1.Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of early triple-negative breast cancer:a meta-analysis
Zhixuan YANG ; Shuo LI ; Peiyuan WANG ; Hongxin QIE ; Wenlin GONG ; Xiaonan GAO ; Jinglin GAO ; Mingxia WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):238-243
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of early triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). METHODS Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ICIs combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (experimental group) versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone (control group) were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP databases, as well as relevant studies published at oncology academic conferences. The search period was from database inception to June 30, 2025. After literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment, a meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS A total of 6 RCTs involving 3 786 patients were finally included. The meta-analysis results showed that the experimental group had superior event-free survival [HR=0.73, 95%CI (0.62, 0.85), P<0.000 1], overall survival [HR=0.69, 95%CI (0.57, 0.84), P=0.000 3], and pathological complete response (pCR) [OR=1.57, 95%CI (1.37, 1.80), P<0.000 01] compared to the control group. The incidence of ≥grade 3 adverse event (AE), severe AE (SAE), and ≥ grade 3 immune-related adverse event (irAE) in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of any AE or any irAE (P>0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that, regardless of programmed cell death ligand 1 expression status (negative or positive),the pCR in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, the pCR of the patients with positive lymph nodes in the experimental group was significantly higher to that in the ontrol group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in pCR between the two groups with negative lymph nodes (P=0.09). CONCLUSIONS ICIs combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy can significantly improve event-free survival and overall survival in patients with TNBC, providing patients with long-term survival benefits. However, the risk of ≥ grade 3 AE, SAE and ≥ grade 3 irAE has increased.
2.Mechanistic Interpretation of Zheng’s San Qi San Powder in Treating Skeletal Muscle Injury via Bioinformatics Prediction, Chemical Analysis and Experimental Verification
Ding-Rui WANG ; Yun-Xin LIU ; Jun-Jie XU ; Liu YANG ; Jia-Hao LÜ ; Cheng-Yuan XING ; Lei LÜ ; Bei-Bei QIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1028-1047
ObjectiveZheng’s San Qi San (ZSQS) power, a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used for treating soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to screen and identify pharmaceutically active ingredients and their candidate biomolecule targets, and further elucidate the molecular mechanism of ZSQS in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to construct “ZSQS-component-target”, “protein-protein interaction (PPI)” and “active ingredient-core protein-pathway” networks to predict the key active ingredients and potential core targets of ZSQS for skeletal muscle injury. The predicted results were then validated via microarray data from the GEO database. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding ability between the screened active ingredients of ZSQS and the candidate core targets. Moreover, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis to verify the active components of the drug and ZSQS serum. Finally, an animal model of eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury and a myotube cell model of oxidative stress-induced injury were established to validate the effects of ZSQS and its interventional effects on the biological functions of critical targets, thereby demonstrating the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. ResultsAmong the 111 active components identified in ZSQS and their corresponding 204 targets related to the skeletal muscle injury repair process, 14 core targets (including AKT1) and 4 core active components (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and β‑sitosterol) were screened out, while the corresponding metabolites of quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol were detected in the ZSQS serum. Among these targets, 5 candidate genes (IL-6, CASP3, HIF1A, STAT3, and JUN) overlapped with the differential expression screening results with GEO data, and IL-6 was confirmed to be enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combined with the prediction results of the AKT expression levels, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation level of AKT1 plays a core role in the therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. Molecular docking analysis further revealed that the PH domain of AKT1 had high binding energy with all 4 core active components, as verified by LC-MS. Finally, animal model studies have shown the promoting effect of ZSQS administration on skeletal muscle injury repair and its possible antioxidant damage mechanism. Cell model studies further demonstrated that ZSQS-containing serum, core active ingredient combination therapy, and quercetin monomer could increase the phosphorylation level of AKT, promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, upregulate the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GR), and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), thereby alleviating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. ConclusionZSQS alleviates skeletal muscle injury mainly by activating the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and modernized development of ZSQS.
