1.Exploration of the effects of quercetin on intervertebral disc degeneration in lumbar intervertebral disc herniation rats based on the FOXO3/Sirt1 pathway
Bowen XIAO ; Cong PENG ; Senwei ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):49-54
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of quercetin (QUE) on intervertebral disc degeneration in rats with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LDH) and explore its mechanism based on the forkhead box protein O3/silent information regulator 1 (FOXO3/Sirt1) pathway. METHODS A rat model of LDH was established. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into LDH group (gavaged with and intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of normal saline), QUE-L group (gavaged with 50 mg/kg QUE+intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of normal saline), QUE-H group (gavaged with 100 mg/kg QUE+ intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of normal saline), and QUE-H+EX-527 (a Sirt1 inhibitor) group (gavaged with 100 mg/kg QUE+intraperitoneally injected with 1 mg/kg EX-527), with 12 rats in each group. Additionally, 12 healthy normal rats were selected as the control group (gavaged with and intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of normal saline). All rats were administered the corresponding agents once daily for consecutive 8 weeks. After the final administration, the pain threshold and serum levels of inflammatory factors in rats were measured; pathological damage of lumbar intervertebral disc tissue was observed, the apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells in lumbar intervertebral disc tissue was assessed, and the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), as well as apoptosis-related proteins and FOXO3/Sirt1 pathway- related proteins in intervertebral disc tissue were determined. RESULTS Compared with LDH group, pathological damage of intervertebral disc tissue were improved significantly in QUE-L group and QUE-H group; paw withdrawal mechanical threshold, paw withdrawal thermal latency, the serum levels of transforming growth factor-β1 and interleukin-10 (IL-10) as well as the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), FOXO3 and Sirt1 were significantly increased or prolonged (P<0.05). Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-1β, histopathological score of intervertebral disc tissue, apoptotic rate of nucleus pulposus cells, positive expressions of MMP-3 and PLA2 in intervertebral disc tissue and expression levels of Bcl-2 associated X protein were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the QUE-H group, the QUE-H+EX-527 group presented aggravated pathological damage of intervertebral disc tissue, and the trends of all the above indicators were significantly reversed(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS QUE can ameliorate intervertebral disc degeneration in LDH rats, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of the FOXO3/Sirt1 pathway.
2.Prediction and verification of the mechanism of Chaiqi yigan granules improving hepatocellular carcinoma
Guiping MA ; Yuanjie ZHANG ; Yichi ZHOU ; Jinzhen LYU ; Conghui WANG ; Fenping LU ; Bowen LIU ; Yun RAN ; Shiping HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):620-625
OBJECTIVE To predict and validate the mechanisms of Chaiqi yigan granules (CQYG) improving hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS The signaling pathways of CQYG intervention in HCC were predicted using network pharmacology. A mice model of transplanted hepatocellular carcinoma was established by injecting H22 hepatoma cells into the axilla. Successfully modeled mice were randomly divided into model group (normal saline), sorafenib group (positive control, 50 mg/kg), and CQYG low-, medium- and high-dose groups (24.83, 49.66, 99.32 g/kg), with 10 mice in each group. Mice in each group were administered the corresponding drug solution or normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. After last administration, pathological morphological changes in the tumor tissues of mice were observed in each group. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of the nuclear proliferation antigen Ki-67 in tumor tissues of mice. Western blot assay was used to measure the expression of proteins related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) [N-cadherin, E-cadherin, Vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7)] and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway [p38 MAPK, phosphorylated p38 MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphorylated JNK, extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), phosphorylated ERK1/2] in tumor tissue of mice. RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis revealed that metabolic pathways, pathways in cancer, and the MAPK signaling pathway were key signaling pathways through which CQYG exert their anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects. In animal experiments, the tumor tissues of mice in the model group exhibited dense tumor cells and vigorous growth. Compared with model group, CQYG high-dose group showed a decreased density of tumor cells in the tumor tissues of mice. Moreover, the expression levels of Ki-67, N-cadherin, MMP7 and Vimentin proteins, along with the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and JNK proteins, were all significantly reduced ( P <0.05). The expression level of E-cadherin protein was significantly increased ( P <0.05), the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK protein was increased, the difference was not statistically significant ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS CQYG can inhibit EMT by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby suppressing tumor cell invasion and metastasis and ultimately exerting a therapeutic effect in improving HCC.
