1.MiR-338-3p affects proliferation and apoptosis of alveolar bone osteoblasts by targeting receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand
Mecuo LANG ; Yilin ZHANG ; Li WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):899-907
BACKGROUND:MiR-338-3p could inhibit osteoclast differentiation,and downregulation of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand level could promote bone formation.However,it is unclear whether miR-338-3p can affect the proliferation and apoptosis of alveolar bone osteoblasts by regulating the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand level. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect and mechanism of miR-338-3p on proliferation and apoptosis of alveolar bone osteoblasts by targeting receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand. METHODS:Human alveolar bone osteoblasts were isolated,transfected and treated with Wnt-C59(Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor),and divided into transfection control group,miR-338-3p group,miR-338-3p+control group,miR-338-3p+receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand group and miR-338-3p+Wnt-C59 group.The dual luciferase report experiment was used to verify the regulatory effect of miR-338-3p on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand.Cell counting kit-8 and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine staining were used to detect cell proliferation levels.Flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle and apoptosis levels.RT-qPCR was used to detect miR-338-3p,receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand,Wnt-3a,β-Catenin,glycogen synthase kinase-3β mRNA levels.Western blot was used to detect RANKL,proliferating cell nuclear antigen,Ki67,CyclinD1,B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2,B-cell lymphoma-2 related X protein,Caspase3,Wnt-3a,β-catenin,glycogen synthase kinase-3β protein levels. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:miR-338-3p could target the regulation of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand.After overexpression of miR-338-3p,cell survival rate,5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine positive cell rate,proportion of S-phase cells were increased,and apoptosis rate was decreased.The mRNA and protein levels of miR-338-3p,proliferating cell nuclear antigen,Ki67,CyclinD1,B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2,Wnt-3a,and β-catenin were increased,while the mRNA and protein levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 related X protein,Caspase3 protein,receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand,and glycogen synthase kinase-3β were decreased(all P<0.05).Overexpression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand or Wnt-C59 could weaken the effects of overexpression of miR-338-3p on cell proliferation and apoptosis(all P<0.05).Overall,miR-338-3p promotes alveolar bone osteoblast proliferation and inhibits apoptosis by targeting receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand,which may act through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
2.PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Ranran FENG ; Yilin GUO ; Meilin CHEN ; Ziying TIAN ; Yijun LIU ; Su JIANG ; Jieyu ZHOU ; Qingluan LIU ; Xiayu LI ; Wei XIONG ; Lei SHI ; Songqing FAN ; Guiyuan LI ; Wenling ZHANG
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2025;59(1):68-83
Background:
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear.
Methods:
We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP).
Results:
We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin.
Conclusions
PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.
3.Differences in HER2-0 and HER2-low Breast Cancer: Androgen Receptor and Programmed Death Ligand 1 as Predictive Factors
Xiaoqi ZHANG ; Ciqiu YANG ; Yitian CHEN ; Junsheng ZHANG ; Peiyong LI ; Na HUANG ; Yilin CHEN ; Minting LIANG ; Weiming LV ; Zhongyu YUAN ; Jie LI ; Kun WANG
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(1):23-36
Purpose:
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer has the potential to emerge as a distinct subtype. Several studies have compared the differences between HER2-low and HER2-0 breast cancers, but no consensus has been reached.Additionally, a biomarker to predict pathological complete response (pCR) rates in patients with HER2-low breast cancer remains to be identified.
Methods:
We collected data from 777 patients across three centers, stratifying them into HER2-low and HER2-0 groups. We compared differences in survival and pCR rates between the two groups and investigated potential biomarkers that could reliably predict pCR.
Results:
The study found that patients with HER2-0 breast cancer had higher pCR rates compared to patients with HER2-low tumors (289 patients [30.1%] vs. 475 patients [18.1%], p < 0.0001). Survival analysis showed no significant advantage for HER2-low tumors over HER2-0 breast cancers. Binary logistic analysis revealed that androgen receptor (AR) expression predicts poorer pCR rates in both the overall patient group and the HER2-0 breast cancer group (overall patients: odds ratio [OR], 0.479; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.250–0.917; p = 0.026 and HER2-0 patients: OR, 0.267; 95% CI, 0.080–0.892; p = 0.032). In contrast, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was associated with more favorable pCR rates in the overall patient group (OR, 3.199; 95% CI, 1.020–10.037; p = 0.046).
