1.Chronic Stress Promotes Tumor Progression and Metastasis: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies
Pan YU ; Jialiang YAO ; Jianhui TIAN
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(4):324-330
Metastasis is a key cause of death in tumor patients, and a number of tumor patients have comorbid psychosomatic abnormalities and are in a state of chronic stress. Chronic stress affects the release of many kinds of hormones and neurotransmitters, such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, glucocorticoids, cortisol, sex hormones, etc., through the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis and sympathetic nervous system. These substances can act on the β-adrenergic receptor, glucocorticoid receptor, etc., on tumor cells, immune cells, and other cells in the tumor microenvironment and promote the tumor progression and metastasis by directly enhancing the invasive and metastatic ability of tumor cells, inducing the formation of the immunosuppressive microenvironment and promoting tumor angiogenesis and other pathways. Antipsychotic drugs, β-blockers, and glucocorticoid receptor antagonists have inhibitory effects on chronic stress-mediated tumor metastasis and have achieved certain clinical efficacy. Relevant studies have been carried out on traditional Chinese medicine decoctions and monomers, which can inhibit tumor metastasis by modulating the immune microenvironment and reversing chronic stress-mediated hormonal changes. The psychological problems of tumor patients have gradually received attention, and the development of new anti-metastatic drugs based on the mechanism of action of chronic stress in promoting tumor progression and metastasis provides new ideas for the improvement of the overall efficiency of tumor prevention and treatment.
2.TSZAF monomer combination downregulates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and inhibits neutrophil recruitment to prevent lung cancer metastasis.
Pan YU ; Jialiang YAO ; Long ZHANG ; Yanhong WANG ; Xinyi LU ; Jiajun LIU ; Zujun QUE ; Yao LIU ; Qian BA ; Jiwei LIU ; Yan WU ; Jianhui TIAN
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(9):1069-1079
Metastasis remains the primary cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent critical targets for metastasis prevention and treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine may prevent lung cancer metastasis through long-term intervention in CTC activity. Tiao-Shen-Zhi-Ai Formular (TSZAF) represents a Chinese medicine compound prescription utilized clinically for lung cancer treatment. This study combined three principal active ingredients from TSZAF into a novel TSZAF monomer combination (TSZAF mc) to investigate its anti-metastatic effects and mechanisms. TSZAF mc demonstrated significant inhibition of proliferation, migration, and invasion in CTC-TJH-01 and LLC cells, while inducing cellular apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, TSZAF mc substantially inhibited LLC cell growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, TAZSF mc significantly suppressed the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and CXCL5 expression in lung cancer cells and tissues. Additionally, TAZSF mc notably reduced neutrophil infiltration in metastatic lesions. These findings indicate that TSZAF mc inhibits lung cancer growth and metastasis by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and reducing CXCL5 secretion, thereby decreasing neutrophil recruitment and infiltration. TSZAF mc demonstrates potential as an effective therapeutic agent for lung cancer metastasis.
Lung Neoplasms/genetics*
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Wnt Signaling Pathway/drug effects*
;
Animals
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Humans
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Mice
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Neoplasm Metastasis/prevention & control*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Neutrophil Infiltration/drug effects*
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Down-Regulation/drug effects*
;
Cell Movement/drug effects*
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beta Catenin/genetics*
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Male
;
Neoplastic Cells, Circulating/drug effects*
3.Preventive Protection Strategies for Organ Injury Related to Cancer Therapy: Research Advances and Challenges
Tianqi AN ; Yun YANG ; Jianhui TIAN ; Yao LIU ; Jialiang YAO ; Yanhong WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(12):1006-1011
Organ damage from cancer treatment remarkably effects patients’ prognosis and quality of life. In recent years, preventive organ protection strategies, such as interdisciplinary collaboration, early prevention, precision interventions, psychological support, and the integrated application of traditional Chinese medicine, have demonstrated substantial clinical value and achieved notable progress. However, these approaches still encounter multiple challenges. Establishing multidisciplinary teams, optimizing therapeutic balance, and strengthening evidence-based research are essential for addressing the challenges related to treatment balance optimization, multidisciplinary coordination, and clinical translation of novel technologies. This review systematically summarizes recent advancements in preventive organ protection, analyzes existing challenges and potential solutions, and offers forward-looking recommendations. It aims to provide valuable insights for optimizing comprehensive cancer treatment strategies and improving long-term patient outcomes.
