1.The SMAD-Pathway Mediates HMGB1-Induced Proliferation and Metastatic Progression in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
De-De LIAN ; Xue Mei LI ; Yu-Xi JIA ; Ming-Wei ZHOU ; Xiang-Ru CHEN ; Yang-Yang TIAN ; Min LI ; Ming-Hui SUN ; Ye ZHAO ; Hong-Jun LI ; Qing-Ling ZHANG
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):51-58
Background:
High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin-binding protein involved in arthritis, ischemia, sepsis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, meningitis, and cancer. HMGB1 exhibits dual roles in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or oncoprotein depending on context.
Objective:
This research aimed to elucidate HMGB1’s functional significance in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
Methods:
We overexpressed HMGB1 in cSCC cell lines using recombinant adenovirus and examined its effects on cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration.
Results:
Immunohistochemical analysis revealed elevated HMGB1 expression levels in cSCC tissue relative to normal epidermis. To assess the influence of HMGB1, we employed recombinant adenoviruses expressing HMGB1 to transduce SCC cell lines (SCC12 and SCC13). Enhanced HMGB1 expression significantly promoted cellular proliferation and colony formation capacity.Notably, HMGB1 overexpression elevated the levels of proliferation regulators, including P63, SOX2, CDK4 and CDK6. Furthermore, HMGB1 overexpression substantially enhanced tumor invasiveness, accompanied by upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers. Mechanistically, overexpression of HMGB1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β signaling by increasing phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, the key mediators of EMT.
Conclusion
These data imply that HMGB1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor in cSCC.
2.Differential Analysis of Heart Rate Variability in Repeated Continuous Performance Tests Among Healthy Young Men
Chung-Chih HSU ; Tien-Yu CHEN ; Jia-Yi LI ; Terry B. J. KUO ; Cheryl C. H. YANG
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(2):148-155
Objective:
Executive function correlates with the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) based on static heart rate variability (HRV) measurements. Our study advances this understanding by employing dynamic assessments of the PNS to explore and quantify its relationship with inhibitory control (IC).
Methods:
We recruited 31 men aged 20–35 years. We monitored their electrocardiogram (ECG) signals during the administration of the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test-II (CCPT-II) on a weekly basis over 2 weeks. HRV analysis was performed on ECG-derived RR intervals using 5-minute windows, each overlapping for the next 4 minutes to establish 1-minute intervals. For each time window, the HRV metrics extracted were: mean RR intervals, standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), low-frequency power with logarithm (lnLF), and high-frequency power with logarithm (lnHF). Each value was correlated with detectability and compared to the corresponding baseline value at t0.
Results:
Compared with the baseline level, SDNN and lnLF showed marked decreases during CCPT-II. The mean values of HRV showed significant correlation with d’, including mean SDNN (R=0.474, p=0.012), mean lnLF (R=0.390, p=0.045), and mean lnHF (R=0.400, p=0.032). In the 14th time window, the significant correlations included SDNN (R=0.578, p=0.002), lnLF (R=0.493, p=0.012), and lnHF (R=0.432, p=0.031). Significant correlation between d’ and HRV parameters emerged only during the initial CCPT-II.
Conclusion
A significant correlation between PNS and IC was observed in the first session alone. The IC in the repeated CCPT-II needs to consider the broader neural network.
3.Differential Analysis of Heart Rate Variability in Repeated Continuous Performance Tests Among Healthy Young Men
Chung-Chih HSU ; Tien-Yu CHEN ; Jia-Yi LI ; Terry B. J. KUO ; Cheryl C. H. YANG
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(2):148-155
Objective:
Executive function correlates with the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) based on static heart rate variability (HRV) measurements. Our study advances this understanding by employing dynamic assessments of the PNS to explore and quantify its relationship with inhibitory control (IC).
