1.The effect of IL-8 secreted by tumor-associated macrophages on colorectal cancer metastasis
Ya SU ; Luyun YUAN ; Qiang ZHANG ; Haijing WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):978-985
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of interleukin (IL)-8 secreted by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis and its potential therapeutic value. MethodsThe TAMs model was constructed by phorbol ester (PMA) combined with IL-4/IL-13, and the model phenotype was verified by flow cytometry, RT-qPCR and ELISA. Human CRC HCT116 cells were treated with conditioned medium (CM) from M0 macrophages and TAMs, and the metastatic capacity of HCT116 cells was evaluated by wound-healing assay and Transwell assay. The expression levels of IL-8 in M0 macrophages and TAMs were detected by Western blot, RT-qPCR and ELISA. The expression level of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers (E-cadherin, N-cadherin) in HCT116 cells treated with CM-M0 and CM-TAMs were detected by Western blot and RT-qPCR. HCT116 cells were stimulated with CM-TAMs supplemented with IL-8 receptor inhibitor Reparixin. The HCT116 cells metastasis ability was evaluated by wound-healing assay and Transwell assay, and the expression levels of E-cadherin and N-cadherin were detected by Western blot and RT-qPCR. Finally, a splenic injection liver metastasis model was established using murine CRC cells CT26-LUC, and the effect of Reparixin on this animal model was observed by in vivo imaging. ResultsFlow cytometry showed that the proportion of M2 macrophages (CD11b+CD206+ cells) was elevated in the TAMs model. RT-qPCR and ELISA assays revealed that the levels of M2 macrophage markers IL-10 and TGF-βsignificantly increased. Wound-healing assay and Transwell assay demonstrated that CM-TAMs significantly enhanced the migration and invasion ability of HCT116 cells. Western blot, RT-qPCR and ELISA assays showed that TAMs highly expressed IL-8 and simultaneously induced downregulation of E-cadherin and upregulation of N-cadherin in HCT116 cells. Reparixin not only reversed the pro-metastatic effects of CM-TAMs, but also upregulated the expression level of E-cadherin and downregulated that of N-cadherin in HCT116 cells. Furthermore, it reduced the bioluminescence signal intensity of liver metastatic lesions in the splenic injection liver metastasis model. ConclusionThe TAMs promote CRC metastasis by secreting IL-8 to induce EMT. Inhibiting IL-8 secretion in TAMs or blocking the binding of IL-8 to its receptor may provide a new strategy for CRC treatment.
2.Hepatolenticular Degeneration With Primary Liver Cancer:Report of One Case and Review of the Literature.
Hui WANG ; Jia-Lin DU ; Qing-Ya YANG ; Dian-Dian HAO ; Ming-Yuan ZHANG ; Xiao-Yu WEN
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(2):319-324
Hepatolenticular degeneration is a rare disease,and the number of cases of primary liver cancer occurring on the basis of liver cirrhosis caused by hepatolenticular degeneration is very small.This paper reports a case of hepatolenticular degeneration with primary liver cancer,and then reviews and summarizes current cases of this disease both domestically and internationally.
