1.B7-H3 molecule inhibits apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells via the SIRT1/p53 signaling pathway
Lin ZHENG ; Jianxin ZHONG ; Ke NIU ; Qing XU ; Huijuan LING ; Yayu ZHU ; Bing CHEN ; Liwen CHEN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):232-238
ObjectiveTo explore the role of the histone deacetylase Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1)/p53 signaling pathway in promoting apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC) induced by the co-stimulatory molecule B7 homolog 3 (B7-H3). MethodsThe GEPIA 2 platform was used for survival analysis of NSCLC patients based on B7⁃H3 gene expression levels. The Gene Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) method was used to analyze the enrichment characteristics of B7⁃H3 molecules in the gene set of cell apoptosis. In the non-small cell lung cancer A549 cell line, B7⁃H3 was knocked down, and the protein expression levels of SIRT1 and p53 were detected by Western blot. B7⁃H3 was overexpressed in A549 cells and the apoptosis rate was analyzed by flow cytometry after Annexin V/PI double staining. Overexpression of B7⁃H3 and knockdown of SIRT1 were performed in A549 cell line. The expression levels of p53 and apoptosis-related proteins B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were detected respectively by Western blot. Cell apoptosis rate was analyzed by flow cytometry after Annexin V/PI double staining. ResultsThe overall survival of the B7-H3 high-expression group was significantly lower than that of the low-expression group (P<0.01). B7-H3 was significantly enriched in the cell apoptosis signaling pathway and the p53 signaling pathway (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression of SIRT1 was significantly downregulated, and p53 was significantly upregulated in the B7⁃H3 knockdown group (both P<0.001). Overexpression of B7-H3 significantly up-regulated SIRT1 protein expression (P<0.05), down-regulated p53 expression (P<0.01), and markedly increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio of apoptosis-related proteins (P<0.001). The results of Annexin V/PI double staining showed that the apoptosis rate of A549 cells with overexpressed B7⁃H3 decreased (the apoptosis rate of the control group was 26.72%±4.13%, while that of the B7⁃H3 overexpression group was 13.87%±0.82%; P<0.01). In B7-H3-overexpressing cell lines, SIRT1 knockdown significantly reversed apoptosis (P<0.05), up-regulated p53 protein expression (P<0.001), and markedly reduced the Bcl-2/Bax ratio (P<0.001). ConclusionB7-H3 molecule inhibits the apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells via the SIRT1/p53 signaling pathway.
2.Research progress on the effects of circadian rhythm disturbance on β-cell function
Zhe WANG ; Limin WANG ; Ling LI ; Huijuan YUAN
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(6):515-517
Circadian rhythm synchronize internal biological functions with environmental light-dark cycles. Impaired pancreatic β-cell function is a critical mechanism in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes. Emerging evidence suggests that circadian rhythm disturbances—caused by factors such as shift work, sleep deprivation, and gene mutations—are closely associated with β-cell dysfunction. This review summarizes recent research advances on the relationship between circadian rhythm disturbance and impaired β-cell function, and explores the potential underlying mechanisms.
3.miR-29a mediates the molecular regulation of dihydroartemisinin on B7H3 in lung adenocarcinoma
Yayu Zhu ; Huijuan Ling ; Ke Niu ; Jing Tang ; Liwen Chen
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(4):604-610
Objective :
To investigate the effects of microRNA-29a(miR-29a) in mediating the regulation of dihydroartemisinin(DHA) on the immune checkpoint molecule B7H3 in lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD).
Methods:
The expression level and prognostic significance of B7H3 in LUAD were analyzed by public database. Small interfering RNA(siRNA) was used to knock down B7H3 in LUAD cell lines A549 and HCC827, and cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 method. A549 and HCC827 cells were treated with gradient concentrations of DHA(0, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 μmol/L) for 48 h, and the half maximal inhibitory concentrate(IC50) was calculated. A549 and HCC827 cells were treated with IC50concentration of DHA for 1, 2 and 3 days, and the cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 method. A549 and HCC827 cells were transfected with miR-29a inhibitor. After DHA treatment, the expression level of miR-29a was detected by RT-qPCR, and the expression level of B7H3 was detected by Western blot.
