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.Predictive value of preoperative combined detection of NLR and PTAR for early abdominal infection after liver transplantation
Huabin PENG ; Ying LIU ; Fei HOU ; Shuang ZHAO ; Yizhi ZHANG ; Tingting CUI ; Zhiying HE ; Jingyi LIU ; Haofeng XIONG ; Liying SUN
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(6):931-943
Objective To investigate the predictive value of preoperative combined detection of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and prothrombin time-international normalized ratio to albumin ratio (PTAR) for early abdominal infection after liver transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 287 recipients who underwent liver transplantation at the Liver Transplant Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital, Affiliated to Capital Medical University, from January 2020 to April 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into infection group (n=60) and non-infection group (n=227) based on whether abdominal infection occurred within 30 days after surgery. The distribution characteristics of pathogens and infection time in infected patients were analyzed. Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation between NLR, PTAR, Child-Pugh score and preoperative model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for abdominal infection. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted for NLR, PTAR, and the combined prediction model to evaluate their predictive efficacy for abdominal infection after liver transplantation. Based on the cutoff value of the combined model, recipients were divided into low-risk and high-risk groups, and Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare the cumulative incidence of abdominal infection within 30 days after surgery between the two groups. Results Among the 287 recipients who underwent liver transplantation, 60 developed bacterial or fungal abdominal infections postoperatively. A total of 86 strains were isolated from infected patients, with Gram-negative bacteria accounting for 58%, Gram-positive bacteria for 36%, and fungi for 5%. Preoperative NLR and PTAR were positively correlated with Child-Pugh and MELD scores (all 1 > r > 0, P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative NLR, preoperative PTAR, postoperative ICU stay duration and postoperative biliary leakage were risk factors for abdominal infection within 30 days after surgery. The area under the curve (AUC) for NLR, PTAR, Child-Pugh score and MELD score were 0.771, 0.735, 0.650 and 0.741, respectively. The AUC for the combined NLR and PTAR prediction model was 0.824 (95% confidence interval: 0.763-0.885, P < 0.001), with a cutoff value of 0.168. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the cumulative incidence of abdominal infection within 30 days after surgery was lower in the low-risk group than in the high-risk group, with statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Conclusions Preoperative NLR and PTAR are independent risk factors for abdominal infection within 30 days after liver transplantation. The combined prediction model of NLR and PTAR may effectively identify high-risk recipients for early abdominal infection after liver transplantation, providing basis for early intervention.
3.Application analysis of composite surgery in the treatment of chronic common carotid artery occlusion
Fei WANG ; Zhongjian WU ; Shengjia YANG ; Zhu TONG ; Shijun CUI ; Yongquan GU ; Lianrui GUO
International Journal of Surgery 2024;51(7):481-485
Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of composite surgery in the treatment of chronic common carotid artery occlusion(CCAO).Methods:A retrospective descriptive study was conducted. The clinical data of 7 patients with CCAO admitted to Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from October 2020 to December 2023 were collected retrospectively. There were 6 males and 1 female. The age was (66.7±10.9) years, ranging from 52 to 83 years. Outpatient or telephone follow-up were conducted after surgery, carotid artery ultrasound or computed tomography angiography were performed at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively to determine vascular patency. The selection of surgical methods and clinical effect were analyzed. Normally distributed measurement data were expressed as mean±standard deviation ( ± s). The measurement data of skewed distribution were expressed by M ( Q1, Q3). Count data were expressed as frequency. Results:All 7 patients were diagnosed with chronic CCAO before operation, 6 on the left and 1 on the right. 3 cases affected the middle and distal segments of the common carotid artery, 1 case affected the proximal segment, and 1 case each affected the middle and distal segments, the remaining case involves the entire common carotid artery. All the procedures were successfully performed, among which 4 cases underwent carotid endarterectomy combined with stent placement, and 3 cases did not receive stent placement after carotid endarterectomy. 1 patient developed neck hematoma after surgery and the remaining patients recovered well after surgery without any complications or deaths. The follow-up time was 13.5(4.0, 20.5) months; 1 patient was lost to follow-up, and 6 patients received effective follow-up. the common carotid artery remained unobstructed in all 6 patients, and there were no transient ischemic attacks or strokes during the follow-up period.Conclusion:Composite surgery is a safe and feasible method that can be used to treat chronic CCAO lesions, and has satisfactory short-term results.
