1.The Dual Role of p21 in Hormone-related Cancers and Its Therapeutic Implications
Jia-Wen LI ; Yang CHEN ; Jia-Qi WANG ; Yu-Kai MA ; Zhi-Yi GUO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):593-608
p21 (encoded by the CDKN1A gene) is a critical cell cycle regulatory protein endowed with versatile biological functions. In various sex hormone-related cancers, p21 exhibits a paradoxical dual role, capable of both inhibiting tumorigenesis and promoting cancer progression, exerting dual, often opposing, effects on cellular fate that are dictated by the specific context. The clinical targeting of p21 remains elusive, largely due to its functionally pleiotropic and context-dependent nature within intricate regulatory networks. During the initial, hormone-dependent phase of cancers like breast and prostate cancer, p21 expression and activity are largely governed by the transcriptional programs of estrogen or androgen receptor signaling. This hormonal regulation contributes to the control of tumor cell proliferation and underpins the initial efficacy of endocrine therapies. In contrast, as these diseases advance to late stages or evolve into non-hormone-dependent subtypes—exemplified by castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and specific forms of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)—these conventional hormonal control mechanisms often become dysfunctional or are entirely bypassed. This fundamental transition creates a critical therapeutic void, highlighting the urgent need to identify and exploit alternative molecular pathways to effectively target p21’s function. Promising strategies may include the precise modulation of its upstream transcriptional regulators, downstream effector proteins, or the intersecting parallel signaling networks that critically influence its activity. This review provides a systematic synthesis of the intricate and interconnected mechanisms that underpin the dual effects of p21 in sex hormone-related tumors. These mechanisms are categorized into three core, interrelated functional domains. (1) cell cycle regulation: p21 executes its canonical tumor-suppressive role by binding to and inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and by directly interacting with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), thereby inducing cell cycle arrest, predominantly at the G1/S checkpoint; (2) apoptosis modulation: p21 exerts a highly context-dependent influence on programmed cell death, functioning either as a pro-apoptotic agent under severe genotoxic stress or as a pro-survival factor by inhibiting apoptosis through interactions with proteins like Bcl-2; (3) hormonal and signaling crosstalk: p21 is an integral node within broader cellular networks, engaging in direct physical interactions with hormone receptors(e.g., AR, ER) and participating in complex feedback loops with key oncogenic pathways, including PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, and p53. Critically, the role of p21 is not static but highly dynamic. It can undergo a functional switch from tumor-suppressive to tumor-promoting in response to therapeutic pressures, metabolic alterations, or evolving tumor microenvironment cues. These adaptive shifts are frequently implicated in the development of therapy resistance and disease recurrence, particularly in advanced, hormone-resistant cancers. By synthesizing these insights, this review aims to establish a coherent theoretical framework to guide the future development of novel therapeutic strategies that target the p21 pathway. It underscores the necessity of moving beyond a simplistic, binary view of p21 and emphasizes the forthcoming challenges, such as the discovery of reliable biomarkers to predict its functional state and the rational design of context-specific pharmacological modulators to selectively harness its therapeutic potential.
2.Expert consensus on the basic research and clinical application of circadian clock for the precision diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial squamous cell carcinoma
Kai YANG ; Moyi SUN ; Longjiang LI ; Zhangui TANG ; Wei GUO ; Guoxin REN ; Zhiwei ZHANG ; Hong TANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Zhijun SUN ; Qing XI ; Chunjie LI ; Xin HUANG ; Heming WU ; Wei SHANG ; Jian MENG ; Jichen LI ; Hong MA ; Guiquan ZHU ; Yi LI ; Yaoxu LI ; Haitao HE ; Fugui ZHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Dan ZHAO ; Deping SUN ; Xiaoqiang LV ; Dan CHEN ; Fujun ZHANG ; Rui CHEN ; Yadong LI ; Jinsong ZHANG ; Xiaojuan FU ; Li XIANG ; Shouyi LI ; Shilin YIN
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(2):149-156
Recent studies have shown that the physiological homeostasis of oral mucosal cells is regulated by the circadian clock.Dis-ruption or dysfunction of the circadian clock is closely associated with the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC).Research based on the circadian clock offers a novel perspective on the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies for OSCC.However,there is current-ly limited research on this topic,and people generally have insufficient understanding and recognition of the circadian clock.Given the complexity and challenges of circadian clock which is the fourth dimension of medical research,we organize relevant experts based on summarizing the current research results of circadian clock in the pathogenesis and precision diagnosis and treatment of OSCC,combining the scientific principles of the circadian clock's role and their long-term research experience,then summarizes and recommends the con-sensus opinions for the research of circadian clock in the pathogenesis mechanism and precision diagnosis and treatment of human OSCC,with the hope of providing guidance for the basic research and clinical application of circadian clock or circadian rhythm in the pathogene-sis mechanism and precision diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial squamous cell carcinoma.
