1.Effect of Huanglian Jiedutang in Regulating Ferroptosis in Mice with Atherosclerosis Based on Nrf2/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Zhaohui GONG ; Li GAO ; Huiqi ZHAI ; Jinzi YU ; Qingmin CHU ; Chuanjin LUO ; Lijin QING ; Wei WU ; Rong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):22-28
ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJDT) in treating mice with atherosclerosis (AS) by improving ferroptosis. MethodsA total of 10 SPF C57BL/6J mice were selected as a normal group, and 50 ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into five groups: model group, low-dose group of HLJDT, medium-dose group of HLJDT, high-dose group of HLJDT, and atorvastatin (ATV) group. ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet for eight weeks to establish the AS model, and at the 9th week, they were given normal saline, low, medium, and high doses of HLJDT (3.9, 7.8, 15.6 g·kg-1·d-1), and atorvastatin calcium tablets (0.01 g·kg-1·d-1), respectively, for a total of eight weeks. The formation of aortic plaque in mice was observed by gross oil red O staining and Masson staining. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in blood fat were measured by the automatic biochemical analyzer, and the mitochondrial structure of the aorta was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The content of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The content of reduced glutathione (GSH) in serum was detected by the microplate method, and that of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum was detected by the TBA method. The protein expression of nuclear factor E2-associated factor 2 (Nrf2)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with those of the normal group, the contents of TC, LDL-C, TG, HDL-C, and MDA in the serum and the aortic vascular plaque deposition of the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expression levels of SOD and GSH in serum, as well as Nrf2, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and GPX4 in aorta were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Mice in the model group appeared mitochondrial fragmentation and vacuolation in the aorta, volume atrophy, mitochondrial crista reduction, or a loose and disorganized form. Compared with those in the model group, the aortic vascular plaque deposition was significantly decreased in the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of HLJDT and ATV group, and the contents of serum TC, LDL-C, TG, and MDA in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The contents of serum SOD and GSH and the expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the aorta were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the symptoms of aortic mitochondrial vacuolation were alleviated. The number of cristae was increased, and they were ordered neatly. ConclusionHLJDT can reduce aortic vascular plaque deposition, decrease blood lipid and MDA expression, increase SOD and GSH expression, and ameliorate the pathological changes of ferroptosis, the mechanism of which is related to the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway.
2.Automatic epileptic seizure detection model based on multi-channel recurrence plots and SE-VGG16
Bo LI ; Huiqi BAO ; Ningning WEI ; Mengmeng WANG ; Weimin GAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(11):1494-1499
An automatic epileptic seizure detection model based on multi-channel recurrence plots and SE-VGG16 is proposed to enhance the accuracy of automatic detection of epileptic seizures.Firstly,triaxial accelerometer is used to collect patients'motion signals as a substitute of electroencephalogram signals,and these signals are converted into two-dimensional images through recurrence plots and then subjected to multi-channel fusion for generating multi-channel recurrence plots.Subsequently,squeeze-and-excitation module is employed to improve VGG16,which enhances the network's adaptability to different channels and enables precise classification.Experimental results show that the proposed model achieves the best performance across all indicators,attaining an accuracy of 99.3%,precision of 99.2%,recall rate of 98.9%,and F1-score of 99.0%.This model significantly boosts the accuracy and applicability of epileptic seizure detection,expands the potential of wearable devices for epileptic seizure monitoring in non-clinical settings,and provides a new technical pathway for epilepsy management and research.
