1.The Ferroptosis-inducing Compounds in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Xin-Die WANG ; Da-Li FENG ; Xiang CUI ; Su ZHOU ; Peng-Fei ZHANG ; Zhi-Qiang GAO ; Li-Li ZOU ; Jun WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):804-819
Ferroptosis, a programmed cell death modality discovered and defined in the last decade, is primarily induced by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. At present, it has been found that ferroptosis is involved in various physiological functions such as immune regulation, growth and development, aging, and tumor suppression. Especially its role in tumor biology has attracted extensive attention and research. Breast cancer is one of the most common female tumors, characterized by high heterogeneity and complex genetic background. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a special type of breast cancer, which lacks conventional breast cancer treatment targets and is prone to drug resistance to existing chemotherapy drugs and has a low cure rate after progression and metastasis. There is an urgent need to find new targets or develop new drugs. With the increase of studies on promoting ferroptosis in breast cancer, it has gradually attracted attention as a treatment strategy for breast cancer. Some studies have found that certain compounds and natural products can act on TNBC, promote their ferroptosis, inhibit cancer cells proliferation, enhance sensitivity to radiotherapy, and improve resistance to chemotherapy drugs. To promote the study of ferroptosis in TNBC, this article summarized and reviewed the compounds and natural products that induce ferroptosis in TNBC and their mechanisms of action. We started with the exploration of the pathways of ferroptosis, with particular attention to the System Xc--cystine-GPX4 pathway and iron metabolism. Then, a series of compounds, including sulfasalazine (SAS), metformin, and statins, were described in terms of how they interact with cells to deplete glutathione (GSH), thereby inhibiting the activity of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and preventing the production of lipid peroxidases. The disruption of the cellular defense against oxidative stress ultimately results in the death of TNBC cells. We have also our focus to the realm of natural products, exploring the therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine extracts for TNBC. These herbal extracts exhibit multi-target effects and good safety, and have shown promising capabilities in inducing ferroptosis in TNBC cells. We believe that further exploration and characterization of these natural compounds could lead to the development of a new generation of cancer therapeutics. In addition to traditional chemotherapy, we discussed the role of drug delivery systems in enhancing the efficacy and reducing the toxicity of ferroptosis inducers. Nanoparticles such as exosomes and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can improve the solubility and bioavailability of these compounds, thereby expanding their therapeutic potential while minimizing systemic side effects. Although preclinical data on ferroptosis inducers are relatively robust, their translation into clinical practice remains in its early stages. We also emphasize the urgent need for more in-depth and comprehensive research to understand the complex mechanisms of ferroptosis in TNBC. This is crucial for the rational design and development of clinical trials, as well as for leveraging ferroptosis to improve patient outcomes. Hoping the above summarize and review could provide references for the research and development of lead compounds for the treatment for TNBC.
2.Targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 signaling to improve bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis
Haihui HAN ; Lei RAN ; Xiaohui MENG ; Pengfei XIN ; Zheng XIANG ; Yanqin BIAN ; Qi SHI ; Lianbo XIAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1905-1912
BACKGROUND:Although researchers have noted that fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 shows great potential in rheumatoid arthritis bone destruction,there is a lack of reviews related to the potential mechanisms of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 in rheumatoid arthritis bone destruction. OBJECTIVE:To comprehensively analyze the mechanism of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 in bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis by reviewing the relevant literature at both home and abroad. METHODS:We searched the CNKI database using the Chinese search terms"fibroblast growth factor receptor 1,rheumatoid arthritis,bone destruction,bone cells,osteoblasts,osteoclasts,chondrocytes,macrophages,synovial fibroblasts,T cells,vascular endothelial cells."PubMed database was searched using the English search terms"fibroblast growth factor receptor 1,rheumatoid arthritis,bone destruction,osteocytes,osteoblasts,osteoclasts,chondrocytes,macrophages,synovial fibroblasts,T cells,endothelial cells."The search period focused on April 1992 to January 2024.After screening the literature by reading titles,abstracts,and full texts,a total of 82 articles were finally included for review according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 was found to be widely expressed in bone tissue-associated cells,including osteoblasts,osteoclasts,and osteoclasts.Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 affects bone remodeling and homeostasis by regulating the function of these cells,as well as promoting the onset and progression of bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 is involved in the inflammatory response of synovial fibroblasts and macrophages and regulates angiogenesis of endothelial cells in synovial tissues.Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 promotes bone destruction in several ways.Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 may be a potential causative agent of bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis and provides a reference for further research on its therapeutic targets.
