NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is a flavin protease highly expressed in various cancer cells. NQO1 catalyzes a futile redox cycle in substrates, leading to substantial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. This ROS generation results in extensive DNA damage and elevated poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1)-mediated consumption of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺), ultimately causing cell death. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the rate-limiting enzyme in the NAD⁺ salvage synthesis pathway, emerges as a critical target in cancer therapy. The concurrent inhibition of NQO1 and NAMPT triggers hyperactivation of PARP1 and intensive NAD⁺ depletion. In this study, we designed, synthesized, and assessed a novel series of proqodine A derivatives targeting both NQO1 and NAMPT. Among these, compound T8 demonstrated potent antitumor properties. Specifically, T8 selectively inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and induced apoptosis through mechanisms dependent on both NQO1 and NAMPT. This discovery offers a promising new molecular entity for advancing anticancer research.
Humans ; NAD/metabolism* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase/metabolism* ; Cytokines/metabolism* ; Quinones ; Oxidoreductases

Human use experience(HUE) is important for the research and development of Chinese medicine. For the sake of more reliable data, the Professional Committee for Clinical Evaluation of Chinese Medicine of Chinese Pharmaceutical Association drafted the Expert Consensus on Human Use Experience Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It highlights that the research on HUE should have clear purposes, describe the theoretical basis of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) for the clinical indications and prescriptions and the clinical value of prescriptions, especially the advantages or characteristics in clinical orientation and target population, evaluate the dosages and number of medicinals of prescriptions, verify the accordance with the preparation process of new Chinese medicine, analyze feasibility of the process for large-scale production and the rationality of the dosage form, and assess the medicinal material resources. Moreover, such research should have reasonable protocol and the collection of clinical data on HUE must comply with medical ethics and avoid conflicts of interest. The collection method should be selected depending on the characteristics of clinical data. Quality control measures should be formulated to ensure the authenticity, accuracy, completeness, reliability, and traceability of clinical data. The definitions on the clinical data should be uniform and clear, and methods should be adopted to avoid bias. The data can be statistically analyzed after the processing. Through the study of HUE, the clinical orientation, target population, commonly used dosage, course of treatment, preliminary efficacy and safety of Chinese medicine prescriptions will be clarified. On this basis, the data on the HUE should be discussed and conclusions will be drawn. Finally, a standardized report will be formed.
Consensus ; Drug Prescriptions ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Reproducibility of Results

UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1), as a serine/threonine kinase, is an autophagic initiator in mammals and a homologous protein of autophagy related protein (Atg) 1 in yeast and of UNC-51 in Caenorhabditis elegans. ULK1 is well-known for autophagy activation, which is evolutionarily conserved in protein transport and indispensable to maintain cell homeostasis. As the direct target of energy and nutrition-sensing kinase, ULK1 may contribute to the distribution and utilization of cellular resources in response to metabolism and is closely associated with multiple pathophysiological processes. Moreover, ULK1 has been widely reported to play a crucial role in human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, and infections, and subsequently targeted small-molecule inhibitors or activators are also demonstrated. Interestingly, the non-autophagy function of ULK1 has been emerging, indicating that non-autophagy-relevant ULK1 signaling network is also linked with diseases under some specific contexts. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the structure and functions of ULK1 as an autophagic initiator, with a focus on some new approaches, and further elucidated the key roles of ULK1 in autophagy and non-autophagy. Additionally, we also discussed the relationships between ULK1 and human diseases, as well as illustrated a rapid progress for better understanding of the discovery of more candidate small-molecule drugs targeting ULK1, which will provide a clue on novel ULK1-targeted therapeutics in the future.

