1.Tubeimoside I promoted Snail ubiquitination degradation and inhibited the malignant progression of PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells
Lixue FENG ; Chunyun ZHANG ; Zeyan LI ; Huiqi YIN ; Yingning SUN ; Dian-hui LIU ; Baogang YU ; He LIU ; Qingzhu YANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(10):1955-1962
AIM:This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanism by which tubeimoside I(TBMS1)inhibits Snail expression in pancreatic cancer cells(PANC-1).METHODS:Human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells were cultured in vitro.The inhibitory effect of TBMS1 on PANC-1 cells was assessed using the MTT assay,and the data were analyzed based on the IC50 value of TBMS1.The impact of TBMS1 on the clonal formation ability of PANC-1 cells was evaluated through colony formation assays.The Transwell assay was employed to assess the effect of TBMS1 on the migrato-ry capability of PANC-1 cells.Apoptosis and cell cycle alterations in PANC-1 cells were analyzed using acridine orange staining and flow cytometry.The expression of Snail protein in pancreatic cancer and its relationship with survival of the patients were analyzed using the GEPIA database and Kaplan-Meier Plotter data.Immunofluorescence staining was con-ducted to investigate the effect of TBMS1 on Snail expression,while Western blot was used to evaluate the expression of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase(PARP),E-cadherin and Snail in the cells.The ubiquitination of Snail protein was mea-sured using immunoprecipitation techniques.RESULTS:As the concentration of TBMS1 increased,the survival rate and number of clones formed by PANC-1 cells progressively decreased,leading to apoptosis,cleavage of PARP,and cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase.There was also a reduction in the proportion of cells in the S phase and a decrease in cell migration ability.The expression of Snail protein,a critical factor in cell migration,was inhibited,while E-cadherin protein levels were increased.Treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 was able to reverse the suppression of Snail protein ex-pression caused by TBMS1.Immunoprecipitation results indicated that TBMS1 enhances the ubiquitination and subse-quent degradation of Snail protein.CONCLUSION:TBMS1 effectively inhibits the malignant progression of pancreatic cancer cells by promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of Snail protein in PANC-1 cells.
2.Analysis of pregnancy outcome in patients with high basal follicle-stimulating hormone level undergoing IVF/ICSI-ET treatment
Xingying LIU ; Wei GUO ; Tian TIAN ; Lixue CHEN ; Shuo YANG ; Xiumei ZHEN
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(7):687-695
Objective:To investigate the pregnancy outcomes and cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) in patients with high basal follicle-stimulating hormone (bFSH) levels. Methods:This retrospective cohort study included clinical data from patients who underwent IVF/ICSI-ET treatment at the Reproductive Medical Center of Peking University Third Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022. Patients were divided into three groups based on the highest bFSH level during all cycles of treatment: group A (15 U/L≤bFSH<25 U/L), group B (25 U/L≤bFSH<40 U/L), and group C (bFSH≥40 U/L). After propensity score matching (PSM) based on the female body mass index, the baseline data, embryology laboratory outcomes, and assisted reproductive outcomes such as clinical pregnancy rate among the three groups of patients were compared. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to explore the impact of various factors on live birth, and the trend of CLBR across multiple cycles was also studied.Results:After PSM, 340 cycles were included in group A, 340 cycles were included in group B, 127 cycles were included in group C. There were statistically significant differences among the three groups in antral follicle count, bFSH, basal progesterone, basal luteinizing hormone, and anti-Müllerian hormone levels ( P=0.004, P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001). In the analysis of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols, groups A and B mainly used conventional COS protocol, while group C primarily used mild stimulation protocol. The duration and dosage of gonadotropin used were the highest in group A [10 (7, 12) d, 2 728 (1 650, 3 725) U], with statistically significant differences among the three groups (all P<0.001). On the day of human chorionic gonadotropin injection, there were statistically significant differences in estradiol and progesterone levels among the three groups ( P=0.022 and P=0.048, respectively). The cancellation rate of cycles did not differ significantly among the three groups ( P>0.05), while the number of oocytes retrieved ( P<0.001) and the rate of cycles with no transferable embryos ( P=0.034) showed statistically significant differences. The type of embryos transferred in all three groups was mainly cleavage-stage embryos, and there were statistically significant differences in the rate of two pronuclei and high-quality embryos among the groups ( P=0.003 and P=0.006, respectively). The rate of high-quality embryos decreased with increasing bFSH levels, and comparisons between group A and group B, as well as group A and group C, showed statistically significant differences (all P<0.016 7). The biochemical pregnancy rate and the clinical pregnancy rate in fresh cycles differed significantly among the three groups ( P=0.025 and P=0.010, respectively), while the live birth rate per initiated cycle showed marginal significance ( P=0.058). However, the miscarriage rate and the live birth rate per transfer cycle did not differ significantly among the groups (all P>0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that bFSH ( OR=0.955, 95% CI: 0.912-1.000, P=0.050) and the number of oocytes retrieved ( OR=1.104, 95% CI: 1.009-1.207, P=0.031) were independent predictors of live birth. Analysis of CLBR curves across multiple oocyte retrieval cycles showed that CLBR gradually increased with the number of oocyte retrievals and stabilized at 14.32% after the fifth retrieval. Conclusion:High bFSH levels reduce the live birth rate per initiated cycle but do not affect the live birth rate per transfer cycle. Increasing age and a low number of oocytes retrieved can both decrease the live birth rate. Multiple oocyte retrieval and transfer cycles can improve CLBR in patients with high bFSH level to some extent, but it tends to stabilize after the fifth cycle.