Conclusion
There is currently insufficient evidence to classify HER2-low breast cancer as a distinct subtype. Our study revealed that AR expression, along with negative PD-L1 expression, contributes to lower pCR rates.
4.Differences in HER2-0 and HER2-low Breast Cancer: Androgen Receptor and Programmed Death Ligand 1 as Predictive Factors
Xiaoqi ZHANG ; Ciqiu YANG ; Yitian CHEN ; Junsheng ZHANG ; Peiyong LI ; Na HUANG ; Yilin CHEN ; Minting LIANG ; Weiming LV ; Zhongyu YUAN ; Jie LI ; Kun WANG
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(1):23-36
Purpose:
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer has the potential to emerge as a distinct subtype. Several studies have compared the differences between HER2-low and HER2-0 breast cancers, but no consensus has been reached.Additionally, a biomarker to predict pathological complete response (pCR) rates in patients with HER2-low breast cancer remains to be identified.
Methods:
We collected data from 777 patients across three centers, stratifying them into HER2-low and HER2-0 groups. We compared differences in survival and pCR rates between the two groups and investigated potential biomarkers that could reliably predict pCR.
Results:
The study found that patients with HER2-0 breast cancer had higher pCR rates compared to patients with HER2-low tumors (289 patients [30.1%] vs. 475 patients [18.1%], p < 0.0001). Survival analysis showed no significant advantage for HER2-low tumors over HER2-0 breast cancers. Binary logistic analysis revealed that androgen receptor (AR) expression predicts poorer pCR rates in both the overall patient group and the HER2-0 breast cancer group (overall patients: odds ratio [OR], 0.479; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.250–0.917; p = 0.026 and HER2-0 patients: OR, 0.267; 95% CI, 0.080–0.892; p = 0.032). In contrast, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was associated with more favorable pCR rates in the overall patient group (OR, 3.199; 95% CI, 1.020–10.037; p = 0.046).
Conclusion
There is currently insufficient evidence to classify HER2-low breast cancer as a distinct subtype. Our study revealed that AR expression, along with negative PD-L1 expression, contributes to lower pCR rates.
5.PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Ranran FENG ; Yilin GUO ; Meilin CHEN ; Ziying TIAN ; Yijun LIU ; Su JIANG ; Jieyu ZHOU ; Qingluan LIU ; Xiayu LI ; Wei XIONG ; Lei SHI ; Songqing FAN ; Guiyuan LI ; Wenling ZHANG
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2025;59(1):68-83
Background:
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear.
Methods:
We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP).
Results:
We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin.
Conclusions
PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.
6.Differences in HER2-0 and HER2-low Breast Cancer: Androgen Receptor and Programmed Death Ligand 1 as Predictive Factors
Xiaoqi ZHANG ; Ciqiu YANG ; Yitian CHEN ; Junsheng ZHANG ; Peiyong LI ; Na HUANG ; Yilin CHEN ; Minting LIANG ; Weiming LV ; Zhongyu YUAN ; Jie LI ; Kun WANG
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(1):23-36
Purpose:
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer has the potential to emerge as a distinct subtype. Several studies have compared the differences between HER2-low and HER2-0 breast cancers, but no consensus has been reached.Additionally, a biomarker to predict pathological complete response (pCR) rates in patients with HER2-low breast cancer remains to be identified.
Methods:
We collected data from 777 patients across three centers, stratifying them into HER2-low and HER2-0 groups. We compared differences in survival and pCR rates between the two groups and investigated potential biomarkers that could reliably predict pCR.