4.Effect of ureteral wall thickness at the site of ureteral stones on the clinical efficacy of ureteroscopic lithotripsy
Wei PU ; Jian JI ; Zhi-Da WU ; Ya-Fei WANG ; Tian-Can YANG ; Lyu-Yang CHEN ; Qing-Peng CUI ; Xu XU ; Xiao-Lei SUN ; Yuan-Quan ZHU ; Shi-Cheng FAN
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(12):1077-1081
Objective To investigate the effect of varying ureteral wall thickness(UWT)at the site of ureteral stones on the clinical efficacy of ureteroscopic lithotripsy(URL).Methods The clinical data of 164 patients with ureteral stones in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.According to different UWT,the patients were divided into the mild thickening group(84 cases,UWT<3.16 mm),the moderate thickening group(31 cases,UWT 3.16 to 3.49 mm),and the severe thickening group(49 cases,UWT>3.49 mm),and the differences of clinical related indicators among the three groups were compared.Results The incidence of postoperative renal colic and leukocyte disorder in the mild thickening group and the moderate thickening group were lower than those in the severe thickening group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The postoperative catheterization time in the mild thickening group and the moderate thickening group were shorter than that in the severe thickening group,and the incidences of secondary lithotripsy,residual stones and stone return to kidney in the mild thickening group and the moderate thickening group were lower than those in the severe thickening group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The length of hospital stay and hospitalization cost in the mild thickening group and the moderate thickening group were shorter/less than those in the severe thickening group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusion With the increase of UWT(especially when UWT>3.49 mm),the incidence of postoperative complications and hospitalization cost of URL increase to varying degrees,and the surgical efficacy decreases.In clinical work,UWT measurement holds potential value in predicting the surgical efficacy and complications of URL.
5.Preparation and activity identification of recombinant allergen rDer f 27 from Dermatophagoides farina
Yaning REN ; Dongmei ZHOU ; Yuanfen LIAO ; Ying ZHOU ; Yubao CUI ; Jie FEI
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(10):2168-2173
Objective:To prepare recombinant protein of group 27 allergen of Dermatophagoides farinae(Der f 27),and to determine its immunoactivity.Methods:pET-28a(+)-Der f 27 plasmid was constructed and inserted into E.coli BL21(DE3)cells.After being expressed and purified,recombinant allergen rDer f 27 was obtained.IgE binding rates of rDer f 27 with sera from patients with allergic rhinitis induced by Dermatophagoides farinae was determined by ELISA and Western blot.PBMC from patients with allergic rhinitis and BESA-2B cells were cultured with rDer f 27 for 24 h,respectively,and cytokine expression was measured.Bioinformatics softwares were used to analyze physicochemical properties and structures of Der f 27.Results:pET-28a(+)-Der f 27 plasmids were prepared successfully and transformed into BL21(DE3)cells.After expressed and purified with PTG,SDS-PAGE and Western blot identified a band about 48 kD.IgE binding rates of rDer f 27 were 39.5%and 45.5%with sera from patients with allergic rhinitis allergic to Dermatophagoides farinae by IgE-ELISA and IgE-Western blot,respectively.Compared with control group,IL-6 and IL-8 expressions were increased in PBMC from patients with allergic rhinitis being cultured with rDer f 27(P<0.05);expressions of IL-10 and TGF-β were decreased in BESA-2B cells being cultured with rDer f 27,while IL-17A and IL-23A expressions were increased.Bioinformatics analysis showed that Der f 27 belong to serine protease inhibitor family and had universal structure and func-tion of this family.Secondary structure of Der f 27 was mainly composed of α-helix(42.62%)and random coil(35.60%).Conclusion:Recombinant allergen rDer f 27 has been prepared successfully with good immunoreactivity and immunogenicity,becoming one of important allergens of allergic rhinitis.
6.Evaluation and optimization of metagenomic sequencing platforms for bloodstream infection samples
Xin PENG ; Hang FAN ; Meng-Nan CUI ; Lei LIN ; Guang-Qian PEI ; Yun-Fei WANG ; Xiu-Juan ZUO ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Yan GUO ; Yu-Jun CUI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(10):928-934
This study was aimed at comparing performance differences among three metagenomic sequencing platforms,MGISEQ-2000,Illumina NextSeq 2000,and Ion GeneStudio S5 Plus,to optimize the sequencing process for trace samples.The three sequencing platforms were used to perform high-throughput sequencing on DNA standards and simulated samples.Through analysis of the quality of raw data and microbial detection capabilities,systematic differences among platforms were compared.The sequencing results were optimized for trace samples by incorporation of exogenous nucleic acids during the li-brary preparation process.In terms of data output per batch and base quality,MGISEQ-2000 surpassed the other two plat-forms.Illumina NextSeq 2000 had the lowest proportion of duplicate reads,whereas Ion GeneStudio S5 Plus had the highest proportion,and significant differences were observed across platforms(P<0.001).In sequencing uniformity,MGISEQ-2000 and Illumina NextSeq 2000 were superior to Ion GeneStudio S5 Plus.MGISEQ-2000 provided a substantial advantage in microbial detection capability(P<0.001),but the advantage diminished with decreasing bacterial fluid concentration.Ion GeneStudio S5 Plus had the shortest duration for single-batch sequencing.Moreo-ver,for trace samples with DNA content ≤0.05 ng,the experi-mental group(with added exogenous nucleic acids)achieved a higher number of reads than the control group(without exogenous nucleic acids),with a 11.09±8.03 fold increase.In conclu-sion,the different sequencing platforms each had advantages and disadvantages,thus allowing researchers to choose the appro-priate platform according to specific needs.Furthermore,the addition of exogenous nucleic acids improved the microorganism detection efficiency,and provided better support for subsequent diagnosis and evaluation of results.
