1.Circadian mechanisms underlying cardiometabolic dysfunction induced by chronic PM2.5 exposure
Wenqing ZHANG ; Biao WU ; Jianshu GUO ; Dongxia FAN ; Ge WANG ; Lu YU ; Chihang ZHANG ; Xianying LIAO ; Xihao DU ; Yuquan XIE ; Jinzhuo ZHAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(8):926-935
Background Long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a significant risk factor for cardiometabolic disorders. However, the mechanisms of its interaction with the endogenous circadian system remain incompletely understood. Objective To investigate whether chronic PM2.5 exposure interferes with the rhythmic expression of the cardiac circadian clock, thereby disrupting downstream antioxidant defenses and metabolic homeostasis, and ultimately driving cardiometabolic dysfunction. Methods Seventy-two male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a PM2.5 exposure group (PM group) and a filtered air control group (FA group). Whole-body exposure was conducted for 8 weeks in a meteorological environmental animal exposure system. Samples were collected at six distinct zeitgeber time (ZT) points post-exposure. The 24 h ambulatory blood pressure and serum lipid profiles were monitored. Rhythm parameters were derived via cosinor analysis to compare differences in Midline statistic of rhythm (Mesor), amplitude, and phase between the two groups. The rhythmic expression of core circadian clock genes and antioxidant genes in the myocardium was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Myocardial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and downstream pathway protein expression were analyzed by immunofluorescence and Western blot (WB), respectively. The expression changes of the clock gene retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor α (RORα) were assessed at both the mRNA and protein levels. Finally, Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the relationships among myocardial RORα expression, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress indicators. Results Compared to the FA group, mice in the PM group exhibited a blunted circadian rhythm in blood pressure, characterized by sustained elevation throughout the day. Chronic PM2.5 exposure showed a significant interaction with ZT on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (F-interaction=9.11, 5.70, and 6.02, respectively; P<0.05), as well as on serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (T-CHO), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (F-interaction=16.32, 11.12, 15.39, and 28.09, respectively; P<0.05). Cosinor analysis further revealed that the Mesor values of T-CHO, TG, and LDL-C were significantly increased (P<0.05), while that of HDL-C was significantly decreased in the PM group (P<0.05). The oscillation amplitudes of SBP, DBP, and MAP showed a decreasing trend, whereas those of TG and LDL-C were significantly increased (P<0.05). Furthermore, SBP, T-CHO, and HDL-C all exhibited a significant phase delay (P<0.05). Mechanistically, PM2.5 exposure significantly suppressed the expression of the positive circadian regulator RORα in the myocardium, leading to disordered rhythmic expression of core clock genes (Bmal1, Clock, Per1/2, and Cry1/2). This exposure also inhibited the rhythmic expression of antioxidant genes (GPX1, SOD2, and CAT), resulting in increased ROS generation and elevated expression of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) proteins. Correlation analysis further revealed that myocardial RORα expression level was negatively correlated with T-CHO, TG, and LDL-C (r=−0.55, −0.63, and −0.51, respectively; P<0.001), and positively correlated with HDL-C (r=0.37, P=0.010), and antioxidant genes GPX1, SOD2, and CAT expression (r=0.34, 0.35, and 0.56, respectively; P < 0.001). Conclusion Chronic PM2.5 exposure induces cardiometabolic dysfunction by suppressing myocardial RORα expression. This suppression disrupts the cardiac circadian clock and the diurnal balance of oxidative stress, triggering oxidative damage and elevating expression of CaMKII/NADPH pathway proteins. Collectively, these alterations precipitate the loss of cardiac metabolic rhythms and subsequent functional impairment.