3.Expression of IP3R2 and RYR2 mediated Ca2+signals in a mouse model of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning
Jili ZHAO ; Tianyu MENG ; Yarong YUE ; Xin ZHANG ; Wenqian DU ; Xinyu ZHANG ; Hui XUE ; Wenping XIANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):254-261
BACKGROUND:Ca2+expression in astrocytes has been found to be closely related to cognitive function,and the Ca2+signaling pathway regulated by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors(IP3R2)and ryanodine receptor(RYR)2 receptors has become a hot spot in the study of cognitive disorder-related diseases. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the expression of Ca2+signals mediated by IP3R2 and RYR2 in hippocampal astrocytes in animal models of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning,and to explore the possible pathogenesis of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning. METHODS:C57BL mice with qualified cognitive function were selected by Morris water maze experiment and randomly divided into control group and experimental group.An animal model of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning was established by static carbon monoxide inhalation in the experimental group,and the same amount of air was inhaled in the control group.Behavioral and neuronal changes,astrocyte specific marker glial fibrillary acidic protein,IP3R2,RYR2 receptor and Ca2+concentration in astrocytes of the two groups were detected using Morris water maze,hematoxylin-eosin staining,western blot,immunofluorescence double labeling and Ca2+fluorescence probe at 21 days after modeling. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In the Morris water maze,the escape latency of the experimental group was significantly longer than that of the control group(P<0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that in the experimental group,the number of hippocampal pyramidal cells decreased,the cell structure was disordered,and the nucleus was broken and dissolved.Immunofluorescence results showed that IP3R2 and RYR2 were co-expressed with glial fibrillary acidic protein in the hippocampus,and the expressions of IP3R2,RYR2 and glial fibrillary acidic protein were up-regulated in the hippocampus of the experimental group(P<0.05).Western blot analysis showed that the expressions of IP3R2,RYR2,and glial fibrillary acidic protein in the hippocampus of the experimental group were increased(P<0.05).Ca2+concentration in hippocampal astrocytes increased significantly in the experimental group(P<0.05).To conclude,astrocytes may affect Ca2+signals by mediating IP3R2 and RYR2 receptors,then impair the cognitive function of mice with carbon monoxide poisoning,and eventually lead to delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning.
4.Health literacy prediction models based on machine learning methods: a scoping review
PAN Xiang ; TONG Yingge ; LI Yixuan ; NI Ke ; CHENG Wenqian ; XIN Mengyu ; HU Yuying
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):148-153
Objective:
To conduct a scoping review on the types, construction methods and predictive performance of health literacy prediction models based on machine learning methods, so as to provide the reference for the improvement and application of such models.
Methods:
Publications on health literacy prediction models conducted using machine learning methods were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed and Web of Science from inception to May 1, 2024. The quality of literature was assessed using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias ASsessment Tool. Basic characteristics, modeling methods, data sources, missing value handling, predictors and predictive performance were reviewed.
Results:
A total of 524 publications were retrieved, and 22 publications between 2007 and 2024 were finally enrolled. Totally 48 health literacy prediction models were involved, and 25 had a high risk of bias (52.08%), with major issues focusing on missing value handling, predictor selection and model evaluation methods. Modeling methods included regression models, tree-based machine learning methods, support vector machines and neural network models. Predictors primarily encompassed factors at four aspects: individual, interpersonal, organizational and society/policy aspects, with age, educational level, economic status, health status and internet use appearing frequently. Internal validation was conducted in 14 publications, and external validation was conducted in 4 publications. Forty-two models reported the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve, which ranged from 0.52 to 0.983, indicating good discrimination.
Conclusion
Health literacy prediction models based on machine learning methods perform well, but have deficiencies in risk of bias, data processing and validation.