3.Effects of Hongyu Decoction on Serum Amino Acid Metabolism Profile in Mice with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Kai MA ; Cong HU ; Lu YIN ; Yikun LI ; Feiyang WENG ; Yibo YAO ; Chen WANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(7):88-96
Objective To investigate the underlying mechanism of Hongyu Decoction in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)based on serum amino acid metabolism.Methods A total of 50 male C57BL/6J mice were divided into control group,model group,sulfasalazine(SASP)group and Hongyu Decoction low-and high-dosage groups,with 10 mice in each group.Except for the control group,the rest groups were treated with 3%dextran sulfate sodium freely for seven consecutive days to establish the IBD model.The SASP group was given SASP solution at a dosage of 200 mg/kg by gavage,while the Hongyu Decoction low-and high-dosage groups were given Hongyu Decoction freeze-dried powder solution at dosages of 0.5 and 2.0 g/kg respectively by gavage for 11 consecutive days.The general condition was monitored and DAI score were calculated.After the mice were sacrificed,the length of colons was measured,ELISA was used to detect serum TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-17 contents,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of colon tissue,and Alizarin blue staining was used to evaluate the secretion of mucin levels by intestinal epithelial goblet cells,UPLC-MS and multivariate statistical methods were used to analyze the serum amino acid metabolism profiles of mice in the control group,model group and Hongyu Decoction high-dosage group,and differential amino acids were screened.Pathway enrichment analysis was performed on differential amino acids using MetaboAnalyst 5.0.Results Compared with the control group,the DAI score of the model group mice significantly increased(P<0.001),the colon length was significantly shortened(P<0.001),and the serum contents of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-17 significantly increased(P<0.001);with widespread ulceration of colon tissue,disappearance of mucosal epithelium and intestinal crypt structure,infiltration of lymphocytes and neutrophils,congestion and edema of intestinal mucosa,proliferation of submucosal connective tissue,reduced number of colonic goblet cells and mucin secretion.Compared with the model group,the Hongyu Decoction high-dosage group showed a significant decrease in DAI score(P<0.001),while the SASP group and the Hongyu Decoction low-and high-dosage groups showed a significant increase in colon length(P<0.05,P<0.001),and the serum contents of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-17 were significantly reduced(P<0.001);the colonic villi were relatively intact,the glands were clear and arranged neatly,the branches of the intestinal crypts were obvious,no obvious edema was observed,and the number of colonic goblet cells and mucin secretion increased.Seven potential biomarkers for IBD in mice were identified through serum metabolomics screening,including tryptophan,serine,glutamate,valine,histidine,methionine and phenylalanine;two potential biomarkers for the treatment of IBD with Hongyu Decoction were identified,namely valine and tyrosine.The results of pathway enrichment analysis showed that the differential amino acids in the model group mainly involved the biosynthesis of phenylalanine,tyrosine and tryptophan,histidine metabolism,cysteine and methionine metabolism,phenylalanine metabolism and arginine biosynthesis;the differential amino acids in Hongyu Decoction high-dosage group mainly involved the biosynthesis of phenylalanine,tyrosine and tryptophan,as well as the metabolism of alanine,aspartate and glutamate,and the biosynthesis of arginine.Conclusion Hongyu Decoction can improve intestinal epithelial damage and inflammatory cell infiltration in IBD mice,protect the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier,and may be related to regulating amino acid metabolism in the body.
4.Progress on role and mechanism of SOCS3 in glycolipid metabolic diseases
Ruofei MEI ; Zhen WANG ; Kai FEI ; Siyu CHEN ; Fuliang MA ; Quan GONG ; Hui YANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(10):2548-2553
Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3(SOCS3),a member of SOCS family,plays a major role in cell signaling trans-duction.SOCS3 is important in regulation of immune homeostasis and also involved in the control of energy metabolism,mainly through regulating JAK/STAT pathway.Recent studies have shown that SOCS3 was closely associated with glycolipid metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity,and can be used as a new target for treatment of these glycolipid metabolic diseases.This review focuses on the latest research progress of the role and mechanism of SOCS3 in glycolipid metabolic diseases,and discusses the possibility of SOCS3 as a therapeutic target for glycolipid metabolic diseases.
