1.Predictive model for severe adverse reaction associated with bevacizumab based on the global trigger tool and machine learning
Yongfei FU ; Xin LONG ; Hongzhen XU ; Jian TANG ; Xiangqing LI ; Yucheng LONG ; Dong QIN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):497-503
OBJECTIVE To confirm trigger items for adverse drug reaction (ADR) induced by bevacizumab, to identify and analyze the occurrence of related ADR, and to establish a predictive model for severe adverse reaction (SAR) caused by this drug. METHODS Based on the global trigger tool (GTT) theory, and referencing the GTT White Paper, drug package inserts and relevant literature, trigger items for bevacizumab-related ADR were confirmed using a single-round Delphi method. Utilizing these established items, electronic medical records of relevant patients at Guilin People’s Hospital from January 2020 to September 2024 were actively screened via the China Hospital Pharmacovigilance System. Pharmacists then identified and tallied the occurrence of bevacizumab-induced ADR. Data from patients with any positive trigger item served as the study subjects (divided into training and test sets at a ratio of 7∶3), candidate feature variables were selected from 39 related variables using the Boruta algorithm, and the multivariable Logistic regression analysis was performed with the occurrence of SAR as the dependent variable. Based on these candidate features, Logistic Regression, Extreme Gradient Boosting, Light Gradient Boosting Machine, Random Forest, and Categorical Boosting models were constructed. Model performance was evaluated using metrics including the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curve and recall rate. The Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method was applied to analyze and interpret the contribution of each variable. A nomogram was constructed based on the optimal model. RESULTS A total of 38 trigger items for active monitoring of bevacizumab-related ADR were determined, comprising 17 laboratory indicators, 13 clinical manifestations, and 8 intervention measures. In total, 483 patients with positive trigger items were included, and 318 patients with bevacizumab-induced ADR were identified, including 83 SARs. The positive predictive values for the trigger items and cases were 43.57% (708/1 625) and 63.84% (318/483), respectively. Bevacizumab-induced ADR involved 7 systems/organs, with the hematological system being the most frequently involved (64.15%). The Boruta algorithm selected 7 vari ables: serum potassium, hematocrit, albumin-to-globulin ratio, prealbumin, hypertension history, age and red blood cell count. Multivariable Logistic regression showed that elevated serum potassium levels were associated with a decreased risk of bevacizumab-induced SAR (OR=0.234, P =0.002), while a history of hypertension (OR=2.642, P =0.006) and increased age (OR=1.040, P =0.025) were associated with an increased risk. The Logistic Regression model demonstrated superior performance with higher AUC, F1 score and recall rate (0.761, 0.447, 0.607), compared to other models. SHAP evaluation results indicated that variables such as serum potassium, hematocrit, and age ranked highest in importance. CONCLUSIONS Totally 38 trigger entries have been successfully identified for active screening of bevacizumab-related ADR. Elevated serum potassium levels are a protective factor against bevacizumab-induced SAR, whereas the hypertension history and increased age are risk factors. The Logistic Regression model is the optimal predictive model.
2.Construction of A Nomogram Prognostic Model Based on Pretreatment Inflammatory Indicator for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients Treated with Radical Radiotherapy
Shenbo FU ; Long JIN ; Jing LIANG ; Junjun GUO ; Yu CHE ; Chenyang LI ; Yong CHEN
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(2):142-150
Objective To describe the significance of the pretreatment inflammatory indicators in predicting the prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after undergoing radical radiotherapy. Methods The data of 246 ESCC patients who underwent radical radiotherapy were retrospectively collected. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to determine the optimal cutoff values for platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII). The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. We conducted univariate and multivariate analyses by using the Cox proportional risk regression model. Software R (version 4.2.0) was used to create the nomogram of prognostic factors. Results The results of the ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff values of PLR, NLR, and SII were 146.06, 2.67, and 493.97, respectively. The overall response rates were 77.6% and 64.5% in the low and high NLR groups, respectively (P<0.05). The results of the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the prognosis of patients in the low PLR, NLR, and SII group was better than that of patients in the high PLR, NLR, and SII group (all P<0.05). The results of the multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that gender, treatment modalities, T stage, and NLR were independent factors affecting the overall survival (OS). In addition, T stage and NLR were independent factors affecting the progression-free survival (PFS) (all P<0.05). The nomogram models of OS and PFS prediction were established based on multivariate analysis. The C-index values were 0.703 and 0.668. The calibration curves showed excellent consistency between the predicted and observed OS and PFS. Conclusion The pretreatment values of PLR, NLR, and SII are correlated with the prognosis of patients with ESCC who underwent radical radiotherapy. Moreover, NLR is an independent factor affecting the OS and PFS of ESCC patients. The NLR-based nomogram model has a good predictive ability.
