1.The Ferroptosis-inducing Compounds in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Xin-Die WANG ; Da-Li FENG ; Xiang CUI ; Su ZHOU ; Peng-Fei ZHANG ; Zhi-Qiang GAO ; Li-Li ZOU ; Jun WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):804-819
Ferroptosis, a programmed cell death modality discovered and defined in the last decade, is primarily induced by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. At present, it has been found that ferroptosis is involved in various physiological functions such as immune regulation, growth and development, aging, and tumor suppression. Especially its role in tumor biology has attracted extensive attention and research. Breast cancer is one of the most common female tumors, characterized by high heterogeneity and complex genetic background. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a special type of breast cancer, which lacks conventional breast cancer treatment targets and is prone to drug resistance to existing chemotherapy drugs and has a low cure rate after progression and metastasis. There is an urgent need to find new targets or develop new drugs. With the increase of studies on promoting ferroptosis in breast cancer, it has gradually attracted attention as a treatment strategy for breast cancer. Some studies have found that certain compounds and natural products can act on TNBC, promote their ferroptosis, inhibit cancer cells proliferation, enhance sensitivity to radiotherapy, and improve resistance to chemotherapy drugs. To promote the study of ferroptosis in TNBC, this article summarized and reviewed the compounds and natural products that induce ferroptosis in TNBC and their mechanisms of action. We started with the exploration of the pathways of ferroptosis, with particular attention to the System Xc--cystine-GPX4 pathway and iron metabolism. Then, a series of compounds, including sulfasalazine (SAS), metformin, and statins, were described in terms of how they interact with cells to deplete glutathione (GSH), thereby inhibiting the activity of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and preventing the production of lipid peroxidases. The disruption of the cellular defense against oxidative stress ultimately results in the death of TNBC cells. We have also our focus to the realm of natural products, exploring the therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine extracts for TNBC. These herbal extracts exhibit multi-target effects and good safety, and have shown promising capabilities in inducing ferroptosis in TNBC cells. We believe that further exploration and characterization of these natural compounds could lead to the development of a new generation of cancer therapeutics. In addition to traditional chemotherapy, we discussed the role of drug delivery systems in enhancing the efficacy and reducing the toxicity of ferroptosis inducers. Nanoparticles such as exosomes and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can improve the solubility and bioavailability of these compounds, thereby expanding their therapeutic potential while minimizing systemic side effects. Although preclinical data on ferroptosis inducers are relatively robust, their translation into clinical practice remains in its early stages. We also emphasize the urgent need for more in-depth and comprehensive research to understand the complex mechanisms of ferroptosis in TNBC. This is crucial for the rational design and development of clinical trials, as well as for leveraging ferroptosis to improve patient outcomes. Hoping the above summarize and review could provide references for the research and development of lead compounds for the treatment for TNBC.
2.Treatment of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy with Shengmaisan-like Formulae: A Review
Yinan MA ; Fuyun JIA ; Rui ZHANG ; Zhengwei ZHANG ; Hanwen CUI ; Qiang XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):291-298
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), a cardiovascular complication caused by diabetes mellitus, is a major cause of heart failure and even sudden cardiac death in diabetic patients. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) posits that the core pathogenesis of DCM lies in internal deficiency and superficial excess, characterized by deficiency of both Qi and Yin combined with phlegm and blood stasis. Modern medical treatments for DCM primarily focus on blood glucose control and symptom alleviation yet lack targeted therapeutic strategies. In contrast, TCM offers a wealth of practical experience and a complete theoretical system, demonstrating definite clinical efficacy and high medication safety in DCM management. As a classic formula for tonifying Qi and nourishing Yin, Shengmaisan comprises Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Ophiopogonis Radix, and Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus. It contains multiple bioactive components, including ginsenosides, ophiopogonin, schisandrins, and homoisoflavonoids, which exhibit cardioprotective properties. The therapeutic mechanisms of Shengmaisan-like formulae for DCM involve enhancing myocardial contractility, attenuating myocardial fibrosis, modulating mitochondrial quality control, regulating glucose metabolism, mitigating oxidative stress, and suppressing inflammatory responses. Clinically, Shengmaisan-like formulae not only manage hyperglycemic status but also ameliorate cardiac structural and functional impairments and enhance exercise tolerance in DCM patients, playing a vital role in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of DCM. This paper analyzes the feasibility of Shengmaisan-like formulae in DCM management and synthesizes current research achievements regarding their chemical components, mechanisms of action, and clinical applications, aiming to provide a scientific foundation for the use of such formulae in the treatment of DCM.
