1.Effects of oleic acid-induced lipid droplet synthesis on the proliferation,migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of osteosarcoma cells
Mengting WANG ; Yunlong WANG ; Mengxia LIANG ; Jun LIU ; Erbao BIAN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):9-15
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different concentrations of oleic acid on human osteosarcoma cell lines 143B and HOS, as well as the impacts of the optimal concentration of oleic acid on cellular lipid droplet synthesis and cell functions. MethodsThe 143B and HOS cells were treated with varying concentrations of oleic acid (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µmol/L) for 48 hours. Following treatment, oil red O staining and BODIPY staining were performed to determine the optimal concentration. Subsequently, CCK-8 assays and colony formation experiments were conducted to assess the effect of this optimal concentration of oleic acid on the cell proliferation of both cell lines. Transwell migration assays were utilized to evaluate the influence of the optimal concentration on migratory capacity and Transwell invasion assays were utilized to evaluate the invasive ability. Additionally, Western blot analysis was employed to examine the expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers Epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) and Neural cadherin (N-cadherin) in response to treatment with the optimal concentration of oleic acid. ResultsTreatment with oleic acid did not induce significant cell death in either 143B or HOS cells; however, an increase in intracellular lipid droplets was observed alongside enhanced proliferation, migration, invasion capabilities as well as EMT transformation potential (P<0.05). ConclusionOleic acid induces lipid droplet synthesis in osteosarcoma cells which subsequently promotes their proliferation, migration and invasion abilities along with EMT transformation.
2.Cyclocarya paliurus Polysaccharide Inhibits Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Reducing 5α-Reductase 2
Qinhui DAI ; Mengxia YAN ; Chen WANG ; Chenjun SHEN ; Chenying JIANG ; Bo YANG ; Huajun ZHAO ; Zhihui ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):107-114
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of polysaccharide in water extract of Cyclocarya paliurus (CPWP) in inhibiting benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MethodsCPWP was obtained by heating reflux, aqueous extraction, alcohol precipitation, and freeze drying. The chemical composition and structural properties of CPWP were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with 1-pheny-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone pre-column derivatization and infrared spectroscopy. Male SD rats were randomly assigned into control, model, finasteride (ig 5 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (ig 50, 75, 100 mg·kg-1) CPWP groups, with 8 rats in each group. The BPH model was established by subcutaneously injecting propionate testosterone in castrated rats. The rats in the drug intervention groups were administrated with corresponding drugs, and those in the control group were administrated with an equal volume of normal saline each day. After 30 consecutive days, the rats were sacrificed, and the prostate tissue was separated and weighed. The effects of drug interventions on the body weight, prostate wet weight, and prostate index of rats were examined. The prostate tissue was stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) for observation of pathological changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the level of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of steroid 5 alpha-reductase 2 (SRD5A2) and Ki67 in the prostate tissue. ResultsCPWP was identified as a saccharide, with characteristic absorption peaks of saccharides. CPWP showed the total sugar content of 44.15% and molecular weight within the range of 5.5-78.8 kDa, being composed of mannose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, xylose, and arabinose. Compared with the control group, the model group had significantly increased prostate wet weight and prostate index (P<0.01), thick and tall prostate epithelial cells, increased internal wrinkles, papillary expansion into the cavity, an elevation in DHT level in the serum, and up-regulated expression of SRD5A2 and Ki67 in the prostate tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, both the finasteride and CPWP groups showed decreases in prostate wet weight and prostate index (P<0.05, P<0.01), thinned prostate epithelial cells, with only a small portion of internal wrinkles and papillary expansion into the cavity, shortened papillary protrusions, lowered DHT level in the serum, and down-regulated expression of SRD5A2 and Ki67 in the prostate tissue (P<0.01). Moreover, CPWP exerted effects in a dose-dependent manner. ConclusionCPWP inhibits BPH by regulating the expression of SRD5A2.
