1.Construction and clinical application exploration of an artificial intelligence-based high-quality lung cancer surgery dataset
Xuhua HUANG ; Yunfeng NIE ; Liang SHEN ; Pengxu KONG ; Xin TAN ; Zihao LI ; Wang LV ; Min ZHOU ; Xudong LV ; Jian HU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):717-727
Objective To construct a lung cancer surgery-oriented disease-specific database covering the entire perioperative care pathway, thereby improving the quality and usability of key surgical data elements. Methods Real-world clinical data were extracted from a single-center thoracic surgery department. A standardized data model was established based on the open electronic health record (openEHR) standard. Large language model (LLM), optical character recognition (OCR), and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven techniques were employed to extract, structure, and perform quality control on unstructured clinical narratives, imaging reports, and radiological data, with a focus on capturing surgically relevant perioperative indicator. Results A multimodal database comprising 19 917 patients was established, including 7 930 males and 11 987 females, with ages ranging from 15 to 97 (61.7±9.7) years. The database includes 582 structured data variables, textual report data corresponding to 69 clinical indicators, 13 000 pulmonary function test PDF reports, and chest CT imaging data from 16 884 patients. This database comprehensively covers major information relevant to surgical diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, significantly improving the completeness and granularity of surgical detail data. Large language models (LLMs) and optical character recognition (OCR) technologies enhanced the efficiency of converting unstructured data into structured formats, while a multi-level manual verification process ensured data accuracy and traceability. The database supports real-world research including comparisons of surgical procedures, prediction of postoperative complications, prognosis assessment, and multimodal data association analyses.
2.Expert consensus on the application of artificial intelligence in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment (2026 edition)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Haibo WANG ; Yi HU ; Hao ZHANG ; Jigang DAI ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Zihao CHEN ; Hongxia TIAN ; Lunxu LIU ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Zongyang YU ; Zhenbin QIU ; Yihua SUN ; Jing HU ; Yuhang SHI ; Zhifei GUO ; Peng ZHANG ; Kezhong CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):848-856
With the continuous deepening of the concept of precision diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer, how to achieve higher efficiency and accuracy in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment pathways in clinical practice has become an important issue that urgently needs to be overcome. The current clinical difficulty lies in the fact that despite continuous advancements in imaging and molecular diagnostic technologies, there are still limitations in manual efficiency and subjective experience when it comes to massive data analysis and multi-scale feature extraction. Artificial intelligence (AI), especially algorithm systems based on deep learning, is an innovative technology capable of deeply empowering medical big data. This method utilizes algorithms such as convolutional neural networks, combined with radiomics, pathomics, and multi-modal data fusion analysis, demonstrating immense potential in early precise detection and benign-malignant differentiation of pulmonary nodules, digital pathological subtype recognition and non-invasive prediction of driver genes, precise 3D surgical planning and automatic delineation of radiotherapy target volumes, as well as dynamic risk warning during follow-up. This innovative technology provides a brand-new solution for realizing intelligent and individualized lung cancer diagnosis and treatment models. This consensus, based on the latest evidence from evidence-based medicine and combined with the development trends in the AI field and real-world clinical needs, was ultimately formed by gathering the consensus opinions of multidisciplinary experts in radiology, pathology, thoracic surgery, and other fields. The main content covers the application specifications of AI in the three core scenarios of lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, the technical standards for data collection and algorithm validation, as well as the ethical and regulatory challenges faced at the current stage. It aims to clarify the applicable boundaries of AI as a clinical auxiliary decision support tool, providing scientific guidance and standardized exploration directions for peers currently engaged in or planning to carry out AI-assisted clinical diagnosis, treatment, and translation of lung cancer.
