OBJECTIVE: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies seen in clinic and requires novel treatment options. Morin is a natural flavonoid extracted from the flower stalk of a highly valuable medicinal plant Prunella vulgaris L., which exhibits an anti-cancer effect in multiple types of tumors. However, the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of morin in treating GC remains elusive. The study aims to explore the therapeutic effect and underlying molecular mechanisms of morin in GC. METHODS: For in vitro experiments, the proliferation inhibition of morin was measured by cell counting kit-8 assay and colony formation assay in human GC cell line MKN45, human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line AGS, and human gastric epithelial cell line GES-1; for apoptosis analysis, microscopic photography, Western blotting, ubiquitination analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, flow cytometry, and RNA interference technology were employed. For in vivo studies, immunohistochemistry, biomedical analysis, and Western blotting were used to assess the efficacy and safety of morin in a xenograft mouse model of GC. RESULTS: Morin significantly inhibited the proliferation of GC cells MKN45 and AGS in a dose- and time-dependent manner, but did not inhibit human gastric epithelial cells GES-1. Only the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK was able to significantly reverse the inhibition of proliferation by morin in both GC cells, suggesting that apoptosis was the main type of cell death during the treatment. Morin induced intrinsic apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in GC cells, which mainly relied on B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) associated agonist of cell death (BAD) but not phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced protein 1. The upregulation of BAD by morin was due to blocking the ubiquitination degradation of BAD, rather than the transcription regulation and the phosphorylation of BAD. Furthermore, the combination of morin and BCL-2 inhibitor navitoclax (also known as ABT-737) produced a synergistic inhibitory effect in GC cells through amplifying apoptotic signals. In addition, morin treatment significantly suppressed the growth of GC in vivo by upregulating BAD and the subsequent activation of its downstream apoptosis pathway. CONCLUSION Morin suppressed GC by inducing apoptosis, which was mainly due to blocking the ubiquitination-based degradation of the pro-apoptotic protein BAD. The combination of morin and the BCL-2 inhibitor ABT-737 synergistically amplified apoptotic signals in GC cells, which may overcome the drug resistance of the BCL-2 inhibitor. These findings indicated that morin was a potent and promising agent for GC treatment. Please cite this article as: Wang Y, Sun XY, Ma FQ, Ren MM, Zhao RH, Qin MM, Zhu XH, Xu Y, Cao ND, Chen YY, Dong TG, Pan YF, Zhao AG. Morin inhibits ubiquitination degradation of BCL-2 associated agonist of cell death and synergizes with BCL-2 inhibitor in gastric cancer cells. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 320-332.
Humans ; Flavonoids/therapeutic use* ; Stomach Neoplasms/pathology* ; Animals ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Ubiquitination/drug effects* ; Mice ; Drug Synergism ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; Flavones

Aim To explore the mechanism of Epimedii folium-Astmgali radix activating the SCF/c-kit signa-ling pathway to activate the PI3K/Akt signaling path-way and its effect on sperm production and vitality in oligoasthenospermia.Methods Sixty male SD rats were used to establish a model of oligoasthenospermia with cyclophosphamide.They were randomly divided into six groups:experimental group(further divided into high,medium,and low dose group),model group,control group and blank group.The oligoasthenosper-mia model was established by using cyclophosphamide in experimental group,levocarnitine group and model group.The rats in the high,medium,and low dose group of the experimental group were orally adminis-tered Epimedii folium-Astmgali radix extract at doses of 800,400,and 200 mg·kg-1,respectively,Once daily for 35 days.Rats of the control group were orally ad-ministered 250 mg·kg-1·d-1 of levocarnitine,Once daily for 35 days.ELISA was used to detect serum of T,E2,FSH,and LH.Western blot and IHC staining were used to detect the expression of SCF,c-kit,Bcl-2,Bax,PI3K,and Akt proteins in rat testicular tissues.Sperm activity is examined by microscopy.The testicu-lar tissue structure and cell morphology of rats in each group were observed.Results Compared with the model group,Epimedii folium-Astmgali radix increased the sperm density,total viability rate,and vitality(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),decreased sperm apoptosis rate and LH,T,and E2 levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),decreased Bax protein expression in testicular tissue(P＜0.01),and increased Bcl-2,SCF,c-Kit,PI3K,and Akt protein expression(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);it increased the number of germ cells,thickened basement membrane,and significantly improved seminiferous tubule mor-phology,even showing germ cells at different develop-mental stages and mature sperm.Conclusions Epi-medii folium-Astmgali radix has a significant therapeu-tic effect on oligoasthenospermia in rats.Its mechanism may be related to the activation of the SCF/c-kit signa-ling pathway to activate the PI3K/Akt signaling path-way promoting the proliferation and differentiation of germ cells,and promoting sperm production,maturation and motility.

