1.Necroptosis in Exercise-induced Skeletal Muscle Damage: Roles and Regulatory Mechanisms
Zhi-Fei KE ; Wen-Jing SONG ; Yun-Feng DONG ; Hua-Yu SHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1884-1895
Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is a frequent form of skeletal muscle microdamage that occurs after high-intensity, prolonged, or unaccustomed exercise, especially exercise dominated by eccentric contractions. It is commonly characterized by delayed-onset muscle soreness, transient loss of muscle strength, local inflammation, structural disruption of myofibers, and delayed functional recovery. Although mild EIMD may serve as a stimulus for training adaptation, excessive or insufficiently recovered muscle damage can impair exercise performance, disturb training continuity, and reduce participation in physical activity. Therefore, clarifying the molecular mechanisms that underlie the initiation, amplification, and resolution of EIMD is important for optimizing athletic training, improving post-exercise recovery, and guiding evidence-based public fitness practice. Necroptosis is a regulated form of programmed cell death mediated primarily by the receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK) 1/RIPK3/mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) signaling axis. Recent studies have shown that necroptosis is closely involved in tissue injury, sterile inflammation, and repair remodeling. However, whether necroptosis acts as an initiating driver, a secondary damage amplifier, or an adaptive signal required for repair after EIMD remains unclear. This review aimed to summarize the potential role of necroptosis in EIMD and to establish a mechanistic framework linking regulated cell death, inflammatory amplification, immune regulation, and skeletal muscle repair. Relevant studies concerning EIMD, necroptosis, RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling, damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), inflammatory responses, immune cell recruitment, extracellular matrix remodeling, and muscle regeneration were reviewed and integrated. On this basis, the possible temporal and functional involvement of necroptosis in different phases of EIMD was analyzed. The main evidence summarized in this review suggests that EIMD is not merely a consequence of primary mechanical disruption. Instead, it develops through a dynamic sequence that includes sarcolemmal instability, calcium overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammatory mediator production, immune cell infiltration, necrotic tissue clearance, and regeneration-associated remodeling. Necroptosis may participate in this process through at least two interconnected mechanisms. First, in the early or progressive phase of EIMD, activation of the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling axis may promote MLKL phosphorylation and plasma membrane permeabilization, leading to the release of DAMPs such as high-mobility group box 1, ATP, mitochondrial DNA, and other intracellular components. These signals may activate innate immune pathways, amplify inflammatory cytokine production, and enhance the recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages, thereby aggravating secondary inflammation and extending muscle fiber injury. Second, during the resolution and repair phases, necroptosis-related signaling may also contribute indirectly to the formation of a regenerative microenvironment. By influencing the clearance of necrotic debris, the recruitment and phenotypic transition of immune cells, and the remodeling of extracellular matrix components, necroptosis may affect satellite cell activation, myogenic repair, and the eventual structural and functional recovery of injured skeletal muscle. Thus, the biological effect of necroptosis in EIMD may be context dependent rather than uniformly harmful. Its outcome may depend on exercise intensity, the extent of tissue damage, the timing of pathway activation, the involved cell types, inflammatory status, training background, age, and metabolic condition. In conclusion, necroptosis may represent an important molecular link between skeletal muscle injury, sterile inflammation, and tissue repair after damaging exercise. It may exert a dual role in EIMD by amplifying secondary damage while also contributing to repair coordination under appropriate temporal and microenvironmental conditions. Future studies should determine the activation pattern of RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling after different exercise protocols, identify the major cell populations undergoing necroptosis in injured skeletal muscle, and examine whether targeted modulation of necroptosis can reduce excessive inflammation without impairing necessary regenerative responses. This review provides a theoretical basis for understanding the pathogenesis of EIMD and for developing targeted strategies to improve skeletal muscle recovery after exercise-induced injury.
2.Occupational Hazard Factors and the Trajectory of Fasting Blood Glucose Changes in Chinese Male Steelworkers Based on Environmental Risk Scores: A Prospective Cohort Study.