5.Clinical practice guidelines for intraoperative cell salvage in patients with malignant tumors
Changtai ZHU ; Ling LI ; Zhiqiang LI ; Xinjian WAN ; Shiyao CHEN ; Jian PAN ; Yi ZHANG ; Xiang REN ; Kun HAN ; Feng ZOU ; Aiqing WEN ; Ruiming RONG ; Rong XIA ; Baohua QIAN ; Xin MA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):149-167
Intraoperative cell salvage (IOCS) has been widely applied as an important blood conservation measure in surgical operations. However, there is currently a lack of clinical practice guidelines for the implementation of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors. This report aims to provide clinicians with recommendations on the use of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors based on the review and assessment of the existed evidence. Data were derived from databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Wanfang. The guideline development team formulated recommendations based on the quality of evidence, balance of benefits and harms, patient preferences, and health economic assessments. This study constructed seven major clinical questions. The main conclusions of this guideline are as follows: 1) Compared with no perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (NPABT), perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (PABT) leads to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 2) Compared with the transfusion of allogeneic blood or no transfusion, IOCS does not lead to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 3) The implementation of IOCS in cancer patients is economically feasible (Recommended); 4) Leukocyte depletion filters (LDF) should be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Strongly Recommended); 5) Irradiation treatment of autologous blood to be reinfused can be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Recommended); 6) A careful assessment of the condition of cancer patients (meeting indications and excluding contraindications) should be conducted before implementing IOCS (Strongly Recommended); 7) Informed consent from cancer patients should be obtained when implementing IOCS, with a thorough pre-assessment of the patient's condition and the likelihood of blood loss, adherence to standardized internally audited management procedures, meeting corresponding conditions, and obtaining corresponding qualifications (Recommended). In brief, current evidence indicates that IOCS can be implemented for some malignant tumor patients who need allogeneic blood transfusion after physician full evaluation, and LDF or irradiation should be used during the implementation process.
6.Mediating effect of frailty on social isolation and cognitive function among the elderly
JIANG Meiting ; YANG Wenfei ; ZHANG Xiang ; CAI Xin ; GUAN Aijun ; ZENG Dongyang
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):17-20
Objective:
To examine the mediating effect of frailty on social isolation and cognitive function among the elderly.
Methods:
Demographic information, smoking, alcohol consumption and cognitive function of the elderly at ages of 60 years and older were collected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2020. Social isolation and frailty were evaluated using social isolation index and frailty index, respectively. The mediating effect of frailty on social isolation and cognitive function was analyzed using the Process program, and the significance of the mediating role was tested using the Bootstrap test.
Results:
A total of 2 822 individuals were enrolled, including 1 483 males (52.55%) and 1 339 females (47.45%). There were 2 497 (88.48%) and 325 (11.52%) individuals at ages of 60-<75 years and ≥75 years, respectively. The median cognitive function score was 14 (interquartile range, 16) points. There were 432 cases with social isolation (15.31%), with a median social isolation index of 10 (interquartile range, 5) points. The median frailty index was 0.11 (interquartile range, 0.15). There were 1 111 individuals without frailty, accounting for 39.37%; 1 214 individuals with pre-frailty, accounting for 43.02%; and 497 individuals with frailty, accounting for 17.61%. Mediating effect analysis showed that social isolation affected cognitive function directly and negatively with the effect value of -0.773 (95%CI: -0.899 to -0.647), and also affected cognitive function by frailty indirectly and negatively with the effect value of -0.147 (95%CI: -0.188 to -0.110), with the mediating effect contributed 15.98% of the total effect.
Conclusion
Frailty can directly or indirectly affect cognitive function among elderly through social isolation.
7.Study of adsorption of coated aldehyde oxy-starch on the indexes of renal failure
Qian WU ; Cai-fen WANG ; Ning-ning PENG ; Qin NIE ; Tian-fu LI ; Jian-yu LIU ; Xiang-yi SONG ; Jian LIU ; Su-ping WU ; Ji-wen ZHANG ; Li-xin SUN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):498-505
The accumulation of uremic toxins such as urea nitrogen, blood creatinine, and uric acid of patients with renal failure
8.Effect of Yishen Tongluo Prescription on Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index and Sperm Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Patients with Asymptomatic Idiopathic Asthenospermia Infertility
Gaoli HAO ; Xin HE ; Lipeng FAN ; Jianshe CHEN ; Xun LI ; Hui ZHANG ; Xiang CHEN ; Shuilin LYU ; Xiaojun FU ; Zixue SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):145-151
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Yishen Tongluo prescription on sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in patients with asymptomatic idiopathic asthenospermia infertility. MethodsA total of 128 patients with asymptomatic idiopathic asthenospermia were randomly assigned to an experimental group (64 cases) and a control group (64 cases). The experimental group received Yishen Tongluo prescription, while the control group was treated with Wuzi Yanzongwan combined with L-carnitine oral solution. One treatment course lasted 12 weeks. Spouse pregnancy rate, sperm progressive motility (PR), total sperm motility (PR+NP), sperm function (sperm tail hypotonic swelling rate, sperm acrosin activity), sperm DFI, and sperm MMP were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Adverse reactions were observed and recorded during the study, and clinical efficacy and safety were systematically evaluated. ResultsA total of 121 patients completed the study, including 61 in the experimental group and 60 in the control group. The spouse pregnancy rate in the experimental group was 14.75% (9/61), higher than that in the control group at 6.67% (4/60), though the difference was not statistically significant. Clinical efficacy in the experimental group was superior to that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the results before treatment, sperm PR, PR + NP, sperm tail hypotonic swelling rate, sperm acrosin activity, sperm DFI, and sperm MMP were significantly improved in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), with greater improvements in the experimental group (P<0.05). However, there was no significant change in sperm concentration in either group after treatment. During the study, no abnormal safety indicators or significant adverse reactions occurred in either group. ConclusionThe kidney-tonifying and collateral-dredging method shows good clinical efficacy in the treatment of asymptomatic idiopathic asthenospermia infertility. Yishen Tongluo prescription can improve sperm motility, increase spouse pregnancy rate, enhance sperm function, and demonstrates good safety. Its mechanism may be related to reducing sperm DFI and increasing sperm MMP.