2.Depression Syndrome Typing and Medication Pattern Analysis Through Unsupervised Clustering Combined With Latent Structure Dual Analysis
Huanxi ZHU ; Cheng YU ; Xuejun LI ; Ruixue WANG ; Yongjun CHEN ; Taiyi WANG ; Wenqing WU ; Lin YAO
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(3):656-664
Objective Depression,a most common psychiatric disease,is defined in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)as Yu Syndrome,i.e.,depression disorder,or Baihe Disease,i.e.,lily bulb disease,a category of emotional disorders treated with lily-based TCM preparations.In TCM,depression is managed through syndrome differentiation and treatment,which is characterized by high efficacy and safety.However,there is no unified standard for the classification of depression syndromes,which leads to a disconnection between the analysis of patients'medication patterns and their actual syndromes and hinders the study of medication patterns specific to particular syndromes.Therefore,this study is focused on investigating the medication patterns of different sub-types of depression patients based on an objective classification system of depression.Methods We searched for and retrieved clinical literature on TCM formulas for depression from relevant databases,including China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Data,VIP Database,Sinomed,Web of Science,and PubMed.Information on patient symptoms and medication was standardized.Then,the symptoms and the medication frequency of depression patients were statistically analyzed.We used the K-means clustering method combined with implicit structural analysis to objectively categorize depression patients into sub-types.In addition,the main symptoms and core TCM formulas of each sub-type of depression patients were identified.On the basis of objective classification system,we also statistically analyzed the characteristics of herbs used on depression patients,including the 4 basic properties,the 5 flavors,the attributes,the therapeutic efficacy,and the co-occurrence patterns,which may help reveal the medication patterns.Results A total of 3 537 publications and 4 434 prescriptions were included in the analysis.By using the K-means algorithm and latent structure analysis methods,patients with depression were categorized into 9 sub-types,with Cluster 6 accounting for the largest proportion.The most common symptoms among depression patients were insomnia and a depressed mood.Medication frequency analysis showed that Radix Bupleuri(Chai Hu),Radix Paeoniae Alba(Bai Shao),Poria(Fu Ling),Rhizoma Chuanxiong(Chuan Xiong),and Radix Curcumae(Yu Jin)were the most commonly used TCM herbs.For the depression sub-types of Clusters 1,2,and 6,blood-activating and stasis-dissolving herbs were used most often.The depression sub-types of Clusters 3,4,5,8,and 9 were mainly treated with qi-regulating herbs,while the depression sub-type of Cluster 7 was treated with qi-supplementing herbs.Depression patients were mostly treated with herbs that were cold or warm in nature and had sweet,bitter,and pungent flavors.Moreover,treatments for Cluster 1 and Cluster 6 mainly targeted the spleen meridian,while those for Cluster 2,Cluster 3,Cluster 4 and Cluster 5 mainly targeted the heart meridian.The treatments for the other sub-types mainly targeted the liver meridian.The core TCM formulas for the 9 depression sub-types included Zishui Qinggan Decoction,Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder,Huanglian Wendan Tang,Chaihu Guizhi Tang,Modified Xiaoyao Powder,Qinggan Jieyu Tang,Xiaoyao Powder,Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction,and Bazhen Decoction.The most commonly used Chinese herbal medicinal formulas were Gan Cao-Chai Hu,Bai Shao-Chai Hu,and Chen Pi-Chai Hu.Conclusion Based on machine learning,this study reveals the scientific aspects of TCM typing and syndrome-based treatment.It clarifies the rationale for targeting different symptoms in depression treatment and provides theoretical support for clinicians to make medication prescriptions.It also presents a new perspective for investigating TCM medication patterns.