Objective: To investigate the effect of cervical eccentric training on neck function of college students, and to provide basis for cervical spondylosis prevention. Methods: Fifty two students from a medical college in Shanxi Province were recruited. Participants were divided into the neck eccentric training intervention group and the control group according to the random number table method, after stratified by sex. The intervention group received training for 25 min each time, 3 times a week for 6 weeks, and the control group received neck health education. Neck circumference, strength, range of motion, endurance and head and neck posture were measured before and after intervention. Results: The interaction of strength anterior flexion, extension left fiexion and right flexion was significant( F=34.25, 55.96, 56.49, 37.13, P <0.05). After 6 weeks, the strength of the intervention group was anterior flexion(65.37±18.64)N, extension(87.61±21.38)N, left flexion(55.80±12.04)N, right flexion(55.87±11.83)N. After 6 weeks, the strength of the control group were (45.69±9.25), (53.34±9.45), (41.60±6.96) and(42.20±9.92)N, which were significantly lower compared to the intervention group( t =4.82, 7.48, 5.21, 4.52, P <0.01). The interaction of motion of anterior flexion, extension, left flexion and right flexion were significant( F=11.62, 8.83, 8.29, 6.57, P <0.05). After 6 weeks, the motion of intervention group had anterior flexion(53.54±7.28)°, extension(57.42±7.37)°, left flexion(40.77±4.14)°, right flexion(85.12± 6.35 )°. The corresponding motion levels of the control group were(45.35±9.55)°,(50.85±7.56)°,(37.19±5.86)°,(76.15±7.86)°. The intervention group was significantly higher than the control group( t=3.48, 3.18, 2.54, 4.52, P <0.05). Main effects on time were observed in neck circumference, right flexion and left rotation motion, neck endurance and head extension angle( F =15.79, 13.94, 35.90, 10.17, 8.61, P <0.05). Conclusion Six week neck eccentric training can significantly improve neck strength and range of motion, as well as neck circumference, neck endurance and head forward posture.

Child ; Consensus ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Respiratory System

Objective: To explore the efficacy of relocation and expansion pharyngoplasty by suspension sutures in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods: Seventy-three patients(including 60 males and 13 females) with OSAHS admitted to the department of otorhinolaryngology of our hospital in recent two years were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients had velopharyngeal obstructionevaluated by electronic endoscopic Müller test and were divided into control group (34 cases) and observation group (39 cases). The patients in the control group were performed modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, while those in the observation group were performed relocation and expansion pharyngoplasty by suspension sutures.The scores of ESS, AHI and LSaO₂ before and after treatment were collected and compared. Results: The total effective rate of the observation group was 94.87%, which was significantly higher than 79.41% of the control group. The AHI was lower and LSaO₂ value was higher (χ²=-1. 896,-1. 968,P<0.05)in the observation group. The sleeping symptoms and quality of life of the two groups were significantly improved. The ESS score of the observation group was decreased more significantly than that of the control group after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (χ²=-1.451,P<0.05). The incidence of foreign body sensation in pharynx of the observation group (89.74%) was higher than that of the control group (55.88%), and the postoperative bleeding and postoperative recurrence rate (0.00%, 2.56%) was lower than that of the control group (8.82%, 14.70%)with statistical significance (χ²=4.738,4.249,4.119,P<0.05).The incidence of transient nasopharyngeal reflux in both groups was low and statistically insignificant (χ²=0.629,P>0.05). Conclusions: Preoperative strict screening of indications plays an important role in the selection of palatopharyngeal surgery methods and curative effect. Relocation and expansion pharyngoplasty by suspension sutures can improve the clinical efficacy of OSAHS with better safety and less recurrence.
Female ; Humans ; Male ; Palate, Soft/surgery* ; Pharynx/surgery* ; Quality of Life ; Retrospective Studies ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/surgery* ; Sutures

