptosis-related proteins cleaved-caspase 3,cleaved-caspase 9,and Bax,while Bcl-2 expression was decreased.Invasion-related proteins vimentin,snail,MMP2,and MMP9 were downregulated after treatment.Addi-tionally,β-EAA reduced the levels of p-PI3K,p-Akt,and p-mTOR,and these reductions were more pronounced af-ter the addition of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002.Conclusions β-EA may inhibit proliferation and invasion in colon cancer cell lines HCT8 and HCT116 through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway,and potentially be transformed as a novel therapeutic agent for colon cancer.
6.Chemical constituents from the stems and barks of Maytenus variabilis
Ting HE ; Bing-qian LIU ; Jian-feng CHEN ; Xiao-qin YU ; Cheng-xiong LIU ; Kun ZOU ; Fan CHENG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(5):1539-1547
AIM To study the chemical constituents from the stems and barks of Maytenus variabilis(Hemsl.)C.Y.Cheng.METHODS The 95%ethanol extract from the stems and barks of M.variabilis was isolated and purified by silica gel,Sephadex LH-20 and semi preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.RESULTS Twenty-three compounds were isolated and identified as β-amyrin(1),3β-acetoxyolean-12-en-11-one(2),ursa-12-ene-11-one-3-ol octocosate(3),friedelin(4),canophyllol(5),pinoresinol(6),medioresinol(7),isolariciresinol(8),dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol(9),vanillic acid(10),7R,8S-5-methoxydihydrodehydroconiferyl alcohol(11),β-hydroxypropiovanillone(12),triptregeline B(13),triptregeline E(14),(+)-evofolin B(15),2,5-dimethoxybenzoquinone(16),olean-12-ene-3,11-dione(17),β-sitosterol(18),(-)-(7R,7'R,7"S,8S,8'S,8"S)-4',4"-dihydroxy-3,3',3",5-tetramethoxy-7,9',7',9-diepoxy-4,8"-oxy-8,8'-sesquineolignan-7",9"-diol(19),phyllostadimer B(20),rayalinol(21),lyoniresinol(22),dihydrobuddlenol B(23).CONCLUSION Compounds 3,9-11,13-14,16,19-21,23 are isolated from genus Maytenus for the first time,and compounds 2,4-5,7-8,12,15,17,22 are first found from this plant.
7.Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes alleviate septic lung injury in mice through TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway
Jianshuang LU ; Beibei WANG ; Ting ZOU ; Yanke ZHU ; Yuanyuan SUN
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(8):1596-1604
AIM:This study aims to investigate the therapeutic impact of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell(MSC)-derived exosomes(MSC-Exos)on septic lung injury by targeting Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway.METHODS:MSC-Exos were isolated from bone marrow MSCs using ultracentrifugation.The exosomes were characterized by transmission electron microscopy(TEM),nanoparticle tracking analysis(NTA),and Western blot.A septic lung injury model was established via cecal ligation and puncture(CLP).MSC-Exos were adminis-tered intraperitoneally 3 h after CLP.Blood and lung tissue samples were collected at 6,12,24,and 72 h after CLP.Con-centrations of interleukin-10(IL-10),IL-6,IL-1β,and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were measured by ELISA.The lung tissue damage in mice was assessed by HE staining.Expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB were detected by RT-qP-CR and Western blot.RESULTS:The results of TEM revealed typical round and oval exosome-like structures of MSC-Exos.Western blot showed positive expression of CD63,TSG101 and HSP-70.The results of NTA indicated that the parti-cle size of MSC-Exos was(107.5±16.6)nm.Septic lung injury began to manifest 12 h after CLP and progressively worsened,peaking at 72 h after CLP.At 6 h after CLP,the level of TNF-α was markedly elevated compared to the control group,reaching its peak at 72 h after CLP.At 12 h after CLP,the levels of IL-1β,IL-10,and IL-6 were elevated com-pared to the control group,and they reached their maximum point 72 h post-CLP.The MSC-Exos intervention group ex-hibited significantly reduced lung injury compared to the CLP group,as indicated by the lung pathology scoring.In the MSC-Exos intervention group,concentrations of IL-10,IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α peaked at 12 h after CLP,gradually de-clined,and returned to baseline levels by 72 h.TLR4 and NF-κB expression levels were significantly increased at 6 h af-ter CLP in the CLP group,peaking at 72 h.In contrast,MSC-Exos treatment normalized TLR4 and NF-κB expression levels at 72 h after CLP.CONCLUSION:Early intervention with bone marrow MSC-Exos significantly alleviated septic lung injury by reducing the inflammatory cytokine storm,likely through downregulation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling path-way.