Methods:
We recruited 31 men aged 20–35 years. We monitored their electrocardiogram (ECG) signals during the administration of the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test-II (CCPT-II) on a weekly basis over 2 weeks. HRV analysis was performed on ECG-derived RR intervals using 5-minute windows, each overlapping for the next 4 minutes to establish 1-minute intervals. For each time window, the HRV metrics extracted were: mean RR intervals, standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), low-frequency power with logarithm (lnLF), and high-frequency power with logarithm (lnHF). Each value was correlated with detectability and compared to the corresponding baseline value at t0.
Results:
Compared with the baseline level, SDNN and lnLF showed marked decreases during CCPT-II. The mean values of HRV showed significant correlation with d’, including mean SDNN (R=0.474, p=0.012), mean lnLF (R=0.390, p=0.045), and mean lnHF (R=0.400, p=0.032). In the 14th time window, the significant correlations included SDNN (R=0.578, p=0.002), lnLF (R=0.493, p=0.012), and lnHF (R=0.432, p=0.031). Significant correlation between d’ and HRV parameters emerged only during the initial CCPT-II.
Conclusion
A significant correlation between PNS and IC was observed in the first session alone. The IC in the repeated CCPT-II needs to consider the broader neural network.
4.Structural challenges and development pathways of the disease control supervisor system:A SWOT-CLPV integrated analysis
Yan-ling HAN ; Quan WANG ; Si-qi LIU ; Yu-meng LYU ; Yi-xin QIN ; Ying-ming SONG ; Jia-kun WANG ; Li YANG
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(6):26-33
Objective:This study applies an integrated SWOT-CLPV framework combined with stakeholder analysis to systematically assess the strengths,weaknesses,opportunities,and threats of China's disease control inspector system,while identifying its control factors,leverage points,key problems,and vulnerabilities.Methods:Drawing on literature review,policy document analysis,and expert interviews with seven public health professionals,we extracted and categorized SWOT elements.A CLPV interaction analysis was conducted alongside stakeholder mapping to evaluate internal dynamics and systemic risks.Results:The inspector system demonstrates strengths in policy innovation and medical-public health integration,with external opportunities stemming from rising public health awareness and digital health advancements.However,the system faces weak endogenous momentum,limited leverage,and prominent control constraints and problem-prone areas,especially among grassroots institutions and inspectors themselves.Cross-sectoral coordination barriers and uneven local implementation contribute to significant institutional vulnerabilities.Conclusion:To enhance implementation and resilience,the system requires capacity building for key actors,improved governance structures,incentive and evaluation reforms,and strengthened coordination mechanisms to support the sustained and adaptive development of public health supervision.
5.Clinical efficacy observation of vital pulp therapy for mature permanent teeth with carious irreversible pulpitis
Zhi-ming QIN ; Jia-yang LI ; Hua-xing XU ; Zhi-fei MA ; Xiao-ling WEI
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(2):263-269
Objective To compare the pain relief and long-term clinical success rate of vital pulp therapy and root canal treatment in mature permanent teeth with carious irreversible pulpitis.Methods A total of 90 patients diagnosed with carious irreversible pulpitis in mature permanent teeth were collected at Shanghai Stomatological Hospital from Jan 2021 to Jun 2022.They were randomly divided into two groups:test group(n=45)undergoing vital pulp therapy(VPT)and control group(n=45)undergoing root canal treatment(RCT).Pain scores were recorded before treatment,24 hours after operation and 7 days after operation.We conducted clinical evaluation and imaging analysis at 1,6,and 12 months after the surgery,then compared the pain scores and treatment success rates between the two groups.Results Eighty-one patients,including 39 patients in group VPT aged(31.00±1.43)years old and 42 patients in group RCT aged(30.60±1.54)years old,received follow-up for more than 1 year,and the success rate of the test group and control was 97.44%and 95.24%.The pain degree of the two groups was reduced at 24 hours and 7 days after operation(P<0.05),and the pain score of the test group was reduced compared with that in the control group 7 days after operation(P<0.01).Conclusion Compared with root canal treatment,vital pulp therapy for mature permanent teeth with carious irreversible pulpitis can achieve good results in short-term pain evolution and long-term clinical success.