3.Proteomics and Network Pharmacology Reveal Mechanism of Xiaoer Huatan Zhike Granules in Treating Allergic Cough
Youqi DU ; Yini XU ; Jiajia LIAO ; Chaowen LONG ; Shidie TAI ; Youwen DU ; Song LI ; Shiquan GAN ; Xiangchun SHEN ; Ling TAO ; Shuying YANG ; Lingyun FU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):69-79
ObjectiveTo explore the pharmacological mechanism involved in the treatment of allergic cough (AC) by Xiaoer Huatan Zhike granules (XEHT) based on proteomics and network pharmacology. MethodsAfter sensitization by intraperitoneal injection of 1 mL suspension containing 2 mg ovalbumin (OVA) and 100 mg aluminum hydroxide, a guinea pig model of allergic cough was constructed by nebulization with 1% OVA. The modeled guinea pigs were randomized into the model, low-, medium- and high-dose (1, 5, 20 g·kg-1, respectively) XEHT, and sodium montelukast (1 mg·kg-1) groups (n=6), and another 6 guinea pigs were selected as the blank group. The guinea pigs in drug administration groups were administrated with the corresponding drugs by gavage, and those in the blank and model groups received the same volume of normal saline by gavage, 1 time·d-1. After 10 consecutive days of drug administration, the guinea pigs were stimulated by 1% OVA nebulization, and the coughs were observed. The pathological changes in the lung tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to measure the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the serum. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to observe the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in the lung tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was employed observe the alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cell ultrastructure. Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of IL-6, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and TNF-α in the lung tissue. Label-free proteomics was used to detect the differential proteins among groups. Network pharmacology was used to predict the targets of XEHT in treating AC. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis was performed to search for the same pathways from the results of proteomics and network pharmacology. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed increased coughs (P<0.01), elevated levels of CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA and lowered level of SOD in the BALF (P<0.05, P<0.01), elevated levels of IgA and IgG in the serum (P<0.05, P<0.01), congestion of the lung tissue and infiltration of inflammatory cells, increased expression of IL-6 and TNF-α (P<0.01), large areas of low electron density edema in type Ⅱ epithelial cells, obvious swelling and vacuolization of the organelles, karyopyknosis or sparse and dissolved chromatin, and up-regulated mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the drug administration groups showed reduced coughs (P<0.01), lowered levels of CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA and elevated level of SOD in the BALF (P<0.05, P<0.01), alleviated lung tissue congestion, inflammatory cell infiltration, and type Ⅱ epithelial cell injury, and decreased expression of IL-6 and TNF-α (P<0.01). In addition, the medium-dose XEHT group and the montelukast sodium group showcased lowered serum levels of IgA and IgG (P<0.05, P<0.01). The medium- and high-dose XEHT groups and the montelukast sodium showed down-regulated mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α and the low-dose XEHT group showed down-regulated mRNA levels of IL-6 and TNF-α (P<0.05, P<0.01). Phospholipase D, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and epidermal growth factor receptor family of receptor tyrosine kinase (ErbB) signaling pathways were the common pathways predicted by both proteomics and network pharmacology. ConclusionProteomics combined with network pharmacology reveal that XEHT can ameliorate AC by regulating the phospholipase D, mTOR, and ErbB signaling pathways.