Aim To explore the mechanism of Epimedii folium-Astmgali radix activating the SCF/c-kit signa-ling pathway to activate the PI3K/Akt signaling path-way and its effect on sperm production and vitality in oligoasthenospermia.Methods Sixty male SD rats were used to establish a model of oligoasthenospermia with cyclophosphamide.They were randomly divided into six groups:experimental group(further divided into high,medium,and low dose group),model group,control group and blank group.The oligoasthenosper-mia model was established by using cyclophosphamide in experimental group,levocarnitine group and model group.The rats in the high,medium,and low dose group of the experimental group were orally adminis-tered Epimedii folium-Astmgali radix extract at doses of 800,400,and 200 mg·kg-1,respectively,Once daily for 35 days.Rats of the control group were orally ad-ministered 250 mg·kg-1·d-1 of levocarnitine,Once daily for 35 days.ELISA was used to detect serum of T,E2,FSH,and LH.Western blot and IHC staining were used to detect the expression of SCF,c-kit,Bcl-2,Bax,PI3K,and Akt proteins in rat testicular tissues.Sperm activity is examined by microscopy.The testicu-lar tissue structure and cell morphology of rats in each group were observed.Results Compared with the model group,Epimedii folium-Astmgali radix increased the sperm density,total viability rate,and vitality(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),decreased sperm apoptosis rate and LH,T,and E2 levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),decreased Bax protein expression in testicular tissue(P＜0.01),and increased Bcl-2,SCF,c-Kit,PI3K,and Akt protein expression(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);it increased the number of germ cells,thickened basement membrane,and significantly improved seminiferous tubule mor-phology,even showing germ cells at different develop-mental stages and mature sperm.Conclusions Epi-medii folium-Astmgali radix has a significant therapeu-tic effect on oligoasthenospermia in rats.Its mechanism may be related to the activation of the SCF/c-kit signa-ling pathway to activate the PI3K/Akt signaling path-way promoting the proliferation and differentiation of germ cells,and promoting sperm production,maturation and motility.

Background and aim:Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury(IRI)is a significant challenge in liver trans-plantation,trauma,hypovolemic shock,and hepatectomy,with limited effective interventions available.This study aimed to investigate the role of leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2(LECT2)in hepatic IRI and assess the therapeutic potential of Lect2-short hairpin RNA(shRNA)delivered through adeno-associated virus(AAV)vectors. Materials and methods:This study analyzed human liver and serum samples from five patients under-going the Pringle maneuver.Lect2-knockout and C57BL/6J mice were used.Hepatic IRI was induced by clamping the hepatic pedicle.Treatments included recombinant human LECT2(rLECT2)and AAV-Lect2-shRNA.LECT2 expression levels and serum biomarkers including alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),creatinine,and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)were measured.Histological analysis of liver necrosis and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction were performed. Results:Serum and liver LECT2 levels were elevated during hepatic IRI.Serum LECT2 protein and mRNA levels increased post reperfusion.Lect2-knockout mice had reduced weight loss;hepatic necrosis;and serum ALT,AST,creatinine,and BUN levels.rLECT2 treatment exacerbated weight loss,hepatic necrosis,and serum biomarkers(ALT,AST,creatinine,and BUN).AAV-Lect2-shRNA treatment significantly reduced weight loss,hepatic necrosis,and serum biomarkers(ALT,AST,creatinine,and BUN),indicating thera-peutic potential. Conclusions:Elevated LECT2 levels during hepatic IRI increased liver damage.Genetic knockout or shRNA-mediated knockdown of Lect2 reduced liver damage,indicating its therapeutic potential.AAV-mediated Lect2-shRNA delivery mitigated hepatic IRI,offering a potential new treatment strategy to enhance clinical outcomes for patients undergoing liver-related surgeries or trauma.