4.Preparation and characteristics comparison of three acute pancreatitis rat models
Xiaolong NIU ; Jialiang CHEN ; Huaqun ZHENG ; Guimei YANG ; Guangtao YAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(34):5480-5486
BACKGROUND:Establishing a stable and reliable animal model of acute pancreatitis is of great significance for understanding its pathogenesis,pathophysiological characteristics,and clinical medication.Domestic and foreign studies have shown that cerulein,L-arginine,and sodium taurocholate can induce acute pancreatitis,but their pathophysiological characteristics and model characteristics are still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To establish an acute pancreatitis rat model using cerulein,L-arginine,and sodium taurocholate and to observe the changing patterns of model features at different time points. METHODS:Ninety-six healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal group,cerulein group,L-arginine group,and sodium taurocholate group,with 24 rats in each group.Within each group,there were three subgroups(n=8 per group):12-,24-,and 48-hour subgroups.Cerulein was administered via intraperitoneal injection six times with a 1-hour interval.L-arginine was administered through two intraperitoneal injections with a 1-hour interval.Sodium taurocholate was injected for inducing acute pancreatitis models through retrograde injection into the bile-pancreatic duct.By examining the rat survival rate,gross morphology of the pancreas,calculating the pancreatic organ index,and measuring levels of amylase,lipase,alanine transaminase,aspartate transaminase,blood urea nitrogen,and creatinine,as well as observing pancreatic tissue pathological features through hematoxylin-eosin staining and conducting a pancreatic injury scoring,we evaluated the changing patterns of model features at different time points. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the normal group,the overall survival rate of rats was 100%in the cerulein group,88%in the L-arginine group,and 96%in the sodium taurocholate group.The pancreatic organ index was increased in all groups.Gross observation indicated that,In the cerulein group,pancreatic edema,blurred lobes,and looseness were visible.In the L-arginine group,the pancreatic glands were enlarged and thickened with patchy bleeding.In the sodium taurocholate group,pancreatic tissue showed varying degrees of congestion and edema accompanied by scattered flakes of hemorrhage and necrosis.The levels of serum alanine transaminase,aspartate transaminase,blood urea nitrogen,creatinine,amylase,and lipase in rats exhibited consistent changes.In the cerulein group,these parameters possibly peaked at 12 hours(P<0.05)and then showed a declining trend.In the L-arginine group,they reached the highest levels at 24 hours(P<0.05)and significantly decreased at 48 hours.In the sodium taurocholate group,serum amylase and lipase remained at higher levels at 12 hours with a slow decline trend(P<0.05).Compared with the normal group,microscopic examination revealed mild acinar edema and widened interlobular spaces in the cerulein group,with a higher presence of inflammatory cells.In the L-arginine group,there was widening of interlobular spaces,extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells,and patchy necrotic areas.In the sodium taurocholate group,significant pancreatic edema,structural disarray,extensive necrotic foci,and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed.Compared with the normal group,the pathological scores of induced acute pancreatitis in all three models were significantly different at each time point(P<0.05).Moreover,the pathological scores in each group increased over time,indicating a gradual worsening of pancreatic tissue damage.When comparing different models at the same time,there were differences in pathological scores,with the sodium taurocholate group having the highest scores,followed by the L-arginine group,and the cerulein group having the lowest scores.Analyzing the three models at the same time point,the most severe condition was in the sodium taurocholate group,which was characterized by pancreatic hemorrhage and necrosis,followed by the L-arginine group,which was characterized by necrosis,and the least severe condition was in the cerulein group,mainly characterized by edema.The serum biochemical index levels of the cerulein and L-arginine groups decreased at 48 hours,indicating that these two models may have a tendency to self-heal and belong to a self-limiting disease course.The serum biochemical index levels of the sodium taurocholate group decreased slowly after 12 hours.Therefore,pancreatic injury in the sodium taurocholate group might not be relieved after 48 hours or longer.