4.6-Gingerol Induced Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Glioma Cells via MnSOD and ERK Phosphorylation Modulation
Sher-Wei LIM ; Wei-Chung CHEN ; Huey-Jiun KO ; Yu-Feng SU ; Chieh-Hsin WU ; Fu-Long HUANG ; Chien-Feng LI ; Cheng Yu TSAI
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(1):129-142
6-gingerol, a bioactive compound from ginger, has demonstrated promising anticancer properties across various cancer models by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion. In this study, we explore its mechanisms against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a notably aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumor. We found that 6-gingerol crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than curcumin, enhancing its potential as a therapeutic agent for brain tumors. Our experiments show that 6-gingerol reduces cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in GBM cell lines by disrupting cellular energy homeostasis. This process involves an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, primarily due to the downregulation of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Additionally, 6-gingerol reduces ERK phosphorylation by inhibiting EGFR and RAF, leading to G1 phase cell cycle arrest. These findings indicate that 6-gingerol promotes cell death in GBM cells by modulating MnSOD and ROS levels and arresting the cell cycle through the ERFR-RAF-1/MEK/ ERK signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for GBM and setting the stage for future clinical research.
5.6-Gingerol Induced Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Glioma Cells via MnSOD and ERK Phosphorylation Modulation
Sher-Wei LIM ; Wei-Chung CHEN ; Huey-Jiun KO ; Yu-Feng SU ; Chieh-Hsin WU ; Fu-Long HUANG ; Chien-Feng LI ; Cheng Yu TSAI
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(1):129-142
6-gingerol, a bioactive compound from ginger, has demonstrated promising anticancer properties across various cancer models by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion. In this study, we explore its mechanisms against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a notably aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumor. We found that 6-gingerol crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than curcumin, enhancing its potential as a therapeutic agent for brain tumors. Our experiments show that 6-gingerol reduces cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in GBM cell lines by disrupting cellular energy homeostasis. This process involves an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, primarily due to the downregulation of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Additionally, 6-gingerol reduces ERK phosphorylation by inhibiting EGFR and RAF, leading to G1 phase cell cycle arrest. These findings indicate that 6-gingerol promotes cell death in GBM cells by modulating MnSOD and ROS levels and arresting the cell cycle through the ERFR-RAF-1/MEK/ ERK signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for GBM and setting the stage for future clinical research.
6.Mechanism of Tougu Xiaotong Capsules regulating Malat1 and mi R-16-5p ceRNA to alleviate "cholesterol-iron" metabolism disorder in osteoarthritis chondrocytes.
Chang-Long FU ; Yan-Ming LIN ; Shu-Jie LAN ; Chao LI ; Zi-Hong ZHANG ; Yue CHEN ; Ying-Rui TONG ; Yan-Feng HUANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4363-4371
From the perspective of competitive endogenous RNA(ceRNA) constructed by metastasy-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1(Malat1) and microRNA 16-5p(miR-16-5p), the improvement mechanism of Tonggu Xiaotong Capsules(TGXTC) on the imbalance and disorder of "cholesterol-iron" metabolism in chondrocytes of osteoarthritis(OA) was explored. In vivo experiments, 60 8-week-old C57BL/6 mice were acclimatized and fed for 1 week and then randomly divided into two groups: blank group(12 mice) and modeling group(48 mice). The animals in modeling group were anesthetized by 5% isoflurane inhalation, which was followed by the construction of OA model. They were then randomly divided into model group, TGXTC group, Malat1 overexpression group, and TGXTC+Malat1 overexpression(TGXTC+Malat1-OE) group, with 12 mice in each group. The structural changes of mouse cartilage tissues were observed by Masson staining after the intervention in each group. RT-PCR was