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.Tasquinimod promotes the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin by down-regulating the HDAC4/p21 pathway
Zhao LI ; Ya-Hong WU ; Ye-Qing GUO ; Xiao-Jia MIN ; Ying LIN
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(2):191-204
To investigate whether Tasquinimod can influence cisplatin resistance in drug-resistant ovarian cancer (OC) cell lines by regulating histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) or p21, we explored its effects on the cell cycle, and associated mechanisms.RT-PCR and Western blot analyses, flow cytometry, CCK8 assay, and immunofluorescence were utilized to investigate the effects of Tasquinimod on gene expression, cell cycle, apoptosis, viability, and protein levels in OC cells. The results showed that Tasquinimod inhibited cell viability and promoted apoptosis in SKOV3/DDP (cisplatin) and A2780/DDP cells more effectively than DDP alone. In combination with cisplatin, Tasquinimod further enhanced cell apoptosis and reduced cell viability in these cell lines, an effect that could be reversed following HDAC4 overexpression. Tasquinimod treatment down-regulated HDAC4, Bcl-2, and cyclin D1, and CDK4 expression and up-regulated the cleaved-Caspase-3, and p21 expression in SKOV3/DDP and A2780/ DDP cells. Additionally, Tasquinimod inhibited DDP resistance in OC/DDP cells. These effects were similarly observed in OC mouse models treated with Tasquinimod. In conclusion, Tasquinimod can improve OC cells' sensitivity to DDP by down-regulating the HDAC4/p21 axis, offering insights into potential strategies for overcoming cisplatin resistance in OC.
3.Tasquinimod promotes the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin by down-regulating the HDAC4/p21 pathway
Zhao LI ; Ya-Hong WU ; Ye-Qing GUO ; Xiao-Jia MIN ; Ying LIN
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(2):191-204
To investigate whether Tasquinimod can influence cisplatin resistance in drug-resistant ovarian cancer (OC) cell lines by regulating histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) or p21, we explored its effects on the cell cycle, and associated mechanisms.RT-PCR and Western blot analyses, flow cytometry, CCK8 assay, and immunofluorescence were utilized to investigate the effects of Tasquinimod on gene expression, cell cycle, apoptosis, viability, and protein levels in OC cells. The results showed that Tasquinimod inhibited cell viability and promoted apoptosis in SKOV3/DDP (cisplatin) and A2780/DDP cells more effectively than DDP alone. In combination with cisplatin, Tasquinimod further enhanced cell apoptosis and reduced cell viability in these cell lines, an effect that could be reversed following HDAC4 overexpression. Tasquinimod treatment down-regulated HDAC4, Bcl-2, and cyclin D1, and CDK4 expression and up-regulated the cleaved-Caspase-3, and p21 expression in SKOV3/DDP and A2780/ DDP cells. Additionally, Tasquinimod inhibited DDP resistance in OC/DDP cells. These effects were similarly observed in OC mouse models treated with Tasquinimod. In conclusion, Tasquinimod can improve OC cells' sensitivity to DDP by down-regulating the HDAC4/p21 axis, offering insights into potential strategies for overcoming cisplatin resistance in OC.
4.Tasquinimod promotes the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin by down-regulating the HDAC4/p21 pathway
Zhao LI ; Ya-Hong WU ; Ye-Qing GUO ; Xiao-Jia MIN ; Ying LIN
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(2):191-204
To investigate whether Tasquinimod can influence cisplatin resistance in drug-resistant ovarian cancer (OC) cell lines by regulating histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) or p21, we explored its effects on the cell cycle, and associated mechanisms.RT-PCR and Western blot analyses, flow cytometry, CCK8 assay, and immunofluorescence were utilized to investigate the effects of Tasquinimod on gene expression, cell cycle, apoptosis, viability, and protein levels in OC cells. The results showed that Tasquinimod inhibited cell viability and promoted apoptosis in SKOV3/DDP (cisplatin) and A2780/DDP cells more effectively than DDP alone. In combination with cisplatin, Tasquinimod further enhanced cell apoptosis and reduced cell viability in these cell lines, an effect that could be reversed following HDAC4 overexpression. Tasquinimod treatment down-regulated HDAC4, Bcl-2, and cyclin D1, and CDK4 expression and up-regulated the cleaved-Caspase-3, and p21 expression in SKOV3/DDP and A2780/ DDP cells. Additionally, Tasquinimod inhibited DDP resistance in OC/DDP cells. These effects were similarly observed in OC mouse models treated with Tasquinimod. In conclusion, Tasquinimod can improve OC cells' sensitivity to DDP by down-regulating the HDAC4/p21 axis, offering insights into potential strategies for overcoming cisplatin resistance in OC.