5.Initial Construction of the Tumor Metastatic State Doctrine under the Perspective of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine
Jianhui TIAN ; Bin LUO ; Zujun QUE ; Yun YANG ; Jialiang YAO ; Yan LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(20):2065-2069
Based on the concepts of "people-oriented" in traditional Chinese medicine and "tumor-suppression" in modern medicine, we have combed the studies on the spatial and temporal evolution of tumor metastasis and its biological characteristics in different perspectives, and initially proposed the theory of tumor metastasis from the perspective of the dynamic game between the tumor cells and the body's immune system under the theory of the integration of Chinese and Western medicine, that is, the formation of metastasis is the result of the dynamic evolution of the cancer cells and their surrounding environmental factors in the body over time and space. It is believed that the symptomatic manifestation of metastasis is systematic, the triggering factors of metastasis are constant, and the clinical outcome of metastasis is staged. Accordingly, it is proposed to understand the mechanism of metastasis from the perspective of spatial and temporal dynamics, to establish a clinical and pathological model for identifying metastasis, and to reveal the critical point of metastasis, so as to facilitate the change of the research on tumor metastasis from static to dynamic, and provide ideas for the formulation of metastasis prevention and treatment strategies, and the construction of a new system of metastasis prevention and treatment in the clinical tumor field.
6.Effect of baicalein regulating miR-7 on autophagy in human gastric cancer BGC-823 cells and its mechanism of action.
Meixin WEN ; Jialiang BU ; Guangyuan YAO ; Shengjun ZHANG ; Minghua CUI ; Yingshi PIAO
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2024;40(11):990-997
Objective To investigate the effect of baicalein (BAI) on autophagy of gastric cancer cell line BGC-823 cells by upregulating microRNA-7-5p (miR-7) and its possible mechanism. Methods The MTT method was used to screen the optimal drug concentration of BGC-823 cells treated with BAI. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the transfection efficiency of BGC-823 cell line stably transfected with miR-7. The experiment was divided into control group (mimic-NC), miR-7 group (miR-7 mimic) and BAI group ( miR-7 overexpression combined with BAI treatment group). MTT assay, plate cloning assay and EdU assay were used to detect cell proliferation. The expression levels of autophagy related 16 like 1 (ATG16L1), sequestosome 1 (p62), Beclin 1, autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5) and microtubule-assaiated protein 1 light chain3 (LC3) were detected by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot. Network pharmacology analysis to predict possible signaling pathways; Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway. Results 50 μmol/L BAI significantly inhibited the proliferation ability of BGC-823 cells; Compared with the control group, the expression level of miR-7 was significantly increased after BAI treatment. The cell proliferation of the miR-7 group was significantly inhibited, and the protein expression level of autophagy-related proteins and the LC3II/LC3I ratio were significantly up-regulated, which promoted the formation of autophagosomes and inhibited the formation of autophagic flow in BGC-823 cells. Compared with the miR-7 group, the BAI group could further inhibit the proliferation of BGC-823 cells, induce the formation of autophagosomes, but inhibit the production of autophagy flow. Network pharmacology analysis showed that the common target genes of BAI, gastric cancer and autophagy may be related to PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Compared with the control group, the phosphorylation levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-mTOR in the miR-7 group were significantly inhibited, and the phosphorylation levels of these proteins were further inhibited in the BAI group. Conclusion BAI-mediated miR-7 inhibits the formation of autophagosomes in BGC-823 cells by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, and inhibits the generation of autophagic flow.
Humans
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MicroRNAs/metabolism*
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Stomach Neoplasms/drug therapy*
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Autophagy/genetics*
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Flavanones/pharmacology*
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Cell Proliferation/genetics*
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TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism*
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Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects*
7.bla NDM-1 Carried by a Transferable Plasmid in a Salmonella Strain Isolated from Healthy Individuals.