8.High-grade astrocytoma with piloid features: a clinicopathological study of seven cases
Wanjing ZOU ; Ruichao CHAI ; Li XU ; Ting SUN ; Zhen LIU ; Zhaoxia LIU ; Qing CHANG
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(8):805-811
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological and molecular genetic features of high-grade astrocytomas with piloid features (HGAP).Methods:Clinical, histopathological and imaging data of 7 cases of HGAP diagnosed at the Neuropathology Center of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China from August 2023 to October 2024 were collected. The histopathological and molecular features for each case were analyzed.Results:Among the seven patients there were 4 males and 3 females, with the median age of 37 (34, 51) years. Patients exhibited various clinical symptoms and signs depending on the tumor′s location. Four tumors were located in the cerebellum, 2 in the supratentorial region, and 1 in the spinal cord. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that 6 of the 7 patients had cystic and solid lesions, with focal or nodular enhancement and relatively unclear boundaries. Histopathological features had a diverse morphological spectrum and extensive grading. Five cases displayed a pilocytic astrocytoma-like appearance with infiltrative growth patterns, while two cases presented glioblastoma-like morphology, containing locally anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma with minor pilocytic components. All tumors were diffusely positive for GFAP and Olig2, while 4 tumors exhibited partial or complete loss of ATRX. The Ki-67 proliferation index ranged from 2% to 40%. Next-generation sequencing showed that tumor cells most commonly harbored MAPK pathway gene mutations, and/or homozygous deletions of CDKN2A/B, and/or ATRX mutations. Among the 7 HGAP models, 3 cases showed the three types of molecular genetic variations, 1 case showed MAPK mutations and homozygous deletions of CDKN2A/B, 1 case had MAPK mutations and ATRX mutations, 1 case had only MAPK mutations, and 1 case showed no detectable molecular changes. DNA methylation clustering analyses showed that the median model prediction score was 0.94 (range, 0.85-0.99) for the 7 HGAP models. Five cases showed the MGMT promoter hypermethylation. Four patients received radiotherapy and concomitant temozolomide treatment after surgery, while three patients received no known treatments. At the last follow-up, seven patients were alive without any tumor, two patients had recurrence, and one patient was alive with the tumor.Conclusions:HGAP is relatively rare and predominantly occurs in adults. It has a wide histopathological spectrum and various histological grades, characterized by piloid astrocytoma-like and glioblastoma-like histological features. Its diagnosis relies on methylation clustering analysis. Most tumors harbor gene alterations in the MAPK signaling pathway, along with homozygous deletions of CDKN2A/B or ATRX mutations. The biological behavior is typically aggressive, while imaging and histological findings can be misleading. Therefore, clinicians need to increase their diagnostic awareness of this tumor and prevent missed diagnoses.
9.Rituximab combined with intensive immunochemotherapy for sporadic adult Burkitt lymphoma: efficacy and prognosis analyse
Changming DONG ; Hesong ZOU ; Wen ZHANG ; Wei LIU ; Yi WANG ; Huimin LIU ; Ting XIE ; Heng LI ; Qi WANG ; Wenyang HUANG ; Shuhua YI ; Gang AN ; Lugui QIU ; Dehui ZOU
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(2):134-139
Objective:To explore the therapeutic efficacy and prognostic factors of combined rituximab and intensive chemotherapy for sporadic adult Burkitt lymphoma (BL) .Methods:This retrospective study examined the clinical and survival data of 30 patients newly diagnosed with BL between July 2011 and February 2023 at the Blood Diseases Hospital. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and the log-rank test was used for univariate analysis of prognostic factors.Results:The median age of the 30 patients was 43 years (24 - 66 years), and the male to female ratio was 3: 2. Extranodal invasion was present in 80% of the patients, with involvement of the bone marrow in 53.3% and central nervous system in 10.0%. The Ann Arbor stage was Ⅲ and Ⅳ in 86.7%. According to the number of Burkitt Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (BL-IPI) risk factors, patients were classified as low risk (0) in 20.0%, intermediate risk (1) in 43.3%, and high risk (≥2) in 36.7%. All patients were treated with an induction regimen of rituximab combined with intensive chemotherapy, with objective and complete response rates of 80.0% and 76.7%, respectively. The median follow-up was 49 months (6-153 months), and the 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were both (76.7±7.7) %. All patients with limited stage ( n=4) achieved continuous complete remission (CCR). Patients who had high risk, advanced stage sensitive to induction therapy ( n=10) sequentially received first-line autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) as consolidation therapy; 9 patients achieved CCR, whereas 1 patient with central nervous system invasion developed early disease progression and died. The BL-IPI low, intermediate, and high risk groups had respective 5-year PFS rates of (83.3±15.2) %, 100.0%, and (45.5±15.0) % ( P=0.0069) and OS rates of (83.3±15.2) %, 100.0%, and (45.5±15.0) % ( P=0.0075). The main adverse effects of induction therapy were myelosuppression and secondary infections, which were effectively managed by appropriate symptomatic treatment. Univariate analysis demonstrated that worse PFS was associated with BL-IPI score ≥2 ( HR=4.90, 95% CI 1.02-23.45, P=0.0329) ; extranodal invasion at ≥2 sites ( HR=12.62, 95% CI 2.59-61.62, P=0.0021) ; and failure to achieve first complete response (CR1) after induction therapy ( HR=31.86, 95% CI 4.19-242.20, P<0.0001) . Conclusions:Intensive immunochemotherapy regimens were effective and well-tolerated by adult patients with highly aggressive BL. Treatment efficacy was ideal in patients with limited-stage disease, whereas prognosis was unsatisfactory in patients with high-risk BL-IPI. Sequential first-line auto-HSCT consolidation therapy may further improve outcomes in patients with high-risk advanced-stage disease who are sensitive to induction therapy. BL-IPI score ≥2, extranodal invasion at ≥2 sites, and failure to achieve CR1 after induction therapy were adverse prognostic factors in adult patients with BL.
10.The evaluation of resting gated radionuclide myocardial imaging in systemic lupus erythematosus with myocardial injury
Jianming XU ; Minchao ZOU ; Jingjing LU ; Kejing SHAO ; Ting LIU ; Fenghong YUAN
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2025;29(6):497-503
Objective:To excplore the risk factors for myocardial damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the value of application of resting gated nuclear myocardial imaging.Methods:A total of 64 lupus patients who were hospitalized in Wuxi People′s Hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were included, and the patients′ clinical data, imaging data, and test reports were retrospectively analyzed using paired χ2 test, t test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Mann-Whitney U test, and binary logistic regression analysis. Results:①Among the 64 patients with lupus, 19(29.7%) had abnormal radionuclide myocardial imaging, 23 (35.9%) had elevated BNP, and 6 (9.4%) had myocardial involvement on echocardiography. There was no statistical difference between radionuclide myocardial imaging and BNP ( Kappa=0.294, P=0.503), but there was a significant difference between radionuclide myocardial imaging and echocardiography ( Kappa=0.394, P<0.001). ②There was no statistical difference in the EF values measured by resting gated myocardial radionuclide imaging and echocardiography [(64.9±9.6)% vs. (63.2±5.6)%, Z=-1.73, P=0.083]. ③Compared with the normal myocardial group, the myocardial damage group had higher BNP value [(912±1729)pg/ml vs. (297±572)pg/ml, t=-3.05, P=0.002], ESR[(56±42)mm/1 h vs. (34±27)mm/1 h, t=-2.17, P=0.030], and SDI scores[2.16±1.30 vs. 1.04±0.85, t=-3.43, P=0.002], more patients with a course of disease≥10 years [57.9% vs. 28.9%, Z=2.17, P=0.030], and anti-U1RNP antibody[52.6% 24.4%, Z=-2.18, P=0.029] and anti-SSB antibody[31.6% vs. 11.1% Z=-1.97, P=0.049] were statistically different. ④Through binary logistic regression analysis, SDI score [ OR ( 95%CI)=2.444 (1.195, 4.998), P=0.014], anti-U1RNP antibody [ OR ( 95%CI)=4.569 (1.036, 20.150), P=0.045] and disease duration≥10 years [ OR ( 95%CI)=5.218 (1.210, 22.496), P=0.027] were independent risk factors for myocardial damage in SLE patients. Conclusion:Resting gated radionuclide myocardial imaging can accurately provide ventricular motion parameters and can detect myocardial damage in SLE patients at early stage. Disease duration ≥10 years, high SDI score, and positive anti-U1RNP antibodies are independent risk factors for myocardial damage in SLE patients.


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