5.Analysis on Screening Results of Breast Cancer Among Women Aged 45~74 in Chongqing from 2012 to 2022
Jia DU ; Zhikai YU ; Shenglin ZHAO ; Yan ZHANG ; Qing GUO ; Xiu LIU ; Hong ZHOU ; Mei HE
China Cancer 2025;34(1):43-51
[Purpose]To analyze the results of breast cancer screening among women aged 45~74 in Chongqing from 2012 to 2022 and compare the risk of breast cancer among women with differ-ent characteristics.[Methods]The Urban Cancer Early Diagnosis and Treatment Program was con-ducted in Chongqing from 2012 to 2022,female residents aged 45~74 years old participated in breast cancer screening.The participants who were assessed as at high risk of breast cancer in the preliminary screening were advised to receive ultrasonography and mammography examination in designated hospitals.The study population was followed up annually to obtain information on their health outcomes.The high risk rate of breast cancer,compliance of further examination,the inci-dence density and breast cancer risk were calculated.[Results]A total of 207 891 women com-pleted the questionnaires survey and risk assessment,and 35 947 were assessed as the individuals with high risk of breast cancer with a high risk rate of 17.29%.Among them 14 713 received the imaging screening with a compliance rate of 40.93%.After a mean follow-up of(5.43±3.01)years,847 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed with a cumulative incidence rate of 407.43/105,an in-cidence density of 75.03/105 person-years(95%CI:70.15/105~80.26/105 person-years).Cox pro-portional hazards regression showed that the risk of breast cancer was higher in obese women than that in normal weight women(HR=1.26,95%CI:1.00~1.59);the risk of breast cancer was signifi-cantly higher in those with family history of breast cancer than that in those without family history(HR=1.69,95%CI:1.36~2.09).Compared with non-high-risk groups of breast cancer,the risk of breast cancer was increased in high-risk individuals who were screened or not screened(HR=1.36,95%CI:1.06~1.73 and HR=1.26,95%CI:1.01~1.56).[Conclusion]The breast cancer screening program combining primary risk assessment with ultrasonography and mammography for the high-risk groups can improve the detection rate,and the compliance rate of imaging screening need to be improved in the future and make accurate screening for people with high risk of breast cancer.