Wei ZENG ; Ming LUO ; Pengcheng DU ; Zhenpeng LI ; Yao PENG ; Mengyu WANG ; Wenxuan ZHAO ; Huayao ZHANG ; Yang LI ; Pengjie LUO ; Yannong WU ; Jialiang XU ; Xu LI ; Xin LU ; Biao KAN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(11):1252-1261
OBJECTIVE:
Our study aimed to conduct genomic characterization of Salmonella strains carrying the bla NDM-1 gene in the intestinal tract of healthy individuals. The objectives were to underscore the importance of genomic surveillance for drug resistance in both commensal and pathogenic bacteria among healthy populations, and to establish protocols for regulating drug resistance plasmids based on the completion of a comprehensive map of drug resistance plasmid genomes.
METHODS:
We performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing and employed second- and third-generation sequencing techniques to analyze Salmonella strains harboring the bla NDM-1 gene, to surveil drug-resistant bacteria in the intestines of healthy subjects. Sequence comparison was conducted using both core- and pan-genome approaches. Concurrently, conjugation experiments were carried out to assess the efficiency of plasmid transfer.
RESULTS:
We isolated a carbapenem-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strain from a healthy food worker in China. This strain harbored an IncHI2/IncHI2A plasmid carrying bla NDM-1 along with multiple antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Our findings highlight the potential for asymptomatic carriers to facilitate the transmission of ARGs. Pan-genomic analysis revealed that bla NDM-1-positive plasmids could traverse bacterial species barriers, facilitating cross-host transmission.
CONCLUSION
This study marks the first detection of bla NDM-1 in Salmonella strains isolated from healthy individuals. We underscore the risk associated with the transmission of conjugative hybrid plasmids carrying bla NDM-1, which have the potential to be harbored and transmitted among healthy individuals. Enhanced surveillance of drug-resistant pathogens and plasmids in the intestinal microbiota of healthy individuals could provide insights into the risk of ARG transmission and pathways for population-wide dissemination via ARG transfer factors.
beta-Lactamases/genetics*
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Plasmids/genetics*
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Humans
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Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*
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China
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Microbial Sensitivity Tests
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Salmonella typhimurium/isolation & purification*
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Salmonella/isolation & purification*
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Salmonella Infections/microbiology*
8.Jinfukang Inhibits Lung Cancer Metastasis by Regulating Immune Senescence
Wang YAO ; Zujun QUE ; Jialiang YAO ; Pan YU ; Bin LUO ; Jianhui TIAN
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2022;49(11):1134-1138
Objective To explore the effect of immune senescence on lung cancer metastasis and reveal the mechanism of Fuzheng traditional Chinese medicine Jinfukang in the prevention and treatment of the metastasis. Methods A lung metastasis model of Lewis lung cancer cells was established in C57BL/6 mice with different ages (15 months, 6 months, and 2 months). Mice in the 6-month-old group were given Jinfukang intragastrically for 42 days. Pulmonary metastasis was analyzed by
9.Value of lipid accumulation product and visceral fat index in predicting nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Shaojie DUAN ; Zunjing LIU ; Jialiang CHEN ; Shukun YAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2022;38(1):129-134
Objective To investigate the association of lipid accumulation product (LAP) and visceral fat index (VAI) with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the value of LAP and VAI in predicting the risk of NAFLD. Methods A total of 708 subjects who underwent physical examination in China-Japan Friendship Hospital from September 2018 to May 2019 were enrolled and divided into NAFLD group ( n =426) and non-NAFLD group ( n =282), and the two groups were compared in terms of LAP, VAI, and related biochemical parameters. The independent samples t -test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups.The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The Spearman test was used for correlation analysis. The subjects were divided into L1-L4 groups based on LAP and V1-V4 groups based on VAI, and the distribution of NAFLD was compared between groups; a logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the risk of NAFLD at different