Results :
B7H3 was overexpressed in LUAD and associated with poor prognosis. After knocking down of B7H3, the proliferation ability of A549 and HCC827 cells significantly decreased(allP<0.001). DHA inhibited the proliferation of A549 and HCC827 cells in both dose-and time-dependent manners, with IC50values of 30.16 μmol/L and 7.50 μmol/L, respectively. DHA up-regulated the expression of miR-29a in A549 and HCC827 cells(P<0.001,P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of B7H3 in both cell lines(P<0.01,P<0.001). After transfection of miR-29a inhibitor into A549 and HCC827 cells, the expression of B7H3 was up-regulated, and the down-regulation of B7H3 by DHA was partially reversed.
Conclusion
miR-29a mediates the molecular regulation of DHA on B7H3 in LUAD.
4.Clinical significance and diagnostic value of exosome B7-H3 in plasma from NSCLC
Qing Xu ; Lin Zheng ; Huijuan Ling ; Yayu Zhu ; Ke Niu ; Liwen Chen
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(6):1120-1126
Objective :
To establish an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for exosome B7-H3 in plas- ma , and to explore the clinical significance and diagnostic value of exosome B7-H3 in plasma from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) .
Methods :
The plasma of 70 NSCLC patients (NSCLC group) and 36 healthy controls (HC group) were collected . Exosomes and microvesicles in plasma were separated by ultra-fast centrifuge method , and the expression levels of B7-H3 in plasma exosomes in NSCLC groups and HC groups were compared by Western blot method . In NSCLC group , the expression levels of B7-H3 in plasma exosomes and microvesicles in NSCLC group were compared . A simple and feasible ELISA method was established to detect the expression level of exosome B7 - H3 in plasma by means of polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation and its clinical significance was analyzed . Lo- gistic regression model was established to predict plasma-derived exosome B7-H3 as a risk factor , and receiver op- erating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to investigate the diagnostic value of exosome B7-H3 in NSCLC .
Results:
For exosomes and microvesicles in plasma which were extracted by ultracentrifugation , Western blot results showed that the expression level of B7-H3 in plasma exosomes of NSCLC group was higher than that of HC group (P = 0. 032) , and the expression level of B7-H3 in plasma exosomes was higher than that of microvesicles of NSCLC group (P = 0. 012) . The expression level of exosome B7-H3 in plasma extracted by PEG precipitation was also higher in NSCLC group than that in HC group (P = 0. 024) . The expression level of exosome B7-H3 in plasma of NSCLC patients was not related to gender , age , smoking or pathological type , but was related to T stage (P = 0. 002) , N stage (P < 0. 001) , M stage (P = 0. 010) and AJCC stage (P < 0. 001) . Multivariate Logistic regres- sion analysis identified exosome B7-H3 in plasma as a risk factor for NSCLC . ROC analysis showed that the sensi- tivity of exosome B7-H3 in plasma for the diagnosis of NSCLC (0. 843) was higher than that of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (0. 743) , whereas the specificity (0. 722) was lower than that of CEA (0. 833) . Combined de- tection of exosome B7-H3 and CEA (AUC = 0. 928 , 95% CI:0. 877 - 0. 979) had a higher diagnostic performance for NSCLC .
Conclusion
B7-H3 in plasma exosomes is related to the cancer staging of NSCLC , and the combined detection of exosome B7-H3 and CEA in plasma is conducive to the laboratory diagnosis of NSCLC .
5.The roles of MDM2 in mediating the inhibitory effects of dihydroartemisinin on proliferation and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells
Huijuan Ling ; Yu Liu ; Yayu Zhu ; Ke Niu ; Jing Tang ; Liwen Chen
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(12):2316-2325
Objective:
To investigate the role of murine double minute 2(MDM2) in dihydroartemisinin′s(DHA) inhibition of lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation and migration.
Methods:
CCK8 assay was used to detect the inhibitory effect of gradient concentrations of DHA(0, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 μmol/L) and time gradients(0, 24, 48, and 72 h) on the proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma A549 and PC9 cells, and the half maximal inhibitory concentrate(IC50) were calculated respectively. Colony formation and scratch assays were used to detect the inhibitory effects of DHA on colony formation and migration of A549 and PC9 cells. Western blot was used to detect the inhibitory effects of DHA on MDM2 expression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-related proteins E-cadherin and N-cadherin. The promoting effects of MDM2 on proliferation, migration and EMT of lung adenocarcinoma cells were verified by small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of MDM2(si-MDM2). The reversal effects of MDM2 overexpression on DHA′s inhibition on the proliferation and migration of A549 and PC9 cells were observed.