5.Efficacy of ranibizumab combined with retinal laser photocoagulation in patients with macular edema secondary to BRVO
Fengyun HU ; Lian'e DING ; Fenfen CHEN ; Xiaoli CAO ; Hai CHU ; Kai MA ; Chun DENG
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(8):816-820
Objective To explore the efficacy of ranibizumab combined with retinal laser photocoagulation in patients with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO)and its impact on best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and central macular thickness(CMT).Methods A prospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with secondary macular edema caused by BRVO who were admitted to the 901th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force from March 2019 to March 2023.According to the random number table method,the patients were assigned into study group or control group,with 35 cases in each group.The control group was treated with ranibizumab,while the study group was treated with ranibizumab and retinal laser photocoagulation.The efficacy,BCVA,CMT,intraocular pressure,adverse reactions,and 36-item short form health survey(SF-36)score were compared between the two groups.Results There was a significant difference in the efficacy between the two groups(Z=2.272,P<0.05),and the total effective rate of the study group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).The results of repeated measure ANOVA showed that CMT and intraocular pressure decreased significantly,while BCVA increased significantly in both groups after 3 months,6 months,and 12 months of treatment(P<0.05);moreover,these parameters in the study group were superior to those in the control group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the incidence of cataracts,transient intraocular pressure elevation,subconjunctival hemorrhage,retinal detachment,or the total incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).After 12 months of treatment,the total score of SF-36 increased in both groups(P<0.05),and the difference value of total score of SF-36 in the study group was superior to that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The combination of ranibizumab and retinal laser photocoagulation can achieve a good therapeutic effect on macular edema caused by BRVO.It can effectively improve BCVA,CMT and intraocular pressure,reduce the risk of adverse reactions,and enhance the quality of life.
6.Influence of neighborhood environment walkability on mortality of Chinese residents and its pathway
Mengxin CHEN ; Mengya LI ; Feiyun ZHANG ; Haibin MA ; Kai YOU ; Bo HU ; Wei LI
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(12):1632-1638
Objective To evaluate the association between self-reported neighborhood walkability environments and mortality in China.Methods The Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology study in China(PURE-China)recruited 47 931 participants aged 35-70 from 12 provinces in China between 2005 and 2009.Neighborhood environmental indicators were collected using the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale(NEWS)questionnaire,with higher scores indicating better walkable environments.The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality,using Cox fragile model to evaluate the association between community walkability and outcomes,as well as exploring mediating pathways.Results Of 35 490 participants included in this study,60%were female,with a mean(SD)age of 51.5(9.6)years.The median follow-up was 11.7 years.This study found an association between higher community walkability score and reduced risk of all-cause mortality,with the total score(HR=0.85;95%CI,0.80-0.89),land-use mix(HR=0.84;95%CI,0.79-0.88),and crime safety(HR=0.84;95%CI,0.80-0.89)showing the most significant associations.NEWS can affect long-term adverse outcomes through lifestyle.Conclusions In the Chinese population,favorable community walkability is associated with lower all-cause mortality risk,which may support policymakers to take actions to mitigate the adverse effects of poor community en-vironments on health.
7.CNV Encompassing SNP Detection by Cross-reactivity Probe
Xiao-Mei HU ; Chen ZHOU ; Pin-Zheng ZHANG ; Yang CHEN ; Jia-Wen LI ; Yu-Kai MA ; Jia-Qi WANG ; Zhi-Yi GUO
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):895-902
Copy number variation encompassing SNP plays an important role in IVD and precision medi-cine.As the most commonly used method,FISH could not overcome the probe cross-reactivity which is common when to detect SNP.Here we developed a quantitative and qualitative method on copy number variation encompassing SNP.In this study,the rs76711854 was used as an example to establish a quanti-tative method by advantage of probe cross-reactivity.The fragment encompassing rs76711854 and its downstream to 9 514 bp were amplified by PCR.The allelic genotypes were verified by Sanger sequen-cing.Different probes with or without cross-reactivity to be used via quantitative real-time PCR and digit-al PCR.The different clusters(2D)and fluorescence intensity layers(1D)exist by adding probe with cross-reactivity.The A/G ratio measured by digital PCR is 2︰1,which is verified by probe targeting to the SNP.The copy-number variant exists in the 9kb-long fragment upstream to the SNP of prostate cancer cell line but not in human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line Ishikawa.The data suggest that there is a multi-copy variation at this locus in DU145 cells.The method applied here is based on one single cross-reactivity probe via digital PCR.