Humans
;
Hepatolenticular Degeneration/complications*
;
Liver Neoplasms/complications*
3.miR-142a-3p Reduces Autophagy in TCMK-1 Cells and Enhances Pyroptosis by Targeting ATG16L1
Xing ZHAO ; Fei YU ; Rui-Yang YUAN ; Ya-Ru YANG ; Jia-Yan LIU ; Hai-Mai DING ; Xue-Ming ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(7):1031-1039
The incidence rate of kidney diseases in China has always remained high.At present,the clinical treat-ment mainly focuses on symptomatic treatment to delay the progression of the disease,and there is a lack of eco-nomical and effective treatment methods.MicroRNA plays an important regulatory role in the occurrence and devel-opment of diseases.This study aims to explore the role and regulatory mechanism of miR-142a-3p in adriamycin(ADR)-induced renal tubular epithelial cell(TCMK-1)injury,with a focus on its potential as a therapeutic target for ADR nephropathy.First,cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 kit,and a mouse renal tubular epithelial cell model induced by ADR was established.Subsequently,alterations in miR-142a-3p and its target gene ATG16L1 mRNA levels were quantified using RT-qPCR.Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels of autophagy marker proteins and pyroptosis marker proteins.Monodansylcadaverin(MDC)staining was performed and the autophagy of cells was detected by flow cytometry.The results showed that the relative expression of miR-142a-3p in TCMK-1 cells induced by ADR was increased and the relative expression of its target gene ATG16L1 was decreased(P<0.0001).Western blotting results showed that the levels of p62(P<0.001)and pyroptosis-related proteins(P<0.001)were increased,while the protein levels of autophagy-related proteins were decreased(P<0.05).The flow cytometry results showed that there was no difference in the mean fluorescence intensity of autoph-agosomes between the ADR group and the autophagosome inhibitor group(3-MA group)(P>0.05),indicating that after ADR induction,cell autophagy was inhibited and pyroptosis was enhanced.When the expression of miR-142a-3p was inhibited by transfecting miR-142a-3p inhibitor,the relative expression level of the target gene ATG16L1 was restored(P<0.001).Western blotting showed that the protein level of p62(P<0.01)and pyropto-sis-related proteins(P<0.01)were decreased,and the protein level of autophagy-related proteins was restored(P<0.001).Flow cytometry results further indicated that cell autophagy was restored(P<0.0001).In conclusion,ADR targets A TG1 6L1 through miR-142a-3p to reduce the autophagy level of TCMK-1,and simultaneously activates GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis.
4.Clinical Features, Prognostic Analysis and Predictive Model Construction of Central Nervous System Invasion in Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma.
Ya-Ting MA ; Yan-Fang CHEN ; Zhi-Yuan ZHOU ; Lei ZHANG ; Xin LI ; Xin-Hua WANG ; Xiao-Rui FU ; Zhen-Chang SUN ; Yu CHANG ; Fei-Fei NAN ; Ling LI ; Ming-Zhi ZHANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(3):760-768
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the clinical features and prognosis of central nervous system (CNS) invasion in peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and construct a risk prediction model for CNS invasion.
METHODS:
Clinical data of 395 patients with PTCL diagnosed and treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from 1st January 2013 to 31st December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.
RESULTS:
The median follow-up time of 395 PTCL patients was 24(1-143) months. There were 13 patients diagnosed CNS invasion, and the incidence was 3.3%. The risk of CNS invasion varied according to pathological subtype. The incidence of CNS invasion in patients with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) was significantly higher than in patients with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) (P <0.05). The median overall survival was significantly shorter in patients with CNS invasion than in those without CNS involvement, with a median survival time of 2.4(0.6-127) months after diagnosis of CNS invasion. The results of univariate and multivariate analysis showed that more than 1 extranodal involvement (HR=4.486, 95%CI : 1.166-17.264, P =0.029), ALCL subtype (HR=9.022, 95%CI : 2.289-35.557, P =0.002) and ECOG PS >1 (HR=15.890, 95%CI : 4.409-57.262, P <0.001) were independent risk factors for CNS invasion in PTCL patients. Each of these risk factors was assigned a value of 1 point and a new prediction model was constructed. It could stratify the patients into three distinct groups: low-risk group (0-1 point), intermediate-risk group (2 points) and high-risk group (3 points). The 1-year cumulative incidence of CNS invasion in the high-risk group was as high as 50.0%. Further evaluation of the model showed good discrimination and accuracy, and the consistency index was 0.913 (95%CI : 0.843-0.984).
CONCLUSION
The new model shows a precise risk assessment for CNS invasion prediction, while its specificity and sensitivity need further data validation.
Humans
;
Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral/pathology*
;
Prognosis
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Central Nervous System Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Neoplasm Invasiveness
;
Male
;
Female
;
Central Nervous System/pathology*
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
5.Clinical Features and Prognostic Analysis of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in the Elderly.
Li-Yuan CHU ; Ding-Dan ZHANG ; Ya-Yue ZHANG ; Qiu-Yue FAN ; Shao-Dan TIAN
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(5):1327-1334
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
METHODS:
Clinical data of elderly DLBCL patients diagnosed pathologically between 2010 and 2015 were extracted from the SEER database. Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted to explore the prognostic factors affecting overall survival (OS).