employed to detect the mRNA levels of Malat1 and miR-16-5p in cartilage tissues. Western blot was used to analyze the protein expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1(ABCA1), sterol regulatory element-binding protein(SREBP), cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily B member 1(CYP7B1), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein(CHOP), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4), and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) in cartilage tissues. In vitro experiments, mouse chondrocytes were induced by thapsigargin(TG), and the combination of Malat1 and miR-16-5p was detected by double luciferase assay. The fluorescence intensity of Malat1 in chondrocytes was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The miR-16-5p inhibitory chondrocyte model was constructed. RT-PCR was used to analyze the levels of Malat1 and miR-16-5p in chondrocytes under the inhibition of miR-16-5p. Western blot was adopted to analyze the regulation of TG-induced chondrocyte proteins ABCA1, SREBP, CYP7B1, CHOP, ACSL4, and GPX4 by TGXTC under the inhibition of miR-16-5p. The results of in vivo experiments showed that,(1) compared with model group, TGXTC group exhibited a relatively complete cartilage layer structure. Compared with Malat1-OE group, TGXTC+Malat1-OE group showed alleviated cartilage surface damage.(2) Compared with model group, TGXTC group had a significantly decreased Malat1 mRNA level and an increased miR-16-5p mRNA level in mouse cartilage tissues(P<0.01).(3) Compared with the model group, the protein levels of ABCA1 and GPX4 in the cartilage tissue of mice in the TGXTC group increased, while the protein levels of SREBP, CYP7B1, CHOP and ACSL4 decreased(P<0.01). The results of in vitro experiments show that,(1) dual-luciferase was used to evaluate that miR-16-5p has a targeting effect on the Malat1 gene.(2)Compared with TG+miR-16-5p inhibition group, TG+miR-16-5p inhibition+TGXTC group had an increased mRNA level of miR-16-5p and an decreased mRNA level of Malat1(P<0.01).(3) Compared with TG+miR-16-5p inhibition group, TG+miR-16-5p inhibition+TGXTC group exhibited increased expression of ABCA1 and GPX4 proteins and decreased expression of SREBP, CYP7B1, CHOP, and ACSL4 proteins(P<0.01). The reasults showed that TGXTC can regulate the ceRNA of Malat1 and miR-16-5p to alleviate the "cholesterol-iron" metabolism disorder of osteoarthritis chondrocytes.
Animals
;
MicroRNAs/metabolism*
;
RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism*
;
Chondrocytes/drug effects*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Mice
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Osteoarthritis/drug therapy*
;
Iron/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Cholesterol/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Capsules
;
RNA, Competitive Endogenous
7.6-Gingerol Induced Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Glioma Cells via MnSOD and ERK Phosphorylation Modulation
Sher-Wei LIM ; Wei-Chung CHEN ; Huey-Jiun KO ; Yu-Feng SU ; Chieh-Hsin WU ; Fu-Long HUANG ; Chien-Feng LI ; Cheng Yu TSAI
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(1):129-142
6-gingerol, a bioactive compound from ginger, has demonstrated promising anticancer properties across various cancer models by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion. In this study, we explore its mechanisms against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a notably aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumor. We found that 6-gingerol crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than curcumin, enhancing its potential as a therapeutic agent for brain tumors. Our experiments show that 6-gingerol reduces cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in GBM cell lines by disrupting cellular energy homeostasis. This process involves an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, primarily due to the downregulation of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Additionally, 6-gingerol reduces ERK phosphorylation by inhibiting EGFR and RAF, leading to G1 phase cell cycle arrest. These findings indicate that 6-gingerol promotes cell death in GBM cells by modulating MnSOD and ROS levels and arresting the cell cycle through the ERFR-RAF-1/MEK/ ERK signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for GBM and setting the stage for future clinical research.