3.Error prevention strategies in gamete and embryo laboratories: establishment and implementation of the "Gamete Safety Checklist"
Hongping WU ; Ping LIU ; Lixue CHEN ; Rong LI ; Jie QIAO ; Caihong MA
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(4):353-357
Since the birth of the first "test-tube baby" in Chinese mainland in 1988, assisted reproductive technology (ART) in China has matured significantly. The number of ART cycles has surpassed one million, and the number of assisted reproductive institutions and practitioners has attained a significant scale, contributing to the establishment of a fertility-friendly society. However, due to the complexity of the ART process, the diversity of personnel backgrounds, and the profound impact of any error that may occur, there is an urgent need to establish an efficient and effective safety management model for error prevention. This paper aims to outline the key processes and steps involved in the implementation of ART, explore control measures for these critical processes, and delve into error prevention strategies for gamete and embryo laboratories through the creation and utilization of a "gamete safety checklist".
4.Clinical application and outcomes of natural cycle and modified natural cycle IVF for individualized assisted reproduction among patients with DOR
Jiaxin LYU ; Wei GUO ; Nana LIU ; Tian TIAN ; Lixue CHEN ; Xiumei ZHEN ; Rong LI ; Rui YANG ; Jie QIAO
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(9):902-909
Objective:To investigate the outcomes of natural cycle (NC) and modified natural cycle (MNC) assisted reproductive technology (ART) in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), and to provide a scientific basis for individualized treatment strategies for DOR patients.Methods:A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on the clinical data of DOR patients who underwent ART at the Center for Reproductive Medicine of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2023. Patients were divided into the NC group ( n=801) and the MNC group ( n=385) based on their treatment protocol. The primary outcomes were cycle cancellation rate and oocyte retrieval rate. Secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate per fresh embryo transfer cycle and frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle, cumulative pregnancy rate and cumulative live birth rate per started cycle and per transfer cycle, as well as laboratory parameters such as the number of retrieved oocytes, the number of two pronuclei (2PN) fertilized oocytes, the number of transferable embryos, and transferable embryo formation rate. Further, multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the impact of the treatment protocol on pregnancy and live birth outcomes. Results:There were no statistically significant differences between the NC and MNC groups in terms of general characteristics such as age, body mass index, and baseline hormone levels (all P>0.05). The cycle cancellation rate was significantly higher in the NC group [19.10% (153/801)] than in the MNC group [10.65% (41/385), P<0.001], and the oocyte retrieval rate was significantly lower in the NC group [66.31% (431/650)] than in the MNC group [74.86% (259/346), P=0.005]. The number of retrieved oocytes [1 (0,1)], the number of 2PN fertilized oocytes [1 (0,1)], and the number of transferable embryos [0 (0, 1)] were also significantly lower in the NC group than in the MNC group [1 (1, 2), P<0.001; 1 (1, 1), P<0.001; 0 (0, 1), P<0.001]. However, there were no statistically significant differences in 2PN fertilization rate and transferable embryo formation rate between the NC and MNC groups (all P>0.05). In both fresh embryo transfer cycles and frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles, there were no statistically significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate between the NC and MNC groups (all P>0.05). The cumulative pregnancy rate per started cycle and transfer cycle, the cumulative live birth rate per started cycle and per transfer cycle were also not significantly different between the NC and MNC groups (all P>0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed no significant association between NC and clinical pregnancy or live birth compared with MNC. Conclusion:While MNC to some extent reduced the cycle cancellation rate and improved oocyte retrieval rates compared with NC, it did not ultimately improve pregnancy outcomes in DOR patients.