3.Mechanism of Huanglian Wendantang on Damp-heat Type Diabetes Enteropathy Rats Based on TGR5/GLP-1 Signaling Pathway and Intestinal Flora
Yujin WANG ; Yulong QIE ; Hua JIANG ; Chen YUAN ; Xirui DENG ; Xuelian MENG ; Wenli WANG ; Yanjin SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):10-18
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Huanglian Wendantang on damp-heat type diabetes enteropathy rats based on the G protein coupled bile acid receptor 5/glucagon like peptide-1 (TGR5/GLP-1) signaling pathway and intestinal flora. MethodsA total of 72 male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were adaptively fed for one week. Twelve SD rats were randomly selected as a blank group and fed with an ordinary diet. The rest of the SD rats were fasted for 12 hours without water. A rat model with damp-heat type diabetes enteropathy was made by left intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg·kg-1) and high sugar and high fat diet (20% sucrose solution + high fat diet) in a humid and hot environment (artificial climate box: temperature 30-34 ℃, relative humidity: 85%-95%). After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into a model group, a metformin group (200 mg·kg-1), low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose Huanglian Wendantang groups (7.10, 14.20, 28.39 g·kg-1), with 12 rats in each group. The normal group and the model group were orally administered with physiological saline once a day for 6 consecutive weeks. During the observation period, the weight and blood glucose levels of rats were measured and recorded weekly. After the administration, fresh feces were collected from rats, and 16S rRNA sequencing technology was used to study the differences and changes in intestinal flora among different groups. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum of rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the pathological morphological changes of colon tissue were examined. The expression of TGR5 and GLP-1 in colon tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expression of TGR5 and GLP-1 proteins in colon tissue was measured by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed a decrease in body weight, an increase in blood glucose, and significant damp-heat symptoms. The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum were significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of TGR5 and GLP-1 was decreased (P<0.01), and the pathogenic bacteria were increased. Compared with the model group, the treatment groups exhibited improvements in body weight, blood glucose levels, and damp-heat syndrome in rats. Among them, the high-dose group of Huanglian Wendantang displayed the most significant improvement effect, with significantly reduced inflammation levels (P<0.01) and elevated expression of TGR5 and GLP-1 (P<0.01). Colonic pathological sections showed that Huanglian Wendantang could effectively ameliorate colonic pathological changes. The 16S rRNA sequencing result indicated a significant increase in beneficial bacteria in the treatment groups. ConclusionHuanglian Wendantang can effectively ameliorate the damp-heat symptoms and blood glucose levels in rats with damp-heat type diabetes enteropathy, and it may exert an effect by regulating the TGR5/GLP-1 signaling pathway and intestinal flora disorder.