6.Effects of single-session table tennis exercise with different intensities on working memory and event-related potentials in college students with depressive symptoms
Qun ZHAO ; Peng WANG ; Shuqi JIA ; Qing LIU ; Cong LIU ; Shufan LI ; Weizhi LIU ; Lijuan MAO
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(7):898-909
Objective To explore the effects of single-session table tennis exercise with different intensities on working memory and the associated cognitive neural processing mechanisms in college students with depressive symptoms by using event-related potential(ERP)technology.Methods A convenience sampling approach was employed to recruit 100 college students with depressive symptoms from a university.Participants were randomly assigned at a 1∶1∶1∶1 ratio to low-intensity exercise group,moderate-intensity exercise group,high-intensity exercise group,or control group.The exercise groups participated in a single 30-min table tennis intervention at intensities corresponding to 57%-64%of maximum heart rate(HRmax)and rate of perceived exertion(RPE)scores ranging from 9-11,65%-75%HRmax and RPE scores 12-13,and 76%-95%HRmax and RPE scores of 14-17(5-min warm-up,20-min monitored exercise,5-min cool-down).The control group did not receive any exercise intervention.Pre-and post-intervention assessments of verbal working memory(VWM)and spatial working memory(SWM)were performed,alongside the recording of ERP components,including the amplitude and latency of N2 and P3,during the tasks.Results A total of 91 participants(20 in the low-intensity exercise group,25 in the moderate-intensity exercise group,23 in the high-intensity exercise group,and 23 in the control group)were enrolled for analysis.In the VWM task,the main effect of time on accuracy was found to be significant(F(1,89)=5.942,P=0.017,partial η2=0.064).Post-intervention,accuracy was significantly improved in the moderate-intensity and high-intensity exercise groups(change=0.027,95%confidence interval[CI]0.001-0.053,P=0.037;change=0.029,95%CI 0.002-0.055,P=0.040).The main effect of time on reaction time was also significant(F(1,89)=7.244,P=0.009,partial η2=0.077).The interaction between group and time was also significant(F(3,87)=2.844,P=0.042,partial η2=0.089).After the intervention,the reaction time was reduced in the low-intensity and moderate-intensity exercise groups(change=-0.095,95%CI-0.183--0.007,P=0.035;change=-0.079,95%CI-0.158-0,P=0.049).The interaction between time and electrode location in the P3 latency in ERP components was significant(F(3,87)=5.785,P<0.001,partial η2=0.062),while the interactions for other ERP measures were not significant(all P>0.05).In the SWM task,the main effect of time on accuracy was significant(F(1,89)=5.092,P=0.027,partial η2=0.055),while the interaction between group and time was not significant(F(3,87)=0.799,P=0.498,partial η2=0.027).After the intervention,accuracy was improved in the moderate-intensity exercise group(change=0.019,95%CI 0-0.037,P=0.046).The main effect of time on reaction time was significant(F(1,89)=14.322,P<0.001,partial η2=0.141).The interaction between group and time was not significant(F(3,87)=1.521,P=0.215,partial η2=0.050).After the intervention,reaction time was shortened in the moderate-intensity and high-intensity exercise groups(change=-0.082,95%CI-0.136--0.027,P=0.004;change=-0.075,95%CI-0.131--0.018,P=0.029).The interaction between time and electrode location in the P3 amplitude in ERP components was significant(F(3,87)=5.475,P=0.001,partial η2=0.059),while the interactions for other ERP measures were not significant(all P>0.05).Conclusion Single-session table tennis exercise with different intensities has a positive effect on working memory in college students with depressive symptoms.Moderate-to high-intensity exercise can enhance VWM accuracy,while low-to moderate-intensity exercise can reduce VWM reaction time.Furthermore,moderate-intensity exercise can improve SWM accuracy,and moderate-to high-intensity exercise can shorten SWM reaction time.Additionally,high-intensity exercise can lead to greater activation of ERP components.