5.Tubeimoside I promoted Snail ubiquitination degradation and inhibited the malignant progression of PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells
Lixue FENG ; Chunyun ZHANG ; Zeyan LI ; Huiqi YIN ; Yingning SUN ; Dian-hui LIU ; Baogang YU ; He LIU ; Qingzhu YANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(10):1955-1962
AIM:This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanism by which tubeimoside I(TBMS1)inhibits Snail expression in pancreatic cancer cells(PANC-1).METHODS:Human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells were cultured in vitro.The inhibitory effect of TBMS1 on PANC-1 cells was assessed using the MTT assay,and the data were analyzed based on the IC50 value of TBMS1.The impact of TBMS1 on the clonal formation ability of PANC-1 cells was evaluated through colony formation assays.The Transwell assay was employed to assess the effect of TBMS1 on the migrato-ry capability of PANC-1 cells.Apoptosis and cell cycle alterations in PANC-1 cells were analyzed using acridine orange staining and flow cytometry.The expression of Snail protein in pancreatic cancer and its relationship with survival of the patients were analyzed using the GEPIA database and Kaplan-Meier Plotter data.Immunofluorescence staining was con-ducted to investigate the effect of TBMS1 on Snail expression,while Western blot was used to evaluate the expression of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase(PARP),E-cadherin and Snail in the cells.The ubiquitination of Snail protein was mea-sured using immunoprecipitation techniques.RESULTS:As the concentration of TBMS1 increased,the survival rate and number of clones formed by PANC-1 cells progressively decreased,leading to apoptosis,cleavage of PARP,and cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase.There was also a reduction in the proportion of cells in the S phase and a decrease in cell migration ability.The expression of Snail protein,a critical factor in cell migration,was inhibited,while E-cadherin protein levels were increased.Treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 was able to reverse the suppression of Snail protein ex-pression caused by TBMS1.Immunoprecipitation results indicated that TBMS1 enhances the ubiquitination and subse-quent degradation of Snail protein.CONCLUSION:TBMS1 effectively inhibits the malignant progression of pancreatic cancer cells by promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of Snail protein in PANC-1 cells.
6.Missed diagnosis analysis of colorectal cancer on routine abdominopelvic CT
Jing DU ; Lixue XU ; Xuejing LIU ; Zhenghan YANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(11):1816-1818,1851
Objective To investigate the imaging features and causes of missed diagnosis of colorectal cancer(CRC)in routine abdomi-nopelvic CT examinations.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical and imaging data of 38 patients with CRC which were initially overlooked in routine abdominopelvic CT examinations.The imaging features and causes of missed diagnosis were analyzed.Results Distribution of lesions:ten cases(26.3%)located in the caecum-ascending colon,6 cases(15.8%)located in the transverse colon,1 case(2.6%)located in the descending colon,18 cases(47.4%)located in the sigmoid colon and 3 cases(7.9%)located in the rectum.The mean length of diseased bowel was(2.8±1.3)cm.Pericolic fat stranding was found in 16 cases,locore-gional adenopathy was found in 19 cases,and focal pericolic neovascularity was found in 12 cases.The four reasons for missed diagno-sis included:(1)comprehensive assessment of colorectal conditions was not routinely performed;(2)small lesion size;(3)unfamiliar with the subtle secondary signs of CRC;(4)image-related reasons.Conclusion Radiologists should conduct conventional and com-prehensive assessment of the colorectum in routine abdominopelvic CT examinations.With the accumulation of diagnostic experience,it will be beneficial to reduce the missed diagnosis rate of CRC.