3.Research progress on traditional Chinese medicine interventions in colorectal cancer metastasis based on tumor microenvironment
Yu WANG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Siyu WU ; Bowen SUI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(12):1648-1653
Colorectal cancer has an insidious onset, and some patients have already developed local invasion or metastasis at the time of diagnosis, which affects treatment strategy selection and survival prognosis. The tumor microenvironment is not only the basic condition for tumor cell survival but also the core regulatory factor driving their local invasion and distant metastasis. This article reviewed the mechanisms by which traditional Chinese medicine regulates the tumor microenvironment to inhibit colorectal cancer metastasis. It was found that traditional Chinese medicine active ingredients such as astragalus polysaccharides, leonurine, kaempferol, etc., as well as traditional Chinese medicine formulas such as Jianpi jiedu formula, can inhibit colorectal cancer metastasis by regulating key links of the tumor microenvironment, including immunosuppression, inflammatory response, intestinal microecological disorder, abnormal angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix homeostasis imbalance. However, current related research was still mainly based on cell and animal experiments, with limited clinical evidence-based data, and mechanistic studies mostly focued on single signaling pathways. Future research should integrate multi-omics technologies and systems biology methods to systematically elucidate the key targets and action networks through which traditional Chinese medicine regulates the colorectal cancer tumor microenvironment to combat metastasis.
4.Investigation of Mechanism of Simiaowan in Promoting Intestinal Uric Acid Excretion in Hyperuricemic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis of Intestinal Epithelial Cells via SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Zhongyou ZHANG ; Huilin FENG ; Lian DUAN ; Xuping FAN ; Shaoang DONG ; Lingchun WANG ; Bowen YE ; Hao DAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):151-161
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Simiao Wan improve intestinal uric acid excretion in hyperuricemic (HUA) rats by inhibiting ferroptosis via the solute carrier family 7 member 11/glutathione peroxidase 4 (SLC7A11/GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly assigned to a normal group, a model group, a low-dose Simiao Wan group (282.6 mg·kg-1), a high-dose Simiao Wan group (565.2 mg·kg-1), an etoricoxib group (5.4 mg·kg-1), and a ferroptosis inhibitor (Fer-1) group (2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in all other groups were intraperitoneally injected with potassium oxonate (100 mg·kg-1) combined with intragastric administration of hypoxanthine (500 mg·kg-1) to establish the HUA rat model. After 21 days, rats in each administration group received the corresponding dose of drug by gavage, rats in the Fer-1 group received intraperitoneal injection of Fer-1, and rats in the normal and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage. After sampling, serum levels of uric acid (SUA), creatinine (Cr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured using biochemical assays. The content of ferrous ion (Fe2+), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in ileal tissues were determined. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe the histopathological changes in the ileum, and transmission electron microscopy was used to observe mitochondrial alterations in the ileal tissue. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot were used to detect the protein expression levels of GPX4, ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), SLC7A11, and ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 (ABCG2) in ileal tissue. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to determine the mRNA expression of GPX4, FTH1, ACSL4, SLC7A11, and ABCG2 in the ileal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated serum UA, Cr, and BUN levels (P<0.01), significantly increased content of MDA and Fe2+ in ileal tissue, and significantly decreased GSH content and SOD activity (P<0.01). HE staining showed extensive shedding of the ileal villous epithelium, disrupted and disorganized villous structure, and incomplete local tissue architecture. Transmission electron microscopy revealed reduced mitochondrial volume, decreased or even vanished cristae, indicating ultrastructural features characteristic of ferroptosis. Molecular and immunohistochemical results demonstrated that the protein and mRNA expression levels of GPX4, FTH1, SLC7A11, and ABCG2 were significantly downregulated, whereas those of ACSL4 were significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, after intervention with Simiao Wan, the serum UA, Cr, and BUN levels significantly decreased in all dose groups (P<0.05,P<0.01), the MDA and Fe2+ content in ileal tissues were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the GSH content and SOD activity significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining showed that the shedding of ileal villous epithelium was markedly alleviated, the villous structure became relatively intact and regularly arranged, and local tissue damage was obviously improved. Transmission electron microscopy showed attenuated mitochondrial damage, improvement in mitochondrial shrinkage, and partial restoration of mitochondrial cristae. Molecular and immunohistochemical results showed that Simiao Wan upregulated GPX4, FTH1, SLC7A11, and ABCG2, and downregulated ACSL4 in a dose-dependent manner. In the high‑dose group, all indices improved significantly (P<0.05,P<0.01), whereas in the low‑dose group, only improving trends were observed for FTH1, SLC7A11 mRNA, and ABCG2 protein. ConclusionSimiao Wan may inhibit ferroptosis of ileal epithelial cells by regulating the SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway, and upregulate the expression of the uric acid transporter ABCG2, thereby promoting intestinal uric acid excretion and improving HUA.