3.Effect of bitter-taste receptor T2R38 activation on ferroptosis of human airway epithelium NuLi-1 cells induced by cigarette smoke exposure and its mechanism
Liang LI ; Xiangdong ZHOU ; Jie WANG ; Chaoqun XU ; Mengxia ZHU ; Shanjun YU ; Qi LI
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(2):333-340
Objective:To investigate the effect of type 2 taste receptor(T2R)38 activation on ferroptosis of human airway epithelium NuLi-1 cells induced by cigarette smoke exposure,and to clarify its possible mechanism.Methods:The human airway epithelial NuLi-1 cells were divided into control group(without any treatment),cigarette smoke extract(CSE)group(treated with 5%CSE for 24 h)and CSE+T2R38 specific agonist phenylthiocarbamide(PTC)group(CSE+PTC group)(treated with 5%CSE and 1 mmol·L-1 PTC for 24 h).The expression levels of T2R38 mRNA and protein in NuLi-1 cells in various groups were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)and Western blotting methods.The cell viabilities in various groups were determined by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay.The activities of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS),and superoxide dismutase(SOD)in the cells in various groups were measured by kits.DAX-J2 red fluorescence probe was used to determine the levels of nitric oxide(NO)in the cells in various groups.The reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels in the cells in various groups were detected by fluorescent probe kit.The levels of malondialdehyde(MDA),Fe2+,and reduced glutathione(GSH)in the cells in various groups were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)method.Western blotting method was used to determine the expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)and glutathione peroxidases 4(GPx4)proteins in the cells in various groups.Results:Compared with control group,the expression levels of T2R38 mRNA and protein in NuLi-1 cells in CSE group were increased(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the viability of NuLi-1 cells in CSE group was decreased(P<0.05),the activities of iNOS and SOD in cells in CSE group were increased(P<0.05),the levels of NO and ROS were increased(P<0.05),the levels of MDA and Fe2+were increased(P<0.05),and the GSH level and the expression levels of Nrf2 and GPx4 proteins were decreased.Compared with CSE group,the viability of NuLi-1 cells in CSE+PTC group was increased(P<0.05),the activity of SOD and the GSH level in the cells were increased(P<0.05),the activity of iNOS in cells was decreased(P<0.05),the levels of NO and ROS in cells were decreased(P<0.05),the levels of MDA and Fe2+were decreased(P<0.05),and the expression levels of Nrf2 and GPx4 proteins were increased(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in eNOS activity among control group,CSE group,and CSE+PTC group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Activation of bitter taste receptor T2R38 can inhibit ferroptosis in human airway epithelium NuLi-1 cells induced by cigarette smoke exposure,and its mechanism may be related to the reduction of iNOS activity in the cells.
4.Expert consensus on perioperative treatment decision-making for stage Ⅰ non-small cell lung cancer
Yu ZHANG ; Mengxia LI ; Jianguo SUN ; Chongqing Precision Lung Oncology Group
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(6):703-713
Although stage Ⅰ non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)is a type of malignant tumor that can be cured through surgical treatment,its 5-year recurrence rate is still as high as 10%-29%,with a 5-year survival rate of 77%-93.7%.Therefore,better treat-ment strategies are urgently needed to further improve the long-term survival rate of patients with stage I NSCLC.In recent years,ma-jor breakthroughs have been made in targeted therapy and immunotherapy for locally advanced NSCLC in the perioperative period.It was believed in the past that patients with stage I NSCLC had limited benefits from adjuvant chemotherapy,but there are still controver-sies over whether stage I patients can benefit from perioperative targeted therapy and immunotherapy.Therefore,Chongqing Precision Lung Oncology Group discusses the main issues in the treatment of stage I NSCLC in the perioperative period and provides related rec-ommendations,including the selection and optimization of indications for perioperative targeting therapy or immunotherapy,the formu-lation and optimization of regimens and strategies for single therapy or combined therapy,and the optimal time of perioperative target-ing therapy or immunotherapy,so as to provide guidance for clinical practice.