7.Effects and mechanism of NCTD on proliferation and apoptosis of human leukemic cells by targeting PPP5C
Xin ZHANG ; Bingjie CUI ; Guoxing YU ; Fei WANG ; Liang ZHAO ; Na GAO ; Jing DU
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2024;34(4):11-19
Objective To study the effects and mechanism of norcantharidin(NCTD)on proliferation and apoptosis of NB4 and K562 human leukemic cells by regulating phosphoprotein phosphatase 5 catalytic(PPP5C).Methods PC3.1 and PPP5C-PC3.1 plasmids were electroporated into NB4 and K562 cells.Stable NB4 and K562 cell lines were selected with geneticin(G418).Protein and mRNA expression levels of PPP5C were measured by Western blot and RT-qPCR,respectively.Proliferation,migration,and apoptosis of NB4 and K562 cells were determined by a CCK-8 assay,transwell assay,and Live & Dead? animal cell viability/toxicity detection kit,respectively.NB4 and K562 cells were divided into 0 μg/mL NCTD group and various NCTD dose groups,and cultured in RPMI 1640 medium containing 0,8,16,or 32 μg/ml NCTD.The Live & Dead? animal cell viability/toxicity detection kit measured the numbers of dead and live cells,and cell morphology was observed under a microscope.Western blot was used to measure protein expression levels of caspase 3,Cleaved caspase 3,JNK,p-JNK,p38,p-p38,and α-Tubulin.Results Proliferation,migration,and apoptosis of NB4 and K562 cells were enhanced by overexpression of PPP5C.Compared with 0 μg/mL NCTD group,NCTD promoted apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner.PPP5C overexpression antagonized the killing effect of NCTD on leukemic cells.Mechanistic investigations showed that PPP5C reduced the protein level of p-JNK by dephosphorylating and regulating the expression of apoptosis-related protein Cleaved caspase 3.Conclusions NCTD promotes apoptosis of NB4 and K562 cells and inhibits their proliferation by inhibiting PPP5C.
8.Effect of Angelica polysaccharides on Th17/T-regulatory cell balance and expression of related inflammatory factor proteins in bone marrow of mice with aplastic anemia
Xiubao CHEN ; Fei XU ; Xi YIN ; Weida CHEN ; Xing CUI ; Xiujuan LIU ; Zetao CHEN
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2024;34(8):1-9
Objective To investigate the effect of Angelica polysaccharides on the balance of Th17/T-regulatory(Treg)cells and the expression of related inflammatory factor proteins in the bone marrow of mice with aplastic anemia.Methods 50 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a normal group,model group,cyclosporine A(CsA)group,and angelica polysaccharide low-(APS-L)and high-dose(APS-H)groups.A mouse model of aplastic anemia was prepared by combining irradiation with allogeneic lymphocyte infusion.After modeling,the mice were orally administered with corresponding drugs for 28 days.The general condition,weight changes,and spleen index of the mice were observed.Blood samples were taken to test for changes in basic hematological parameters of peripheral blood,and hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to evaluate the pathological changes in mouse bone marrow tissue.An ELISA method was applied to detect bone marrow TGF-β1.The expression levels of proteins such as IL-10,IL-17A,and IL-6 were analyzed,and flow cytometry was used in detecting the bone marrow Th17/Treg cell ratio.Results Compared with the normal group,the model group mice showed clumsiness during activity;lethargy;pale eyelids,lips,and ears;and reduced food and water intake.Both body weight and spleen index were significantly decreased.Peripheral red blood cell,white blood cell,and platelet counts and hemoglobin concentration were significantly reduced.A disordered bone marrow tissue structure and significantly reduced proliferation of hematopoietic tissue were seen.The expression of IL-17A and IL-6 proteins was significantly upregulated,and the expression of TGF-β1 and IL-10 protein was significantly downregulated.The proportion of Th17 cells in bone marrow significantly increased,the proportion of Treg cells significantly decreased,and the ratio of Th17/Treg cells significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the general condition of the APS-L and APS-H groups improved,showing an increase in food and water intake;a significant increase in body weight and spleen index;a significant increase in peripheral red blood cells,white blood cells,platelets,and hemoglobin concentration(P<0.05);an improvement in bone marrow tissue structure;and an increase in hematopoietic tissue proliferation(P<0.05).The expression of IL-17A and IL-6 proteins was significantly downregulated.The expression of TGF-β1 and IL-10 protein was significantly upregulated(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The proportion of Th17 cells in bone marrow significantly decreased,the proportion of Treg cells significantly increased,and the ratio of Th17/Treg cells significantly decreased(P<0.01).Conclusions Angelica polysaccharides can improve bone marrow hematopoietic function in aplastic anemia mice,and its mechanism of action may include the regulation of Th17/Treg cell balance.