7.Risk prediction models for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection in ICU patients established based on 5 types of machine learning algorithms
Chen JIA ; Yan GAO ; Xili XIE ; Feng ZHAO ; Haiming QING ; Lu WANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(17):2586-2591
OBJECTIVE To establish the an optimal prediction model for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter bau-mannii(CRAB)infection in ICU patients based on machine learning(ML)so as to help clinicians to diagnose and make decisions.METHODS The clinical data were collected from the patients who were hospitalized in ICUs of a three-A hospital from Jan.1,2017 to Dec.31,2024 and were randomly divided into the training set and the test set in a 7∶3 ratio.The characteristic variables were selected by means of LASSO regression analysis in combina-tion with multivariate logistic regression analysis.Five types of M L classification models were integrated,the opti-mal model was analyzed and identified.The performance of the prediction model for CRAB infection in the ICU patients was evaluated with the use of sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,areas under receiver operating characteris-tic curves(AUCs),calibration curves,Hosmer-Lemeshow test and decision curve analysis(DCA).The outputs of the ML models were interpreted by Shapley additive explanations(SHAP)and permutation importance.RESULTS A total of 2 904 patients were enrolled in the study,695(23.93%)of whom had CRAB infection.The AUC of XGBoost model was highest in the training set and the test set,respectively(0.994 and 0.907).The result of Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that the calibration curves of the XGBoost model indicated that the predicated risk was highly con-sistent with the observed risk(x2=7.323 and 4.609,P=0.513 and 0.764,respectively).The DCA curves showed that the XGBoost model performed best within the whole range of threshold,with the highest net profit.The length of ICU stay,use of tigecycline,central venous catheterization,use of carbapenems and use of ventilator were determined as the major predictive factors by means of SHAP.CONCLUSIONS The XGBoost model is established and interpreted by SHAP.It provides bases for screening of the ICU patients at high risk of CRAB infection.
8.Analysis of Lung Cancer Screening Compliance Among High-Risk Population in Chongqing from 2013 to 2021
Lu XIAO ; Shenglin ZHAO ; Zhikai YU ; Jia DU ; Yan ZHANG ; Xiu LIU ; Qing GUO ; Hong ZHOU ; Mei HE
China Cancer 2025;34(3):203-208
[Purpose]To analyze the compliance and its influencing factors of lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography(LDCT)among high-risk population in urban districts of Chongqing from 2013 to 2021.[Methods]The lung cancer screeing of Cancer Early Diagnosis and Treatment Project was conducted among permanent residents aged 40~69 years old from 14 urban districts of Chongqing selected by cluster sampling method from 2013 to 2021.The questionnaire survey was performed to assess the risk level of lung cancer,and individuals with high risk were advised to have LDCT examination.The compliance rate of LDCT examination among high-risk populations was calculated and compared using Chi-square test among residents with different de-mographic features;the influencing factors of compliance was analyzed with generalized linear mixed models.[Results]A total of 316 066 residents completed the risk assessment questionnaire survey,52 858 people were assessed as high-risk(17.17%).Among the high-risk population,20 398 completed LDCT screening,with an overall compliance rate of 38.59%.The generalized linear mixed model showed that male participants(OR=0.871,95%CI:0.823~0.922)and smokers(light smokers:OR=0.829,95%CI:0.775~0.886;heavy smokers:OR=0.842,95%CI:0.792~0.896)had lower compliance rates;while people with higher education level(OR=1.347,95%CI:1.265~1.435),occupational exposure to harmful substances(OR=1.400,95%CI:1.340~1.463),passive smoking for 20 years or more(OR=1.472,95%CI:1.376~1.576),infrequent physical exercise(OR=1.203,95%CI:1.152~1.256),family history of lung cancer(OR=2.312,95%CI:2.201~2.429),and those having media promotion by community staff(OR=1.365,95%CI:1.223~1.524),and trained community staff(OR=1.343,95%CI:1.227~1.470)had higher compliance rates.Comorbidities were also factors influencing compliance,and there was an increasing trend of compliance rate with the increase of comorbidity numbers(P<0.001).[Conclusion]The compli-ance rate of LDCT examination for lung cancer screening in Chongqing needs to be improved,and more precise health education should be implemented for groups with different characteristics to improve the compliance among high-risk population.