5.Interaction between renal function and body mass index on all-cause mortality risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in communities in Jiangsu Province
Mengxia LI ; Jialiu HE ; Hao YU ; Xikang FAN ; Jie YANG ; Yu QIN ; Chong SHEN ; Yan LU ; Enchun? PAN ; Ran TAO ; Yongqing ZHANG ; Jian SU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(1):50-56
Objective:To investigate the association of the interaction and combined effect of renal function and body mass index (BMI) with the risk for all-cause death in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in communities of Jiangsu Province.Methods:The study subjects were from the Comprehensive Research Project of Diabetes Prevention and Control conducted in Jiangsu from December 2013 to January 2014, and follow up was conducted for them until September 30, 2023. A total of 20 025 subjects were included in the study. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the association of renal function with risk for death in T2DM patients, and the association of interaction between renal function and BMI and their combined effect with all-cause death risk in T2DM patients.Results:In the follow up for 198 370 person-years, a total of 4 459 deaths were recorded. Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis showed that renal dysfunction was associated with 71% risk of all-cause mortality in all T2DM patients [hazard ratio ( HR) =1.71, 95% CI: 1.59-1.84], as well as in all BMI subgroups. Likelihood ratio test indicated an interaction between renal function and BMI (interaction for P=0.030). Compared with patients with normal renal function and normal BMI, those with normal renal function and over weight or obesity had a lower risk of all-cause mortality, and those with renal dysfunction and low weight had the highest risk for death ( HR=2.78, 95% CI: 1.87-4.14). Conclusions:There is association of interaction between renal function and BMI with all-cause mortality in T2DM patients. T2DM patients with renal dysfunction and low body weight had significant higher risk for death.
6.Preliminary study on botulinum toxin type A bladder injection for the treatment of autonomic dysreflexia related to bladder dysfunction
Maping HUANG ; Hui CHEN ; Conghui HAN ; Tianhai HUANG ; Heyi ZHEN ; Xiaoyi YANG ; Qiuling LIU ; Mengxia GUO ; Hongge PAN ; Jing LIU ; Shuqing WU ; Keji XIE
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(10):759-763
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of botulinum toxin type A(BTX-A)bladder injection in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity(NDO)with autonomic dysreflexia(AD).Methods:The patients with spinal cord injury at or above T6,who were treated at Guangdong Provincial Work Injury Rehabilitation Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022,were included in this study prospectively. Inclusion criteria:①chronic spinal cord injury patients over 18 years old(with no progression of neurological symptoms within 3 months);② presence of NDO and AD;③ inadequate response or intolerance to oral antimuscarinic agent(M-receptor antagonists or β 3-receptor agonists)④ perform clean intermittent catheterization to empty the bladder. Exclusion criteria:① primary disease in the acute or progressive phase;② previous surgeries that would affect lower urinary tract function,such as transurethral sphincterotomy,bladder neck resection,prostatectomy,or bladder surgery;③ allergy to BTX-A or its adjuvants,or those with allergic predisposition ④ patients who were pregnant,breastfeeding,or planning for pregnancy in the near future;⑤ patients did not accept or were unable to perform intermittent catheterization. Before treatment,all patients were required to maintain 3-5 day urine diary,along with urodynamic studies(UDS),incontinence specific quality of life instrument(I-QOL)and AD symptom severity assessment,and blood pressure monitored. Key UDS parameters recorded included maximum bladder capacity,maximum detrusor pressure during filling phase,changes in maximum systolic blood pressure(SBP)relative to baseline(ΔSBP)during UDS examination,and the frequency of 24-hour blood pressure exceeding baseline by 20 mmHg. After general anesthesia or epidural anesthesia,BTX-A(200 U)was injected into the bladder at 30 points(including the triangle)under the cystoscope using a special injection needle,6.7 U per injection,and then the catheter was kept for 3-5 days after treatment. Three months later,relevant indicators were collected and compared with pre-treatment data. Results:A total of 43 patients were included in this study,including 34 males and 9 females. The age was(39.23±13.17)years old and the disease course was(2.69±3.27)years old. There were 33 cervical and 10 thoracic cases. The American Spinal Injury Association Injury Scale score distribution was as follows:26(60%)A,4(9%)B,9(21%)C,and 4(9%)D. The presence of AD was confirmed in all patients during urodynamic examination(UDS),that was the systolic blood pressure(SBP)suddenly increased and exceeded 20 mmHg(1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa). Before treatment,The AD symptoms severity score(consist of headache,sweating,goose bumps,anxiety and palpitation)were(14.53±2.51),Bladder-related AD frequency was 10.67 episodes/day. Baseline SBP was(103.51±9.64)mmHg,the maximum SBP was(150.40±22.75)mmHg,and the change in SBP(ΔSBP)from maximum to baseline SBP during UDS examination was(43.83±21.01)mmHg. The UDS indicated that the maximum detrusor pressure during storage phase was(54.95±24.68)cmH 2O,and the bladder capacity was(131.70±75.29)ml. Bladder diary showed the volume of catheterization each time from was(181.16±49.86)ml,and The I-QOL score was(44.07±8.60). Three months after treatment,the AD symptoms severity score(consist of headache,sweating,goose bumps,anxiety and palpitation)were(11.37±2.39). The frequency of bladder-related AD episodes was(7.51±2.37)episodes/day,showing statistically significant differences compared to pre-treatment( P<0.05).The SBP before UDS examination was(102.12±10.28)mmHg,with no statistically significant difference from baseline( P = 0.518). The maximum SBP in perfusion phase and the ΔSBP were(132.84±16.30)mmHg and(28.72 ± 14.02)mmHg,respectively,both demonstrating statistically significant differences( P < 0.05). The UDS examination revealed that the maximum detrusor pressure during the storage phase was(29.77±13.72)cmH 2O,showed a significant decrease,and the bladder capacity was(272.63±79.75)ml,which were both statistically different before and after surgery. Bladder diary showed the volume of catheterization each time was(326.74±63.71)ml;I-QOL score was(71.86±11.45),both were significant different after treatment( P < 0.01). Conclusion:BTX-A intravesical injection in the treatment of NDO can also alleviate the severity and frequency of bladder related AD.