3.Epidemiological characteristics of scrub typhus in Huai'an, Jiangsu Province in 2006 - 2024
Lei XU ; Zhizhen CUI ; Qiang GAO ; Hao JU ; Chuanyu WAN ; Ranfeng HANG ; Shiyao WU ; Ben CAI ; Zheng ZHANG ; Haiyan GE
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(6):39-42
Objective To describe and analyze the epidemiological characteristics of scrub typhus in Huai'an, Jiangsu Province from 2006 to 2024 and explore the long-term incidence trend and distribution of high-risk areas, and to formulate targeted prevention and control strategies. Methods The scrub typhus case report data of Huai'an from 2006 to 2024 in the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System were extracted for descriptive analysis. Results A total of 898 cases of scrub typhus were reported in Huai'an, with an average annual incidence rate of 0.96 per 100 000 from 2006 to 2024. There was a turning point in the incidence trend of scrub typhus in 2011. From 2006 to 2011, the annual percentage change (APC) was 47.09% (95% CI: 7.53 - 859.39), and the upward trend was statistically significant (P < 0.05). From 2012 to 2024, the APC was -2.12% (95% CI: -29.09 - 3.75), and the downward trend was not statistically significant. October and November were the high-incidence months, and the total concentration from 2006 to 2024 was 0.93, indicating that scrub typhus had strict seasonality. The circular distribution method estimated that the peak period of the epidemic was from October 11th to November 25th, and the peak day of incidence was November 3rd. Jinhu County was a high-incidence area. The ratio of male to female cases was 1.03. The age group with the highest reported incidence was 40 to < 80 years old. The occupation with the highest proportion was farmers, accounting for 78.03%. Conclusion From 2006 to 2024, scrub typhus in Huai'an shows a peak every 3 - 4 years. Middle-aged and elderly farmers are the key population at risk, and Jinhu County is a key area. In the future, targeted health education should be carried out to effectively control the prevalence of scrub typhus.
4.Effect of Shufeng Jiedu Capsules on Relieving Influenza Virus Pneumonia by Suppressing TLR/NF-κB Pathway in Respiratory Epithelial Cells
Zihan GENG ; Lei BAO ; Shan CAO ; Qiang ZHU ; Jun PAN ; Shuran LI ; Ronghua ZHAO ; Jing SUN ; Yanyan BAO ; Shaoqiu MU ; Xiaolan CUI ; Shanshan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):61-68
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Shufeng Jiedu capsules (SFJD) in alleviating influenza A (H1N1) virus pneumonia and focus on its effect on Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway in respiratory epithelial cells. MethodsA mouse model of viral pneumonia was established via the A/PR/8/34 (PR8) strain of influenza A virus. Mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a PR8 infection (PR8) group, and an SFJD group (8.4 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. The day of infection was designated as day 1. The SFJD group was administered intragastrically at a volume of 20 mL·kg-1 daily, while the normal and PR8 groups were given an equal volume of deionized water. Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) was performed on day 5, and the mice were dissected to collect their lungs, after which the lung index was calculated to verify the therapeutic effect of SFJD. Single-cell sequencing was used to analyze the differentially expressed genes in respiratory epithelial cells. Multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of TLR, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) proteins in epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-positive cells, and the proportion of respiratory epithelial cells expressing TLR pathway proteins was calculated. Respiratory epithelial cells were then sorted by flow cytometry, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of TLR, MyD88, TRAF6, Toll-interleukin receptor domain-containing adaptor inducing interferon-β (TRIF), inhibitor of κB kinase α (IKKα), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the sorted epithelial cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in lung tissue. ResultsAt the transcriptional level, SFJD reversed the expression of TLR signaling pathway genes in respiratory epithelial cells, downregulating multiple TLR signaling pathway-related genes (P<0.01). At the protein level, SFJD significantly reduced the proportion of respiratory epithelial cells expressing TLR3 (P<0.05), the expression levels of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TRIF, TRAF6, IKKα, and NF-κB in epithelial cells(P<0.05, P<0.01), as well as the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α in lung tissue (P<0.01). ConclusionSFJD may alleviate viral pneumonia by suppressing the expression of TLR in respiratory epithelial cells and their subsequent signaling cascades.