6.Research Progress of New Substance Status of the Applicable Drug Based on Adverse Reactions of Brain Metabolites
Wenwen WANG ; Yanxiao JIA ; Ming YAN ; Dezhi YANG ; Li GAO ; Li ZHANG ; Yang LYU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(6):862-867
The drugs used to improve brain metabolism mainly include ergotamine derivatives,GABA derivatives,vitamin B6 derivatives,neuropeptides,morpholines,hormones and other.However,these drugs may have adverse reactions during clinical application.This article focuses on the adverse effects of commonly used drugs for brain metabolism,and reviews the studies on the new state of pharmaceutical substances,such as drug combination,chiral resolution of isomers,crystal form of dominant drugs,co-crystal drugs and nanodrugs,with the aim of reducing adverse reactions.By summarizing the research on modifying the solid state of drugs to mitigate adverse reactions,this article provides new research insights for obtaining new drug with less adverse reaction and greater clinical value.
7.Combination of hyaluronidase and pH-responsive, IR780-loaded photosensitive micelle enhanced anticancer effect in triple-negative breast cancer
Rui YANG ; Qinghua WANG ; Lan MING ; Su LI ; Zhen JIA ; Jiuda ZHAO ; Daozhen CHEN
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(9):885-895
Objectives:To investigate the enhancement of tumor penetration and photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy in triple-negative breast cancer by hyaluronidase (HAase) using a novel pH-responsive IR780-loaded photosensitive micelle.Methods:The pH-responsive IR780-loaded photosensitive micelles were prepared using the nanoprecipitation method, and their morphology, size, and encapsulation efficiency were characterized. The in vitro stability and pH-responsive drug release of the micelles were also evaluated. The cytotoxicity of the micelles on triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) was assessed using a cell counting kit. A nude mouse breast cancer model was established, and HAase was injected intratumorally 24 hours before intravenous injection of the photosensitive micelles. The effect of HAase on the biodistribution and tumor uptake of the micelles was detected using small animal in vivo imaging. CD31 and HIF-1α immunofluorescence staining were performed to investigate the mechanism of HAase-enhanced tumor penetration. The body weight and tumor volume of the mice were measured, and necrosis and apoptosis of tumor tissues were assessed using HE staining and TUNEL staining, respectively. Results:Transmission electron microscopy showed that the micelles had a uniform particle size of approximately 60-70 nm, with a hydrated particle size of (98.03±0.22) nm. The IR780 encapsulation efficiency was 74.15%, with a drug loading content of 2.07%. After 7 days at 4 ℃, there was no significant change in hydrated particle size ( P=0.062). The 24-hour release rates of the micelles in PBS at pH 7.4 and 6.5 were (2.41±0.21)% and (43.69±2.09)%, respectively, showing a significant difference ( P<0.000 1). The cytotoxicity assay revealed that the cell viability in the micelles group without light exposure was significantly higer than that in the micelles group under light exposure [(97.00±5.38)% vs. (53.27±9.00)%, P=0.000 2]. The micelles were able to target and accumulate in the tumor tissue, and this accumulation increased significantly with HAase treatment. CD31 and HIF-1α immunofluorescence staining indicated that the CD31 signal was enhanced [(0.27±0.05)% vs. (4.57±0.27)%, P<0.000 1] and the HIF-1α signal was reduced [(5.14±0.38)% vs. (0.08±0.04)%, P<0.000 1] in the HAase-treated group compared to that in the micelle-only group. After 11 days of treatment with HAase combined with photosensitive micelles, there was no statistically significant difference in mouse body weight ( P>0.05). However, the tumor volume inhibition rate in the HAase-micelle-mediated PDT group was significantly higher than that in the micelle-mediated PDT group [(87.66±6.37)% vs. (25.34±12.63)%, P=0.002]. Histological staining showed a significant increase in tumor cell necrosis and apoptosis in the HAase-micelle-mediated PDT group. Conclusion:HAase enhances the deep tumor penetration and targeted accumulation of pH-responsive IR780-loaded photosensitive micelles, significantly improves the efficacy of photodynamic therapy in triple-negative breast cancer.