3.Clinical Study on the Expression Levels of LINC02009 and LOC107984895 in Peripheral Lymphocytes of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Yu WANG ; Rui PENG ; Nini TIAN ; Xiaoli ZHAO ; Songqing ZHENG ; Yongquan JIA ; Wenqing MIAO ; Qiaomei LIU
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(3):66-71
Objective To investigate the expression levels of LINC02009 and LOC107984895 in peripheral lymphocytes of patients with atrial fibrillation and their clinical significance.Methods A total of 75 hospitalized patients with atrial fibrillation(50 with persistent atrial fibrillation and 25 with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation)from Kunming First People's Hospital between January 2023 and December 2023 were selected as study subjects,along with 50 normal control patients.Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression levels of LINC02009 and LOC107984895 in peripheral blood leukocytes of patients with atrial fibrillation.Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between expression levels and risk factors for atrial fibrillation,and ROC curves were used to predict the diagnostic cut-off values for LINC02009 and LOC107984895 in diagnosing atrial fibrillation.Results There were statistically significant differences in baseline diseases such as hypertension and coronary heart disease,biochemical indicators such as Cr and BNP,and myocardial remodeling indicators such as LAd and LVEF between the AF(paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and persistent atrial fibrillation)group and the Normal group(P<0.05).The expression levels of LINC02009 and LOC 107984895 in the plasma of the atrial fibrillation group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05)and were negatively correlated with LVEF(P<0.05).The areas under the curve(AUC)of LINC02009 and LOC 107984895 in predicting atrial fibrillation were 0.967(95%CI:0.938~0.995)and 0.900(95%CI:0.838~0.963),respectively.The optimal cut-off values were 1.985 and 0.915,with sensitivities of 88%and 76%,respectively,and specificities of 94%and 90%,respectively.Conclusion LINC02009 and LOC 107984895 are independent risk factors for atrial fibrillation and have certain predictive value for the occurrence of atrial fibrillation.
4.Elucidating the therapeutic potential of Maimendong decoction in pulmonary fibrosis: A molecular perspective
Shuangshuang He ; Lan Zhang ; Fang Zhang ; Yuanrong Wang ; Kai Wamg ; Shanshan Guo ; Yuqi Wang ; Wenqing Dong ; Min Fu ; Yu Li
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(2):231-245
ObjectiveTo identify the active components in Maimendong decoction (MMDD) against pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and validate their molecular effects in vitro, while focusing on the role of methylophiopogonanone B in regulating fibrosis.MethodsData on MMDD components and targets were gathered from databases including BATMAN-TCM and PubMed, whereas the PF gene data were sourced from GeneCards, OMIM, and TTD. Shared targets were determined using the STRING database, and molecular docking was used to analyze the essential molecules associated with fibrosis. To simulate PF conditions, human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HPF) and A549 cells were exposed to transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Various assays were used to determine the effects of MMDD and methylophiopogonanone B on signaling pathways, apoptosis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition.ResultsWe identified 11 active components from MMDD extracts that targeted 511 shared proteins associated with PF, revealing 10 key targets in network analysis. Gene ontology analysis indicated that processes and pathways such as apoptosis regulation and PI3K/Akt signaling were involved. In vitro experiments revealed that MMDD downregulated the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I (COL-I), and collagen type III and regulated Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathways to promote apoptosis. The flow cytometry apoptosis assay revealed that MMDD promoted the TGF-β1-induced apoptosis of myofibroblasts. The primary active ingredient in MMDD, methylophiopogonanone B, reduced α-SMA, COL-I, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR-related protein levels in TGF-β1-treated HPF cells, decreased Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase 3, and increased Bax. Moreover, methylophiopogonanone B increased E-cadherin levels and reduced α-SMA, fibronectin, N-cadherin, vimentin, and snail in TGF-β1-treated A549 cells.ConclusionMethylophiopogonanone B demonstrated the potential to treat PF by inducing myofibroblast apoptosis and inhibiting EMT. However, despite encouraging initial results, further clinical research is warranted to verify the safety and efficacy of methylophiopogonanone B in the management of PF