3.Mechanism of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Formula in treating diabetes-related depression by regulating GluR2-mediated mitophagy
Jian LIU ; Shuxia YAO ; Hui YANG ; Wei LI ; Yuhong WANG ; Hu TAN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(9):1242-1256
Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Formula(ZGJTJYF)in treating diabetes-related depression by regulating glutamate receptor 2(GluR2).Methods The primary isolated and cultured hippocampal neurons of SD rats were used.The experiment consisted of normal,model,blank serum(10%blank serum),positive drug(10%[metformin+fluoxetine]drug-containing serum),20%ZGJTJYF group,10%ZGJTJYF group,10%ZGJTJYF+GluR2 knockdown group,and 10%ZGJTJYF+GluR2 overexpression group(with corresponding volume fractions of ZGJTJYF drug-containing serum added).The ZGJTJYF+GluR2 knockdown and overexpression groups,were transfected with lentivirus to obtain hippocampal neurons with either GluR2 overexpression or knockdown.The glucose(150 mmol/L)and corticosterone(200 μmol/L)were used for 18 h to establish an in vitro cell model of hippocampal neurons in diabetes-related depression.After 24 h of successful modeling,the corresponding serum was added to each group for intervention.After 24 h of intervention,the morphological structure of hippocampal neurons was observed using an optical microscope.Biochemical methods were used to determine the glucose and insulin content in cell supernatant.An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)and dopamine(DA)levels in the cell supernatant,and the microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B light chain 3 autophagy double-labeled adenovirus(mRFP-GFP-LC3)autophagy fluorescence double labeling method was used to detect the average fluorescence intensity of LC3 protein in hippocampal neurons.Nissl staining was used to observe synaptic damage in hippocampal neurons,and an immunofluorescence method was used to detect the protein expression of Parkin,phosphatase and tensin homolog-induced putative kinase 1(PINK1),regulating synaptic membrane exocytosis 3(RIMS3),synapsin 1(SYN1),postsynaptic density-95(PSD-95),synapse-associated protein 102(SAP 102),and GluR2 in hippocampal neurons.Realtime fluorescence PCR was used to detect GluR2 mRNA expression in hippocampal neurons,while Western blotting was employed to assess the expression of mitophagy proteins Parkin and PINK1 in these neurons.Results Compared to the normal group,the model group and blank serum group showed structural damage to hippocampal neurons,increased glucose content in cell supernatant,decreased insulin,5-HT,and DA content,increased average fluorescence intensity of LC3,Parkin,and PINK1,decreased average fluorescence intensity of RIMS3,SYN1,PSD-95,SAP 102,and GluR2,decreased GluR2 mRNA expression,increased protein expression of Parkin and PINK1(P<0.05),and decreased Nissl bodies.Compared to the model group and blank serum group,the above indicators in each administration group were improved to varying degrees(P<0.05).Compared to the positive drug group,the average fluorescence intensity of LC3,Parkin,and PINK1 decreased,Parkin and PINK1 protein expression decreased,and the average fluorescence intensity of GluR2,SYN1,and PSD-95 increased in 10%ZGJTJYF,20%ZGJTJYF group,and 10%ZGJTJYF+GluR2 overexpression group(P<0.05).Compared to 10%and 20%ZGJTJYF groups,10%ZGJTJYF+GluR2 knockdown group showed a decrease in 5-HT content,an increase in average fluorescence intensity of LC3 and Parkin,a decrease in average fluorescence intensity of SYN1,PSD-95,and GluR2,a decreased in GluR2 mRNA expression,and an increase of Parkin and PINK1 protein expression(P<0.05).In contrast,the above indicators were improved to varying degrees in 10%ZGJTJYF+GluR2 overexpression group(P<0.05).Compared to 10%ZGJTJYF+GluR2 knockdown group,the above abnormal indicators in 10%ZGJTJYF+GluR2 overexpression group were reversed to varying degrees(P<0.05).Conclusion ZGJTJYF has a protective effect on synaptic damage of hippocampal neurons in diabetes-related depression,and its mechanism may be related to the upregulation of GluR2 and the inhibition of mitophagy over activation.
4.Mechanism study of benzyl isothiocyanate combined with sorafenib in the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer
Chunmei MA ; Peng YU ; Qicheng ZHANG ; Lei YANG ; Dihua LI ; Jian TAN ; Zhaowei MENG
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(5):449-456
Objective To investigate the mechanism of benzyl isothiocyanate(BITC)combined with sorafenib(Sor)in the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer(ATC).Methods Two ATC cell lines,8505C and CAL-62,were treated with Sor at concentrations of 0,20,30,40,and 50 μmol/L.The cell survival rate was assessed using CCK-8 assay.The combined dose of BITC and Sor was determined by calculating combination index(CI).CAL-62 and 8505C cells were exposed to 10 μmol/L BITC(BITC group),10 μmol/L Sor(Sor group),or a combination of 10 μmol/L BITC and 10 μmol/L Sor(BITC+Sor group)for 24 hours.The control group was not treated.The effects of Sor and BITC on ATC cell viability were evaluated using the CCK-8 method.Apoptosis was analyzed via flow cytometry.Western blot assay was employed to detect the protein expression levels of LC3B Ⅱ,Beclin-1 and nuclear factor(NF)-κB.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to quantify the mRNA levels of LC3B.Additionally,CAL-62 cells were subcutaneously injected into mice to establish tumor xenograft model.Mice were treated with BITC(100 mg/kg,intraperitoneal injection),Sor(30 mg/kg,intragastric administration)or a combination of BITC and Sor every other day for 21 days.Finally,the expression levels of LC3B Ⅱ,Beclin-1 and NF-κB in tumor tissue were analyzed by Western blot assay.Results Sor significantly inhibited the viability of CAL-62 and 8505C cells in a concentration-dependent manner.The combination index(CI)was 0.710 at BITC 10 μmol/L and Sor 10 μmol/L,indicating a moderate synergistic effect between the two drugs.In both 8505C and CAL-62 cells,compared with the control group,treatment with BITC or Sor resulted in the decreased cell viability,as well as reduced expression levels of Beclin-1 and NF-κB proteins(P<0.05),and the apoptosis rate,LC3B mRNA and LC3B Ⅱ protein expression levels were significantly increased(P<0.05).When BITC and Sor were combined,the cell viability,Beclin-1 and NF-κB protein expressions were further reduced compared to either drug alone,while the apoptosis rate,LC3B mRNA and LC3B Ⅱ protein expression levels were significantly elevated(P<0.05).In the mouse xenograft tumor model,the BITC+Sor group exhibited increased LC3B Ⅱ expression,along with decreased Beclin-1 and NF-κB expression levels,tumor volume and tumor mass compared to the BITC or Sor groups(P<0.05).Conclusion The combination of BITC and Sor can inhibit ATC cells through NF-κB pathway,induce autophagy and promote apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.
5.Study on the Mechanism of Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction-Medicated Serum in Inhibiting Glutamine Metabolism and Activating Immunogenic Cell Death in Lung Cancer Cells via c-Myc/SLC1A5/GLS1 Signaling Axis
Lingjuan TAN ; Shengqiang ZHOU ; Wen ZENG ; Xiaolan JIAN ; Kexiong LI ; Fang LIU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(11):112-122
Objective To investigate the mechanism by which Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction-medicated serum regulates c-Myc/SLC1A5/GLS1 signaling axis to inhibit glutamine(Gln)metabolism and activate immunogenic cell death(ICD)in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)cells.Methods A549 cells were divided into control group,model group,Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction-medicated serum low-,medium-and high-dosage groups and positive control group.A Gln-dependent growth model was established,and cells were treated with different concentrations of Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction-medicated serum or the SLC1A5 inhibitor V-9302.Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8,EdU and colony formation assays;Cell invasion and migration were evaluated using Transwell and wound-healing assays;intracellular Gln,glutathione(GSH),and α-ketoglutarate(α-KG)contents were determined by colorimetric assay;reactive oxygen species(ROS)contents were measured with fluorescent probes;Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of E-cadherin,N-cadherin,c-Myc,SLC1A5 and GLS1;c-Myc/SLC1A5 colocalization and high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)expression were assessed by dual immunofluorescence staining;flow cytometry was used to evaluate calreticulin(CRT)exposure on the cell surface,and ATP and HMGB1 contents in cell supernatants were quantified by ELISA.Results Compared with the control group,the model group showed significantly increased A549 cell viability,EdU-positive rate and migration rate(P<0.05),as well as higher colony counts and invasion cell numbers(P<0.05);cellular Gln,GSH and α-KG contents were significantly elevated(P<0.05,P<0.01),while ROS content were not significantly different(P>0.05),E-cadherin protein expression significantly decreased,whereas the protein expressions of N-cadherin,c-Myc,SLC1A5 and GLS1 significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).c-Myc and SLC1A5 colocalization was enhanced,HMGB1 expression was significantly increased(P<0.01),CRT exposure significantly increased(P<0.01),and ATP and HMGB1 contents in cell supernatant were significantly elevated(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the model group,Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction-medicated serum at different concentrations significantly inhibited Gln-stimulated A549 cell proliferation,migration and invasion in a dosage-dependent manner.Mechanistic studies indicated that Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction could reduce Gln uptake and synthesis of its metabolic products GSH and α-KG,induce ROS accumulation,up-regulate protein expression of E-cadherin,down-regulate the protein expressions of N-cadherin,c-Myc,SLC1A5 and GLS1(P<0.05,P<0.01),and enhance CRT exposure,ATP release and HMGB1 secretion(P<0.01).Conclusion Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction may exert a synergistic"metabolism-immunity"antitumor effect by inhibiting c-Myc/SLC1A5/GLS1 axis-mediated Gln uptake,inducing ROS accumulation,and activating ICD signaling.
6.Study on the Relevance of People at Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Tinnitus
Jiali LIU ; Jian YANG ; Wei YUAN ; Yun TAN ; Hongtao LI
Journal of Audiology and Speech Pathology 2025;33(1):55-58
Objective To investigate the relation between obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)and tinnitus.Meth-ods The data of subjects aged 20 years or above who participated in tinnitus and sleep questionnaire survey from the 2005-2008 and 2015-2018 National Health and Nutrition Surveys(NHANES)had been used,the people at risk of OSA were selected via the STOP-Bang questionnaire,and the association between the people at risk of OSA and tinnitus was determined by a Logistic regression model.Results Among the 5 183 participants,83.3%(4 320/5 183)and 16.7%(863/5 183)were classified into the non-tinnitus and tinnitus group,respectively.The tinnitus group had higher STOP-Bang scores(3.71±1.51)than those of the group without tinnitus(2.81±1.62)(P<0.001).The observed prevalence rates of tinnitus in the low-risk,middle-risk and high-risk group were 8.1%(175/1 973),20.5%(435/1 689),27.8%(253/658),respectively.The multivariate Logistic regression model showed that patients with middle-risk and high-risk of OSA had an increased risk of tinnitus compared with low-risk group,with the OR values and confidence intervals of 2.348(1.920~2.871)and 3.136(2.488~3.953),respec-tively(P<0.001).Conclusion People at risk of OSA are independently risk factors of tinnitus.Higher risk of OSA is associated with higher prevalence and higher risk of tinnitus.
7.Feixin decoction alleviates hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in mice by regulating NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis of pulmo-nary artery smooth muscle cells
Junlan TAN ; Xianya CAO ; Runxiu ZHENG ; Jian YI ; Feiying WANG ; Lingling ZHOU ; Silin XIE ; Xia LI ; Lan SONG ; Aiguo DAI
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(1):36-45
AIM:This study aims to investigate the effects of Feixin decoction(FXD)on pyroptosis of pulmo-nary artery smooth muscle cells(PASMCs)by modulating nuclear factor κB(NF-κB)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)pathway,and to explore how FXD attenuates hypoxic pulmonary hypertension(HPH)in mice.METHODS:A mouse model of HPH was established using the Sugen 5416 combined hypoxia(SuHx)method.Sixty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups:control group,SuHx group,sildenafil group,and low-,medium-and high-dose FXD groups,with 10 mice in each group.Five weeks after treatment,echocardiographic pa-rameters,including pulmonary artery acceleration time(PAT),pulmonary artery ejection time(PET),right ventricular anterior wall thickness at diastole(RVAWd)and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion(TAPSE),were measured.Right ventricular systolic pressure(RVSP)was assessed via right heart catheterization.Right ventricular hypertrophy in-dex(RVHI)was determined by weighing the hearts.Histological examination using HE staining was conducted to observe pathological changes in small pulmonary arteries and the right ventricle,while Masson staining was used to assess fibrosis in the right ventricular wall.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect co-localized expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)with NLRP3,N-terminal fragment of gasdermin D(N-GSDMD)and caspase-1 in the pulmonary arteries.Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the protein levels of NF-κB,p-NF-κB,NLRP3,apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain(ASC),N-GSDMD,interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-18 and cleaved caspase-1 in lung tissues.Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the ultrastructure of PASMCs.RE-SULTS:Compared with control group,the mice in SuHx group exhibited elevated RVSP and RVHI(P<0.01),de-creased right heart function(P<0.01),increased right ventricular wall fibrosis,and pulmonary vascular remodeling(P<0.01).There was also increased co-localized expression of α-SMA with NLRP3,N-GSDMD and caspase-1 in small pul-monary arteries(P<0.01),as well as elevated levels of p-NF-κB,NLRP3,ASC,N-GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18 and cleaved caspase-1 in lung tissues(P<0.01),indicating induced pyroptosis of PASMCs.Compared with SuHx group,FXD treat-ment significantly reduced RVSP and RVHI,improved right ventricular function,and attenuated right ventricular wall fi-brosis and pulmonary vascular remodeling(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Treatment with FXD also decreased the co-localized ex-pression of α-SMA with NLRP3,N-GSDMD and caspase-1 in small pulmonary arteries(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and down-regulated the protein expression of p-NF-κB,NLRP3,ASC,N-GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18 and cleaved caspase-1 in lung tis-sues(P<0.05 or P<0.01),thereby attenuating the pyroptosis of PASMCs.CONCLUSION:FXD attenuates pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular dysfunction in a mouse model of HPH.This effect may be attributed to its inhibi-tion of NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway,which subsequently reduces the pyroptosis of PASMCs.
8.Mechanism study of benzyl isothiocyanate combined with sorafenib in the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer
Chunmei MA ; Peng YU ; Qicheng ZHANG ; Lei YANG ; Dihua LI ; Jian TAN ; Zhaowei MENG
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(5):449-456
Objective To investigate the mechanism of benzyl isothiocyanate(BITC)combined with sorafenib(Sor)in the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer(ATC).Methods Two ATC cell lines,8505C and CAL-62,were treated with Sor at concentrations of 0,20,30,40,and 50 μmol/L.The cell survival rate was assessed using CCK-8 assay.The combined dose of BITC and Sor was determined by calculating combination index(CI).CAL-62 and 8505C cells were exposed to 10 μmol/L BITC(BITC group),10 μmol/L Sor(Sor group),or a combination of 10 μmol/L BITC and 10 μmol/L Sor(BITC+Sor group)for 24 hours.The control group was not treated.The effects of Sor and BITC on ATC cell viability were evaluated using the CCK-8 method.Apoptosis was analyzed via flow cytometry.Western blot assay was employed to detect the protein expression levels of LC3B Ⅱ,Beclin-1 and nuclear factor(NF)-κB.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to quantify the mRNA levels of LC3B.Additionally,CAL-62 cells were subcutaneously injected into mice to establish tumor xenograft model.Mice were treated with BITC(100 mg/kg,intraperitoneal injection),Sor(30 mg/kg,intragastric administration)or a combination of BITC and Sor every other day for 21 days.Finally,the expression levels of LC3B Ⅱ,Beclin-1 and NF-κB in tumor tissue were analyzed by Western blot assay.Results Sor significantly inhibited the viability of CAL-62 and 8505C cells in a concentration-dependent manner.The combination index(CI)was 0.710 at BITC 10 μmol/L and Sor 10 μmol/L,indicating a moderate synergistic effect between the two drugs.In both 8505C and CAL-62 cells,compared with the control group,treatment with BITC or Sor resulted in the decreased cell viability,as well as reduced expression levels of Beclin-1 and NF-κB proteins(P<0.05),and the apoptosis rate,LC3B mRNA and LC3B Ⅱ protein expression levels were significantly increased(P<0.05).When BITC and Sor were combined,the cell viability,Beclin-1 and NF-κB protein expressions were further reduced compared to either drug alone,while the apoptosis rate,LC3B mRNA and LC3B Ⅱ protein expression levels were significantly elevated(P<0.05).In the mouse xenograft tumor model,the BITC+Sor group exhibited increased LC3B Ⅱ expression,along with decreased Beclin-1 and NF-κB expression levels,tumor volume and tumor mass compared to the BITC or Sor groups(P<0.05).Conclusion The combination of BITC and Sor can inhibit ATC cells through NF-κB pathway,induce autophagy and promote apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.
9.Role of cancer-associated fibroblasts autophagy in papillary thyroid cancer
Xuemei ZHANG ; Danyang SUN ; Ning LI ; Qicheng ZHANG ; Ke XU ; Wei ZHENG ; Qiang JIA ; Jian TAN ; Zhaowei MENG
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(2):135-144
Objective:To investigate the inpact of thyroid cancer-derived cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAF) autophagy on papillary thyroid cancer(PTC).Methods:CAF and normal fibroblasts were isolated from cancerous and adjacent normal thyroid tissues from four PTC patients. Expressions of fibroblast activation protein(FAP) and α-smooth muscle actin in cells were assessed. Conditioned medium of CAF and normal fibroblasts were prepared and used to culture PTC cells. The effects of CAF and normal fibroblasts on survival, proliferation, migration, invasion and iodine uptake of PTC cells were evaluated through cell proliferation assay, cell scratch assay, cell invasion assay, and cell iodine uptake assay. The autophagy level of CAF was also evaluated. Autophagy inhibition and activation were used to regulate the autophagy of CAF, and then their effects on PTC cell proliferation, migration and invasion were further evaluated. The in vivo effect of CAF autophagy on PTC xenograft tumor growth was evaluated.Results:CAF exhibited higher FAP expression and basal autophagy levels. PTC cells co-cultured with CAF-conditioned media showed enhanced proliferation, migration, invasion, and reduced iodine uptake. Autophagy inhibition reduced these effects, while autophagy activation further promoted them. In vivo, inhibiting CAF autophagy suppressed tumor growth.Conclusions:CAF promotes PTC cell malignancy through autophagy activation, enhancing proliferation, migration, and invasion while reducing iodine uptake.
10.Study on the Mechanism of Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction-Medicated Serum in Inhibiting Glutamine Metabolism and Activating Immunogenic Cell Death in Lung Cancer Cells via c-Myc/SLC1A5/GLS1 Signaling Axis
Lingjuan TAN ; Shengqiang ZHOU ; Wen ZENG ; Xiaolan JIAN ; Kexiong LI ; Fang LIU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(11):112-122
Objective To investigate the mechanism by which Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction-medicated serum regulates c-Myc/SLC1A5/GLS1 signaling axis to inhibit glutamine(Gln)metabolism and activate immunogenic cell death(ICD)in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)cells.Methods A549 cells were divided into control group,model group,Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction-medicated serum low-,medium-and high-dosage groups and positive control group.A Gln-dependent growth model was established,and cells were treated with different concentrations of Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction-medicated serum or the SLC1A5 inhibitor V-9302.Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8,EdU and colony formation assays;Cell invasion and migration were evaluated using Transwell and wound-healing assays;intracellular Gln,glutathione(GSH),and α-ketoglutarate(α-KG)contents were determined by colorimetric assay;reactive oxygen species(ROS)contents were measured with fluorescent probes;Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of E-cadherin,N-cadherin,c-Myc,SLC1A5 and GLS1;c-Myc/SLC1A5 colocalization and high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)expression were assessed by dual immunofluorescence staining;flow cytometry was used to evaluate calreticulin(CRT)exposure on the cell surface,and ATP and HMGB1 contents in cell supernatants were quantified by ELISA.Results Compared with the control group,the model group showed significantly increased A549 cell viability,EdU-positive rate and migration rate(P<0.05),as well as higher colony counts and invasion cell numbers(P<0.05);cellular Gln,GSH and α-KG contents were significantly elevated(P<0.05,P<0.01),while ROS content were not significantly different(P>0.05),E-cadherin protein expression significantly decreased,whereas the protein expressions of N-cadherin,c-Myc,SLC1A5 and GLS1 significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).c-Myc and SLC1A5 colocalization was enhanced,HMGB1 expression was significantly increased(P<0.01),CRT exposure significantly increased(P<0.01),and ATP and HMGB1 contents in cell supernatant were significantly elevated(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the model group,Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction-medicated serum at different concentrations significantly inhibited Gln-stimulated A549 cell proliferation,migration and invasion in a dosage-dependent manner.Mechanistic studies indicated that Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction could reduce Gln uptake and synthesis of its metabolic products GSH and α-KG,induce ROS accumulation,up-regulate protein expression of E-cadherin,down-regulate the protein expressions of N-cadherin,c-Myc,SLC1A5 and GLS1(P<0.05,P<0.01),and enhance CRT exposure,ATP release and HMGB1 secretion(P<0.01).Conclusion Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction may exert a synergistic"metabolism-immunity"antitumor effect by inhibiting c-Myc/SLC1A5/GLS1 axis-mediated Gln uptake,inducing ROS accumulation,and activating ICD signaling.

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