Ming Xia ZOU ; Wei DU ; Qin KANG ; Yu Hao XIA ; Nuo Yun ZHANG ; Liu FENG ; Fei Yue LI ; Tian Cheng MA ; Ya Jing BAO ; Hong Min FAN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(6):666-677
OBJECTIVE:
We aimed to investigate the patterns of fasting blood glucose (FBG) trajectories and analyze the relationship between various occupational hazard factors and FBG trajectories in male steelworkers.
METHODS:
The study cohort included 3,728 workers who met the selection criteria for the Tanggang Occupational Cohort (TGOC) between 2017 and 2022. A group-based trajectory model was used to identify the FBG trajectories. Environmental risk scores (ERS) were constructed using regression coefficients from the occupational hazard model as weights. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the effects of occupational hazard factors using the ERS on FBG trajectories.
RESULTS:
FBG trajectories were categorized into three groups. An association was observed between high temperature, noise exposure, and FBG trajectory ( P < 0.05). Using the first quartile group of ERS1 as a reference, the fourth quartile group of ERS1 had an increased risk of medium and high FBG by 1.90 and 2.21 times, respectively (odds ratio [ OR] = 1.90, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.17-3.10; OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.09-4.45).
CONCLUSION
An association was observed between occupational hazards based on ERS and FBG trajectories. The risk of FBG trajectory levels increase with an increase in ERS.
Humans
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Male
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Adult
;
Blood Glucose/analysis*
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China
;
Prospective Studies
;
Occupational Exposure/adverse effects*
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Risk Factors
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Middle Aged
;
Steel
;
Fasting/blood*
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Metal Workers
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East Asian People
3.Inhibitory effects of Shuyu Pills combined with everolimus on TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in triple-negative breast cancer cells
Xiao-shan LUO ; Su XIE ; Dou-dou FENG ; Yan-yun MENG ; Jing-zhe ZHAO ; Qing XIE ; Xiang-li LING
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(7):2190-2197
AIM To investigate the effects of Shuyu Pills combined with evolimus on the epithelial mesenchymal transformation of triple negative breast cancer cells 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 induced by TGF-β1.METHODS The 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 cells were divided into the blank group and the induction group to induce the epithelial mesenchymal transformation with TGF-β1 cytokine treatment,followed by the assignment into the model group,the Shuyu Pills group,the everolimus group and the Shuyu Pills combined with everolimus group.CCK8 method,plate cloning method,cell scratch test and Transewll test were used to detect the proliferation,cloning formation,migration and invasion ability of the cells whose expressions of E-cadherin,N-cadherin,Vimentin,MMP9,MMP2 and pathway proteins PTEN,PI3K,Akt and mTOR were detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the induction group displayed a cell morphological change from epithelioid to stromal,decreased expression of E-cadherin protein(P<0.01);and increased protein expressions of N-cadherin and Vimentin(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,each group intervened with the medicine displayed decreased proliferation,clone formation,migration and invasion ability of both kinds of cells(P<0.01);increased protein expressions of PTEN and E-cadherin(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased protein expressions of PI3K,Akt,mTOR,N-cadherin,Vimentin,MMP9 and MMP2(P<0.05,P<0.01);and more significantly in the Shuyu Pills combined with evolimus group(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION With a more ideal effect than the single uses in inhibiting the TGF-β1-induced epithelial mesenchymal transformation of triple-negative breast cancer cells,the combination use of Shuyu Pills and everolimus may work through the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
4.A study of modified ankle pump exercise in stroke patients
Yun CAO ; Guozhen SUN ; Feng CHEN ; Xueli JI ; Mengwan YAN ; Lei JING ; Kun QIAN
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(9):1068-1074
Objective To investigate the effect of ankle pump exercises,based on hemodynamic mechanisms,on the prevention of venous thrombosis in stroke patients.Methods A total of 110 stroke patients,admitted to a tertiary A hospital in Jiangsu Province between June 2023 and June 2024,were selected using a convenience sampling method.The patients were divided into an experimental group and a control group,with 55 patients in each group.The experimental group received ankle pump exercise nursing interventions based on hemodynamic mechanisms,while the control group received routine nursing interventions.The incidence of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis,Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation Scale scores,subjective perceived fatigue,and exercise self-efficacy scores were compared between 2 groups on the 7th day of hospitalization.Results No dropouts occurred in either group.The incidence of deep vein thrombosis was significantly lower in the experimental group than it in the control group(P=0.004).The Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation scores on day 1,3,5,and 7 were higher in the experimental group compared to them in the control group(P<0.001).A significant time-dependent trend was observed in Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation scores(P=0.034).Subjective fatigue was significantly lower in the experimental group at various time points(P<0.001).Both groups showed an increase in exercise self-efficacy over time(P=0.016),with the experimental group demonstrating higher exercise self-efficacy than the control group on the day before discharge(P=0.003).Conclusion Ankle pump exercises,based on hemodynamic mechanisms,can effectively reduce the incidence of deep vein thrombosis in stroke patients,enhance rehabilitation participation and exercise self-efficacy,without increasing subjective fatigue.