5.Modified Chevron osteotomy for moderate and severe hallux valgus deformity with enlarged distal metatarsal articular angle
Zizhang LIU ; Yiheng CHENG ; Tong LIU ; Yu YUAN ; Yu SONG ; Ruidong ZHANG ; Yuanpeng MAN ; Wenqing QU
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(7):682-691
Objective:To evaluate the radiological and functional outcomes of moderate to severe hallux valgus patients with enlarged distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) underwent modified Chevron osteotomy.Methods:The clinical data of patients with moderate and severe hallux valgus with increased distal metatarsal joint angle who accepted surgery operation in the Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery of Yantaishan Hospital from October 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent modified Chevron osteotomy. Taking the proximal end of the metatarsal head centre as the osteotomy apex, the vertical arm osteotomy line in the sagittal plane made an angle of ≤80° with the metatarsal stem, the horizontal plane was inclined to the lateral distal end of the metatarsal head by about 10°, and the sagittal plane metatarsal arm osteotomy line made an angle of ≥90° with the vertical arm osteotomy line; at the proximal osteotomy surface, another cuneiform bone with its base on the medial and its apex on the lateral was resected. The deformity correction was insufficient and Akin osteotomy was performed in combination. Weil osteotomy was performed in combination with metatarsalgia. Radiological assessment including the hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), DMAA, the joint congruity angle (JCA), forefoot bone width and soft tissue width was performed preoperatively and at last follow-up postoperatively. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society/hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale (AOFAS/HMIS) was used for clinical and functional evaluation, total score from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better function.Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for pain valuation, total score from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating more pain. A questionnaire survey on patient satisfaction was conducted at the last follow-up. Shapiro-Wilk test was used for normal distribution test, and measurement data following normal distribution were represented as Mean±SD. Paired t-test was used for comparison before and after operation. Other indicators conformed to non-normal distribution were denoted by M( Q1, Q3) and were tested by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:Fifty-two feet of 48 patients (5 males, 43 females; mean age (52.4±14.9) years; range, 24 to 78 years) were enrolled. Before the operation, 8 feet combined with metatarsalgia, among them, 7 feet underwent modified Chevron+ Akin+ Weil osteotomy, and 1 foot underwent modified Chevron+ Weil osteotomy. Among the 44 feet without metatarsalgia, 11 feet underwent modified Chevron osteotomy and 33 feet underwent modified Chevron+ Akin osteotomy. The mean follow-up time was 17.8 months (12-24 months). The HVA angle decreased from 38.30°±7.59° before surgery to 10.00°±5.73° at the last follow-up; the IMA angle decreased from 16.08°(12.89°, 18.24°) to 4.81°(3.62°, 7.57°); the DMAA angle decreased from 18.35°(13.03°, 27.47°) to 4.52°(2.68°, 7.09°); JCA decreased significantly from 15.93°(10.25°, 23.06°) to 3.56°(1.71°, 6.98°); forefoot bone width decreased from (90.05±6.12) mm to (82.75±5.01) mm; forefoot soft tissue width decrease from 102.25(96.77, 107.15) mm to 98.08(91.01, 100.60) mm; the VAS decreased from 6(5.5, 7) points to 0(0, 0) points; the score according to the AOFAS/HMIS forefoot was increased from 49(42, 52.5) points to 90(83.5, 95) points; which were statistically significant compared with that before the operation (all P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the first metatarsal length before the operation and at the last follow-up [54.60(52.86, 56.42) mm vs. 54.29(51.85, 56.35) mm, P>0.05]. In the post-operative period, there were 8 feet had limited metatarsophalangeal joint movement, 3 feet had limited interphalangeal joint movement, 5 feet had limited movement in both joints, which did not affect walking and function; 3 feet of partial recurrence of hallux valgus, 2 feet of screw irritation pain, 1 foot of cystic degeneration of the first metatarsal head, and no complications such as metastatic metatarsalgia. The satisfaction survey showed that the satisfaction rate of patients with the orthopedic effect was 90.4% (47/52). Conclusion:The modified Chevron osteotomy is effective in the treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus with enlarged DMAA. Careful intraoperative operation and standardized postoperative rehabilitation training can reduce complications.