RESULTS:
A total of 11 523 elderly DLBCL patients were included, of whom 58.6% had stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ disease, and 28.8% exhibited extranodal involvement. Besides lymph nodes (68.5%), common primary extranodal sites included the gastrointestinal tract (9.8%) and lip, mouth, and pharynx (4.1%). The median survival time for the entire cohort was 47 months, with a 3-year survival rate of 52.0%, and a 5-year survival rate of 47.8%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age, sex, race, Ann Arbor stage, primary site, B symptoms, treatment modality, treatment sequence, and whether DLBCL was the first malignant primary indicator were independent prognostic factors affecting OS in elderly DLBCL patients (all P <0.05).
CONCLUSION
Age≥70 years, male, black race, advanced Ann Arbor stage, primary sites in the lungs, liver, or kidney, presence of B symptoms, and preoperative systemic therapy were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in elderly DLBCL patients.
Humans
;
Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/diagnosis*
;
Prognosis
;
Aged
;
Male
;
Female
;
Survival Rate
;
Proportional Hazards Models
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Kaplan-Meier Estimate
;
Neoplasm Staging
6.Astragaloside IV Alleviates Podocyte Injury in Diabetic Nephropathy through Regulating IRE-1α/NF-κ B/NLRP3 Pathway.
Da-Lin SUN ; Zi-Yi GUO ; Wen-Yuan LIU ; Lin ZHANG ; Zi-Yuan ZHANG ; Ya-Ling HU ; Su-Fen LI ; Ming-Yu ZHANG ; Guang ZHANG ; Jin-Jing WANG ; Jing-Ai FANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(5):422-433
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effects of astragaloside IV (AS-IV) on podocyte injury of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and reveal its potential mechanism.
METHODS:
In in vitro experiment, podocytes were divided into 4 groups, normal, high glucose (HG), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE-1) α activator (HG+thapsigargin 1 µmol/L), and IRE-1α inhibitor (HG+STF-083010, 20 µmol/L) groups. Additionally, podocytes were divided into 4 groups, including normal, HG, AS-IV (HG+AS-IV 20 µmol/L), and IRE-1α inhibitor (HG+STF-083010, 20 µmol/L) groups, respectively. After 24 h treatment, the morphology of podocytes and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was observed by electron microscopy. The expressions of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and IRE-1α were detected by cellular immunofluorescence. In in vivo experiment, DN rat model was established via a consecutive 3-day intraperitoneal streptozotocin (STZ) injections. A total of 40 rats were assigned into the normal, DN, AS-IV [AS-IV 40 mg/(kg·d)], and IRE-1α inhibitor [STF-083010, 10 mg/(kg·d)] groups (n=10), respectively. The general condition, 24-h urine volume, random blood glucose, urinary protein excretion rate (UAER), urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine (SCr) levels of rats were measured after 8 weeks of intervention. Pathological changes in the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the expressions of GRP78, IRE-1α, nuclear factor kappa Bp65 (NF-κBp65), interleukin (IL)-1β, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, gasdermin D-N (GSDMD-N), and nephrin at the mRNA and protein levels in vivo and in vitro, respectively.
RESULTS:
Cytoplasmic vacuolation and ER swelling were observed in the HG and IRE-1α activator groups. Podocyte morphology and ER expansion were improved in AS-IV and IRE-1α inhibitor groups compared with HG group. Cellular immunofluorescence showed that compared with the normal group, the fluorescence intensity of GRP78 and IRE-1α in the HG and IRE-1α activator groups were significantly increased whereas decreased in AS-IV and IRE-1α inhibitor groups (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the mRNA and protein expressions of GRP78, IRE-1α, NF-κ Bp65, IL-1β, NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD-N in the HG group was increased (P<0.05). Compared with HG group, the expression of above indices was decreased in the AS-IV and IRE-1α inhibitor groups, and the expression in the IRE-1α activator group was increased (P<0.05). The expression of nephrin was decreased in the HG group, and increased in AS-IV and IRE-1α inhibitor groups (P<0.05). The in vivo experiment results revealed that compared to the normal group, the levels of blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, BUN, blood creatinine and urinary protein in the DN group were higher (P<0.05). Compared with DN group, the above indices in AS-IV and IRE-1α inhibitor groups were decreased (P<0.05). HE staining revealed glomerular hypertrophy, mesangial widening and mesangial cell proliferation in the renal tissue of the DN group. Compared with the DN group, the above pathological changes in renal tissue of AS-IV and IRE-1α inhibitor groups were alleviated. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot results of GRP78, IRE-1α, NF-κ Bp65, IL-1β, NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD-N were consistent with immunofluorescence analysis.