Results:
The study found that patients with HER2-0 breast cancer had higher pCR rates compared to patients with HER2-low tumors (289 patients [30.1%] vs. 475 patients [18.1%], p < 0.0001). Survival analysis showed no significant advantage for HER2-low tumors over HER2-0 breast cancers. Binary logistic analysis revealed that androgen receptor (AR) expression predicts poorer pCR rates in both the overall patient group and the HER2-0 breast cancer group (overall patients: odds ratio [OR], 0.479; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.250–0.917; p = 0.026 and HER2-0 patients: OR, 0.267; 95% CI, 0.080–0.892; p = 0.032). In contrast, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was associated with more favorable pCR rates in the overall patient group (OR, 3.199; 95% CI, 1.020–10.037; p = 0.046).
Conclusion
There is currently insufficient evidence to classify HER2-low breast cancer as a distinct subtype. Our study revealed that AR expression, along with negative PD-L1 expression, contributes to lower pCR rates.
7.PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Ranran FENG ; Yilin GUO ; Meilin CHEN ; Ziying TIAN ; Yijun LIU ; Su JIANG ; Jieyu ZHOU ; Qingluan LIU ; Xiayu LI ; Wei XIONG ; Lei SHI ; Songqing FAN ; Guiyuan LI ; Wenling ZHANG
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2025;59(1):68-83
Background:
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear.
Methods:
We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP).
Results:
We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin.
Conclusions
PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.
8.Danggui Shaoyaosan Combined with Yinchenhaotang Regulates Lipid Metabolism to Ameliorate Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Complicated with Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Yilin XU ; Liu LI ; Junju ZOU ; Hong LI ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):38-47
ObjectiveTo explore the regulatory effect and mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan combined with Yinchenhaotang on lipid metabolism in the mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) based on network pharmacology and animal experiments. MethodsTwenty-four MKR transgenic diabetic mice were randomly allocated into 4 groups: Model, low-dose (12.6 g·kg-1) Chinese medicine (concentrated decoction of Danggui Shaoyaosan combined with Yinchenhaotang), high-dose (25.2 g·kg-1) Chinese medicine, and Western medicine (metformin, 0.065 g·kg-1). Six FVB mice were used as the normal group. All groups were treated for 6 consecutive weeks. The mice in the drug treatment groups were administrated with corresponding agents by gavage, and those in the normal group and model group received the same volume of distilled water. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, liver weight, glucose tolerance, liver function indicators, blood lipid levels, and pathological changes in the liver were evaluated for each group. Network pharmacology was employed to analyze the targets and pathways of Danggui Shaoyaosan combined with Yinchenhaotang in the treatment of T2DM complicated with MASLD. Molecular biological techniques were used to verify the enriched key targets. ResultsCompared with the model group, each treatment group showed reduced fasting blood glucose, body weight, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and liver weight (P<0.01). The high-dose Chinese medicine group was superior to the low-dose group in reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL), increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and recovering glucose tolerance (AUC) and ALT (P<0.05), with the effect similar to that of the Western medicine group. Morphologically, Chinese medicine groups showed reduced lipid accumulation and alleviated pathological damage in the liver tissue, with the high-dose group demonstrating more significant changes. Network pharmacology results showed that Danggui Shaoyaosan combined with Yinchenhaotang may exert therapeutic effects through multiple targets such as fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), MYC oncogene (MYC), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Western blot showed that compared with the model group, the treatment groups demonstrated down-regulated protein levels of FAS and ACC (P<0.01) and up-regulated protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and UCP1 (P<0.01). Compared with the low-dose Chinese medicine group, the high-dose Chinese medicine group exhibited down-regulated protein levels of FAS and ACC and up-regulated protein levels of PGC-1α and UCP1 (P<0.05). ConclusionDanggui Shaoyaosan combined with Yinchenhaotang has the effect of ameliorating T2DM complicated with MASLD and can improve the liver lipid metabolism by up-regulating the protein levels of Fas and ACC and down-regulating the protein levels of PGC-1α and UCP1.