3.Tubeimoside I promoted Snail ubiquitination degradation and inhibited the malignant progression of PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells
Lixue FENG ; Chunyun ZHANG ; Zeyan LI ; Huiqi YIN ; Yingning SUN ; Dian-hui LIU ; Baogang YU ; He LIU ; Qingzhu YANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(10):1955-1962
AIM:This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanism by which tubeimoside I(TBMS1)inhibits Snail expression in pancreatic cancer cells(PANC-1).METHODS:Human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells were cultured in vitro.The inhibitory effect of TBMS1 on PANC-1 cells was assessed using the MTT assay,and the data were analyzed based on the IC50 value of TBMS1.The impact of TBMS1 on the clonal formation ability of PANC-1 cells was evaluated through colony formation assays.The Transwell assay was employed to assess the effect of TBMS1 on the migrato-ry capability of PANC-1 cells.Apoptosis and cell cycle alterations in PANC-1 cells were analyzed using acridine orange staining and flow cytometry.The expression of Snail protein in pancreatic cancer and its relationship with survival of the patients were analyzed using the GEPIA database and Kaplan-Meier Plotter data.Immunofluorescence staining was con-ducted to investigate the effect of TBMS1 on Snail expression,while Western blot was used to evaluate the expression of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase(PARP),E-cadherin and Snail in the cells.The ubiquitination of Snail protein was mea-sured using immunoprecipitation techniques.RESULTS:As the concentration of TBMS1 increased,the survival rate and number of clones formed by PANC-1 cells progressively decreased,leading to apoptosis,cleavage of PARP,and cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase.There was also a reduction in the proportion of cells in the S phase and a decrease in cell migration ability.The expression of Snail protein,a critical factor in cell migration,was inhibited,while E-cadherin protein levels were increased.Treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 was able to reverse the suppression of Snail protein ex-pression caused by TBMS1.Immunoprecipitation results indicated that TBMS1 enhances the ubiquitination and subse-quent degradation of Snail protein.CONCLUSION:TBMS1 effectively inhibits the malignant progression of pancreatic cancer cells by promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of Snail protein in PANC-1 cells.
4.Prevention and Treatment of Post-Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction from the Perspective of "Deficiency Qi Retention and Stagnation"
Yunze LI ; Huiqi ZONG ; Hongxu LIU ; Mingxuan LI ; Xiang LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(12):1273-1276
It is believed that "deficiency qi retention and stagnation" is the fundamental pathogenesis of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients often have severe coronary vessel congestion before PCI, leading to emptiness in the heart's collaterals, which results in deficiency of healthy qi, poor movement of blood and body fluids, so the heart collaterals are susceptible to stagnation and stasis,then phlegm and stasis generate; after PCI, it is easy to damage the healthy qi then lead to qi deficiency, causing qi, blood, and body fluids fail to transport, thereby leading to blood stasis and phlegm turbidity retention, generating heat and wind to damage the heart and body. It is proposed that the prevention before PCI should replenish qi and collaterals, expel blood stasis and resolve phlegm, to support "deficient qi" in heart collaterals and prevent "stagnation" after PCI. Postoperative management should focus on replenishing qi and protecting the collaterals, eliminating pathogen and controlling development, so as to avoid exacerbating deficiency and stagnation by damaging healthy qi, and eliminate pathogen and unblock the collaterals to interrupt the pathogenesis, which prevent "retention and stagnation" from changes.
5.ALKBH3-regulated m1A of ALDOA potentiates glycolysis and doxorubicin resistance of triple negative breast cancer cells.
Yuhua DENG ; Zhiyan CHEN ; Peixian CHEN ; Yaming XIONG ; Chuling ZHANG ; Qiuyuan WU ; Huiqi HUANG ; Shuqing YANG ; Kun ZHANG ; Tiancheng HE ; Wei LI ; Guolin YE ; Wei LUO ; Hongsheng WANG ; Dan ZHOU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3092-3106
Chemotherapy is currently the mainstay of systemic management for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), but chemoresistance significantly impacts patient outcomes. Our research indicates that Doxorubicin (Dox)-resistant TNBC cells exhibit increased glycolysis and ATP generation compared to their parental cells, with this metabolic shift contributing to chemoresistance. We discovered that ALKBH3, an m1A demethylase enzyme, is crucial in regulating the enhanced glycolysis in Dox-resistant TNBC cells. Knocking down ALKBH3 reduced ATP generation, glucose consumption, and lactate production, implicating its involvement in mediating glycolysis. Further investigation revealed that aldolase A (ALDOA), a key enzyme in glycolysis, is a downstream target of ALKBH3. ALKBH3 regulates ALDOA mRNA stability through m1A demethylation at the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR). This methylation negatively affects ALDOA mRNA stability by recruiting the YTHDF2/PAN2-PAN3 complex, leading to mRNA degradation. The ALKBH3/ALDOA axis promotes Dox resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Clinical analysis demonstrated that ALKBH3 and ALDOA are upregulated in breast cancer tissues, and higher expression of these proteins is associated with reduced overall survival in TNBC patients. Our study highlights the role of the ALKBH3/ALDOA axis in contributing to Dox resistance in TNBC cells through regulation of ALDOA mRNA stability and glycolysis.
6.Enzyme-independent functions of HDAC3 in the adult heart.