5.Research advances in the association of adipokines with metabolic associated fatty liver disease and its associated liver cancer
Yixiao ZHANG ; Jianguang SUN ; Bowen JIANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(1):151-158
With the emergence of unhealthy dietary structures in people’s life, metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has gradually become the most important chronic liver disease in China, and there is also a gradual increase in the cases of MAFLD-associated liver cancer. Adipose tissue not only has the function of energy storage, but also secretes adipokines that play an important role in the development and progression of MAFLD and its associated liver cancer. Studies on the mechanism of adipokines have provided important help for the prevention and treatment of MAFLD, and a large number of studies have shown that the abnormal secretion of adipokines is associated with MAFLD and plays an important regulatory role in the development and progression of liver cancer. Adipokines are not only regulated at the gene level, but they can also interact with genes through specific pathways to co-regulate pathophysiological processes such as inflammation, metabolism, immunity, and cell proliferation in MAFLD and its associated liver cancer. This article reviews the latest studies on the association of adipokines with MAFLD and its associated liver cancer, in order to provide new directions for further research on the pathogenesis of liver cancer.
6.Real-world adverse event profile of trabectedin:A signal mining and spatiotemporal analysis based on FAERS database
Bowen ZHANG ; Ludan ZHANG ; Hongrui CHEN ; Chunxiao LYU ; Yunlong LIU ; Yang LUO ; Aruhan DONG ; Zhuting LI ; Yuhong HUANG ; Ruihua WANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(19):2425-2436
Objective To analyze the characteristics of real-world adverse drug events(ADEs)of trabectedin based on the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System(FAERS)database in order to provide references for clinical drug safety management.Methods A total of 1 349 trabectedin-related reports were extracted from the FAERS database from Q1 2007 to Q4 2024.Using the MedDRA coding classification system for system organ class(SOC)and preferred term(PT),signal detection was performed through 4 proportional imbalance methods,including reporting odds ratio(ROR)and proportional reporting ratio(PRR).Subgroup analyses by gender,age,and temporal trends were also conducted.Results Hematological and lymphatic system disorders and hepatobiliary system disorders were the primary SOCs involved.High-frequency PTs included neutropenia(123 cases)and anemia(117 cases).Eight potential ADEs that have not been listed in the drug product instruction were identified.The median onset time of ADEs was 21 d,showing an early failure pattern,with differences observed by gender(females more prone to hematological toxicity)and age(elderly more susceptible to febrile neutropenia).Conclusion Trabectedin requires close attention to hematological toxicity,hepatotoxicity,and newly identified multi-system potential risks.Clinically,monitoring should be strengthened based on time windows and population characteristics to optimize drug regimens.Countermeasure It is recommended to strengthen the full cycle monitoring of anti-tumor drugs,standardize the reporting of adverse reactions,and establish a multi-departmental collaborative research platform.