6.Effects of acupuncture on SATB1/p21 signaling pathway and SASPs in MPTP-induced Parkinson disease model mice
Guona LI ; Chen ZHAO ; Zhaoqin WANG ; Xuegui HUA ; Luyi WU ; Xiyin ZHANG ; Lin SHEN ; Ziyi CHEN ; Wenqing HU ; Yiyi CHEN ; Ling CHENG ; Yu QIAO
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(1):1-11
Objective:To observe the effects of acupuncture on the motor function of Parkinson disease(PD)model mice and to investigate the neuroprotective effects of acupuncture on PD from the perspective of cellular senescence.Methods:C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a normal control(NC)group,a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)group,an acupuncture(ACU)group,and a rasagiline(RAS)group,with 6 mice in each group.Except for the mice in the NC group,all mice were injected intraperitoneally with MPTP[30 mg/(kg·bw)]to establish a PD mouse model.After the models were successfully established,mice in the ACU group received acupuncture at Baihui(GV20)and bilateral Yanglingquan(GB34)for 15 min,once a day for 14 consecutive days.Mice in the RAS group were treated with gavage of rasagiline mesylate[0.5 mg/(kg·bw)],once daily for 14 d.Mouse balance and motor functions were detected using the mouse fatigue rotating rod apparatus.Immunohistochemistry staining was used to detect the number of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)-positive neurons and the protein expression levels of special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 1(SATB1),p21,and p53 in the substantia nigra(SN)region of the mouse brain in each group.The glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)activity of mouse brain SN tissue was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The protein expression levels of interleukin(IL)-6 and senescence-associated β-galactosidase(SA-β-gal)in the SN tissue of mice in each group were detected by Western blotting.The relative expression of SATB1,p21,and p53 mRNA in the SN of each group was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results:Compared to the NC group,the overall rod performance(ORP)score,the number of TH-positive neurons,and GSH-Px activity in the SN region were significantly lower in the mice in the MPTP group(P<0.01);compared to the MPTP group,the ORP score,the number of TH-positive neurons,and GSH-Px activity were significantly increased in the ACU group and the RAS group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Compared to the NC group,the protein levels of IL-6 and SA-β-gal in the SN tissue,the protein and mRNA expression levels of p21 and p53 were significantly increased(P<0.01);compared to the MPTP group,the protein levels of IL-6 and SA-β-gal in the SN tissue,the protein and mRNA expression levels of p21 and p53 were significantly decreased in the ACU group and the RAS group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Compared to the NC group,the relative expression of SATB1 protein and mRNA in the SN of mice in the MPTP group was significantly decreased(P<0.01);compared to mice in the MPTP group,mice in the ACU group and the RAS group showed significant increases in the relative expression of SATB1 protein and mRNA(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture can improve motor function and increase the number of TH-positive neurons in the SN of PD model mice.Its neuroprotective effect may relate to the regulation of the SATB1/p21 signaling pathway and the inhibition of cellular senescence-related biomarker expression in the SN.
7.Effect of UGT8 on colorectal cancer cell proliferation and migration and its correlation with SOX9 expression
Pang YIXIN ; Li WENQING ; Yao QILONG ; Wang YU ; Zhang XIUMEI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2025;52(12):595-602
Objective:To investigate the effect of uridine diphosphate ceramide galactosyltransferase 8(UGT8)on colorectal cancer(CRC)cell growth and migration,elucidate an underlying mechanism,and assess the potential regulatory role of SRY-box transcription factor 9(SOX9)on UGT8.Methods:UGT8 and SOX9 mRNA expression levels in CRC tissues,and correlation between their expression levels,were analyzed using GEPIA2,UALCAN,and TIMER 2.0 online databases.UGT8 and SOX9 protein expression in CRC and adjacent tissues was detec-ted using immunohistochemistry,and relationships between their expression and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed.Impact of UGT8 knockdown on CRC cell proliferation was assessed using a CCK-8 assay,and cell migration was evaluated using Transwell and wound healing assays.Western blot was performed to detect expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)markers(E-cadherin and ZEB1).RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to measure UGT8 mRNA and protein expression levels after SOX9 knockdown.The JASPAR online database was used to assess SOX9 potential for binding to the UGT8 promoter.Results:Bioinformatics analyses revealed significantly higher mRNA expression levels of both UGT8 and SOX9 in CRC tissues than in normal tissues.Positive correlation was observed between expres-sion levels.Immunohistochemistry results showed that tumor UGT8 and SOX9 protein levels were significantly higher than those in adjacent tissues.UGT8 protein level was found to correlates with N stage,and SOX9 protein level correlated with T stage.A positive correlation was observed between UGT8 and SOX9 expression levels.Following UGT8 knockdown,cell proliferation capacity was attenuated and cell migra-tion ability was reduced.E-cadherin expression concurrently increased and ZEB1 expression decreased.RT-qPCR and Western blot results showed that SOX9 knockdown significantly reduced UGT8 mRNA and protein levels.The JASPER website predicts that SOX9 will bind to the UGT8 promoter.Conclusions:UGT8 and SOX9 are highly expressed in CRC tissues,and their expression levels correlate with clinicopatholo-gical features.UGT8 and SOX9 expression levels display significant positive correlation.Mechanistically,UGT8 promotes CRC cell prolifera-tion and migration by facilitating epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT).SOX9 enhances UGT8 mRNA and protein expression and may bind to the UGT8 promoter region.