9.Resveratrol Inhibits T-acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Mice by Regulating Notch1 Signaling Pathway
Xiao-Fei LI ; Fang CUI ; Fei LIU ; Rui ZHANG ; Min SHI ; Yong-Jun LI
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(1):57-65
Objective:To observe the effect of resveratrol(Res)on T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia(T-ALL)mice,and further explore its mechanism on Notch1 signaling pathway.Methods:Twenty-five 6-8 weeks old female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group,T-ALL group and Res group.Res group was further divided into low-Res.middle-Res and high-Res group.The percentage of leukemia cells in peripheral blood and spleen cell suspension were detected by flow cytometry and Wright-Giemsa staining,pathological morphology of spleen and bone marrow tissues were observed by HE staining,the expression levels of Notch1,Hes-1,c-Myc,miR-19b and PTEN mRNA in spleen tissue were detected by RT-qPCR,and the protein levels of Notch1,Hes-1,c-Myc,p-PTEN and PTEN were detected by Western blot.Results:Compared with control group,the leukemia cells in peripheral blood of mice in T-ALL group were markedly increased,accompanied by diffuse infiltration of leukemia cells in spleen and bone marrow tissues,the mRNA levels of Notch1,Hes-1,c-Myc,miR-19b and the protein levels of Notch1.Hes-1,c-Myc were increased(P<0.01),while the expression of PTEN mRNA and protein were significantly decreased in the spleen tissue of T-ALL mice(P<0.01).The above indicators in the H-Res group were reversed compared with T-ALL group after administration of resveratrol.Conclusion:Resveratrol may play a role in anti T-ALL by inhibiting Notch1 signaling pathway in mice.
10.In Vitro Amplification of NK Cells from Feeder Layer Cells Expressing IL-21
Zhen-Zhao XU ; Xue-Hua ZHANG ; Ling-Ping ZHAO ; Gao-Hua LI ; Tian-Tian CUI ; Xiao-Ling WANG ; Xuan LI ; Ru-Ge ZANG ; Wen YUE ; Ya-Nan WANG ; Guo-Xin LI ; Jia-Fei XI
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(5):1578-1584
Objective:To investigate the effect of feeder layer cells expressing interleukin(IL)-21 on the amplification of NK cells in vitro.Methods:The K562 cell line with IL-21 expression on its membrane was constructed by electroporation,and co-cultured with NK cells after inactivation.The proliferation of NK cells was observed.The killing function of the amplified NK cells in vitro was evaluated by the lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)and interferon-γ(IFN-y)release assay.A colorectal cancer xenograft model in NOD/SCID mice was established,and a blank control group,a NK cell group and an amplified NK cell group were set up to detect the tumor killing effect of amplified NK cells in vivo.Results:K562 cells expressing IL-21 on the membrane were successfully constructed by electroporation.After co-culturing with K562 cells expressing IL-21 on the membrane for 17 days,the NK cells increased to 700 times,which showed an enhanced amplification ability compared with control group(P<0.001).In the tumor cell killing experiment in vitro,there was no significant difference in the killing activity on tumor cells between NK cells and amplified NK cells,and there was also no significant difference in mice in vivo.Conclusion:K562 cells expressing IL-21 on the membrane can significantly increase the amplification ability of NK cells in vitro,but do not affect the killing function of NK cells in vitro and in vivo.It can be used for the subsequent large-scale production of NK cells in vitro.

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