8.Current situation of e-cigarettes and its relationship with smoking and smoking cessation among residents aged 18-65 in Beijing
Bo JIANG ; Aijuan MA ; Jin XIE ; Chen XIE ; Xueyu HAN ; Li NIE ; Yingqi WEI ; Kai FANG ; Jing DONG ; Yue ZHAO ; Zhong DONG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(4):638-645
Objective:To understand the usage situation of e-cigarettes among residents aged 18-65 in Beijing, explore the relationship between e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking as well as smoking cessation behaviors, and provide scientific support for the developing and improving policies and measures related to e-cigarettes.Methods:Using 19 684 residents data from the Beijing Non-communication Chronic Disease and Risk Factors Surveillance in 2022, complex sampling weighted methods were used to estimate proportions, and complex sampling logistic regression analysis was applied to explore the relationship between e-cigarette use, cigarette smoking, and smoking cessation.Results:Among all study participants, the proportion of those who had ever used e-cigarettes was 3.36%, with the current e-cigarette use at 1.26%. The proportion of current e-cigarette users (1.87%) and the former e-cigarette users (3.47%) were higher ( χ2=64.70, P<0.001) among males compared to females (0.60% and 0.64% respectively). The top three reasons for using e-cigarettes were wanting to quit smoking, perceiving e-cigarettes as less harmful, and enjoying the flavors of e-cigarettes. 83.54% of e-cigarette users started with cigarettes. The results of the complex sampling multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that current smoking ( OR=61.35, 95% CI: 36.98-101.76) and former smoking ( OR=31.20, 95% CI: 15.52-62.71) were positively associated with e-cigarette, while current e-cigarette use ( OR=0.13, 95% CI: 0.04-0.39) was negatively associated with quitting cigarette smoking. Conclusions:The proportion of e-cigarette use in Beijing was relatively low. E-cigarette use was associated with cigarette use and was not conducive to smoking cessation. Therefore, stronger regulatory measures and health education campaigns regarding the risks of e-cigarettes should be implemented.
9.Progress on role and mechanism of SOCS3 in glycolipid metabolic diseases
Ruofei MEI ; Zhen WANG ; Kai FEI ; Siyu CHEN ; Fuliang MA ; Quan GONG ; Hui YANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(10):2548-2553
Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3(SOCS3),a member of SOCS family,plays a major role in cell signaling trans-duction.SOCS3 is important in regulation of immune homeostasis and also involved in the control of energy metabolism,mainly through regulating JAK/STAT pathway.Recent studies have shown that SOCS3 was closely associated with glycolipid metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity,and can be used as a new target for treatment of these glycolipid metabolic diseases.This review focuses on the latest research progress of the role and mechanism of SOCS3 in glycolipid metabolic diseases,and discusses the possibility of SOCS3 as a therapeutic target for glycolipid metabolic diseases.
10.Determination of 12 inorganic elements in phloroglucinol injection by ICP-MS
Ying SUN ; Kai HE ; Huan CHEN ; Ling MA ; Caiyu ZHANG
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(5):533-537
Objective:A method was first established for determination simultaneously of 12 elements including B,Al,Si,As,Cd,Hg,Pb,Co,Ni,V,Cu and Sb in phloroglucinol injection,and investigate the elemental impuri-ty content of commercially available phloroglucinol injection.Methods:Samples were digested with microwave-as-sisted acid and determined by inductively coupled plasma chromatography(ICP-MS).Results:This method has a good linear relationship.The average recovery rate was range from 88.9%-100.4%.The repeatability RSD were range from 0.6%-5.8%,and the precision RSD were between 0.4%-8.1%.The methodological validation meets the requirements.B,Al,Si,As,Cd,Co,Ni,V,Cu were detected to varying degrees in 9 batches of sam-ples,and there were significant differences in content among different enterprises.The sources of elemental impuri-ties were deeply explored in combination with the production process,medicinal property and pharmaceutical packa-ging material.Conclusion:The new established method has strong specificity,high accuracy,reliable results,and can be used as a quality evaluation method for elemental impurities in phloroglucinol injection.

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