8.Systemic inflammatory score predicts survival of patient with unresectable stage Ⅲ non-small cell lung cancer treated by definitive chemoradiotherapy combined with consolidation immunotherapy
Shihong LUO ; Yupei YUAN ; Yu WANG ; Yin YANG ; Tao ZHANG ; Lei DENG ; Wenyang LIU ; Wenqing WANG ; Xin WANG ; Jima LYU ; Zongmei ZHOU ; Jianyang WANG ; Nan BI
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(10):993-1000
Objective:To analyze the prognostic value of systemic inflammatory score (SIS) in patients with unresectable stage Ⅲ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated by definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) combined with or without consolidation immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI).Methods:The medical record data of 229 patients who received dCRT from January 2014 to December 2017 and 183 patients who received dCRT combined with any form of ICI (induction, concurrent, consolidation or combination) from August 2018 to August 2022 in the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were retrospectively analyzed. Upon admission, 1 and 3 months after treatment (efficacy evaluation) and upon tumor recurrence, peripheral blood count was collected, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and SIS were calculated, respectively. The SIS before, 1 and 3 months after treatment was defined as SIS 0, SIS 1 and SIS 3, respectively. Overall survival (OS) was considered as the primary endpoint. All patients were divided into dCRT group and dCRT+ICI group according to whether received immunotherapy, and then divided into different subgroups based on the cutoff value of SIS determined by X-Tile software. The prognostic value of SIS was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive efficiency. The predictive value of SIS was compared with inflammatory indexes (NLR, PLR) and independent prognostic factors. Results:In the dCRT group, the optimal cutoff value of SIS 0 was 590×10 9 and 530×10 9 in the dCRT+ICIs group. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that SIS 0 was an independent predictive factor of OS, progression - free survival (PFS), local - recurrence free survival (LRFS) and distant metastasis free survival (DMFS) in the dCRT group, but not associated with DMFS in the dCRT+ICI group. In the dCRT group, SIS 1>970×10 9 (optimal cutoff value) predicted poor OS ( HR=2.512, 95% CI=1.622-3.198, P<0.001), PFS ( HR=1.726, 95% CI=1.187-2.509, P=0.004), and DMFS ( HR=1.625, 95% CI=1.029-2.564, P=0.037). In the dCRT+ICI group, SIS 3>1570×10 9 (optimal cutoff value) indicated poor OS ( HR=5.107, 95% CI=1.731-15.069, P=0.003). In both groups, the AUC of SIS was higher than NLR, PLR and other traditional clinicopathological predictive indexes except T stage. Conclusions:SIS before treatment can be considered as an independent, dependable and easily acquired prognostic marker in patients with unresectable stage Ⅲ NSCLC treated by dCRT or dCRT+ICI. In the dCRT+ICI group, the optimal time point of post-radiotherapy SIS (3 months after treatment) is postponed than that (1 month after treatment) in the dCRT group.
9.ADAR1 Regulates the ERK/c-FOS/MMP-9 Pathway to Drive the Proliferation and Migration of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells.
Li ZHANG ; Xue PAN ; Wenqing YAN ; Shuilian ZHANG ; Chiyu MA ; Chenpeng LI ; Kexin ZHU ; Nijia LI ; Zizhong YOU ; Xueying ZHONG ; Zhi XIE ; Zhiyi LV ; Weibang GUO ; Yu CHEN ; Danxia LU ; Xuchao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(9):647-657
BACKGROUND:
Double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminase 1 (ADAR1) binds to double-stranded RNA and catalyzes the deamination of adenosine (A) to inosine (I). The functional mechanism of ADAR1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of ADAR1 in NSCLC and to elucidate its potential role in regulating tumor cell proliferation and migration.