Objective: To analyze the current adherence to imatinib in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) in China and its influencing factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Study period: from October 1, 2020 to November 31, 2020. Study subjects: GIST patients taking imatinib who were diagnosed and treated in public tertiary level A general hospitals or oncology hospitals; those who had not been pathologically diagnosed, those who never received imatinib, or those who had taken imatinib in the past but stopped afterwards were excluded. The Questionnaire Star online surgery platform was used to design a questionnaire about the adherence to adjuvant imatinib therapy of Chinese GIST patients. The link of questionnaire was sent through WeChat. The questionnaire contained basic information of patients, medication status and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Results: A total of 2162 questionnaires from 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities were collected, of which 2005 were valid questionnaires, with an effective rate of 92.7%. The survey subjects included 1104 males and 901 females, with a median age of 56 (22-91) years old. Working status: 609 cases (30.4%) in the work unit, 729 cases (36.4%) of retirement, 667 cases of flexible employment or unemployment (33.3%). Education level: 477 cases (23.8%) with bachelor degree or above, 658 cases (32.8%) of high school, 782 cases (39.0%) of elementary or junior high school, 88 cases (4.4%) without education. Marital status: 1789 cases (89.2%) were married, 179 cases (8.9%) divorced or widowed, 37 cases (1.8%) unmarried. Two hundred and ninety-four patients (14.7%) had metastasis when they were first diagnosed, including 203 liver metastases, 52 peritoneal metastases, and 39 other metastases. One thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine patients underwent surgical treatment, of whom 1642 (81.9%) achieved complete resection. The median time of taking imatinib was 25 (1-200) months. Common adverse reactions of imatinib included 1701 cases (84.8%) of periorbital edema, 1031 cases (51.4%) of leukopenia, 948 cases (47.3%) of fatigue, 781 cases (39.0%) of nausea and vomiting, 709 cases (35.4%) of rash, and 670 cases (33.4%) of lower extremity edema. The score of the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale showed that 392 cases (19.6%) had poor adherence, 1023 cases (51.0%) had moderate adherence, and 590 cases (29.4%) had good adherence. Univariate analysis showed that gender, age, work status, economic income, residence, education level, marriage, the duration of taking medication and adverse reactions were associated with adherence to adjuvant imatinib therapy (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that female (OR=1.264, P=0.009), non-retirement (OR=1.454, P=0.001), monthly income ≤4000 yuan (OR=1.280, P=0.036), township residents (OR=1.332, P=0.005), unmarried or divorced or widowed (OR=1.362, P=0.026), the duration of imatinib medication >36 months (OR=1.478, P<0.001) and adverse reactions (OR=1.719, P=0.048) were independent risk factors for poor adherence to adjuvant imatinib. Among patients undergoing complete resection, 324 (19.7%) had poor adherence, 836 (50.9%) had moderate adherence, and 482 (29.4%) had good adherence. Meanwhile, 55 patients with good adherence (11.4%) developed recurrence after surgery, 121 patients with moderate adherence (14.5%) developed recurrence, 61 patients with poor adherence (18.8%) developed recurrence, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.017). Conclusions: The adherence to adjuvant therapy with imatinib in Chinese GIST patients is relatively poor. Females, non-retirement, monthly income ≤4000 yuan, township residents, unmarried or divorced or widowed, the duration of imatinib medication >36 months, and adverse reactions are independently associated with poor adherence of GIST patients. Those with poor adherence have a higher risk of recurrence after surgery. Positive interventions based on the above risk factors are advocated to improve the prognosis of patients with GIST.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use* ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Imatinib Mesylate/therapeutic use* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/drug therapy*

【Objective】 To investigate the function and molecular mechanism of osteosarcoma cells derived exosome on microenvironment of target organs. 【Methods】 The osteosarcoma derived exosomes were extracted and injected into nude mice through tail vein after PKH26 fluorescence staining. The liver, spleen, lung, kidney and brain tissues were extracted 24 hours later and then the amount of red fluorescence in different fields was counted under fluorescence microscope. The uptake of exosomes in different types of cells was detected by immunofluorescence. 143B derived exosomes were co-cultured with human lung fibroblasts, and the uptake was detected by fluorescence microscopy. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were detected by RT-qPCR, while the changes of p-p65 in inflammatory signaling pathway of NF- κB and p-ERK, p-p38 in MAPK signaling were detected by western blotting. 【Results】 TSG101, Flotillin-1, CD63 and CD9 were expressed in 143B derived exosomes, and Calnexin expression was absent(P<0.05). The exosomes presented a saucer-like structure under electron microscope. The size of the exosomes is(141.92± 52.85) nm. The exosomes distributed more in lung tissue than liver, kidney, spleen and brain after injection through the tail vein of nude mice(P<0.05). The mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6and TNF-α were significantly increased in human lung fibroblast cells after incubation with 143B exosomes(P<0.05). p-p65, p-ERK and p-p38MAPK were significantly up-regulated(P<0.05) . 【Conclusions】 Osteosarcoma cells derived exosomes could activate inflammatory signaling pathway NF-κB and MAPK, and up-regulate the expression of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in lung fibroblast cells.