7.Analysis of pregnancy outcome in patients with high basal follicle-stimulating hormone level undergoing IVF/ICSI-ET treatment
Xingying LIU ; Wei GUO ; Tian TIAN ; Lixue CHEN ; Shuo YANG ; Xiumei ZHEN
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(7):687-695
Objective:To investigate the pregnancy outcomes and cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) in patients with high basal follicle-stimulating hormone (bFSH) levels. Methods:This retrospective cohort study included clinical data from patients who underwent IVF/ICSI-ET treatment at the Reproductive Medical Center of Peking University Third Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022. Patients were divided into three groups based on the highest bFSH level during all cycles of treatment: group A (15 U/L≤bFSH<25 U/L), group B (25 U/L≤bFSH<40 U/L), and group C (bFSH≥40 U/L). After propensity score matching (PSM) based on the female body mass index, the baseline data, embryology laboratory outcomes, and assisted reproductive outcomes such as clinical pregnancy rate among the three groups of patients were compared. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to explore the impact of various factors on live birth, and the trend of CLBR across multiple cycles was also studied.Results:After PSM, 340 cycles were included in group A, 340 cycles were included in group B, 127 cycles were included in group C. There were statistically significant differences among the three groups in antral follicle count, bFSH, basal progesterone, basal luteinizing hormone, and anti-Müllerian hormone levels ( P=0.004, P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001). In the analysis of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols, groups A and B mainly used conventional COS protocol, while group C primarily used mild stimulation protocol. The duration and dosage of gonadotropin used were the highest in group A [10 (7, 12) d, 2 728 (1 650, 3 725) U], with statistically significant differences among the three groups (all P<0.001). On the day of human chorionic gonadotropin injection, there were statistically significant differences in estradiol and progesterone levels among the three groups ( P=0.022 and P=0.048, respectively). The cancellation rate of cycles did not differ significantly among the three groups ( P>0.05), while the number of oocytes retrieved ( P<0.001) and the rate of cycles with no transferable embryos ( P=0.034) showed statistically significant differences. The type of embryos transferred in all three groups was mainly cleavage-stage embryos, and there were statistically significant differences in the rate of two pronuclei and high-quality embryos among the groups ( P=0.003 and P=0.006, respectively). The rate of high-quality embryos decreased with increasing bFSH levels, and comparisons between group A and group B, as well as group A and group C, showed statistically significant differences (all P<0.016 7). The biochemical pregnancy rate and the clinical pregnancy rate in fresh cycles differed significantly among the three groups ( P=0.025 and P=0.010, respectively), while the live birth rate per initiated cycle showed marginal significance ( P=0.058). However, the miscarriage rate and the live birth rate per transfer cycle did not differ significantly among the groups (all P>0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that bFSH ( OR=0.955, 95% CI: 0.912-1.000, P=0.050) and the number of oocytes retrieved ( OR=1.104, 95% CI: 1.009-1.207, P=0.031) were independent predictors of live birth. Analysis of CLBR curves across multiple oocyte retrieval cycles showed that CLBR gradually increased with the number of oocyte retrievals and stabilized at 14.32% after the fifth retrieval. Conclusion:High bFSH levels reduce the live birth rate per initiated cycle but do not affect the live birth rate per transfer cycle. Increasing age and a low number of oocytes retrieved can both decrease the live birth rate. Multiple oocyte retrieval and transfer cycles can improve CLBR in patients with high bFSH level to some extent, but it tends to stabilize after the fifth cycle.
8.Error prevention strategies in gamete and embryo laboratories: establishment and implementation of the "Gamete Safety Checklist"
Hongping WU ; Ping LIU ; Lixue CHEN ; Rong LI ; Jie QIAO ; Caihong MA
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(4):353-357
Since the birth of the first "test-tube baby" in Chinese mainland in 1988, assisted reproductive technology (ART) in China has matured significantly. The number of ART cycles has surpassed one million, and the number of assisted reproductive institutions and practitioners has attained a significant scale, contributing to the establishment of a fertility-friendly society. However, due to the complexity of the ART process, the diversity of personnel backgrounds, and the profound impact of any error that may occur, there is an urgent need to establish an efficient and effective safety management model for error prevention. This paper aims to outline the key processes and steps involved in the implementation of ART, explore control measures for these critical processes, and delve into error prevention strategies for gamete and embryo laboratories through the creation and utilization of a "gamete safety checklist".