5.Clinical efficacy analysis of thyroid surgery via the sternocleidomastoid muscle approach through a lateral cervical incision
Min-gang XI ; Jia JING ; Yun-feng HUO ; Jin ZHANG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(6):530-534
Objective To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of thyroid surgery via the sternocleidomastoid muscle approach with lateral cervical incision.Methods A total of 286 patients undergoing thyroid surgery in Yuncheng Central Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University and the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from June 2022 to June 2023 were enrolled,and were divided into the lateral incision group(102 cases)and the median incision group(184 cases)according to the surgical approach.The clinical data including intraoperative bleeding volume,postoperative recovery time,intraoperative neuromonitoring signal changes,postoperative pain visual analogue scale(VAS)score,quality of life score,and postoperative complications of patients were compared between the two groups.Results The intraoperative bleeding volume of patients in the lateral incision group was significantly lower than that in the median incision group(P=0.03),and the postoperative recovery time was significantly shorter than that in the median incision group(P=0.01).Intraoperative monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve showed that the residual amplitude of nerve signals in the lateral incision group was significantly greater than that in the median incision group(P<0.05),and the change in nerve signals latency was significantly smaller than that in the median incision group(P<0.05).The VAS scores of patients in the lateral incision group 3 days and 7 days after surgery were significantly lower than those in the median incision group(P<0.05).The quality of life scores of patients in the lateral incision group 3 months and 1 year after surgery were significantly higher than those in the median incision group(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications of patients between the two groups(P=0.15).Conclusion Thyroid surgery via the sternocleidomastoid muscle approach with lateral cervical incision has definite therapeutic effects,which can reduce intraoperative bleeding,shorten the postoperative recovery time,alleviate postoperative pain,and improve the quality of life of patients.
6.Chemical and pharmacological research progress on Mongolian folk medicine Syringa pinnatifolia.
Kun GAO ; Chang-Xin LIU ; Jia-Qi CHEN ; Jing-Jing SUN ; Xiao-Juan LI ; Zhi-Qiang HUANG ; Ye ZHANG ; Pei-Feng XUE ; Su-Yi-le CHEN ; Xin DONG ; Xing-Yun CHAI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2080-2089
Syringa pinnatifolia, belonging to the family Oleaceae, is a species endemic to China. It is predominantly distributed in the Helan Mountains region of Inner Mongolia and Ningxia of China. The peeled roots, stems, and thick branches have been used as a distinctive Mongolian medicinal material known as "Shan-chen-xiang", which has effects such as suppressing "khii", clearing heat, and relieving pain and is employed for the treatment of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases and joint pain. Over the past five years, significant increase was achieved in research on chemical constituents and pharmacological effects. There were a total of 130 new constituents reported, covering sesquiterpenoids, lignans, and alkaloids. Its effects of anti-myocardial ischemia, anti-cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, sedation, and analgesia were revealed, and the mechanisms of agarwood formation were also investigated. To better understand its medical value and potential of clinical application, this review updates the research progress in recent five years focusing on the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of S. pinnatifolia, providing reference for subsequent research on active ingredient and support for its innovative application in modern medicine system.