8.Total Flavonoids from Cuscutae Semen Inhibit Depression in CUMS Mice via UCP2/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Andong SONG ; Guohua LI ; Bo YUAN ; Menghui JIA ; Zhantao LI ; Xiaoli WANG ; Long WANG ; Huiling FU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):109-119
ObjectiveTo investigate the antidepressant effects and mechanisms of total flavonoids from Cuscutae Semen (TFCC) in the mouse model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). MethodsFifty male 4-week-old ICR mice were randomized into five groups (n=10 per group): blank control, model, Cuscutae Semen decoction (10.2 g·kg-1·d-1), paroxetine (2.6 mg·kg-1·d-1), and TFCC (173.2 mg·kg-1·d-1). The other groups except the blank control group underwent chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 4 weeks. Behavioral assessments were conducted post-modeling. Then, the model group received distilled water (10 mL·kg-1·d-1), while treatment groups were administrated with respective agents via oral gavage (10 mL·kg-1) for 4 weeks. Depression-like behaviors were evaluated by the sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swimming test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST). Hippocampal neuronal morphology was observed via hematoxylin-eosin staining, and apoptosis in the brain tissue was assessed via terminal- deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the hippocampal levels of inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α)] and neurotransmitters [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)], while the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were quantified via the DCFH-DA probe. Real-time PCR was performed to measure the mRNA levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated Speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1), IL-1β, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Western blot was employed to evaluate the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), and thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group exhibited weight loss (P<0.01), reduced sucrose preference (P<0.01), prolonged immobility time in FST and TST (P<0.01), neuron disarrangement with nuclear pyknosis in hippocampal CA3 region, increased apoptosis in the brain tissue, elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.01), declined levels of 5-HT, DA, and BDNF (P<0.01), increased ROS accumulation (P<0.01), upregulated mRNA levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.01), down-regulated protein level of UCP2 (P<0.01), and up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and TXNIP (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the interventions restored sucrose preference (P<0.01), shortened immobility time (P<0.01), repaired hippocampal neuronal structure, reduced apoptosis, lowered the levels of inflammatory cytokines (P<0.01), restored the levels of neurotransmitters (P<0.01), alleviated ROS accumulation (P<0.01), downregulated the mRNA levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.01), upregulated the protein level of UCP2 (P<0.01), and reduced the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and TXNIP (P<0.01). Moreover, TFCC outperformed Cuscutae Semen decoction in ameliorating depressive behaviors. TFCC excelled in neuronal repair, neurotransmitter regulation, anti-inflammatory effects, and modulation of the UCP2/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionTFCC modulates the hippocampal UCP2/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway to inhibit inflammasome activation, reduce oxidative stress, restore neurotransmitters, thus suppressing neuronal apoptosis and promoting the rearrangement and morphology recovery of hippocampal cells. It outperforms Cuscutae Semen decoction in the antidepressant efficacy.
9.Total Flavonoids from Cuscutae Semen Inhibit Depression in CUMS Mice via UCP2/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Andong SONG ; Guohua LI ; Bo YUAN ; Menghui JIA ; Zhantao LI ; Xiaoli WANG ; Long WANG ; Huiling FU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):109-119
ObjectiveTo investigate the antidepressant effects and mechanisms of total flavonoids from Cuscutae Semen (TFCC) in the mouse model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). MethodsFifty male 4-week-old ICR mice were randomized into five groups (n=10 per group): blank control, model, Cuscutae Semen decoction (10.2 g·kg-1·d-1), paroxetine (2.6 mg·kg-1·d-1), and TFCC (173.2 mg·kg-1·d-1). The other groups except the blank control group underwent chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 4 weeks. Behavioral assessments were conducted post-modeling. Then, the model group received distilled water (10 mL·kg-1·d-1), while treatment groups were administrated with respective agents via oral gavage (10 mL·kg-1) for 4 weeks. Depression-like behaviors were evaluated by the sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swimming test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST). Hippocampal neuronal morphology was observed via hematoxylin-eosin staining, and apoptosis in the brain tissue was assessed via terminal- deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the hippocampal levels of inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α)] and neurotransmitters [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)], while