9.Epidemiological characteristics and spatial clustering of hand-foot-mouth disease in Pingxiang City from 2013 to 2023
ZENG Yong ; LI Yilin ; WU Yaojian
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(11):1175-1178,1183
Objective:
To understand the epidemiological and spatial clustering characteristics of hand-foot-mouth disease in Pingxiang City, Jiangxi Province from 2013 to 2023, so as to provide the evidence for improving hand-foot-mouth disease prevention and control measures.
Methods:
Data of hand-foot-mouth disease cases in Pingxiang City from 2013 to 2023 were collected from the Infectious Disease Reporting Information System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Demographic, temporal, and regional distribution characteristics were described. The trend in incidence was analyzed using the average annual percent change (AAPC). The spatial clustering and aggregation patterns of hand-foot-mouth disease were identified using global and local spatial autocorrelation analyses.
Results:
A total of 58 020 hand-foot-mouth disease cases were reported in Pingxiang City from 2013 to 2023, with an average annual incidence of 289.71/105. No significant trend in the reported incidence of hand-foot-mouth disease was observed (AAPC=-7.398%, P>0.05). Among them, 33 892 were males and 24 128 were females, with infants aged 0-<3 years accounting for 70.59% of the total (40 958 cases). The peak incidence occurred mainly from May to June and from September to December. Luxi County had the highest average annual reported incidence of 677.10/105. Spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated significant spatial clustering of hand-foot-mouth disease in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022 (Moran's I=0.314, 0.339, 0.381, and 0.668, all P<0.05). High-high clustering areas were primarily identified in 7 townships (streets) of Anyuan District, 2 in Xiangdong District, 4 in Shangli County, and 1 in Luxi County.
Conclusions
The reported incidence of hand-foot-mouth disease in Pingxiang City from 2013 to 2023 remained stable overall, with higher susceptibility among young children and peak incidence during summer and autumn. Spatial clustering of hand-foot-mouth disease was observed, expanding northward and southwestward from Anyuan District as the core area.
10.Reasons and clinical outcomes of intraocular lens exchange
Yilin HAN ; Xintong LI ; Yifan YANG ; Jingwen ZHANG ; Zibo WANG ; Jiaqi SHI ; Fengyan ZHANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(12):2043-2047
AIM: To analyze the reasons and clinical outcomes of intraocular lens(IOL)exchange.METHODS:This retrospective case series study included 47 patients(53 eyes)who underwent IOL exchange surgery at the Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, between April 2020 and May 2024, aged from 5 to 87(44.8±3.6)years old. Patients' demographics, surgical indications, surgical techniques, preoperative and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA)and best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), as well as postoperative complications were recorded.RESULTS:The reasons for IOL exchange included refractive error(18 cases, 23 eyes, 43%), IOL dislocation(12 cases, 13 eyes, 25%), IOL opacification(12 cases, 12 eyes, 23%), neuroadaptation failure(3 cases, 3 eyes, 6%), and patient dissatisfaction with visual quality(2 cases, 2 eyes, 4%). The surgical techniques for IOL exchange included in-the-bag IOL fixation(16 eyes, 30%), ciliary sulcus fixation(27 eyes, 51%), and scleral suture fixation(10 eyes, 19%). There was statistical significant difference between preoperative UCVA(LogMAR)and UCVA(LogMAR)at 1 d postoperatively(1.03±0.64 vs 0.50±0.46, P<0.05), and there was statistical significant difference between preoperative BCVA(LogMAR)and BCVA(LogMAR)at 1 mo postoperatively(0.41±0.37 vs 0.17±0.21, P<0.05). Postoperative complications included posterior capsule opacification in 2 eyes and IOL dislocation in 1 eye.CONCLUSION:Refractive error, IOL dislocation, and IOL opacification were the three most common reasons for IOL exchange. Although less frequent, factors such as neuroadaptation issues associated with multifocal IOLs and patient-reported visual quality dissatisfaction reflect growing expectations for improved visual outcomes. IOL exchange surgery, though technically challenging, demonstrates favorable clinical efficacy and a low complication rate, representing an effective intervention for managing postoperative IOL-related issues following cataract surgery.


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