Objective:To assess the efficiency and safety of combining lenvatinib with DEB-TACE for the treatment of unresectable large hepatocellular carcinoma,accompanied by PVTT,in order to provide insights into its potential as a therapeutic approach.Method:Patients with hepa-tocellular carcinoma and portal vein tumor thrombus,who were diagnosed and treated at Linyi Can-cer Hospital between June 2019 and June 2021,were chosen as the subjects of this study.Patient allocation into the experimental group(23 cases)and control group(27 cases)was based on indi-vidual preferences,ensuring a random distribution of participants.The DEB-TACE treatment was administered to the control group,while the experimental group received a combination of DEB-TACE and lenvatinib.The effectiveness of lenvatinib was assessed in the immediate post-surgery period,the patients'survival was monitored,and any associated side effects were documented.Result:3 months after treatment,the objective remission rates of the experimental group and the control group were 91.31％and 66.67％,and the disease control rates were 100％and 77.78％.The difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).3 months after treatment,the regression rates of tumor thrombus in the experimental group and the control group were 60.87％and 29.63％,the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).The progression free survival time of the experi-mental group and the control group was 11 months and 8 months,the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05);The median survival time of the experimental group and the control group was 20 months and 14 months,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).The main ad-verse reactions of the experimental group were hypertension,diarrhea,hand foot syndrome,rash,fatigue,loss of appetite,etc.,all of which were less than or equal to grade 3,and could be basically relieved after symptomatic treatment.Conclusion:The combination of DEB-TACE and lenvatinib is proven to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment for unresectable large hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus.This therapy not only effectively controls tumor progression but also prolongs survival time.