levels of LAP and VAI, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted for LAP, VAI, waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI) in predicting NAFLD in different sex and body weight subgroups, so as to evaluate the value of each index in the prediction and diagnosis of NAFLD. Results Compared with the non-NAFLD group, the NAFLD group had significantly higher age, proportion of male subjects, proportion of subjects with a smoking history, and levels of LAP, VAI, WC, BMI, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and serum uric acid, as well as a significantly lower level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (all P < 0.01). NAFLD was positively correlated with the levels of LAP and VAI (Cramer's V=0.552 and 0.464). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjustment for related risk factors, the risk of NAFLD in the L4 group was still 8.811 (95% confidence interval [ CI ]: 4.335-17.910) times that in the L1 group ( P < 0.001), and the risk of NAFLD in the V4 group was still 5.967 (95% CI : 3.263-10.912) times than that in the V1 group ( P < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis showed that both LAP and VAI had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of > 0.7 in predicting the onset of NAFLD in different sex and body weight subgroups; the AUCs of LAP and VAI in the female subgroup were significantly higher than those in the male subgroup (LAP: 0.886 vs 0.785, P < 0.05; VAI: 0.824 vs 0.748, P < 0.05), and the corresponding sensitivities and specificities of LAP and VAI in the female subgroup were also higher than those in the male subgroup (sensitivity: LAP: 79.8% vs 63.7%; VAI: 77.9% vs 77.0%; specificity: LAP: 85.0% vs 81.1%; VAI: 77.6% vs 62.3%). Conclusion The risk of NAFLD increases with the increase in the levels of LAP and VAI. Both LAP and VAI have a good value in predicting NAFLD in different sex and body weight subgroups, especially in predicting NAFLD in the female population.
10.Virulence-associated gene detection and analysis of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from pediatric patients′ feces
Xiaolan AI ; Yan LONG ; Bingshao LIANG ; Shuwen YAO ; Yunfeng LIU ; Fei GAO ; Jialiang MAI ; Zhile XIONG ; Zhuwei LIANG ; Jielin WANG ; Xiantang CHEN ; Min YANG ; Sitang GONG ; Zhenwen ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2021;44(4):291-297
Objective:To investigate the multilocus sequence typing feature of the virulence-associated genes of Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) separated from the clinical specimens of a multi-center cohort children in Guangzhou area. Methods:A total number of 412 Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from 2 059 non-repeated fecal specimens of children by three groups′ researchers in Guangzhou Women and Children′s Medical Center from August 2018 to November 2018. While collecting specimens, patient clinical information is also properly collected and preserved. After extracting the DNA of the strain, the virulence-associated genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), including the staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) genes ( sea, seb, sec, sed, see) and the Panton-Valentine leucocidin-encoding gene ( pvl).The multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) method was performed to reveal the MLST feature of these genes and the statistical difference were examined by the the χ 2 test. Results:Among the 412 isolates of S. aureus, 256 strains (256/412, 62.1%) contains at least one SE gene. Among the enterotoxin gens, the sec (125/412, 30.3%), seb(98/412, 23.8%)and sea (66/412, 16.0%)genes were the three most prevalent members of SEs. The frequency of pvl gene in Staphylococcus aureus was 18.7%(77/412).Among them, the frequency of Staphylococcus aureus sea gene isolated from patients with gastroenteritis (58/319, 18.2%) was significantly higher than that from the non-gastroenteritis group (8/93, 8.6%)(χ2=4.912, P=0.027). The frequency of Staphylococcus aureus pvl gene isolated from the patients with pneumonia (8/21, 38.1%) was greater than that from the non-pneumonia group (6/47, 12.8%)(χ2=4.252, P=0.039). In addition, the virulence-associated gene of S. aureus was closely related to the specific ST type, 82.4% (28/34) of ST6 carried sea gene, all ST338 and ST59 carried seb gene, 96% (48/50) ST45 carried sec gene, and the pvl gene carrying rate of ST338 was 5/5. Conclusions:The SEA toxin produced by ST6 Staphylococcus aureus may be closely related to the diagnosis of gastroenteritis in children. The frequency of pvl virulence gene in Staphylococcus aureus in children with community-acquired pneumonia was higher than that in the non-pneumonia group, and closely related to the CC59.

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