9.Clinical application and outcomes of natural cycle and modified natural cycle IVF for individualized assisted reproduction among patients with DOR
Jiaxin LYU ; Wei GUO ; Nana LIU ; Tian TIAN ; Lixue CHEN ; Xiumei ZHEN ; Rong LI ; Rui YANG ; Jie QIAO
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(9):902-909
Objective:To investigate the outcomes of natural cycle (NC) and modified natural cycle (MNC) assisted reproductive technology (ART) in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), and to provide a scientific basis for individualized treatment strategies for DOR patients.Methods:A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on the clinical data of DOR patients who underwent ART at the Center for Reproductive Medicine of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2023. Patients were divided into the NC group ( n=801) and the MNC group ( n=385) based on their treatment protocol. The primary outcomes were cycle cancellation rate and oocyte retrieval rate. Secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate per fresh embryo transfer cycle and frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle, cumulative pregnancy rate and cumulative live birth rate per started cycle and per transfer cycle, as well as laboratory parameters such as the number of retrieved oocytes, the number of two pronuclei (2PN) fertilized oocytes, the number of transferable embryos, and transferable embryo formation rate. Further, multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the impact of the treatment protocol on pregnancy and live birth outcomes. Results:There were no statistically significant differences between the NC and MNC groups in terms of general characteristics such as age, body mass index, and baseline hormone levels (all P>0.05). The cycle cancellation rate was significantly higher in the NC group [19.10% (153/801)] than in the MNC group [10.65% (41/385), P<0.001], and the oocyte retrieval rate was significantly lower in the NC group [66.31% (431/650)] than in the MNC group [74.86% (259/346), P=0.005]. The number of retrieved oocytes [1 (0,1)], the number of 2PN fertilized oocytes [1 (0,1)], and the number of transferable embryos [0 (0, 1)] were also significantly lower in the NC group than in the MNC group [1 (1, 2), P<0.001; 1 (1, 1), P<0.001; 0 (0, 1), P<0.001]. However, there were no statistically significant differences in 2PN fertilization rate and transferable embryo formation rate between the NC and MNC groups (all P>0.05). In both fresh embryo transfer cycles and frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles, there were no statistically significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate between the NC and MNC groups (all P>0.05). The cumulative pregnancy rate per started cycle and transfer cycle, the cumulative live birth rate per started cycle and per transfer cycle were also not significantly different between the NC and MNC groups (all P>0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed no significant association between NC and clinical pregnancy or live birth compared with MNC. Conclusion:While MNC to some extent reduced the cycle cancellation rate and improved oocyte retrieval rates compared with NC, it did not ultimately improve pregnancy outcomes in DOR patients.
10.Study of echocardiographic normal reference value of left ventricular remodeling index and left ventricular geometry and function in primary hypertension
Lihua YANG ; Yan DENG ; Yuping LIU ; Ping SHUAI ; Lixue YIN
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(3):185-193
Objective:To establish the normal reference value of the left ventricular remodeling index(RI)in healthy adults,and to evaluate the phenotypes of RI in various left ventricular geometries and its relationship with left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions in asymptomatic hypertensive patients.Methods:A retrospective study design was employed,906 healthy Han Chinese volunteers were selected as the control group from the multicenter study "Echocardiographic Measurements in Normal Chinese Adults"(EMINCA),which was conducted in 2012. The normal reference range of left ventricular RI was established based on the 95% CI( xˉ ± 1.96 s). Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate differences in RI across age groups and between genders. A total of 340 asymptomatic hypertensive patients in the Department of Health Management,Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from July 2023 to March 2024 were prospectively included as the hypertension group. Conventional echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging were used to assess left ventricular structure and function. Parameters such as left ventricular mass index(LVMI),RI,relative wall thickness(RWT),the ratio of early diastolic mitral inflow velocity to the average early diastolic mitral annular velocity(E/e'),and the ratio of early diastolic to late diastolic mitral inflow velocities(E/A)were calculated. Differences of these parameters between the hypertension group and the healthy control group were compared. The hypertension group was stratified into 3 subgroups based on left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end-diastole(LVPWd)and RI:the non-LV hypertrophy group,the left ventricular hypertrophy with normal RI group,and the left ventricular hypertrophy with low RI group. Relevant parameters were compared among these subgroups,and the statistical significance of the differences was analyzed. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to explore the relationships between left ventricular RI and GLS,LVEF,the average mitral annular peak systolic velocity(s'),e',E/e',E/A. Results:In the healthy control group,RI showed a declining trend with increasing age in both sexes. Furthermore,the RI was significantly higher in the female group compared to the male group( P<0.001). Compared with the healthy control group,LVMI and E/e' increased while RI,e' and s' decreased in the hypertension group(all P < 0.001). Among the 3 subgroups of the hypertension group,compared with the other two groups,LVMI and E/e' increased while absolute GLS and s' reduced in the left ventricular hypertrophy with low RI subgroup(all P <0.001). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that RI was negatively correlated with GLS and E/e'( r=-0.457,-0.281;all P < 0.001),and positively correlated with LVEF,e',s' and E/A( r=0.229,0.394,0.150,0.172;all P < 0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that left ventricular RI was independently associated with GLS,LVEF,e',s',E/e' and E/A. Conclusions:The normal reference range of left ventricular RI tends to decrease with age and is typically higher in females than in males. In asymptomatic patients with primary hypertension,RI,systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricular are lower,while LVMI is higher. Among these patients,functional impairment is more pronounced in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy and reduced RI. This indicates that left ventricular RI may offer an imaging basis for further classification and stratification of structural and functional abnormalities in the left ventricle of asymptomatic hypertensive patients.

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