CONCLUSION
AS-IV could reduce ERS and inflammation, improve podocyte pyroptosis, thus exerting a podocyte-protective effect in DN, through regulating IRE-1α/NF-κ B/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
Podocytes/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Diabetic Nephropathies/metabolism*
;
Saponins/therapeutic use*
;
Triterpenes/therapeutic use*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
NF-kappa B/metabolism*
;
Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism*
;
Endoribonucleases/metabolism*
;
Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone BiP
;
Rats
;
Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/complications*
;
Endoplasmic Reticulum/metabolism*
;
Multienzyme Complexes
7.Colon Dialysis with Yishen Decoction Improves Autophagy Disorder in Intestinal Mucosal Epithelial Cells of Chronic Renal Failure by Regulating SIRT1 Pathway.
Yan-Jun FAN ; Jing-Ai FANG ; Su-Fen LI ; Ting LIU ; Wen-Yuan LIU ; Ya-Ling HU ; Rui-Hua WANG ; Hui LI ; Da-Lin SUN ; Guang ZHANG ; Zi-Yuan ZHANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(10):899-907
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the mechanism of colon dialysis with Yishen Decoction (YS) in improving the autophagy disorder of intestinal epithelial cells in chronic renal failure (CRF) in vivo and in vitro.
METHODS:
Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal, CRF, and colonic dialysis with YS groups by a random number table method (n=10). The CRF model was established by orally gavage of adenine 200 mg/(kg•d) for 4 weeks. CRF rats in the YS group were treated with colonic dialysis using YS 20 g/(kg•d) for 14 consecutive days. The serum creatinine (SCr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pathological changes of kidney and colon tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Autophagosome changes in colonic epithelial cells was observed with electron microscopy. In vitro experiments, human colon cancer epithelial cells (T84) were cultured and divided into normal, urea model (74U), YS colon dialysis, autophagy activator rapamycin (Ra), autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA), and SIRT1 activator resveratrol (Re) groups. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), Claudin-1, silent information regulator sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), LC3, and Beclin-1 both in vitro and in vivo.
RESULTS:
Colonic dialysis with YS decreased SCr and BUN levels in CRF rats (P<0.05), and alleviated the pathological changes of renal and colon tissues. Expressions of SIRT1, ZO-1, Claudin-1, Beclin-1, and LC3II/I were increased in the YS group compared with the CRF group in vivo (P<0.05). In in vitro study, compared with normal group, the expressions of SIRT1, ZO-1, and Claudin-1 were decreased, and expressions of Beclin-1, and LC3II/I were increased in the 74U group (P<0.05). Compared with the 74U group, expressions of SIRT1, ZO-1, and Claudin-1 were increased, whereas Beclin-1, and LC3II/I were decreased in the YS group (P<0.05). The treatment of 3-MA and rapamycin regulated autophagy and the expression of SIRT1. SIRT1 activator intervention up-regulated autophagy as well as the expressions of ZO-1 and Claudin-1 compared with the 74U group (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Colonic dialysis with YS could improve autophagy disorder and repair CRF intestinal mucosal barrier injury by regulating SIRT1 expression in intestinal epithelial cells.
Animals
;
Sirtuin 1/metabolism*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Autophagy/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Intestinal Mucosa/drug effects*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Epithelial Cells/metabolism*
;
Colon/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Kidney Failure, Chronic/drug therapy*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Renal Dialysis
;
Rats
;
Kidney/drug effects*
9.Association of Co-Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Metal(loid)s with the Risk of Neural Tube Defects: A Case-Control Study in Northern China.