7.Heat-sensitive moxibustion combined with action observation therapy can rehabilitate a spastic wrist and hand post-stroke
Huiling WANG ; Mengxia CAO ; Jing GAO ; Ruiqing LI ; Yujin SONG ; Xiaodong FENG
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(5):408-412
Objective:To observe the effect of combining heat-sensitive moxibustion with action observation therapy in the treatment of spastic wrist and hand dysfunction post-stroke.Methods:Ninety stroke survivors with spasmodic wrist and hand dysfunction were randomly assigned to a heat-sensitive moxibustion group, an action observation group, or a combination group, each of 30. In addition to routine rehabilitation treatment, the groups received heat-sensitive moxibustion, action observation therapy or moxibustion followed by action observation therapy in 6 sessions a week over 6 weeks. Surface electromyography signals (iEMG and RMS) were recorded from the affected wrist and hand muscles before and after the treatment. All of the participants were also assessed using the Fugl-Meyer motor assessment for the upper extremities (FMA-UE).Results:After treatment, a significant improvement was observed in the average FMA-UE values, with that of the combination group (17.2±2.1) significantly higher than those of the other two groups. The average iEMG of the wrist flexors and extensors, the extensors of the fingers, and abductor pollicis brevis had increased significantly, with the combination group′s averages significantly higher than those of the other two groups. The average RMS values of those muscles had decreased significantly after the treatment, with those of the combination group significantly lower than the others.Conclusions:Combining heat-sensitive moxibustion and action observation therapy can significantly reduce muscle tension, and promote strength and better functioning of spastic wrist and hand muscles after a stroke. The combination is worthy of clinical application and promotion.
8.Impact of SALL4 gene promoter methylation on trophoblast cell function
Mengxia XIE ; Zhaoyuan YANG ; Keji LI ; Jicong LU ; Shuangyu ZHANG ; Jing GUO ; Da XU ; Kanglu YAN ; Ning HAN ; Yuehua LIU
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(5):395-402
Objective:To investigate the expression and methylation status of the SALL4 gene in placental tissues of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and its effects on trophoblast cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Methods:Placental tissues were collected from 20 full-term FGR patients and 20 healthy term controls who underwent regular prenatal examination and cesarean section at the Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University between July 2023 and February 2024. SALL4 mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Methylation specific polymerase china reaction (MSP) assessed promoter methylation levels. HTR8/SVneo cells were transfected with SALL4-targeting small interfering RNA (si-SALL4) or negative control small interfering RNA (si-NC). HTR8/SVneo cells were treated with the demethylating agent 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC) to inhibit gene methylation (5-Aza-dC group) or with 10% RPMI-1640 medium as a vehicle control. Transfection efficiency (for siRNA) and the efficacy of 5-Aza-dC-induced demethylation were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The functional effects of SALL4 knockdown and methylation inhibition on trophoblast cells were evaluated using proliferation assays, scratch wound healing assays, and Transwell invasion assays. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests and Chi-square test. Results:(1) Human tissues: FGR placentas showed lower SALL4 mRNA (0.802±0.194 vs. 1.015±0.186, t=3.55) and protein expression (0.445±0.114 vs. 0.701±0.113, t=3.19), alongside higher methylation rates of SALL4 [80% (16/20) vs. 15% (3/20), χ2=14.44] compared to controls (all P<0.05). (2) In vitro: si-SALL4 transfection reduced HTR8/SVneo proliferation (OD450 at 48 h: 0.653±0.021 vs. 0.827±0.040, t=6.60), migration [healing rate at 48 h: (24.317±2.637)% vs. (49.327±1.961)%, t=13.18], and invasion [counted invaded cells: (133.000±6.557) vs. (272.667±18.009) cells, t=12.62] versus si-NC (all P<0.05). Conversely, 5-Aza-dC treatment increased HTR8/SVneo proliferation (0.917±0.042 vs. 0.783±0.031, t=-4.47), migration [(71.097±3.354)% vs. (51.632±2.877)%, t=-7.63], and invasion [(384.000±12.166) vs. (202.833±7.095) cells, t=-13.69] versus vehicle control (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Hypermethylation of the SALL4 promoter in FGR placentas suppresses its expression, impairing trophoblast cell function. Demethylation restores SALL4 expression and enhances cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion, involving in the occurrence and development of FGR disease.