the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were quantified via the DCFH-DA probe. Real-time PCR was performed to measure the mRNA levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated Speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1), IL-1β, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Western blot was employed to evaluate the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), and thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group exhibited weight loss (P<0.01), reduced sucrose preference (P<0.01), prolonged immobility time in FST and TST (P<0.01), neuron disarrangement with nuclear pyknosis in hippocampal CA3 region, increased apoptosis in the brain tissue, elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.01), declined levels of 5-HT, DA, and BDNF (P<0.01), increased ROS accumulation (P<0.01), upregulated mRNA levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.01), down-regulated protein level of UCP2 (P<0.01), and up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and TXNIP (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the interventions restored sucrose preference (P<0.01), shortened immobility time (P<0.01), repaired hippocampal neuronal structure, reduced apoptosis, lowered the levels of inflammatory cytokines (P<0.01), restored the levels of neurotransmitters (P<0.01), alleviated ROS accumulation (P<0.01), downregulated the mRNA levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.01), upregulated the protein level of UCP2 (P<0.01), and reduced the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and TXNIP (P<0.01). Moreover, TFCC outperformed Cuscutae Semen decoction in ameliorating depressive behaviors. TFCC excelled in neuronal repair, neurotransmitter regulation, anti-inflammatory effects, and modulation of the UCP2/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionTFCC modulates the hippocampal UCP2/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway to inhibit inflammasome activation, reduce oxidative stress, restore neurotransmitters, thus suppressing neuronal apoptosis and promoting the rearrangement and morphology recovery of hippocampal cells. It outperforms Cuscutae Semen decoction in the antidepressant efficacy.
10.Presenting characteristics, histological subtypes and outcomes of adult central nervous system tumours: retrospective review of a surgical cohort.
Mervyn Jun Rui LIM ; Yilong ZHENG ; Sean Wai-Onn ENG ; Celest Wen Ting SEAH ; Shuning FU ; Lucas Zheng Long LAM ; Joel Yat Seng WONG ; Balamurugan VELLAYAPPAN ; Andrea Li-Ann WONG ; Kejia TEO ; Vincent Diong Weng NGA ; Sein LWIN ; Tseng Tsai YEO
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(10):545-550
INTRODUCTION:
The most recent local study on the incidence of histological subtypes of all brain and spinal tumours treated surgically was published in 2000. In view of the outdated data, we investigated the presenting characteristics, histological subtypes and outcomes of adult patients who underwent surgery for brain or spinal tumours at our institution.
METHODS:
A single-centre retrospective review of 501 patients who underwent surgery for brain or spinal tumours from 2016 to 2020 was conducted. The inclusion criteria were (a) patients who had a brain or spinal tumour that was histologically verified and (b) patients who were aged 18 years and above at the time of surgery.
RESULTS:
Four hundred and thirty-five patients (86.8%) had brain tumours and 66 patients (13.2%) had spinal tumours. Patients with brain tumours frequently presented with cranial nerve palsy, headache and weakness, while patients with spinal tumours frequently presented with weakness, numbness and back pain. Overall, the most common histological types of brain and spinal tumours were metastases, meningiomas and tumours of the sellar region. The most common complications after surgery were cerebrospinal fluid leak, diabetes insipidus and urinary tract infection. In addition, 15.2% of the brain tumours and 13.6% of the spinal tumours recurred, while 25.7% of patients with brain tumours and 18.2% of patients with spinal tumours died. High-grade gliomas and metastases had the poorest survival and highest recurrence rates.
CONCLUSION
This study serves as a comprehensive update of the epidemiology of brain and spinal tumours and could help guide further studies on brain and spinal tumours.
Humans
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Retrospective Studies
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Female
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Adult
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Aged
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Central Nervous System Neoplasms/pathology*
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Brain Neoplasms/pathology*
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Treatment Outcome
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Postoperative Complications
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Young Adult
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Spinal Neoplasms/pathology*
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Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
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Aged, 80 and over
;
Adolescent

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