Medicine, Mongolian Traditional
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Humans
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Animals
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Syringa/chemistry*
7.Effect and mechanism of Xintong Granules in ameliorating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by regulating gut microbiota.
Yun-Jia WANG ; Ji-Dong ZHOU ; Qiu-Yu SU ; Jing-Chun YAO ; Rui-Qiang SU ; Guo-Fei QIN ; Gui-Min ZHANG ; Hong-Bao LIANG ; Shuai FENG ; Jia-Cheng ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):4003-4014
This study investigates the mechanism by which Xintong Granules improve myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI) through the regulation of gut microbiota and their metabolites, specifically short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs). Rats were randomly divided based on body weight into the sham operation group, model group, low-dose Xintong Granules group(1.43 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), medium-dose Xintong Granules group(2.86 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), high-dose Xintong Granules group(5.72 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and metoprolol group(10 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)). After 14 days of pre-administration, the MIRI rat model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. The myocardial infarction area was assessed using the 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining method. Apoptosis in tissue cells was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL) assay. Pathological changes in myocardial cells and colonic tissue were observed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme(CK-MB), and cardiac troponin T(cTnT) in rat serum were quantitatively measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kits. The activities of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), creatine kinase(CK), and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in myocardial tissue, as well as the level of malondialdehyde(MDA), were determined using colorimetric assays. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing, and fecal SCFAs were quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). The results show that Xintong Granules significantly reduced the myocardial infarction area, suppressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and decreased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), myocardial injury markers(CK-MB, cTnT, LDH, and CK), and oxidative stress marker MDA. Additionally, Xintong Granules significantly improved intestinal inflammation in MIRI rats, regulated gut microbiota composition and diversity, and increased the levels of SCFAs(acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, etc.). In summary, Xintong Granules effectively alleviate MIRI symptoms. This study preliminarily confirms that Xintong Granules exert their inhibitory effects on MIRI by regulating gut microbiota imbalance and increasing SCFA levels.
Animals
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
;
Rats
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Male
;
Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/genetics*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Humans
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
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Interleukin-6/genetics*
;
Malondialdehyde/metabolism*
8.Research progress and exploration of traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of sepsis-acute lung injury by inhibiting pyroptosis.
Wen-Yu WU ; Nuo-Ran LI ; Kai WANG ; Xin JIAO ; Wan-Ning LAN ; Yun-Sheng XU ; Lin WANG ; Jing-Nan LIN ; Rui CHEN ; Rui-Feng ZENG ; Jun LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(16):4425-4436
Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response caused by severe infection or trauma, and is one of the common causes of acute lung injury(ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS). Sepsis-acute lung injury(SALI) is a critical clinical condition with high morbidity and mortality. Its pathogenesis is complex and not yet fully understood, and there is currently a lack of targeted and effective treatment options. Pyroptosis, a novel form of programmed cell death, plays a key role in the pathological process of SALI by activating inflammasomes and releasing inflammatory factors, making it a potential therapeutic target. In recent years, the role of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in regulating signaling pathways related to pyroptosis through multi-components and multi-targets has attracted increasing attention. TCM may intervene in pyroptosis by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and regulating the expression of Caspase family proteins, thus alleviating inflammatory damage in lung tissues. This paper systematically reviews the molecular regulatory network of pyroptosis in SALI and explores the potential mechanisms and research progress on TCM intervention in cellular pyroptosis. The aim is to provide new ideas and theoretical support for basic research and clinical treatment strategies of TCM in SALI.
Pyroptosis/drug effects*
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Humans
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Sepsis/genetics*
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Acute Lung Injury/physiopathology*
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Animals
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Inflammasomes/metabolism*
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*
9.Efficacy and Survival Analysis of Chidamide Combined with DICE Regimen in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.
Li-Li WU ; Li SHI ; Wei-Jing LI ; Wei LIU ; Yun FENG ; Shao-Ning YIN ; Cui-Ying HE ; Li-Hong LIU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(2):373-378
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the efficacy and safety of chidamide combined with DICE regimen (cisplatin+ ifosfamide + etoposide + dexamethasone) for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphome(R/R DLBCL).