8.miR-142a-3p Reduces Autophagy in TCMK-1 Cells and Enhances Pyroptosis by Targeting ATG16L1
Xing ZHAO ; Fei YU ; Rui-Yang YUAN ; Ya-Ru YANG ; Jia-Yan LIU ; Hai-Mai DING ; Xue-Ming ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(7):1031-1039
The incidence rate of kidney diseases in China has always remained high.At present,the clinical treat-ment mainly focuses on symptomatic treatment to delay the progression of the disease,and there is a lack of eco-nomical and effective treatment methods.MicroRNA plays an important regulatory role in the occurrence and devel-opment of diseases.This study aims to explore the role and regulatory mechanism of miR-142a-3p in adriamycin(ADR)-induced renal tubular epithelial cell(TCMK-1)injury,with a focus on its potential as a therapeutic target for ADR nephropathy.First,cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 kit,and a mouse renal tubular epithelial cell model induced by ADR was established.Subsequently,alterations in miR-142a-3p and its target gene ATG16L1 mRNA levels were quantified using RT-qPCR.Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels of autophagy marker proteins and pyroptosis marker proteins.Monodansylcadaverin(MDC)staining was performed and the autophagy of cells was detected by flow cytometry.The results showed that the relative expression of miR-142a-3p in TCMK-1 cells induced by ADR was increased and the relative expression of its target gene ATG16L1 was decreased(P<0.0001).Western blotting results showed that the levels of p62(P<0.001)and pyroptosis-related proteins(P<0.001)were increased,while the protein levels of autophagy-related proteins were decreased(P<0.05).The flow cytometry results showed that there was no difference in the mean fluorescence intensity of autoph-agosomes between the ADR group and the autophagosome inhibitor group(3-MA group)(P>0.05),indicating that after ADR induction,cell autophagy was inhibited and pyroptosis was enhanced.When the expression of miR-142a-3p was inhibited by transfecting miR-142a-3p inhibitor,the relative expression level of the target gene ATG16L1 was restored(P<0.001).Western blotting showed that the protein level of p62(P<0.01)and pyropto-sis-related proteins(P<0.01)were decreased,and the protein level of autophagy-related proteins was restored(P<0.001).Flow cytometry results further indicated that cell autophagy was restored(P<0.0001).In conclusion,ADR targets A TG1 6L1 through miR-142a-3p to reduce the autophagy level of TCMK-1,and simultaneously activates GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis.
9.Precise preimplantation genetic testing for a Chinese pedigree carrying a small segmental copy number variation
Wenxiu ZHU ; Yankun WANG ; Lei WANG ; Beiqing LI ; Han WEI ; Yang ZHANG ; Guiyuan HE ; Jia FEI ; Ming SHI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(7):862-868
Objective:To block family transmission of a small fragment copy number variation (CNV) with combined 1 Mb resolution preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) and target region preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disease (PGT-M) strategies.Methods:A couple who attended the Reproductive and Genetic Medicine Center of Dalian Women and Children′s Medical Center (Group) in 2024 were selected as the study subject. Upon the woman′s two pregnancies, ultrasound examination revealed fetal abnormalities, and CNV-seq based on low-depth whole genome sequencing revealed that both fetuses had carried a maternal 17p12 microduplication of approximately 1.43 Mb. Microduplication in this region has been associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A. In view of the fact that the resolution of conventional PGT-A detection cannot meet the requirement of small fragment CNV analysis, and conventional PGT-M assay cannot directly determine the CNV, two detection schemes were adopted. On the one hand, PGT-A testing with 1 Mb resolution was performed on the embryo to directly determine whether it carries the above microduplication. At the same time, the couple and their fetus were subjected to chromosomal typing scheme for the 17p12 region to indirectly identify embryos carrying the risk chromosome for microduplication. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No: FEJT-KY-2025-51).Results:Three embryos were tested after the first PGT cycle, of which 1 was not carrying the pathogenic variant and was euploid, whilst the other 2 embryos were carrying the 17p12 microduplication, and 1 of them was aneuploid. After genetic counseling, the euploid embryo without the 17p12 microduplication was selected for transfer, and prenatal diagnosis based on amniotic fluid sample showed that the fetal chromosomal karyotype was normal and did not carry the 17p12 microduplication.Conclusion:The combined application of high-resolution PGT-A and PGT-M typing detection of the target region can effectively block family transmission of the CNVs of small fragments.