Xiao Qian JIA ; Yuan LI ; Lei JIN ; Lai Lai YAN ; Ya Li ZHANG ; Ju Fen LIU ; Le ZHANG ; Linlin WANG ; Ai Guo REN ; Zhi Wen LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(2):154-166
OBJECTIVE:
Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or metal(loid)s individually has been associated with neural tube defects (NTDs). However, the impacts of PAH and metal(loid) co-exposure and potential interaction effects on NTD risk remain unclear. We conducted a case-control study in China among population with a high prevalence of NTDs to investigate the combined effects of PAH and metal(loid) exposures on the risk of NTD.
METHODS:
Cases included 80 women who gave birth to offspring with NTDs, whereas controls were 50 women who delivered infants with no congenital malformations. We analyzed the levels of placental PAHs using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, PAH-DNA adducts with 32P-post-labeling method, and metal(loid)s with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Unconditional logistic regression was employed to estimate the associations between individual exposures and NTDs. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalized regression models were used to select a subset of exposures, while additive interaction models were used to identify interaction effects.
RESULTS:
In the single-exposure models, we found that eight PAHs, PAH-DNA adducts, and 28 metal(loid)s were associated with NTDs. Pyrene, selenium, molybdenum, cadmium, uranium, and rubidium were selected through LASSO regression and were statistically associated with NTDs in the multiple-exposure models. Women with high levels of pyrene and molybdenum or pyrene and selenium exhibited significantly increased risk of having offspring with NTDs, indicating that these combinations may have synergistic effects on the risk of NTDs.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that individual PAHs and metal(loid)s, as well as their interactions, may be associated with the risk of NTDs, which warrants further investigation.
Humans
;
Neural Tube Defects/chemically induced*
;
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/adverse effects*
;
Female
;
Case-Control Studies
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Adult
;
Pregnancy
;
Environmental Pollutants
;
Maternal Exposure/adverse effects*
;
Metals/toxicity*
;
Young Adult
;
Risk Factors
10.A Retrospective Study of Pregnancy and Fetal Outcomes in Mothers with Hepatitis C Viremia.
Wen DENG ; Zi Yu ZHANG ; Xin Xin LI ; Ya Qin ZHANG ; Wei Hua CAO ; Shi Yu WANG ; Xin WEI ; Zi Xuan GAO ; Shuo Jie WANG ; Lin Mei YAO ; Lu ZHANG ; Hong Xiao HAO ; Xiao Xue CHEN ; Yuan Jiao GAO ; Wei YI ; Yao XIE ; Ming Hui LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(7):829-839
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection's effect on gestational liver function, pregnancy and delivery complications, and neonatal development.
METHODS:
A total of 157 HCV antibody-positive (anti-HCV[+]) and HCV RNA(+) patients (Group C) and 121 anti-HCV(+) and HCV RNA(-) patients (Group B) were included as study participants, while 142 anti-HCV(-) and HCV RNA(-) patients (Group A) were the control group. Data on biochemical indices during pregnancy, pregnancy complications, delivery-related information, and neonatal complications were also collected.
RESULTS:
Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) rates in Group C during early, middle, and late pregnancy were 59.87%, 43.95%, and 42.04%, respectively-significantly higher than Groups B (26.45%, 15.70%, 10.74%) and A (23.94%, 19.01%, 6.34%) ( P < 0.05). Median ALT levels in Group C were significantly higher than in Groups A and B at all pregnancy stages ( P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in neonatal malformation rates across groups ( P > 0.05). However, neonatal jaundice incidence was significantly greater in Group C (75.16%) compared to Groups A (42.25%) and B (57.02%) ( χ 2 = 33.552, P < 0.001). HCV RNA positivity during pregnancy was an independent risk factor for neonatal jaundice ( OR = 2.111, 95% CI 1.242-3.588, P = 0.006).
CONCLUSIONS
Chronic HCV infection can affect the liver function of pregnant women, but does not increase the pregnancy or delivery complication risks. HCV RNA(+) is an independent risk factor for neonatal jaundice.
Humans
;
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Adult
;
Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Pregnancy Outcome
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Viremia/virology*
;
Hepatitis C
;
Hepacivirus/physiology*
;
Hepatitis C, Chronic/virology*
;
Young Adult
;
Alanine Transaminase/blood*

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