METHODS:
The clinical data of 31 R/R DLBCL patients treated by chidamide combined with DICE regimen in the Hematology Department of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from October 2016 to October 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical efficacy and adverse events were observed.
RESULTS:
Among the 31 patients, 20 were male and 11 were female. The median age of the patients was 55 (range: 27-71) years old, 21 cases were < 60 years old, 10 cases were ≥60 years old. 26 cases were refractory and 5 cases were relapsed. There were 13 cases of germinal center B-cell like (GCB), 17 cases of non-GCB, and 1 case had missing Hans type. There were 17 cases of double-expression lymphoma (DEL) and 14 cases of non-DEL. The complete response rate of patients was 38.7%(12/31), the overall response rate was 67.7%(21/31). The median progression-free survival time and the median overall survival time were 9.8(95%CI : 4.048-15.552) months, 13.9(95%CI : 9.294-18.506) months, respectively. Multipvariate analysis showed that GCB and DEL reduced the risk of disease recurrence in R/R DLBCL patients. The main grade 3/4 hematological adverse events in this study were thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, anemia and leukopenia.
CONCLUSION
The chidamide combined with DICE regimen is effective in the treatment of R/R DLBCL, and hematological adverse events should be closely monitored.
Humans
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Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/drug therapy*
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Middle Aged
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Female
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Male
;
Adult
;
Aged
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use*
;
Benzamides/administration & dosage*
;
Aminopyridines/administration & dosage*
;
Etoposide/therapeutic use*
;
Cisplatin/administration & dosage*
;
Ifosfamide/administration & dosage*
;
Dexamethasone/therapeutic use*
10.Interaction between CYP3A4 gene polymorphism and obesity on breast cancer susceptibility in Chinese women.
Jiamin ZHU ; Xiaogang ZHAI ; Feng NI ; Cheng TAN ; Yun GUAN ; Baixia YANG ; Jing CAI
Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;30():88-88
BACKGROUND:
To date, results on relationship between CYP3A4 gene polymorphism were limited and inconclusive, and no study focused on the influence of CYP3A4 gene-obesity interaction on breast cancer risk, especially in Chinese women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CYP3A4 gene, the SNP-SNP and gene-environment interactions on the susceptibility to breast cancer in Chinese women.
METHODS:
Logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between four SNPs of CYP3A4 gene and the risk of breast cancer. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was used to screen the best SNP-SNP and gene-abdominal obesity interaction combinations among four SNPs and abdominal obesity. Haplotype examination among 4 SNPs was conducted using the SHEsis web-based platform.
RESULTS:
Logistic regression analysis showed that carriers of rs2242480- T allele have significantly higher breast cancer risk, than those with rs2242480- CC genotype, adjusted OR (95%CI) was 1.68 (1.23-2.16) and 2.03 (1.53-2.58) for participants with CT genotype and TT genotype under additive model. We did not find any notable interactions between the four SNPs within the CYP3A4 gene. GMDR model found a significant association in a two-locus model involving rs2242480 and obesity, with a p-value of 0.018. Stratified analysis found that breast cancer risk was the highest in obese participants with rs2242480- CT or TT genotype, compared to those non-obese participants with rs2242480- CC genotype, OR (95%CI) was 3.02 (1.83-4.25). We found that all haplotype combinations were not correlated with breast cancer risk.
CONCLUSIONS
We found that the T allele of rs2242480 within the CYP3A4 gene and interaction between rs2242480 and obesity were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. However, the results of this study were only applicable to the Han ethnic group and cannot be generalized to other ethnic groups in China, and more SNPs of CYP3A4 gene should been enrolled in the analysis in the future, to verify the results obtained in this study.
Adult
;
Aged
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Middle Aged
;
Breast Neoplasms/etiology*
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A/metabolism*
;
Gene-Environment Interaction
;
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
;
Haplotypes
;
Obesity/epidemiology*
;
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
;
Risk Factors
;
East Asian People

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