9.Preoperative Fasting Triglyceride-glucose Index as a Predictor of Contralateral New Silent Ischemic Brain Lesions after Carotid Artery Stenting
Yi YANG ; Shen SHEN ; Mengxia WAN ; Yongbo ZHANG
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(2):74-79
Objective To investigate the predictive value of the preoperative fasting Triglyceride-Glucose index(TyG)for contralateral new silence ischemic brain lesions(CNSIBL)following carotid artery stenting(CAS).Methods A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 183 patients who underwent carotid CAS.The patients were divided into a CNSIBL group(50 cases)and a non-CNSIBL group(133 cases)based on the occurrence of CNSIBL.Baseline data,laboratory tests,and imaging indicators were collected,and TyG was calculated.Using the occurrence of CNSIBL as the dependent variable,multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed with TyG as the independent variable after controlling for confounding factors,and the predictive value of TyG for CNSIBL post-CAS was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.Results(1)The number of patients with a history of diabetes mellitus,as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure on admission in CNSIBL group were statistically significantly higher than that in non-CNSIBL group(P<0.05).(2)Triglyceride(TC)levels were higher in the CNSIBL group compared to the non-CNSIBL group(P<0.05);TyG was also higher in the CNSIBL group than in the non-CNSIBL group(P<0.05);(3)Multivariate Logistic regression analysis results showed that TyG[a OR=1.125,95%CI(1.042-1.214),P<0.001]was an independent risk factor for contralateral new silent ischemic brain lesions after carotid artery stenting;(4)The ROC curve suggested that the AUC for TyG predicting contralateral new silent ischemic brain lesions post-CAS was 0.77[95%CI(0.71-0.84),P<0.001],with a cut-off value of 1.93,sensitivity of 86.0%,and specificity of 63.9%.Conclusion TyG is an independent influencing factor for contralateral new silent ischemic brain lesions following carotid artery stenting.
10.BiFC and FACS-based CRISPR screening revealed that QKI promotes PABPN1 LLPS in colorectal cancer cells.
Mengxia LI ; Zhijie HU ; Yingye HUANG ; Yuting HAN ; Cheng LIANG ; Yuchi LIU ; Runze WU ; Xin LU ; Ke DENG ; Susu LIU ; Xin OU ; Yuwei LI ; Chao LIU ; Xuening LI ; Jingting LIANG ; Yonggui FU ; Anlong XU
Protein & Cell 2025;16(7):557-574
Protein liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a pivotal phenomenon intricately linked to cellular processes, is regulated by various other proteins. However, there is still a lack of high-throughput methods for screening protein regulators of LLPS in target proteins. Here, we developed a CRISPR/Cas9-based screening method to identify protein phase separation regulators by integrating bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Using this newly developed method, we screened the RNA-binding proteins that regulate PABPN1 phase separation and identified the tumor suppressor QKI as a promoter of PABPN1 phase separation. Furthermore, QKI exhibits decreased expression levels and diminished nuclear localization in colorectal cancer cells, resulting in reduced PABPN1 phase separation, which, in turn, promotes alternative polyadenylation (APA), cell proliferation, and migration in colorectal cancer.
Humans
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Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics*
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RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics*
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Poly(A)-Binding Protein I/genetics*
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CRISPR-Cas Systems
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Flow Cytometry
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Cell Proliferation
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Cell Movement

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