5.Epidemiological characteristics and nuclear acid detection of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in Shiyan in 2011 - 2022
Yufa MEI ; Long CUI ; Qiang HUANG ; Hongxia CHEN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(5):101-104
Objective To analyze the monitoring results of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in Shiyan, Hubei province, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of SFTS. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the surveillance data of SFTS, and real-time PCR was performed for detecting SFTSV RNA. Results A total of 54 laboratory-confirmed cases of SFTS were reported in Shiyan from 2011 to 2022, including 5 deaths (9.26%). The cases mainly occurred in March to October, with a peak in April to August (85.18%). People over 50 years old were the high-risk group (94.44%), and farmers were the high-risk occupation (92.59%). The male to female sex ratio was 0.64:1. The three northern counties (Danjiangkou City, Yunyang District, and Yunxi County) were high-incidence areas (90.74%). There was no statistical difference in the positive rates of sampling between within 7 days and 8-11 days after onset (66.67% vs. 57.14%) (Fisher's precision probability test , P=0.674 ). Conclusion The incidence of SFTS in Shiyan is mainly sporadic, dominated by middle-aged and elderly people and farmers, and shows obvious seasonal and regional characteristics . It is necessary to strengthen vector management, health education, SFTS case reporting and sample collection, and inspection management of high-risk groups, and increase prevention and control efforts in the three northern counties of Shiyan.
6.Improvement of Colonic Mucosa Inflammatory Response in Mice with Ulcerative Colitis by Xiezhuo Jiedu Recipe Through miRNA-155-5p/JAK2/STAT3 Pathway
Chaodi SUN ; Mengmeng ZHAO ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Jie REN ; Xin KANG ; Jiancong CUI ; Sujie JIA ; Yujing MA ; Yue LIU ; Qiang CHUAI ; Wenjing ZHAI ; Jianping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(11):174-182
ObjectiveThe differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) between the active stage and the remission stage of ulcerative colitis (UC) was analyzed by bioinformatics method, and the regulatory relationship was constructed by screening the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The mechanism of Xizhuo Jiedu recipe in the treatment of UC was speculated and verified by animal experiments. MethodThe miRNAs data set of colonic mucosa tissue of UC patients was obtained from the gene expression database (GEO), and the most differentially expressed miRNAs were screened by GEO2R, Excel, and other tools as research objects. TargetScan, miRTarbase, miRDB, STRING, TRRUST, and Matescape databases were used to screen key DEGs, predict downstream transcription factors (TFs), gene ontology (GO), and conduct Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The key signaling pathways were selected for animal experiments. In animal experiments, the UC mouse model was prepared by making the mouse freely drink 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Xiezhu Jiedu recipe and mesalazine were given by gavage for seven days, and the inflammatory infiltration of colonic mucosa was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of miR-155-5p in colon tissue. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the protein expression levels of cytokine signal transduction inhibitor (SOCS1), phosphorylated transcriptional signal transductor and activator 3 (p-STAT3), phosphorylated Janus kinase 2 (p-JAK2), and retinoic acid-associated orphan receptor-γt (ROR-γt). The expression levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in serum were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultThe GSE48957 dataset was screened from the GEO database, and miR-155-5p was selected as the research object from the samples in the active and remission stages. 131 DEGs were screened. The GO/KEGG enrichment analysis was closely related to biological processes such as positive regulation of miRNA transcription and protein phosphorylation, as well as signaling pathways such as stem cell signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and helper T cell 17 (Th17) cell differentiation. The Matescape database was used to screen out 10 key DEGs, among which SOCS1 was one of the key DEGs of miR-155-5p. Further screening of the TFS of key DEGs revealed that STAT3 was one of the main TFs of SOCS1. The results of animal experiments showed that Xiezhu Jiedu Recipe could effectively down-regulate the mRNA expression of miR-155-5p and protein expression of p-STAT3, p-JAK2, and ROR-γt in colon tissue of UC mice and the expression of IL-17 and IL-6 in serum of UC mice, up-regulate the protein expression of SOCS1 and the expression of TGF-β and IL-10, increase the level of anti-inflammatory factors, and reduce inflammatory cell infiltration. ConclusionIt is speculated that Xizhuo Jiedu recipe may interfere with SOCS1 by regulating the expression of miR-155-5p in UC mice, inhibit the phosphorylation of STAT3, inhibit the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into Th17 cells, reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-17 and IL-6), and increase the levels of anti-inflammatory factors (TGF-β and IL-10). As a result, the inflammation of colon mucosa in UC mice was alleviated.