10.Combination of hyaluronidase and pH-responsive, IR780-loaded photosensitive micelle enhanced anticancer effect in triple-negative breast cancer
Rui YANG ; Qinghua WANG ; Lan MING ; Su LI ; Zhen JIA ; Jiuda ZHAO ; Daozhen CHEN
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(9):885-895
Objectives:To investigate the enhancement of tumor penetration and photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy in triple-negative breast cancer by hyaluronidase (HAase) using a novel pH-responsive IR780-loaded photosensitive micelle.Methods:The pH-responsive IR780-loaded photosensitive micelles were prepared using the nanoprecipitation method, and their morphology, size, and encapsulation efficiency were characterized. The in vitro stability and pH-responsive drug release of the micelles were also evaluated. The cytotoxicity of the micelles on triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) was assessed using a cell counting kit. A nude mouse breast cancer model was established, and HAase was injected intratumorally 24 hours before intravenous injection of the photosensitive micelles. The effect of HAase on the biodistribution and tumor uptake of the micelles was detected using small animal in vivo imaging. CD31 and HIF-1α immunofluorescence staining were performed to investigate the mechanism of HAase-enhanced tumor penetration. The body weight and tumor volume of the mice were measured, and necrosis and apoptosis of tumor tissues were assessed using HE staining and TUNEL staining, respectively. Results:Transmission electron microscopy showed that the micelles had a uniform particle size of approximately 60-70 nm, with a hydrated particle size of (98.03±0.22) nm. The IR780 encapsulation efficiency was 74.15%, with a drug loading content of 2.07%. After 7 days at 4 ℃, there was no significant change in hydrated particle size ( P=0.062). The 24-hour release rates of the micelles in PBS at pH 7.4 and 6.5 were (2.41±0.21)% and (43.69±2.09)%, respectively, showing a significant difference ( P<0.000 1). The cytotoxicity assay revealed that the cell viability in the micelles group without light exposure was significantly higer than that in the micelles group under light exposure [(97.00±5.38)% vs. (53.27±9.00)%, P=0.000 2]. The micelles were able to target and accumulate in the tumor tissue, and this accumulation increased significantly with HAase treatment. CD31 and HIF-1α immunofluorescence staining indicated that the CD31 signal was enhanced [(0.27±0.05)% vs. (4.57±0.27)%, P<0.000 1] and the HIF-1α signal was reduced [(5.14±0.38)% vs. (0.08±0.04)%, P<0.000 1] in the HAase-treated group compared to that in the micelle-only group. After 11 days of treatment with HAase combined with photosensitive micelles, there was no statistically significant difference in mouse body weight ( P>0.05). However, the tumor volume inhibition rate in the HAase-micelle-mediated PDT group was significantly higher than that in the micelle-mediated PDT group [(87.66±6.37)% vs. (25.34±12.63)%, P=0.002]. Histological staining showed a significant increase in tumor cell necrosis and apoptosis in the HAase-micelle-mediated PDT group. Conclusion:HAase enhances the deep tumor penetration and targeted accumulation of pH-responsive IR780-loaded photosensitive micelles, significantly improves the efficacy of photodynamic therapy in triple-negative breast cancer.

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