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical effect of arthroscopic modification of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) combined with oblique osteotomy shortening of distal ulna in treating ulna impact syndrome. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 49 patients with ulnar impingement syndrome admitted from 2017 to 2021, 3 patients were lost to follow-up, and 46 patients were finally included in study, including 23 males and 23 females, aged from 21 to 53 years old with an average of (36.5±3.3) years old. The patients were divided into TFCC group and control group according to different operation methods. Twenty-four patients in TFCC group, including 13 males and 11 females, aged from 21 to 53 years old with an average of (36.5±3.2) years old;10 patients on the left side and 14 patients on the right side;arthroscopic TFCC trimming combined with oblique osteotomy shortening of distal ulna was performed. Twenty-two patients in control group, including 10 males, 12 females, aged from 21 to 53 years old with an average of (36.5±3.3) years old;13 patients on the left side, 9 patients on the right side; oblique osteotomy of distal ulna was performed. Operative time, hospital stay, intraoperative bleeding and osteotomy healing time between two groups were observed and compared. Cooney wrist function score and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate improvement of wrist function and pain before and 12 months after operation, respectively. The variation values of ulna and grip strength were compared. RESULTS: The follow-up time of TFCC group ranged from 12 to 21 months with an average of (15.10±2.67) months, and that of control group ranged from 12 to 20 months with an average of (15.06±2.81) months, there was no statistical significance between two groups (P>0.05). Operative time, osteotomy healing time, intraoperative bleeding and hospital stay in TFCC group were (68.51±13.50) min, (16.21±1.16) weeks, (25.13±4.22) ml and (7.35±1.20) d, respectively;while control group were (45.65±5.64) min, (17.46±2.06) weeks, (24.61±5.10) ml and (7.51±1.13) d, respectively; there were statistically significant differences in operative time and osteotomy healing time between two groups (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in intraoperative bleeding and hospital stay between two groups(P>0.05). There were no significant differences in total score and scores of Cooney wrist joint function between two groups before operation(P>0.05). Pain, functional status, range of motion, grip strength and Cooney wrist function score in TFCC group were higher than those in control group at 12 months after operation (P<0.05). According to Cooney wrist joint function score at 12 months after operation, 16 patients got excellent results, 6 good, and 2 fair in TFCC group; while 7 excellent, 11 good and 4 fair in control group;there was no significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). However, the proportion of wrist function recovery in TFCC group was higher than that in control group (P>0.05). At 12 months after operation, VAS of TFCC group (3.41±0.16) was lower than that of control group(3.52±0.13), P<0.005. There was no significant difference in ulnar variation between TFCC group and control group(P>0.05). The grip strength of TFCC group (93.6±10.1) % was better than that of control group (83.5±10.3) % (P<0.005). CONCLUSION Compared with oblique osteotomy shortening of distal ulna, TFCC trimming combined with oblique osteotomy shortening of distal ulna took longer to treat ulna collision syndrome, but the osteotomy healing time was shortened and wrist joint function was improved, especially pain, ulna variation, grip strength and motion were significantly improved.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Triangular Fibrocartilage/surgery* ; Osteotomy/methods* ; Ulna/surgery* ; Middle Aged ; Arthroscopy/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the accuracy and clinical efficacy of 3D-printed patient-specific instruments(PSIs)in medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy(MOWHTO)for the treatment of knee varus deformity and medial compartment osteoarthritis.Methods Clinical data of 69 patients with knee varus deformity and medial compartment ostecarthritis who underwent MOWHTO treatment in Department of Orthopedics,Fuyang People's Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University from October 2017 to March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were divided into two groups:3D group using 3D-printed PSIs(n=37)and conventional group using standard procedures(n=32).The lateral hinge point error,medial osteotomy point error,osteotomy surface angle error,osteotomy depth error,intraoperative distraction angle,femoral tibial angle(FTA),proximal tibial medial angle(MPTA),knee rotation angle(KRA),posterior tibial slope(PTS),intraoperative weight-bearing line ratio(WBLR),and the last follow-up International Knee Documentation Committee(IKDC)score of the two groups were compared.The correlation between accuracy indicators and curative effect was analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation.Results The follow-up time for the 3D group was 19-26 months,averaging(21.1±3.6)months;for the conventional group,it was 14-26 months,averaging(23.6±1.6)months.No significant differences were found between the two groups in lateral hinge point error,osteotomy depth error,intraoperative distraction angle,and the FTA,MPTA,KRA,PTS,IKDC score at the last follow-up(P>0.05).However,the 3D group showed significantly lower errors in medial osteotomy point,osteotomy surface angle,and intraoperative WBLR compared with conventional group(P<0.05).Spearman analysis revealed no correlation between IKDC score and aforementioned accuracy indicators(lateral hinge point error,medial osteotomy point error,osteotomy surface angle error,osteotomy depth error,intraoperative distraction angle,and WBLR)at the last follow-up(P>0.05).Conclusions The use of 3D-printed PSIs in MOWHTO offers a more precise advantage in certain positioning parameters,yet there are still deficiencies in determining WBLR.Compared to traditional MOWHTO surgery,the short-term outcome does not show any significant improvement.

Diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, collectively referred to the " Three Highs, " represent increasingly prevalent metabolic risk factors in China. Many individuals experience all three conditions concurrently, significantly heightening the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Although the National Metabolic Management Center(MMC) has been established for over eight years and has its unique features, the awareness, treatment, and control rates of these diseases in China remain low, and the efficiency of community management is insufficient. According to the previous two editions of management guidelines and the most recent domestic and international diagnostic and treatment guidelines, this paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the operational experience and management strategies of the MMC. Its aim is to improve the efficiency of grassroots MMC mode management for " Three Highs" patients and ensure that patients receive more standardized management.

Diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, collectively referred to the " Three Highs, " represent increasingly prevalent metabolic risk factors in China. Many individuals experience all three conditions concurrently, significantly heightening the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Although the National Metabolic Management Center(MMC) has been established for over eight years and has its unique features, the awareness, treatment, and control rates of these diseases in China remain low, and the efficiency of community management is insufficient. According to the previous two editions of management guidelines and the most recent domestic and international diagnostic and treatment guidelines, this paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the operational experience and management strategies of the MMC. Its aim is to improve the efficiency of grassroots MMC mode management for " Three Highs" patients and ensure that patients receive more standardized management.

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; COVID-19/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Incidence ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Taste Disorders/etiology* ; Prognosis