9.Allicin alleviates senna-induced diarrhea in mice through modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress
Qing ZHOU ; Jia-min WU ; Mo GUO ; Yao-yu ZHAO ; Lei HUANG ; Fei GE ; Pang-bo YANG ; Yuan-yuan QIN ; Yu WANG ; Jun GUO ; Shan GAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1906-1914
Aim To study the therapeutic effect of al-licin on senna-induced diarrhea in mice and to explore the underlying mechanism.Methods Forty-eight C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups:control,model,loperamide positive control group(2 mg·kg-1),allicin low-dose group(6 mg·kg-1),allicin medium-dose group(12 mg·kg-1)and allicin high-dose group(18 mg·kg-1).Except for the con-trol group,the diarrhea model was induced in the other groups by intragastric administration of senna leaf ex-tract.After drug administration,several diarrhea indi-ces were measured:the rate of loose stools,diarrhea index,accumulated frequency of loose stools at differ-ent time points within 5 hours,and small intestine pro-pelling rate.Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were de-tected by ELISA.Serum NO content was determined u-sing the Griess method.The activities of SOD and CAT,as well as MDA content in the ileum and colon,were measured.The pathological changes and the ex-pression of mRNA related to intestinal barrier proteins in the ileum and colon were evaluated using HE stai-ning and RT-qPCR.Results Allicin improved diar-rhea symptoms in mice induced by senna leaf.It re-duced the rate of loose stools,diarrhea index,cumula-tive number of loose stools in five hours,and the intes-tinal propulsion rate.Allicin also protected the intesti-nal mucosa,decreased serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels,and lowered MDA content in the intestines.It in-creased serum NO levels and enhanced SOD and CAT activities in the intestines.Additionally,allicin upreg-ulated the mRNA expression of AQP1,AQP4,and ZO-1 in intestinal tissues.Conclusions Allicin has a significant therapeutic effect on senna-induced diarrhea in mice.The underlying molecular mechanisms may involve anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects,in-creased NO content,and upregulation of mRNA ex-pression of aquaporins and tight-junction proteins.
10.Detection status and its influencing factors of ovarian-adnexal masses in the physical examination population based on the Ovarian-Adnexal Imaging Reporting and Data System of the American College of Radiology
Wei WEI ; Ying GAO ; Yue ZHAO ; Qing ZHANG ; Qiyu JIA ; Haiyan SU ; Ying HAN
Chinese Journal of Health Management 2025;19(10):787-793
Objective:To analyze the detection status and its influencing factors of ovarian-adnexal masses in the physical examination population based on the Ovarian-Adnexal Imaging Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) of the American College of Radiology.Methods:This cross-sectional study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 24 316 physical examination participants who underwent gynecological color Doppler ultrasound examinations at the Health Management Center of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January to December 2021. The subjects were classified and followed-up according to O-RADS, and the detection rate and malignancy rate of ovarian-adnexal masses in different classifications were compared. According to O-RADS classification criteria, the physical examination population were divided into healthy control group (without ovarian-adnexal masses and O-RADS 1 class, 23 188 cases), benign group (O-RADS 2 class, 946 cases) and malignant group (O-RADS 3-5 class, 182 cases). The basic information of the three groups were compared, including age, body mass index (BMI), menopausal status, marital status, smoking history, drinking history, physical exercise, complete blood count, blood glucose, blood lipids, tumor markers, etc. The logistic regression was used to analyze the factors affecting the detection of ovarian-adnexal masses.Results:A total of 24 316 individuals were included, 1 678 with ovario-adnexal masses were screened, among the cases, there were 550 normal premenopausal ovaries (32.78%), and 1 128 cases were confirmed with pathological masses (67.22%). Of the 318 cases with follow-up records, the malignancy rate for O-RADS 4 class was 50%, and for O-RADS 5 class, it was 100%, according to the follow-up results. The age ( OR=1.320, 95% CI: 1.055-1.653), BMI ( OR=0.972, 95% CI: 0.954-0.989), carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125) ( OR=1.090, 95% CI: 1.023-1.161), postmenopausal ( OR=0.919, 95% CI: 0.892-0.947) and married and cohabiting ( OR=0.921, 95% CI: 0.895-0.949) were positively correlated with risk of ovarian-adnexal masses (all P0.05). Conclusions:The O-RADS classification system has high application value in evaluating the malignant risk of ovarian-adnexal masses; the age, BMI, CA125 levels, menopausal status, and marital status are significant influencing factors for the detection of ovarian-adnexal masses.

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