Objective The human glioblastoma (GBM) U87 cell line is employed as a model for studying the heterogeneity of GBM. This study was to examine the phenotypic profiles and genetic backgrounds of different monoclonal cells derived from the human GBM U87 cell line and explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the phenotypic difference. Methods Using the finite dilution method labeled with 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate N-hydroxy succinimidyl ester (CFSE), we constructed the monoclonal cell lines CF5 and G11 with typical morphological characteristics derived from the human GBM U87 cell line and identified them by short tandem repeat (STR). We detected the proliferation of the cells by CCK8 assay, EdU incorporation and colony-formation assay, their self-renewal capability by tumor sphere formation assay, their adhesion ability by immunofluorescence and CCK8 adhesion assay, their invasion ability with a 3D culture model, and their sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents by Annexin V/PI double-staining flow cytometry. We performed transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis on the genetic profiles and determined the mRNA expressions of the representative differential genes in the enriched pathway by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Results The CF5 and G11 monoclonal cell lines morphologically typical of U87 were successfully constructed, the former small, short and thick, while the latter big, long and thin. Compared with the U87 and G11 cell lines, the CF5 cells showed a significantly higher proliferation ability (P < 0.01), though higher in the U87 than in the G11 cell line, a higher proportion of EdU-positive cells (0.35 ± 0.03 and 0.44 ± 0.03 vs 0.54 ± 0.05, P < 0.01), though higher in the U87 than in the G11 cell line, and a higher tumor-sphere formation ability (P < 0.01), though higher in the U87 than in the G11 cell line. In comparison with the U87 and CF5 cell lines, the G11 cells exhibited remarkably higher abilities of adhesion (P < 0.01) and invasion (P < 0.05), though both higher in the U87 than in the CF5 group. Totally, 159 genes were down-regulated and 303 up-regulated in the CF5 cells compared with those in the U87 and G11 cells, while 281 were down-regulated and 116 up-regulated in the G11 cells compared with those in the CF5 and U87 cells. The CF5 and G11 cells manifested the highest enrichment in the extracellular matrix-associated pathways, which were shown to be closely associated with the invasiveness and drug-resistance of the tumor. Conclusion We successfully constructed human GBM U87-derived monoclonal cell lines CF5 and G11 with different morphological features, phenotypic profiles and genetic backgrounds, which has paved the ground for further studies of the heterogeneity of GBM.

The aim of this study was to investigate the pattern of distribution of mating type (MAT) genes of Tuber indicum in ectomycorhizosphere soils from natural T. indicum-producing areas and cultivated truffle orchards and ascocarp samples from different regions. Quantitative real-time PCR and multiplex PCR were used to weight the copy numbers of MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 in natural truffle soils and cultivated orchard soils. The effect of limestone on the pattern of truffle MAT genes and the correlation between soil properties and the proportion of MAT genes were also assessed. These results indicated that an uneven and nonrandom distribution of MAT genes was common in truffle-producing areas, cultivated truffle orchards, and ascocarps gleba. The competition between the two mating type genes and the expansion of unbalanced distribution was found to be closely related to truffle fructification. Limestone treatments failed to alter the proportion of the two mating type genes in the soil. The content of available phosphorus in soil was significantly correlated with the value of MAT1-1-1/MAT1-2-1 in cultivated and natural ectomycorhizosphere soils. The application of real-time quantitative PCR can provide reference for monitoring the dynamic changes of mating type genes in soil. This study investigates the distributional pattern of T. indicum MAT genes in the ectomycorhizosphere soil and ascocarp gleba from different regions, which may provide a foundation for the cultivation of T. indicum.
Calcium Carbonate ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Phosphorus ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Soil