Sichong QIAN ; Chen ZHANG ; Wenbo LI ; Shiyang SONG ; Guanqiao LIN ; Zixiu CHENG ; Wenjun ZHOU ; Huiqi YIN ; Yueli WANG ; Haiyang LI ; Ying H SHEN ; Zheng SUN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3561-3574
The cardioprotective effects of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (HDIs) are at odds with the deleterious effects of HDAC depletion. Here, we use HDAC3 as a prototype HDAC to address this contradiction. We show that adult-onset cardiac-specific depletion of HDAC3 in mice causes cardiac hypertrophy and contractile dysfunction on a high-fat diet (HFD), excluding developmental disruption as a major reason for the contradiction. Genetically abolishing HDAC3 enzymatic activity without affecting its protein level does not cause cardiac dysfunction on HFD. HDAC3 depletion causes robust downregulation of lipid oxidation/bioenergetic genes and upregulation of antioxidant/anti-apoptotic genes. In contrast, HDAC3 enzyme activity abolishment causes much milder changes in far fewer genes. The abnormal gene expression is cardiomyocyte-autonomous and can be rescued by an enzyme-dead HDAC3 mutant but not by an HDAC3 mutant (Δ33-70) that lacks interaction with the nuclear-envelope protein lamina-associated polypeptide 2β (LAP2β). Tethering LAP2β to the HDAC3 Δ33-70 mutant restored its ability to rescue gene expression. Finally, HDAC3 depletion, not loss of HDAC3 enzymatic activity, exacerbates cardiac contractile functions upon aortic constriction. These results suggest that the cardiac function of HDAC3 in adults is not attributable to its enzyme activity, which has implications for understanding the cardioprotective effects of HDIs.
7.Research on the anti-tumor mechanism of toosendanin combined with olaparib in triple negative breast cancer
Huiqi HUANG ; Qiuyuan WU ; Kun ZHANG ; Peixian LI ; Yaming XIONG ; Guolin YE ; Dan ZHOU
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(9):897-903
Objective To investigate the anti-tumor mechanism of natural compound toosendanin(TSN)combined with olaparib in triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC).Methods Human TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 was cultured in vitro.Effects of TSN combined with olaparib on autophagy levels and cell viability in MDA-MB-231 cells were evaluated using 0.5,1.0,and 5.0 μmol/L olaparib alone or in combination.Surgical specimens from four TNBC patients who had residual tumors after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were selected to establish patient-derived organoid(PDO)models.The drug sensitivity of TSN combined with olaparib in TNBC patients was detected.Whether TSN combined with olaparib can exert autophagy inhibitory effects and tumor-killing effects in organoid model was verified.Results Olaparib induced autophagy in MDA-MB-231 cell line,and the combination of TSN and olaparib inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells(P<0.01).In the TNBC PDOs model,the therapeutic effect of olaparib combined with TSN can significantly reduce the proliferation ability of tumor cells compared with olaparib alone.Conclusion The tumor-killing effect of TSN combined with olaparib is superior to that of olaparib alone,and the mechanism may be related to autophagy inhibition.
8.Li Rong's Experience in Promoting the Rehabilitation of Heart Failure Patients by Using Therapies with Traditional Chinese Medicine Characteristics
Wanying LI ; Huiqi ZHAI ; Jinzi YU ; Xinjun ZHAO ; Rong LI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(2):488-492
Heart failure(HF)is a complex clinical syndrome which develops from various heart diseases progressing to serious stages.HF is the terminal stage of various cardiovascular diseases,and has become a serious threat to public health and human life.Cardiac rehabilitation in HF patients has been proven to be feasible,while the study of cardiac rehabilitation in China is still at the preliminary stage.Nowadays,the integration of traditional Chinese and western medicine is widely used for cardiac rehabilitation.Professor Li Rong had over 20 years of clinical experience in treating HF and guiding cardiac rehabilitation for patients with HF.He focused on improving the prognosis and quality of life of the patients,and proposed the therapies with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)characteristics to promote cardiac rehabilitation for HF.The therapies included the method of exhalation and inhalation for regulating breath,physical-breathing exercise,therapeutic diet,cultivation of spirit,TCM external therapy,five-note therapy,and natural environment therapy.The combination use of TCM,traditional qigong and conduction therapy,and modern cardiac rehabilitation techniques will provide new ideas for cardiac rehabilitation in HF patients by simpler,cheaper,and more convenient and effective methods,and will promote the innovation and development of cardiac rehabilitation with TCM characteristics.