7.Expression of E6AP and BAF155 in patients with hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma and its clinical prognostic significance
Bowen ZUO ; Wei ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Wen NIU
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(14):1764-1769
Objective To investigate the expression of E6-associated protein(E6AP)and BRG1-associated factor 155(BAF155)in patients with hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma(HBV-HCC)and its clinical prognostic significance.Methods A total of 126 patients with HBV-HCC diagnosed and treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from January 2019 to February 2021 were retrospec-tively collected as the research subjects.The expressions of E6AP and BAF155 in cancer tissues and adjacent tissues of HBV-HCC patients were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and immunohisto-chemistry.To analyze the relationship between the levels of E6AP mRNA and BAF155 mRNA and the clini-copathological characteristics of patients with HBV-HCC.The survival curve was plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method to analyze the effects of E6AP mRNA and BAF155 mRNA levels on the survival prognosis of patients with HBV-HCC.COX regression analysis was conducted to analyze the factors influencing the surviv-al prognosis of patients with HBV-HCC.Results Compared with adjacent tissues,the positive rates of E6AP mRNA and protein in cancer tissues of HBV-HCC patients were lower,while the positive rates of BAF155 mRNA and protein were higher,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared with the stage I of the China Liver Cancer Staging(CNLC),the maximum tumor diameter<5 cm and HBV-DNA negative,the E6AP mRNA was lower and the BAF155 mRNA was higher in the HBV-HCC cancer tissues of the CNLC stage Ⅱ—Ⅲ,the maximum tumor diameter≥5 cm and the HBV-DNA positive,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The 3-year survival rates of the high-expression group and the low-expres-sion group of E6AP mRNA were 67.19%(43/64)and 38.71%(24/62),respectively,and the difference was statistically significant(Log rank χ2=10.540,P=0.001).The 3-year survival rates of the high-expression group and the low-expression group of BAF155 mRNA were 42.62%(26/61)and 63.08%(41/65),respec-tively,and the difference was statistically significant(Log rank χ2=6.876,P=0.009).The results of multi-variate COX analysis showed that CNLC stage Ⅱ—Ⅲ and BAF155 mRNA were risk factors affecting the prognosis of HBV-HCC,while E6AP mRNA was a protective factor.Conclusion The expression of E6AP is down-regulated and the expression of BAF155 is up-regulated in patients with HBV-HCC.Detecting the ex-pressions of E6AP and BAF155 is helpful for evaluating the prognosis of patients with HBV-HCC.
8.Preparation of heparin-modified gelatin methacryloyl microspheres and their liver-targeted delivery of ADSCs
Xiaotong LI ; Jin CHU ; Hongbin ZHANG ; Bowen SHI ; Xue ZHENG ; Junlong XUE ; Liang LI ; Renyong LIN ; Xiaojuan BI
International Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2025;48(5):425-434
Objective:To prepare heparin (Hep)-modified gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) microspheres and to investigate their application in liver-targeted delivery of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs).Methods:GelMA microspheres were modified with Hep to obtain GelMA-Hep microspheres. The surface morphology of the GelMA-Hep microspheres was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The changes of carbon atoms, nitrogen atoms and sulfur atoms on the surface of the GelMA-Hep microspheres were detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The surface chemical group composition of the GelMA-Hep microspheres was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The swelling properties of the GelMA-Hep microspheres were detected by water absorption swelling experiment. Human liver HL-7702 cells transfected with lentivirus were co-cultured with GelMA, GelMA-dopamine (GelMA-dop) and GelMA-Hep microspheres. The effects of microspheres on cell proliferation activity were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 method and live/dead cell staining experiment. The adhesion of microspheres to cells was observed by confocal microscopy. The GelMA-Hep microspheres loaded with ADSCs were injected into C57BL/6 mice through the tail vein, and its efficiency of liver-targeted delivery of ADSCs was observed by a small animal in vivo imaging system. The data were compared by independent sample t test or one-way analysis of variance. Results:The GelMA-Hep microspheres