Results:
DHA inhibited the proliferation of A549 and PC9 cells in a dose⁃ and time⁃dependent manner,with IC50 values of 30. 57 and 78. 61 μmol/L , respectively. Compared with the Control group , A549 and PC9 cells had significantly decreased colony formation (both P < 0. 01) and migration (both P < 0. 01) upon treatment with DHA. Moreover, DHA significantly inhibited the protein expression levels of MDM2 and N ⁃cadherin in A549 and PC9 cells , and upregulated the expression of E ⁃cadherin protein (both P < 0. 05) . Compared with si⁃Control ,si⁃MDM2 significantly inhibited the protein levels of MDM2 and N ⁃cadherin in A549 and PC9 cells , and upregulat⁃(both P < 0. 01) of both cells. After overexpression of MDM2 in A549 and PC9 cells , the proliferation and migra⁃ tion ability were significantly enhanced (both P < 0. 05) , and the inhibitory effects of DHA were partially reversed by MDM2 overexpression (both P < 0. 05) .
Conclusion
DHA effectively inhibits the proliferation and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells , and its mechanism is associated with the suppression of MDM2.
6.Research progress on the effects of circadian rhythm disturbance on β-cell function
Zhe WANG ; Limin WANG ; Ling LI ; Huijuan YUAN
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(6):515-517
Circadian rhythm synchronize internal biological functions with environmental light-dark cycles. Impaired pancreatic β-cell function is a critical mechanism in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes. Emerging evidence suggests that circadian rhythm disturbances—caused by factors such as shift work, sleep deprivation, and gene mutations—are closely associated with β-cell dysfunction. This review summarizes recent research advances on the relationship between circadian rhythm disturbance and impaired β-cell function, and explores the potential underlying mechanisms.
7.5.0T MR for cardiac imaging:Comparison with 3.0T MR
Lan LAN ; Naili YE ; Huijuan HU ; Wenbo SUN ; Rongqing SUN ; Gonghao LING ; Tingyi DU ; Xuan LI ; Xiaopeng SONG ; Haibo XU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2024;40(5):661-665
Objective To observe the feasibility of 5.0T MR for cardiac imaging.Methods Three patients with heart diseases and 17 healthy volunteers were prospectively enrolled.Cardiac MR(CMR)cine sequence and black blood sequence imaging were performed using 5.0T and 3.0T MR scanner,respectively.The image quality and artifacts degrees were compared between 5.0T and 3.0T CMR images,and the consistency of left ventricular parameters obtained using 5.0T and 3.0T scanners was analyzed.Results No significant difference of image quality nor artifacts degrees was found between 5.0T and 3.0T CMR images(all P>0.05).The left ventricular end diastolic volume(EDV),end systolic volume(ESV),ejection fraction(EF),stroke volume(SV)and end diastolic mass(EDM)derived from cine images acquired at different fields were in a good agreement(all ICC>0.75,all P<0.001).Conclusion 5.0T MR could be used for cardiac imaging,with image quality of cine and black blood sequences comparable to that of 3.0T MR.
8.Comparison of Direct and Extraction Immunoassay Methods With Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Measurement of Urinary Free Cortisol for the Diagnosis of Cushing’s Syndrome
Danni MU ; Jiadan FANG ; Songlin YU ; Yichen MA ; Jin CHENG ; Yingying HU ; Ailing SONG ; Fang ZHAO ; Qi ZHANG ; Zhihong QI ; Kui ZHANG ; Liangyu XIA ; Ling QIU ; Huijuan ZHU ; Xinqi CHENG
Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2024;44(1):29-37
Background:
Twenty-four-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) measurement is the initial diagnostic test for Cushing’s syndrome (CS). We compared UFC determination by both direct and extraction immunoassays using Abbott Architect, Siemens Atellica Solution, and Beckman DxI800 with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In addition, we evaluated the value of 24-hr UFC measured by six methods for diagnosing CS.
Methods:
Residual 24-hr urine samples of 94 CS and 246 non-CS patients were collected.A laboratory-developed LC-MS/MS method was used as reference. UFC was measured by direct assays (D) using Abbott, Siemens, and Beckman platforms and by extraction assays (E) using Siemens and Beckman platforms. Method was compared using Passing–Bablok regression and Bland–Altman plot analyses. Cut-off values for the six assays and corresponding sensitivities and specificities were calculated by ROC analysis.