7.Comprehensive Evaluation of Clinical Evidence and Value of Feilike Mixture in Treatment of Acute Bronchitis with Phlegm-heat Invading Lung
Qiang ZHANG ; Zhifei WANG ; Yanming XIE ; Xin CUI ; Bowen SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(15):120-128
ObjectiveTo comprehensively evaluate the clinical value of Feilike mixture and provide a basis for the allocation of medical resources, rational drug use, and hospital procurement and supply of Chinese patent medicines. MethodWith the data from available studies and provided by drug manufacturers, the methods of evidence-based medicine, pharmacoeconomics, and health technology assessment were employed to construct a multi-criteria decision-making analysis framework from the "6+1" dimensions of safety, effectiveness, economy, innovation, suitability, accessibility, and characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The clinical evidence and value evaluation software of Chinese patent medicine, CSCv2.0, was used to comprehensively evaluate the clinical value of Feilike mixture. ResultBased on the existing clinical evidence, the following results were obtained. ① Safety: Multi-sources of evidence showed that Feilike mixture had little known risk and sufficient evidence, with the safety rated as grade A, which indicated good safety. ② Effectiveness: The systematic review and Meta-analysis showed that Feilike mixture combined with conventional Western medicine in the treatment of bronchitis shortened the time to disappearance of cough compared with conventional Western medicine alone, with the evidence rated as grade B by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) system, which indicated high effectiveness. ③ Economy: From the perspective of health system, Feilike mixture combined with conventional Western medicine was more economical than conventional Western medicine alone, and the quality evaluation of pharmacoeconomics rated the economy as grade B. ④ Innovation: Feilike mixture combined with conventional Western medicine improved the clinical treatment effect and had innovation advantages compared with similar drugs. From the aspects of cultivation, identification of medicinal materials, and production, the sufficient supply and safety of medicinal materials can be ensured for Feilike mixture. This medicine was rated as grade B in terms of the medicinal material quality, preparation technology, and patents, which indicated good innovation. ⑤ Suitability: According to the results of the questionnaire survey, the usage of Feilike mixture was easy to be mastered and accepted by doctors and nurses, without special administration time, complex personalized treatment, and special technical and management requirements. It is convenient for patients to use, with convenient supply and storage, and weak influences of policy, publicity, and drug information. Therefore, the suitability of Feilike mixture was rated as grade B. ⑥ Accessibility: Among the similar Chinese patent medicines, Feilike mixture had a moderate price, high production capacity, wide sales coverage, wide coverage of hospitals, sustainable supply of medicinal materials, and low costs of treatment for acute bronchitis, with the accessibility rated as grade A. ⑦ TCM characteristics: Feilike mixture is composed of Scutellariae Radix, Peucedani Radix, Stemonae Radix, Gentianae Rhodanthae Herba, Scleromitrion diffusum, Firmiana platanifolia Radix, and Aster ageratoides, with reasonable compatibility. This formula is derived from the medical experience of Miao ethnic group, with rich experience in human use and the TCM characteristics rated as grade B. According to the evaluation results in the "6+1" dimensions, Feilike mixture was evaluated as class B, with a high clinical value. ConclusionAccording to the existing clinical evidence, compared with conventional Western medicine alone, Feilike mixture combined with conventional Western medicine demonstrates a high clinical value and prominent TCM characteristics in the treatment of acute bronchitis with phlegm-heat invading lung. It is suggested that it should be translated into the basic clinical drug management policy results according to the conditions.
8.Efficacy of joint replacement versus closed reduction and internal fixation in treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures combined with osteoporosis
Ruizhi ZHU ; Qiang QU ; Pengfei CUI ; Dong LIU ; Yongtao ZHANG ; Changyao WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(12):1869-1874
BACKGROUND:Stable intertrochanteric fractures can be treated by closed reduction and internal fixation,but there is no absolute advantage for unstable intertrochanteric fractures with osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the efficacy of arthroplasty in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly with osteoporosis by comparing the indexes related to closed reduction internal fixation and arthroplasty. METHODS:Clinical data of 102 elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures of the femur treated in Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2017 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical method.In the Gamma3 group,62 cases received Gamma3 internal fixation system.In the joint replacement group,40 cases received an artificial femoral head replacement or total hip replacement.Surgical information,hospitalization,hip function,and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There were statistical differences between the Gamma3 group and the joint replacement group in weight-bearing time(P<0.001),hospital stay(P<0.05),intraoperative bleeding(P<0.001),and length of surgery(P<0.001).The mean weight-bearing time and hospital stay were shorter in the joint replacement group than in the Gamma3 group.Intraoperative bleeding and duration of surgery were better in the Gamma3 group than in the joint replacement group.(2)There was no significant difference in Harris hip score,subitem centesimal hip score,and postoperative complications 12 months after surgery in both groups(P=0.526,0.788,0.228).(3)It is indicated that arthroplasty has achieved better outcomes in the treatment of elderly unstable intertrochanteric fractures combined with osteoporosis,enabling early weight bearing and functional exercise.Careful selection of the appropriate patient and prosthesis type for arthroplasty will result in greater patient benefit.
9.Status of wearable flexible monitoring devices based on organic field effect transistors in biomedical field
Kai GUO ; Cui-Zhi TANG ; Bo SUN ; Duan-Qiang XIAO ; Yuan-Biao LIU ; En-Xiang JIAO ; Jie GONG ; Hai-Jun ZHANG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2024;45(1):93-100
The working principle and development of flexible semiconductor devices based on organic field effect transistor(OFET)technology were introduced.The current research status of OFET-based wearable flexible monitoring devices were reviewed,including biomechanical monitoring devices,tattoo biomonitoring devices and cellular detection devices and etc.The deficiencies of OFET-based wearable flexible monitoring devices were analyzed,and it's pointed out that miniaturization,personalization and diversification were the directions for the development of the future OFET-based wearable flexible moni-toring devices.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(1):93-100]
10.Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic proximal humeral fracture with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine (version 2024)
Xiao CHEN ; Hao ZHANG ; Man WANG ; Guangchao WANG ; Jin CUI ; Wencai ZHANG ; Fengjin ZHOU ; Qiang YANG ; Guohui LIU ; Zhongmin SHI ; Lili YANG ; Zhiwei WANG ; Guixin SUN ; Biao CHENG ; Ming CAI ; Haodong LIN ; Hongxing SHEN ; Hao SHEN ; Yunfei ZHANG ; Fuxin WEI ; Feng NIU ; Chao FANG ; Huiwen CHEN ; Shaojun SONG ; Yong WANG ; Jun LIN ; Yuhai MA ; Wei CHEN ; Nan CHEN ; Zhiyong HOU ; Xin WANG ; Aiyuan WANG ; Zhen GENG ; Kainan LI ; Dongliang WANG ; Fanfu FANG ; Jiacan SU
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2024;40(3):193-205
Osteoporotic proximal humeral fracture (OPHF) is one of the common osteoporotic fractures in the aged, with an incidence only lower than vertebral compression fracture, hip fracture, and distal radius fracture. OPHF, secondary to osteoporosis and characterized by poor bone quality, comminuted fracture pattern, slow healing, and severely impaired shoulder joint function, poses a big challenge to the current clinical diagnosis and treatment. In the field of diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of OPHF, traditional Chinese and Western medicine have accumulated rich experience and evidence from evidence-based medicine and achieved favorable outcomes. However, there is still a lack of guidance from a relevant consensus as to how to integrate the advantages of the two medical systems and achieve the integrated diagnosis and treatment. To promote the diagnosis and treatment of OPHF with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, relevant experts from Orthopedic Expert Committee of Geriatric Branch of Chinese Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Youth Osteoporosis Group of Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Association, Osteoporosis Group of Orthopedic Surgeon Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and Osteoporosis Committee of Shanghai Association of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine have been organized to formulate Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic proximal humeral fracture with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine ( version 2024) by searching related literatures and based on the evidences from evidence-based medicine. This consensus consists of 13 recommendations about the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of OPHF with integrated traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, aimed at standardizing, systematizing, and personalizing the diagnosis and treatment of OPHF with integrated traditional Chinse and Western medicine to improve the patients ′ function.


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