were prepared by modifying the GelMA microspheres with Hep. Compared with the GelMA microspheres, the size of the GelMA-Hep microspheres did not change significantly, and the surface did not collapse and showed some crystalline particles. The binding energy of sulfur atoms on the surface of the GelMA-Hep microspheres increased from 166 eV to 168 eV. On the surface of the GelMA-Hep microspheres, the characteristic peaks of sulfonic acid and sulfate groups of Hep were detected at 1 490 cm ?1 and from 1 135 cm ?1 to 1 050 cm ?1, respectively. The swelling rate of the GelMA-dop microspheres was uniform, while the swelling rate of the GelMA microspheres and the GelMA-Hep microsphere was quite different, but the final swelling mass of the three microspheres tended to be consistent at 5 min. After 12, 24, 36 and 48 h of culture, the relative proliferation of cells in the GelMA-Hep group (1.61±0.29, 1.78±0.05, 2.27±0.08, 2.26±0.33) were higher than those in the negative control group (1.00±0.00, 1.28±0.06, 1.39±0.02, 1.41±0.04) (all P<0.05). After 36 h of culture, the relative proliferation of cells in the GelMA-Hep group was higher than that in the GelMA-dop group (1.63±0.21), with significant difference ( P<0.05). Live/dead cell staining experiment showed that after 12 h of cell culture in the GelMA-Hep group, only a few microspheres had cell adhesion; at 24 h, the cells were densely distributed on the surface of the microspheres. After 36 h, the number of cells increased further. At 48 h, live cells were distributed throughout the microspheres. Confocal microscopy showed that after 24 h of culture, cells adhered to the surface of the microspheres in the GelMA-Hep group and showed a stretched morphology. The liver of the GelMA-Hep+ADSCs group showed strong fluorescence at 0.5 h, and the fluorescence brightness continued to 48.0 h. The number of ADSCs reaching the liver was more than that of ADSCs group and GelMA+ADSCs group. Conclusions:GelMA-Hep microspheres were successfully prepared, which can improve the efficiency of liver-targeted delivery of ADSCs.
9.Protective Ross Procedure Using Autologous Valved Conduit Made From Autologous Aorta and Autologous Pericardium for Right Ventricular-Pulmonary Artery Reconstruction:a Case Report
Lu RUI ; Jing ZHANG ; Ye LIN ; Kai MA ; Huaping JIANG ; Yang LIU ; Bowen ZHANG ; Shoujun LI
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(10):1030-1032
In recent years,the Ross procedure has been increasingly applied in the treatment of aortic valve disease in children and young patients.However,right ventricular outflow tract(RVOT)reconstruction in this procedure often relies on allogeneic or artificial materials,which may lead to complications such as calcification and valve dysfunction.This article reports a case of protective Ross procedure using completely autologous tissue to construct a right ventricular-pulmonary artery(RV-PA)conduit.The patient was an 11-year-old male who presented with severe aortic stenosis combined with regurgitation.During the operation,his dilated ascending aortic wall and fresh pericardium were used to construct an autologous valved conduit for RV-PA reconstruction.This innovative technique achieves RV-PA reconstruction without allogeneic tissue,provides a new technical approach for the Ross procedure.Short-term results are satisfactory and the medium-and long-term outcomes require further follow-up verification.
10.Application of plant virus nanoparticles in cancer immunotherapy
Xingfu SHU ; Yu ZHAO ; Bowen ZHANG ; Yao CHEN ; Zhongren MA ; Haixia ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(5):1252-1256,1262
Plant virus nanoparticles(PVNPs)have inherent immune stimulation ability,which has been widely studied as an immune adjuvant to stimulate the anti-tumor immune response.PVNPs not only have the potential to be used as vaccine adjuvants for cancer immunotherapy,but also as delivery systems for single immunotherapy or combination therapies.Among them,PVNPs have achieved great success in preclinical research of cancer immunotherapy.The new immunotherapy strategy is to use PVNPs as in situ vaccination(ISV),which can effectively inhibit tumor growth and produce a widening systemic anti-tumor immune response after in-tratumoral administration;in addition,PVNPs in combination with other tumor treatment modalities may also improve the local and systemic anti-tumor immune response.In this review,the application and prospects of plant virus nanoparticles in cancer immunotherapy are reviewed,in order to provide new ideas for cancer immunotherapy.

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