9.Vanillin down-regulates cGAS/STING signaling pathway to improve liver tissue injury in rats with intrahepatic cholestasis
Ning JIANG ; Lan-Xiang PU ; Feng HUANG ; Yan WANG ; Xin PEI ; Jun-Ya SONG ; En-Sheng ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(9):1695-1700
Aim To investigate the effect of vanillin on the regulation of cyclic guanylate adenylate synthetase(cGAS)/stimulator of interferon gene(STING)signa-ling pathway on hepatic tissue injury in rats with intra-hepatic cholestasis(IC).Methods SD rats were randomly divided into normal group,IC group,vanillin group,cGAS overexpression group,and vanillin+cGAS overexpression group,with continuous adminis-tration for seven days.The body weight,liver weight and liver to body weight ratio of rats were measured.Liver function(ALT,AST,ALP,LDH),IC(TBIL,TBA)and liver fibrosis(HA,LN,PC Ⅲ)index were determined by ELISA.Liver pathology and fibrosis were observed using HE and Masson staining,and col-lagen volume fraction was calculated.The expression of cGAS/STING pathway related proteins in liver tissue was detected by Western blot.Results Vanillin could improve liver pathology and fibrosis,increase body weight,and decrease liver weight,ALT,AST,ALP,LDH,TBIL,TBA,HA,LN,PC Ⅲ,collagen volume fraction,cGAS,STING protein in IC rats(P<0.05).Overexpression of cGAS could reverse the effects of vanillin on the above indicators in IC rats(P<0.05).Conclusions Vanillin may improve liver function,IC,liver fibrosis,and liver tissue damage in IC rats by downregulating the cGAS/STING signaling pathway.
10.Establishment of mice gait analysis system based on DeepLabCut algorithm to evaluate motor function of aging mice
Zhi-Hong LI ; Yi-Hua SHENG ; You LI ; Zhi-Xiang PENG ; Xing-Yao ZENG ; Xin-Li GU ; Jia-Yi TIAN ; Si-Di LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(9):1792-1799
Aim To establish a gait analysis system based on DeepLabCut(DLC)algorithm for evaluating motor function in aged mice.Methods Based on DLC algorithm in deep learning technology,treadmill device and fully closed design were used in the system,including software and hardware.This system was applied to evaluate gait characteristics of mice due to aging un-der different movement modes.Correlation analysis was used to explore the effects of body weight and body length on gait indica-tors.Results This system realized the synchronous analysis of three-dimensional gait(lateral and ventral plane)of mice at specific gait speed,and automatically quantified 47 gait indica-tors.Using this system,it was found that during walking(15 cm·s-1),the standard deviation of body turning angle decreased,forelimb sway duration,standard deviation of knee angle,mean outward angles of left and right hind paw increased in 8 and 15 month-old mice,compared with 2-month-old mice.However,15-month-old mice showed decreased walking frequency,and in-creased stride width,total duration of double support,and knee extension and contraction distance.In addition,at trot(20 cm·s-1),15-month-old mice were unable to walk steadily,and 8-month-old mice had increased total duration of double support and mean outward angles of left hind paw,compared with 2-month-old mice.Correlation analysis revealed that indicators like walking frequency,stride width,forelimb sway duration,total duration of double support,standard deviation of knee an-gle,knee extension and contraction distance,were not affected by changes in body weight and body length.Conclusions The gait analysis system based on DLC algorithm can achieve a more sensitive,accurate and comprehensive evaluation of the gait of aged mice,distinguishing the gait characteristics of aged mice to maintain gait stability,and selecting behavioral indicators that better reflect the gait changes of aged mice.It provides a meth-odological basis for more effective assessment of efficacy and side effects of drugs for anti-aging and anti-decline of motor coordina-tion in the future.


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