4.The distribution of pathogens in patients with severe trauma complicated by ventilator-associated pneumonia and changes in serum pyruvate kinase M2 and Galectin-3 levels
Jianfeng NING ; Guohua QIE ; Dixia HU ; Wenqiang WANG ; Jiandong HAO
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2025;48(12):1057-1062
Objective:To investigate the distribution of pathogens and changes in serum levels of pyruvate kinase isozyme type M2 (PKM2) and Galectin-3 in patients with severe trauma complicated by ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).Methods:A total of 139 patients with severe trauma and underwent mechanical ventilation in Zhangjiakou First Hospital from February 2022 to February 2024 were selected as the study subjects. They were divided into the VAP group (57 cases) and non- VAP group (82 cases) based on whether they developed VAP. The distribution of pathogenic bacteria in the VAP group was analyzed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was applied to determine the expression levels of serum PKM2 and Galectin-3. Multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze the influencing factors of VAP in patients with severe trauma. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to analyze the diagnostic value of serum PKM2 and Galectin-3 levels for severe trauma complicated by VAP.Results:Seventy-one strains of pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 57 patients in the VAP group, mainly including Gram positive bacteria (36.62%), Gram negative bacteria (59.15%), and fungi (4.23%). Among them, Gram positive bacteria were mainly Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus, Gram negative bacteria were mainly Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and fungi were mainly tropical Candida and Candida albicans. The proportion of history of diabetes, the proportion of eating through nasogastric tube, the proportion of trauma severity score ≥ 16 and the levels of serum PKM2 and Galectin-3 in the VAP group were higher than those in the non- VAP group: 54.39%(31/57) vs. 32.93%(27/82), 82.46%(47/57) vs. 52.44%(43/82), 66.67%(38/57) vs. 24.39%(20/82), (32.46 ± 7.28) μg/L vs. (24.25 ± 6.17) μg/L, (3.26 ± 0.75) ng/L vs. (2.39 ± 0.61) ng/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Serum PKM2, Galectin-3, history of diabetes, nasal feeding mode and trauma severity score were the influencing factors of severe trauma patients complicated by VAP ( P<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of serum PKM2, Galectin-3, and their combination in predicting severe trauma complicated by VAP was 0.90, and the combination of the two was superior to their respective individual diagnoses ( Zcombination - PKM2 = 2.00, Zcombination - Galectin-3 = 1.99, P = 0.046, 0.047), its sensitivity and specificity were 92.98% and 84.15%, respectively. Conclusions:The distribution of urinary tract pathogens in patients with severe trauma complicated by VAP is mainly Gram negative bacteria, and serum PKM2 and Galectin-3 levels are obviously increased in patients with severe trauma complicated by VAP . The combination of the two has higher diagnostic value for severe trauma complicated by VAP and certain clinical application value.
5.Expression and clinical significance of KLF4 and TOP2A in breast cancer
Qian WANG ; Peiye CHANG ; Yan QIE ; Xinhong LI
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(5):661-665
Objective:To investigate the expression and clinical significance of zinc finger protein Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and topoisomeraseⅡalpha (TOP2A) in breast cancer.Methods:From Jan. 2022 to Jun. 2023, 126 patients with breast cancer were selected for examination in the clinical Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University. Breast cancer tissues and adjacent tissues of all patients were collected. The expressions of KLF4 and TOP2A were detected by immunohistochemical staining, and the relationship of the expressions of KLF4 and TOP2A with the pathological features of patients was analyzed. Patients were divided into recurrence group and non-recurrence group according to whether they had recurrence after surgery. The expression of KLF4 and TOP2A in the two groups were compared. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship of KLF4 and TOP2A with breast cancer recurrence, and multivariate Cox risk regression was used to analyze the risk factors of breast cancer recurrence after surgery.Results:The positive expression rate of KLF4 in tumor tissues was lower than that in paracancer tissues, and the positive expression rate of TOP2A was higher ( χ 2=35.24, 53.89, P<0.001) ; The levels of KLF4 and TOP2A in tumor tissues were correlated with TNM stage, differentiation degree, borderline state and lymph node metastasis ( χ 2=10.98, 8.49, 4.28, 7.28, P=0.001, 0.004, 0.039, 0.007; χ 2=8.15, 8.78, 6.39, 7.20, P=0.004, 0.003, 0.011, 0.007), and the expression of TOP2A was correlated with the pathological type ( χ 2=4.31, P=0.04) ; The recurrence rate in KLF4 negative expression group and TOP2A positive expression group was higher than that in KLF4 positive expression group and TOP2A negative expression group ( χ 2=4.53, 5.92, P=0.033, 0.015) ; Spearman correlation analysis showed that positive expression of KLF4 was negatively correlated with breast cancer recurrence ( r=-0.43, P<0.001), and positive expression of TOP2A was positively correlated with breast cancer recurrence ( r=0.51, P<0.001) ; Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, negative KLF4 expression and positive TOP2A expression were independent risk factors for breast cancer recurrence ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:KLF4 is negatively expressed in breast cancer tissues, while TOP2A is positively expressed, and its expression level is closely related to pathological characteristics and has certain evaluation value for postoperative recurrence of breast cancer.
6.Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Henan Province in 2020 and Trends from 2010 to 2020
Kexin YI ; Ranran QIE ; Yin LIU ; Huifang XU ; Hong WANG ; Jinyu ZHANG ; Shaokai ZHANG
China Cancer 2025;34(11):829-837
[Purpose]To analyze the cancer incidence and mortality in 2020 and trends from 2010 to 2020 in Henan Province.[Methods]Data from cancer registries in Henan Province from 2010 to 2020 were collected and evaluated.Incidence and mortality rates were calculated by urban/rural areas,sex and age,and the incidence and mortality of cancers in the whole province in 2020 were estimated based on population data released by Henan Provincial Bureau of Statistics.Age-standardized rates were calculated according to the age-standardized rate of Chinese standard population(ASIRC/ASMRC)and world standard population(ASIRW/ASMRW).Joinpoint 5.4.0 soft-ware was used to construct a regression model to analyze the changing trends of malignant tumors from 2010 to 2020,and the average annual percentage change(AAPC)and 95%confidence in-terval were calculated.[Results]In 2020,the estimated number of new cancer cases in Henan Province was 299 148,with a crude incidence rate of 259.38/105,ASIRC of 201.09/105(204.56/105 for males and 200.45/105 for females)and ASIRW of 196.46/105(203.43/105 for males and 192.22/105 for females).The ASIRC was higher in urban areas(208.10/105)than that in rural areas(197.74/105).The top five cancer types in male were lung,stomach,liver,esophagus,and colorectal cancers,while the top five in female were breast,lung,thyroid,cervical,and esophageal cancers.The estimated number of cancer deaths was 172 070,with a crude mortality rate of 149.20/105 and ASMRC of 106.52/105(137.22/105 for males and 78.04/105 for females)and ASMRW of 106.24/105(137.05/105 for males and 77.91/105 for females).The ASMRC was higher in rural areas(109.92/105)than that in urban areas(99.49/105).The top five causes of cancer death in male were lung,stomach,liver,esophagus,and colorectal cancers,and those in female were lung,esophagus,stomach,liver,and breast cancers.From 2010 to 2020,the trends of ASIRC remained stable(AAPC=0.14%,P=0.572),while the ASMRC showed a significant decreasing trend(AAPC=-1.46%,P=0.011).[Conclusion]Lung cancer,breast cancer and digestive system cancers are the main malignant tumors threatening the health of residents in Henan Province.The incidence and mor-tality of common malignant tumors show significant gender and urban-rural differences.It is neces-sary to further optimize the prevention and control of malignant tumors,formulate targeted inter-vention strategies based on population characteristics,and improve the health awareness of the whole population.
7.Regulatory role of SLC30A6 in hepatocellular carcinoma and screening for traditional Chinese medicine small-molecule inhibitors
Yi-han LIU ; Long CUI ; Ying ZHANG ; Zhan-ge LI ; Li-na WANG ; Rui QIE
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):283-289
Aim To explore the role of zinc transporter 6(SLC30A6)on the proliferation,migration and inva-sion capabilities of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cell line Huh7,and to identify potential traditional Chi-nese medicine(TCM)small-molecule inhibitors targe-ting SLC30A6 from the China Natural Products Data-base(CNPD)using virtual screening techniques.Methods The expression levels,clinical characteris-ticsand prognostic value of SLC30A6 in HCC were pre-dicted based on TCGA and ICGC datasets.SLC30A6 was knocked down in Huh7 cells using lentiviral trans-fection.The effects on cell proliferation,migration,and invasion were assessed using CCK-8,EdU,wound heal-ing,and Transwell assays.The regulation of HCC cancer stem cell markers(CD44,CD133,CD90)by SLC30A6 was also examined.Based on the CNPD,a docking-based virtual screening strategy was employed,including high-throughput virtual screening,standard precision virtual screening,and high-precision virtual screening,to identify the potential drug candidates with high specificity and favorable drug-likeness.Results SLC30A6 expression was upregulated in HCC tissues.Higher SLC30A6 levels were associated with advanced pathological stages,histological grades,alpha-fetopro-tein(AFP)levels,vascular invasion,and poor progno-sis in HCC patients.SLC30A6 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation,migration,and invasion of Huh7 cells and reduced the levels of HCC cancer stem cell markers.Virtual screening identified six potential TCM small-molecule inhibitors.Conclusions SLC30A6 can regulate the proliferation,migrationand invasion of HCC cells.SLC30A6 may serve as a poten-tial prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
8.Expression and clinical significance of KLF4 and TOP2A in breast cancer
Qian WANG ; Peiye CHANG ; Yan QIE ; Xinhong LI
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(5):661-665
Objective:To investigate the expression and clinical significance of zinc finger protein Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and topoisomeraseⅡalpha (TOP2A) in breast cancer.Methods:From Jan. 2022 to Jun. 2023, 126 patients with breast cancer were selected for examination in the clinical Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University. Breast cancer tissues and adjacent tissues of all patients were collected. The expressions of KLF4 and TOP2A were detected by immunohistochemical staining, and the relationship of the expressions of KLF4 and TOP2A with the pathological features of patients was analyzed. Patients were divided into recurrence group and non-recurrence group according to whether they had recurrence after surgery. The expression of KLF4 and TOP2A in the two groups were compared. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship of KLF4 and TOP2A with breast cancer recurrence, and multivariate Cox risk regression was used to analyze the risk factors of breast cancer recurrence after surgery.Results:The positive expression rate of KLF4 in tumor tissues was lower than that in paracancer tissues, and the positive expression rate of TOP2A was higher ( χ 2=35.24, 53.89, P<0.001) ; The levels of KLF4 and TOP2A in tumor tissues were correlated with TNM stage, differentiation degree, borderline state and lymph node metastasis ( χ 2=10.98, 8.49, 4.28, 7.28, P=0.001, 0.004, 0.039, 0.007; χ 2=8.15, 8.78, 6.39, 7.20, P=0.004, 0.003, 0.011, 0.007), and the expression of TOP2A was correlated with the pathological type ( χ 2=4.31, P=0.04) ; The recurrence rate in KLF4 negative expression group and TOP2A positive expression group was higher than that in KLF4 positive expression group and TOP2A negative expression group ( χ 2=4.53, 5.92, P=0.033, 0.015) ; Spearman correlation analysis showed that positive expression of KLF4 was negatively correlated with breast cancer recurrence ( r=-0.43, P<0.001), and positive expression of TOP2A was positively correlated with breast cancer recurrence ( r=0.51, P<0.001) ; Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, negative KLF4 expression and positive TOP2A expression were independent risk factors for breast cancer recurrence ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:KLF4 is negatively expressed in breast cancer tissues, while TOP2A is positively expressed, and its expression level is closely related to pathological characteristics and has certain evaluation value for postoperative recurrence of breast cancer.
9.The distribution of pathogens in patients with severe trauma complicated by ventilator-associated pneumonia and changes in serum pyruvate kinase M2 and Galectin-3 levels
Jianfeng NING ; Guohua QIE ; Dixia HU ; Wenqiang WANG ; Jiandong HAO
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2025;48(12):1057-1062
Objective:To investigate the distribution of pathogens and changes in serum levels of pyruvate kinase isozyme type M2 (PKM2) and Galectin-3 in patients with severe trauma complicated by ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).Methods:A total of 139 patients with severe trauma and underwent mechanical ventilation in Zhangjiakou First Hospital from February 2022 to February 2024 were selected as the study subjects. They were divided into the VAP group (57 cases) and non- VAP group (82 cases) based on whether they developed VAP. The distribution of pathogenic bacteria in the VAP group was analyzed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was applied to determine the expression levels of serum PKM2 and Galectin-3. Multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze the influencing factors of VAP in patients with severe trauma. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to analyze the diagnostic value of serum PKM2 and Galectin-3 levels for severe trauma complicated by VAP.Results:Seventy-one strains of pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 57 patients in the VAP group, mainly including Gram positive bacteria (36.62%), Gram negative bacteria (59.15%), and fungi (4.23%). Among them, Gram positive bacteria were mainly Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus, Gram negative bacteria were mainly Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and fungi were mainly tropical Candida and Candida albicans. The proportion of history of diabetes, the proportion of eating through nasogastric tube, the proportion of trauma severity score ≥ 16 and the levels of serum PKM2 and Galectin-3 in the VAP group were higher than those in the non- VAP group: 54.39%(31/57) vs. 32.93%(27/82), 82.46%(47/57) vs. 52.44%(43/82), 66.67%(38/57) vs. 24.39%(20/82), (32.46 ± 7.28) μg/L vs. (24.25 ± 6.17) μg/L, (3.26 ± 0.75) ng/L vs. (2.39 ± 0.61) ng/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Serum PKM2, Galectin-3, history of diabetes, nasal feeding mode and trauma severity score were the influencing factors of severe trauma patients complicated by VAP ( P<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of serum PKM2, Galectin-3, and their combination in predicting severe trauma complicated by VAP was 0.90, and the combination of the two was superior to their respective individual diagnoses ( Zcombination - PKM2 = 2.00, Zcombination - Galectin-3 = 1.99, P = 0.046, 0.047), its sensitivity and specificity were 92.98% and 84.15%, respectively. Conclusions:The distribution of urinary tract pathogens in patients with severe trauma complicated by VAP is mainly Gram negative bacteria, and serum PKM2 and Galectin-3 levels are obviously increased in patients with severe trauma complicated by VAP . The combination of the two has higher diagnostic value for severe trauma complicated by VAP and certain clinical application value.
10.Regulatory role of SLC30A6 in hepatocellular carcinoma and screening for traditional Chinese medicine small-molecule inhibitors
Yi-han LIU ; Long CUI ; Ying ZHANG ; Zhan-ge LI ; Li-na WANG ; Rui QIE
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):283-289
Aim To explore the role of zinc transporter 6(SLC30A6)on the proliferation,migration and inva-sion capabilities of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cell line Huh7,and to identify potential traditional Chi-nese medicine(TCM)small-molecule inhibitors targe-ting SLC30A6 from the China Natural Products Data-base(CNPD)using virtual screening techniques.Methods The expression levels,clinical characteris-ticsand prognostic value of SLC30A6 in HCC were pre-dicted based on TCGA and ICGC datasets.SLC30A6 was knocked down in Huh7 cells using lentiviral trans-fection.The effects on cell proliferation,migration,and invasion were assessed using CCK-8,EdU,wound heal-ing,and Transwell assays.The regulation of HCC cancer stem cell markers(CD44,CD133,CD90)by SLC30A6 was also examined.Based on the CNPD,a docking-based virtual screening strategy was employed,including high-throughput virtual screening,standard precision virtual screening,and high-precision virtual screening,to identify the potential drug candidates with high specificity and favorable drug-likeness.Results SLC30A6 expression was upregulated in HCC tissues.Higher SLC30A6 levels were associated with advanced pathological stages,histological grades,alpha-fetopro-tein(AFP)levels,vascular invasion,and poor progno-sis in HCC patients.SLC30A6 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation,migration,and invasion of Huh7 cells and reduced the levels of HCC cancer stem cell markers.Virtual screening identified six potential TCM small-molecule inhibitors.Conclusions SLC30A6 can regulate the proliferation,migrationand invasion of HCC cells.SLC30A6 may serve as a poten-tial prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.

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