Results:
Abbott-D, Beckman-E, Siemens-E, and Siemens-D showed strong correlations with LC-MS/MS (Spearman coefficient r = 0.965, 0.922, 0.922, and 0.897, respectively), while Beckman-D showed weaker correlation (r = 0.755). All immunoassays showed proportionally positive bias. The areas under the curve were 0.975 for Abbott-D, 0.972 for LCMS/MS, 0.966 for Siemens-E, 0.948 for Siemens-D, 0.955 for Beckman-E, and 0.877 for Beckman-D. The cut-off values varied significantly (154.8–1,321.5 nmol/24 hrs). Assay sensitivity and specificity ranged from 76.1% to 93.2% and from 93.0% to 97.1%, respectively.
Conclusions
Commercially available immunoassays for measuring UFC show different levels of analytical consistency compared to LC-MS/MS. Abbott-D, Siemens-E, and Beckman-E have high diagnostic accuracy for CS.
9.Effect of dihydroartemisinin on anti-tumor immune response of CD8+T cells induced by non-small cell lung cancer cells
Nannan WANG ; Yu LIU ; Huijuan LING ; Ke NIU ; Yayu ZHU ; Liwen CHEN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(3):424-429
Objective To investigate the regulatory effect of artemisinin derivative dihydroartemisinin(DHA)on anti-tumor immune function of CD8+T cells induced by non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)cells.Methods NSCLC A549 cells were divided into DMSO control group and DHA treatment group.A549 cells were treated with DMSO and DHA at different concentrations(25,50 and 100 μmol/L),and the optimal concentration of DHA was selected to treat A549 cells for 0,24,48 and 72 h according to half maximal inhibitory concentrate(IC50).CCK-8 method and colony formation test were used to detect the effect of DHA on the proliferation and colony formation ability of A549 cells.Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)of healthy individuals were isolated by density gradient centrifugation.After monocytes were removed by adhesion method,A549 cells pretreated with mitomycin C were co-cultured with PBMCs at 10:1 ratio.After 2 weeks,flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of CD8+T cells and the expression levels of perforin and granzyme B.Results Compared with the control group,the proliferation inhibition rates of A549 cells increased after treatment with 25,50 and 100 μmol/L DHA for 24 h(P<0.01).The IC50 of DHA on A549 cells was46.26 μmol/L.According to IC50 concentration analysis,the inhibi-tion rates of A549 cells treated with 50 μmol/L DHA for 0,24,48 and 72h were 1.53%,53.50%,63.84%and 69.91%,and the cells inhibition rates of A548 cells increased compared with the previous observation time point,namely 0,24 and 48 h(P<0.01).The colony formation assay showed that the colony formation number of A549 cells in DHA treated group decreased compared with the control group(P<0.01).Flow cytometry results showed that compared with the control group,the proportion of CD8+T cells induced by A549 cells in the co-culture system and the proportion of CD8+T cells expressing perforin and granzyme B were higher in DHA pretreatment group(P<0.01).Conclusion DHA inhibits the growth of NSCLC cells and promotes anti-tumor immune response of CD8+T cells induced by NSCLC cells.
10.Analysis of high risk factors affecting the occurrence of vascular crisis after finger replantation and construction of risk prediction model
Huijuan LI ; Yan LIU ; Ying LIU ; Tian ZHANG ; Ling SHEN
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2024;32(12):1255-1258
Objective To investigate the high risk factors of vascular crisis(VC)after replantation of severed finger,and to construct the corresponding risk prediction model.Methods Data of the cases performed in two hospitals between January 2022 and February 2023 were collected,totaling 183 cases.The patients were divided into VC group(22 cases)and non-VC group(161 cases)according to the occurrence of VC.The risk factors were screened by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis,and the corresponding risk prediction model was constructed.Results Univariate analysis showed that smoking history,degree of dissection,ischemic time,cause of injury,arterial repair and venous repair were related to the occurrence of vascular crisis(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that smoking history,degree of detachment and ischemic time are the risk factors for vascular crisis(P<0.05).Based on the risk factors of vascular crisis,a line graph model was established for the occurrence of vascular crisis after replantation of severed finger.The area under ROC curve was 0.963,the sensitivity was 91.7%,and the specificity was 96.0%,indicating that this model has a good risk prediction ability.Conclusion Smoking history,degree of amputation and ischemic time were independent risk factors for vascular crisis after finger replantation.The constructed risk prediction model can provide clinicians with postoperative risk assessment and prediction,which is helpful to formulate targeted treatment plans and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.


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