9.Exploring the Diagnosis and Treatment Strategy for Incomplete Endothelialization After Left Atrial Appendage Closure Based on the View of Qi Flourishment Promoting Tissue Regeneration
Huiqi ZHAI ; Bowen DENG ; Qiucen CHEN ; Zheng JIN ; Rong LI ; Xiaoxiong ZHOU ; Qingmin CHU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(11):2877-2882
Left atrial appendage closure(LAAC)is an important intervention method for preventing thromboembolic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF).However,incomplete endothelialization following the procedure can impact its long-term efficacy and safety.This article proposes the view of qi flourishment promoting tissue regeneration based on the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)theory of qi and blood,and explores diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for post-LAAC incomplete endothelialization by examining the theoretical connotation of qi flourishment promoting tissue regeneration and the relationship between qi and vascular endothelial cells.It is proposed that the primary pathogenesis in patients after LAAC is due to qi deficiency.Guided by the view of qi flourishment promoting tissue regeneration,therapeutic approaches such as tonifying qi to promote granulation,supplementing qi to activate blood circulation,and harmonizing the viscera can be employed to address incomplete endothelialization in NVAF patients following LAAC.Clinically,the qi-supplementing and blood-activating classic formula Neituo Shengji San,mainly composed of Astragali Radix,Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Olibanum,Myrrha,Paeoniae Radix Alb,Trichosanthis Radix,Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,etc.,is usually utilized for modified use.Depending on the specific symptom patterns or pathogenesis characteristics of patients with incomplete endothelialization,this basic formula may be used by combining with Shengmai San or augmented with qi-supplementing and blood-activating herbs such as Chuanxiong Rhizoma,Fici Simplicissimae Radix,and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma to promote endothelialization.Diagnosing and treating post-LAAC incomplete endothelialization in NVAF patients following the view of qi flourishment promoting tissue regeneration,it is expected to offer a novel TCM perspective and therapeutic strategy to enhance post-LAAC outcomes and address the challenge of incomplete endothelialization.This approach can further serve as a reference for TCM clinicians to manage endothelialization issues following implantation procedures.
10.Tubeimoside I promoted Snail ubiquitination degradation and inhibited the malignant progression of PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells
Lixue FENG ; Chunyun ZHANG ; Zeyan LI ; Huiqi YIN ; Yingning SUN ; Dian-hui LIU ; Baogang YU ; He LIU ; Qingzhu YANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(10):1955-1962
AIM:This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanism by which tubeimoside I(TBMS1)inhibits Snail expression in pancreatic cancer cells(PANC-1).METHODS:Human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells were cultured in vitro.The inhibitory effect of TBMS1 on PANC-1 cells was assessed using the MTT assay,and the data were analyzed based on the IC50 value of TBMS1.The impact of TBMS1 on the clonal formation ability of PANC-1 cells was evaluated through colony formation assays.The Transwell assay was employed to assess the effect of TBMS1 on the migrato-ry capability of PANC-1 cells.Apoptosis and cell cycle alterations in PANC-1 cells were analyzed using acridine orange staining and flow cytometry.The expression of Snail protein in pancreatic cancer and its relationship with survival of the patients were analyzed using the GEPIA database and Kaplan-Meier Plotter data.Immunofluorescence staining was con-ducted to investigate the effect of TBMS1 on Snail expression,while Western blot was used to evaluate the expression of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase(PARP),E-cadherin and Snail in the cells.The ubiquitination of Snail protein was mea-sured using immunoprecipitation techniques.RESULTS:As the concentration of TBMS1 increased,the survival rate and number of clones formed by PANC-1 cells progressively decreased,leading to apoptosis,cleavage of PARP,and cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase.There was also a reduction in the proportion of cells in the S phase and a decrease in cell migration ability.The expression of Snail protein,a critical factor in cell migration,was inhibited,while E-cadherin protein levels were increased.Treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 was able to reverse the suppression of Snail protein ex-pression caused by TBMS1.Immunoprecipitation results indicated that TBMS1 enhances the ubiquitination and subse-quent degradation of Snail protein.CONCLUSION:TBMS1 effectively inhibits the malignant progression of pancreatic cancer cells by promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of Snail protein in PANC-1 cells.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail