1.Synergistic Activation of LEPR and ADRB2 Induced by Leptin Enhances Reactive Oxygen Specie Generation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Chang LIU ; Jing YU ; Yongjun DU ; Yu XIE ; Xiaofei SONG ; Chang LIU ; Yan YAN ; Yue WANG ; Junfang QIN
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(2):457-477
Purpose:
Leptin interacts not only with leptin receptor (LEPR) but also engages with other receptors. While the pro-oncogenic effects of the adrenergic receptor β2 (ADRB2) are well-established, the role of leptin in activating ADRB2 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains unclear.
Materials and Methods:
The pro-carcinogenic effects of LEPR were investigated using murine TNBC cell lines, 4T1 and EMT6, and a tumor-bearing mouse model. Expression levels of LEPR, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), and ADRB2 in TNBC cells and tumor tissues were analyzed via western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed using flow cytometry and MitoSox staining, while immunofluorescence double-staining confirmed the co-localization of LEPR and ADRB2.
Results:
LEPR activation promoted NOX4-derived ROS and mitochondrial ROS production, facilitating TNBC cell proliferation and migration, effects which were mitigated by the LEPR inhibitor Allo-aca. Co-expression of LEPR and ADRB2 was observed on cell membranes, and bioinformatics data revealed a positive correlation between the two receptors. Leptin activated both LEPR and ADRB2, enhancing intracellular ROS generation and promoting tumor progression, which was effectively countered by a specific ADRB2 inhibitor ICI118551. In vivo, leptin injection accelerated tumor growth and lung metastases without affecting appetite, while treatments with Allo-aca or ICI118551 mitigated these effects.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that leptin stimulates the growth and metastasis of TNBC through the activation of both LEPR and ADRB2, resulting in increased ROS production. These findings highlight LEPR and ADRB2 as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in TNBC.
2.Inhibiting neddylation:A new strategy for tumor therapy
Jian SUN ; Cui LIU ; Changhui LANG ; Jing WANG ; Qingxiang LI ; Chang PENG ; Zuochen DU ; Yan CHEN ; Pei HUANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(5):935-955
Neddylation is a crucial posttranslational modification that involves the attachment of neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated protein 8(NEDD8)to a lysine residue in the substrate via the sequential actions of the E1 NEDD8-activating enzyme(NAE)(E1),E2 NEDD8-conjugating enzyme(E2),and E3 NEDD8-ligase(E3).The most extensively studied substrates of neddylation are members of the cullin family,which act as scaffold components for cullin ring E3 ubiquitin ligases(CRLs).Since cullin neddylation activates CRLs,which are frequently overactive in tumors,inhibiting neddylation has emerged as a promising strategy for developing novel antitumor therapies.This review explores the antitumor effects of inhibiting neddylation that leads to the inactivation of CRLs and provides a summary of known inhibitors that target protein-protein interactions(PPIs)within the neddylation enzymatic cascade.
3.Relationship between physical activity and sarcopenia among elderly people in ten provinces (autonomous regions) of China, 2022—2023
Yuchen WANG ; Huijun WANG ; Yuna HE ; Chang SU ; Jiguo ZHANG ; Wenwen DU ; Xiaofang JIA ; Feifei HUANG ; Li LI ; Jing BAI ; Yanli WEI ; Xiaofan ZHANG ; Fangxu GUAN ; Yifei OUYANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(6):661-667
Background The decline of physical activity in the elderly due to aging may increase the risk of sarcopenia. Currently, there is a lack of evidence from large natural populations on the relationship between PA and sarcopenia. Objective To explore the relationship between PA and sarcopenia in the elderly aged 60 years and above in 10 provinces (autonomous regions) of China. Methods Data were retrieved from the 2022—2023 round of the China Development and Nutrition Health Impact Cohort. Personal basic information and PA data were collected by questionnaire survey. Skeletal muscle mass was measured by bio-electrical impedance analysis, muscle strength was measured using a grip dynamometer, and physical performance was reflected by 6-meter walk speed. The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 criteria were used to diagnose sarcopenia. Light physical activity (LPA) duration, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) duration, and total physical activity volume were calculated. A total of
4.Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis comorbid with novel coronavirus infection: A case report
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2025;42(6):509-511
This article reports the clinical features and prognosis of a patient with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor(NMDAR)encephalitis comorbid with novel coronavirus infection. After anti-NMDAR encephalitis is comorbid with SARS-CoV-2 infection,the symptoms may worsen,and timely immunoadsorption and second-line immunotherapy can help with disease recovery.
5.Synergistic Activation of LEPR and ADRB2 Induced by Leptin Enhances Reactive Oxygen Specie Generation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Chang LIU ; Jing YU ; Yongjun DU ; Yu XIE ; Xiaofei SONG ; Chang LIU ; Yan YAN ; Yue WANG ; Junfang QIN
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(2):457-477
Purpose:
Leptin interacts not only with leptin receptor (LEPR) but also engages with other receptors. While the pro-oncogenic effects of the adrenergic receptor β2 (ADRB2) are well-established, the role of leptin in activating ADRB2 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains unclear.
Materials and Methods:
The pro-carcinogenic effects of LEPR were investigated using murine TNBC cell lines, 4T1 and EMT6, and a tumor-bearing mouse model. Expression levels of LEPR, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), and ADRB2 in TNBC cells and tumor tissues were analyzed via western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed using flow cytometry and MitoSox staining, while immunofluorescence double-staining confirmed the co-localization of LEPR and ADRB2.
Results:
LEPR activation promoted NOX4-derived ROS and mitochondrial ROS production, facilitating TNBC cell proliferation and migration, effects which were mitigated by the LEPR inhibitor Allo-aca. Co-expression of LEPR and ADRB2 was observed on cell membranes, and bioinformatics data revealed a positive correlation between the two receptors. Leptin activated both LEPR and ADRB2, enhancing intracellular ROS generation and promoting tumor progression, which was effectively countered by a specific ADRB2 inhibitor ICI118551. In vivo, leptin injection accelerated tumor growth and lung metastases without affecting appetite, while treatments with Allo-aca or ICI118551 mitigated these effects.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that leptin stimulates the growth and metastasis of TNBC through the activation of both LEPR and ADRB2, resulting in increased ROS production. These findings highlight LEPR and ADRB2 as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in TNBC.
6.Synergistic Activation of LEPR and ADRB2 Induced by Leptin Enhances Reactive Oxygen Specie Generation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Chang LIU ; Jing YU ; Yongjun DU ; Yu XIE ; Xiaofei SONG ; Chang LIU ; Yan YAN ; Yue WANG ; Junfang QIN
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(2):457-477
Purpose:
Leptin interacts not only with leptin receptor (LEPR) but also engages with other receptors. While the pro-oncogenic effects of the adrenergic receptor β2 (ADRB2) are well-established, the role of leptin in activating ADRB2 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains unclear.
Materials and Methods:
The pro-carcinogenic effects of LEPR were investigated using murine TNBC cell lines, 4T1 and EMT6, and a tumor-bearing mouse model. Expression levels of LEPR, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), and ADRB2 in TNBC cells and tumor tissues were analyzed via western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed using flow cytometry and MitoSox staining, while immunofluorescence double-staining confirmed the co-localization of LEPR and ADRB2.
Results:
LEPR activation promoted NOX4-derived ROS and mitochondrial ROS production, facilitating TNBC cell proliferation and migration, effects which were mitigated by the LEPR inhibitor Allo-aca. Co-expression of LEPR and ADRB2 was observed on cell membranes, and bioinformatics data revealed a positive correlation between the two receptors. Leptin activated both LEPR and ADRB2, enhancing intracellular ROS generation and promoting tumor progression, which was effectively countered by a specific ADRB2 inhibitor ICI118551. In vivo, leptin injection accelerated tumor growth and lung metastases without affecting appetite, while treatments with Allo-aca or ICI118551 mitigated these effects.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that leptin stimulates the growth and metastasis of TNBC through the activation of both LEPR and ADRB2, resulting in increased ROS production. These findings highlight LEPR and ADRB2 as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in TNBC.
7.Inhibiting neddylation: A new strategy for tumor therapy.
Jian SUN ; Cui LIU ; Changhui LANG ; Jing WANG ; Qingxiang LI ; Chang PENG ; Zuochen DU ; Yan CHEN ; Pei HUANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(5):101140-101140
Neddylation is a crucial posttranslational modification that involves the attachment of neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated protein 8 (NEDD8) to a lysine residue in the substrate via the sequential actions of the E1 NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE) (E1), E2 NEDD8-conjugating enzyme (E2), and E3 NEDD8-ligase (E3). The most extensively studied substrates of neddylation are members of the cullin family, which act as scaffold components for cullin ring E3 ubiquitin ligases (CRLs). Since cullin neddylation activates CRLs, which are frequently overactive in tumors, inhibiting neddylation has emerged as a promising strategy for developing novel antitumor therapies. This review explores the antitumor effects of inhibiting neddylation that leads to the inactivation of CRLs and provides a summary of known inhibitors that target protein-protein interactions (PPIs) within the neddylation enzymatic cascade.
8.Association between dietary choline intake trajectories and cognitive function in middle-aged and older population
Yibing LIU ; Wenwen DU ; Qiuye CAO ; Huijun WANG ; Chang SU ; Yuna HE ; Jingang JI ; Jing LI ; Xiaofang JIA
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(2):210-217
Objective:To identify the trajectories of dietary choline intake in middle-aged and older population, and to analyze its longitudinal association with cognitive function.Methods:Subjects aged 55 to 79 years with at least two rounds of completed population economics, lifestyle, disease history, cognitive function, dietary assessments and physical measurements in 1997-2018 and those with at least three rounds of dietary measures in 1991-2015 were selected from the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Dietary survey was conducted using three consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls combined with a weighing inventory at the household level. Cognitive assessment was performed using part of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status Scale. Group-based univariate trajectory modeling was used to identify trajectory of choline intake, and three-level linear mixed-effects models or three-level logistic mixed-effects models was employed to analyze the relationship between trajectory groups and cognitive function. Subgroup analyses were conducted by gender and age at baseline.Results:Four trajectories of dietary choline intake were identified in the whole population, named as low-intake-stable group (61.0%), medium-intake-stable group (23.9%), medium-intake-slowly-declined group (11.2%), and high-intake-stable group (3.9%). Three trajectories were identified for each subgroup. Low-intake-stable group accounted for more than 60% in total population as well as each subgroup, especially in women and 55-59 years group. After adjusting for covariates, global cognitive scores were 0.54 (95% CI: 0.26-0.82), 0.77 (95% CI: 0.36-1.18), and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.21-1.48) points higher in medium-intake-stable, medium-intake- slowly-declined and high-intake-stable groups in the whole population, respectively, compared with the low-intake-stable group. The likelihoods of cognitive decline were 18.4% ( OR=0.816,95% CI: 0.709-0.939), 17.6% ( OR=0.824, 95% CI: 0.680-0.998), 24.4% ( OR=0.756, 95% CI: 0.589-0.970) and 22.4% ( OR=0.776,95% CI: 0.623-0.968) lower in medium-intake-stable group of dietary choline in the whole population, medium-intake-stable group in males, medium-intake-slightly-increased group in females and medium-intake-slowly-increased group in 55-59 years at baseline than in low-intake-stable group, respectively. Conclusions:Dietary choline intake is generally lower in the Chinese population aged 55-79 years. Long-term lower choline intake has a negative impact on cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults and may increase the risk of cognitive decline. The increment in the consumption of choline-enriched foods should be recommended.
9.Study on the repair of ovarian tissue injury in mice in simulated plateau environment by human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell transplantation combined with high-pressure medical treatment
Jing DU ; Ruiya CHANG ; Zongcui ZHANG ; Ling WANG
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(2):183-195
Objective:To investigate the reparative effects and underlying mechanisms of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) in conjunction with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on ovarian dysfunction in mice exposed to simulated high-altitude conditions.Methods:A total of 64 six-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated according to random number table, assigned to control group, model group, hUCMSCs group and hUCMSCs+HBO group, with 16 mice in each group. Mice in model group, hUCMSCs group and hUCMSCs+HBO group were placed in a hypobaric oxygen chamber to simulate a high-altitude environment at an elevation of 6 500 m for 15 d, thereby establishing a model of ovarian dysfunction. Beginning on the first day following model establishment, the control and model groups received intravenous injections of 0.2 mL saline via the tail vein. In contrast, the hUCMSCs group and the hUCMSCs+HBO group received 0.2 mL hUCMSCs (1×10 6 cells) per mouse through tail vein injection, administered once a week for three weeks, with continuous intervention lasting 15 d. Furthermore, the hUCMSCs+HBO group were subjected to daily hyperbaric oxygen treatment. The recorded variables included general health status, body weight, estrous cycle changes, serum hormone levels, bilateral ovarian wet weight, ovarian index, follicular development assessment, pathological alterations of ovarian tissue, ultrastructural changes, and the expression levels of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and Smad family member 3 (Smad3) detected by Western blotting in ovarian tissue. Additionally, litter size and offspring body weight were measured across all groups to evaluate the reproductive capacity of the mice. Results:1) Compared with the hUCMSCs group, the hUCMSCs+HBO group exhibited no statistically significant differences in estrous cycle, body weight, bilateral ovarian wet weight, or ovarian index (all P>0.05). Furthermore, serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), as well as counts of various stages of follicles in hUCMSCs+HBO group, did not demonstrate statistically significant differences compared with hUCMSCs group (all P>0.05). Notably, in the hUCMSCs+HBO group, the integrity of the nuclear membrane in granulosa cells of the ovarian tissue was preserved, with only mild swelling observed in individual mitochondria, while no expansion of the rough endoplasmic reticulum or swelling of the Golgi apparatus were noted. Additionally, expression levels of TGF-β1 and Smad3 proteins in the hUCMSCs+HBO group were significantly elevated compared with the hUCMSCs group ( P=0.010, P<0.001). The conditions of the offspring and litter size showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups (all P>0.05). 2)Compared with control group, the hUCMSCs+HBO group had slightly lower values for body weight, bilateral ovarian wet weight, ovarian index, serum levels of AMH, estradiol, and progesterone, while had slightly higher serum levels of FSH and LH without statistically significant differences (all P>0.05). Importantly, the ultrastructural characteristics of granulosa cells in the ovarian tissue of the hUCMSCs+HBO group closely resembled those of control group, displaying intact structures of the nuclear membrane, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. There was no significant difference in TGF-β1 protein level between hUCMSCs+HBO group and control group ( P=0.253), but Smad3 protein level in hUCMSCs+HBO group was higher than that in control group ( P<0.001). No statistically significant differences were detected in offspring body weight, litter size, or behavioral tendencies (all P>0.05). Conclusion:Both hUCMSCs and the combination of hUCMSCs with HBO intervention demonstrated a safe and effective promotion of functional repair in damaged ovarian tissue under hypoxic conditions. Notably, the combination treatment of hUCMSCs with HBO exhibited a synergistic effect compared with hUCMSCs alone. The potential mechanism underlying this enhanced functional repair may involve the upregulation of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, which could ultimately improve fertility outcomes in mice subjected to hypoxic environments.
10.Study on the repair of ovarian tissue injury in mice in simulated plateau environment by human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell transplantation combined with high-pressure medical treatment
Jing DU ; Ruiya CHANG ; Zongcui ZHANG ; Ling WANG
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(2):183-195
Objective:To investigate the reparative effects and underlying mechanisms of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) in conjunction with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on ovarian dysfunction in mice exposed to simulated high-altitude conditions.Methods:A total of 64 six-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated according to random number table, assigned to control group, model group, hUCMSCs group and hUCMSCs+HBO group, with 16 mice in each group. Mice in model group, hUCMSCs group and hUCMSCs+HBO group were placed in a hypobaric oxygen chamber to simulate a high-altitude environment at an elevation of 6 500 m for 15 d, thereby establishing a model of ovarian dysfunction. Beginning on the first day following model establishment, the control and model groups received intravenous injections of 0.2 mL saline via the tail vein. In contrast, the hUCMSCs group and the hUCMSCs+HBO group received 0.2 mL hUCMSCs (1×10 6 cells) per mouse through tail vein injection, administered once a week for three weeks, with continuous intervention lasting 15 d. Furthermore, the hUCMSCs+HBO group were subjected to daily hyperbaric oxygen treatment. The recorded variables included general health status, body weight, estrous cycle changes, serum hormone levels, bilateral ovarian wet weight, ovarian index, follicular development assessment, pathological alterations of ovarian tissue, ultrastructural changes, and the expression levels of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and Smad family member 3 (Smad3) detected by Western blotting in ovarian tissue. Additionally, litter size and offspring body weight were measured across all groups to evaluate the reproductive capacity of the mice. Results:1) Compared with the hUCMSCs group, the hUCMSCs+HBO group exhibited no statistically significant differences in estrous cycle, body weight, bilateral ovarian wet weight, or ovarian index (all P>0.05). Furthermore, serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), as well as counts of various stages of follicles in hUCMSCs+HBO group, did not demonstrate statistically significant differences compared with hUCMSCs group (all P>0.05). Notably, in the hUCMSCs+HBO group, the integrity of the nuclear membrane in granulosa cells of the ovarian tissue was preserved, with only mild swelling observed in individual mitochondria, while no expansion of the rough endoplasmic reticulum or swelling of the Golgi apparatus were noted. Additionally, expression levels of TGF-β1 and Smad3 proteins in the hUCMSCs+HBO group were significantly elevated compared with the hUCMSCs group ( P=0.010, P<0.001). The conditions of the offspring and litter size showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups (all P>0.05). 2)Compared with control group, the hUCMSCs+HBO group had slightly lower values for body weight, bilateral ovarian wet weight, ovarian index, serum levels of AMH, estradiol, and progesterone, while had slightly higher serum levels of FSH and LH without statistically significant differences (all P>0.05). Importantly, the ultrastructural characteristics of granulosa cells in the ovarian tissue of the hUCMSCs+HBO group closely resembled those of control group, displaying intact structures of the nuclear membrane, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. There was no significant difference in TGF-β1 protein level between hUCMSCs+HBO group and control group ( P=0.253), but Smad3 protein level in hUCMSCs+HBO group was higher than that in control group ( P<0.001). No statistically significant differences were detected in offspring body weight, litter size, or behavioral tendencies (all P>0.05). Conclusion:Both hUCMSCs and the combination of hUCMSCs with HBO intervention demonstrated a safe and effective promotion of functional repair in damaged ovarian tissue under hypoxic conditions. Notably, the combination treatment of hUCMSCs with HBO exhibited a synergistic effect compared with hUCMSCs alone. The potential mechanism underlying this enhanced functional repair may involve the upregulation of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, which could ultimately improve fertility outcomes in mice subjected to hypoxic environments.

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