METHODS:
Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and cBioPortal were analyzed to assess the correlation between high ADAR1 expression and clinicopathological features as well as prognosis in lung cancer. We performed Western blot (WB), cell proliferation assays, Transwell invasion/migration assays, and nude mouse xenograft modeling to examine the phenotypic changes and molecular mechanisms induced by ADAR1 knockdown. Furthermore, the ADAR1 p150 overexpression model was utilized to validate the proposed mechanism.
RESULTS:
ADAR1 expression was significantly elevated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) tissues compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues (LUAD: P=3.70×10-15, LUSC: P=0.016). High ADAR1 expression was associated with poor prognosis (LUAD: P=2.03×10-2, LUSC: P=2.81×10-2) and distant metastasis (P=0.003). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicated that elevated ADAR1 was associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway activation, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression, and cell adhesion. ADAR1 and MMP-9 levels showed a strongly positive correlation (P=6.45×10-34) in 10 lung cancer cell lines, highest in H1581. Knockdown of ADAR1 in H1581 cells induced a rounded cellular morphology with reduced pseudopodia. Concomitantly, it suppressed cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and in vivo tumorigenesis. It also suppressed ERK phosphorylation and downregulated cellular Finkel-Biskis-Jinkins murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (c-FOS), MMP-9, N-cadherin, and Vimentin. Conversely, ADAR1 p150 overexpression in PC9 cells enhanced ERK phosphorylation and increased c-FOS and MMP-9 expression.
CONCLUSIONS
High ADAR1 expression is closely associated with poor prognosis and distant metastasis in NSCLC patients. Mechanistically, ADAR1 may promote proliferation, invasion, migration, and tumorigenesis in lung cancer cells via the ERK/c-FOS/MMP-9 axis.
Humans
;
Lung Neoplasms/physiopathology*
;
Adenosine Deaminase/genetics*
;
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/genetics*
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/physiopathology*
;
Cell Movement
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics*
;
Female
;
Male
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos/genetics*
;
Middle Aged
;
MAP Kinase Signaling System
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
;
Mice, Nude
;
Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/genetics*
10.Atypical placental site nodules: Five cases and literature review.
Yifu HE ; Wenqing YANG ; Yu ZHANG
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(1):99-104
Atypical placental site nodules (APSN) are a rare form of trophoblastic disease in pregnancy. There is limited research on APSN, and treatment methods are controversial, with unclear prognosis. This study collected clinical and prognostic data of 5 patients diagnosed with APSN at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from June 2008 to June 2023, aiming to provide a better understanding of the prognosis of APSN patients and offer scientific evidence for clinical treatment. The average age of the 5 APSN patients was 32.60 years, and all patients underwent dilation and curettage or hysteroscopic surgery or hysteroscopic surgery without hysterectomy. Except for one patient who was lost to follow-up after 30 days, the remaining 4 patients were followed up for 1.36 to 4.61 years. During the follow-up, gynecological ultrasound did not show abnormalities, and serum human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) tests were negative, with no evidence of malignancy. A search of both English and Chinese databases yielded 8 articles reporting the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up outcomes of APSN, with 37 cases cumulatively followed up. Among them, 2 (5.41%) cases developed epithelial trophoblastic tumors or placental site trophoblastic tumors during follow-up, but there is insufficient evidence to determine whether these tumors directly originated from APSN or were secondary to APSN. Currently, there is no direct evidence suggesting that APSN has the potential for malignant transformation. Patients with APSN who have completed their childbearing may consider preserving their uterus, but close follow-up is needed to further evaluate the prognosis.
Humans
;
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Adult
;
Trophoblastic Tumor, Placental Site/pathology*
;
Uterine Neoplasms/diagnosis*
;
Prognosis
;
Dilatation and Curettage
;
Chorionic Gonadotropin/blood*


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail