1.Applications of Lactoferrin and Its Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy
Wen-Tian YUE ; Shu-Rong HE ; Qin AN ; Yun-Xia ZOU ; Wen-Wen DONG ; Qing-Yong MENG ; Ya-Li ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):342-355
Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, necessitating the development of advanced therapeutic strategies with enhanced efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. Among promising bioactive agents, lactoferrin (LF)—a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein abundantly found in mammalian milk and exocrine secretions—has garnered significant interest for its potent and multifaceted anti-cancer properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of LF’s role in oncology, encompassing its structural biology, diverse mechanisms of action, and groundbreaking advancements in its application through nano-engineering. LF exerts anti-tumor effects through multiple pathways, including extracellular action, intracellular action, and immune regulation. It demonstrates a remarkable affinity for cancer cell membranes, binding to overexpressed anionic components such as glycosaminoglycans and sialic acids, as well as to specific receptors including the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1). This selective binding facilitates targeted uptake. Upon internalization, LF orchestrates a direct assault by inducing cell-cycle arrest in phases such as G0/G1 or S phase through the modulation of key regulators including cyclins, CDKs, and p53. Furthermore, it promotes programmed cell death via apoptotic pathways, involving caspase activation and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins such as survivin. A more recently elucidated mechanism is the induction of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by overwhelming lipid peroxidation. Beyond direct cytotoxicity, LF acts as a potent immunomodulator. It enhances natural killer (NK) cell activity, modulates T-lymphocyte populations, and crucially reprograms tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from a pro-tumor M2 state to an anti-tumor M1 state, thereby reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The translation of LF’s potential has been significantly accelerated by nanotechnology. The inherent biocompatibility and natural tumor-targeting capabilities of LF make it an ideal platform for sophisticated drug-delivery systems. This review details various fabrication strategies for LF-based nanoparticles (NPs), including self-assembly, sol-in-oil emulsion, and electrostatic nanocomplexes, among others. Research demonstrates that nano-formulations not only protect LF from degradation but also enhance its bioactivity and anti-cancer potency. More importantly, LF NPs serve as versatile carriers for a wide array of therapeutic agents, including conventional chemotherapeutics, natural compounds, and imaging agents. These engineered systems enable synergistic therapy and facilitate site-specific delivery. Notably, the ability of LF to bind to receptors on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been leveraged to develop nano-systems for glioblastoma treatment. Other innovative designs utilize LF to modulate the TME—for instance, by alleviating tumor hypoxia to sensitize cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite compelling pre-clinical evidence, the clinical translation of LF and its nano-formulations remains nascent. While early-phase trials have established a favorable safety profile for recombinant human LF, larger Phase III studies have yielded mixed results, underscoring the complexity of its action in humans. Key challenges include enhancing drug targeting, optimizing loading efficiency, ensuring batch-to-batch reproducibility, and achieving deep tumor penetration. Future research must focus on the rational design of next-generation LF-NPs. This entails developing standardized manufacturing protocols, engineering “smart” stimuli-responsive systems for targeted drug release in the TME, and constructing multi-targeting platforms. A concerted interdisciplinary effort is paramount to bridge the gap between bench and bedside. In conclusion, LF, particularly in its nano-engineered forms, represents a highly promising and versatile agent in the oncological arsenal, holding immense potential for precise and effective cancer therapy.
2.Applications of Lactoferrin and Its Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy
Wen-Tian YUE ; Shu-Rong HE ; Qin AN ; Yun-Xia ZOU ; Wen-Wen DONG ; Qing-Yong MENG ; Ya-Li ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):342-355
Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, necessitating the development of advanced therapeutic strategies with enhanced efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. Among promising bioactive agents, lactoferrin (LF)—a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein abundantly found in mammalian milk and exocrine secretions—has garnered significant interest for its potent and multifaceted anti-cancer properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of LF’s role in oncology, encompassing its structural biology, diverse mechanisms of action, and groundbreaking advancements in its application through nano-engineering. LF exerts anti-tumor effects through multiple pathways, including extracellular action, intracellular action, and immune regulation. It demonstrates a remarkable affinity for cancer cell membranes, binding to overexpressed anionic components such as glycosaminoglycans and sialic acids, as well as to specific receptors including the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1). This selective binding facilitates targeted uptake. Upon internalization, LF orchestrates a direct assault by inducing cell-cycle arrest in phases such as G0/G1 or S phase through the modulation of key regulators including cyclins, CDKs, and p53. Furthermore, it promotes programmed cell death via apoptotic pathways, involving caspase activation and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins such as survivin. A more recently elucidated mechanism is the induction of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by overwhelming lipid peroxidation. Beyond direct cytotoxicity, LF acts as a potent immunomodulator. It enhances natural killer (NK) cell activity, modulates T-lymphocyte populations, and crucially reprograms tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from a pro-tumor M2 state to an anti-tumor M1 state, thereby reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The translation of LF’s potential has been significantly accelerated by nanotechnology. The inherent biocompatibility and natural tumor-targeting capabilities of LF make it an ideal platform for sophisticated drug-delivery systems. This review details various fabrication strategies for LF-based nanoparticles (NPs), including self-assembly, sol-in-oil emulsion, and electrostatic nanocomplexes, among others. Research demonstrates that nano-formulations not only protect LF from degradation but also enhance its bioactivity and anti-cancer potency. More importantly, LF NPs serve as versatile carriers for a wide array of therapeutic agents, including conventional chemotherapeutics, natural compounds, and imaging agents. These engineered systems enable synergistic therapy and facilitate site-specific delivery. Notably, the ability of LF to bind to receptors on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been leveraged to develop nano-systems for glioblastoma treatment. Other innovative designs utilize LF to modulate the TME—for instance, by alleviating tumor hypoxia to sensitize cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite compelling pre-clinical evidence, the clinical translation of LF and its nano-formulations remains nascent. While early-phase trials have established a favorable safety profile for recombinant human LF, larger Phase III studies have yielded mixed results, underscoring the complexity of its action in humans. Key challenges include enhancing drug targeting, optimizing loading efficiency, ensuring batch-to-batch reproducibility, and achieving deep tumor penetration. Future research must focus on the rational design of next-generation LF-NPs. This entails developing standardized manufacturing protocols, engineering “smart” stimuli-responsive systems for targeted drug release in the TME, and constructing multi-targeting platforms. A concerted interdisciplinary effort is paramount to bridge the gap between bench and bedside. In conclusion, LF, particularly in its nano-engineered forms, represents a highly promising and versatile agent in the oncological arsenal, holding immense potential for precise and effective cancer therapy.
3.Management models for myopia as a chronic disease
Xindan MENG ; Qing WANG ; Yixia ZHANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):746-752
This article examines a comprehensive model for managing refractive errors, with a specific focus on myopia. It investigates the epidemiological context of refractive errors and their socio-economic implications. It underscores the importance of early detection and management, especially for severe ocular conditions like retinal lesions and glaucoma. The article critiques existing refractive error management models' limitations and highlights challenges in managing asymptomatic myopic patients. It proposes a “Myopia Chronic Disease Management(MCDM)” model as an innovative comprehensive management approach. The model establishes a data-driven closed-loop management pathway that encompasses screening, diagnosis, intervention, follow-up, and feedback. Through a comparative analysis with the chronic care model(CCM)and the World Health Organization's(WHO)Integrated Patient-Centered Eye Care(IPCEC), it highlights its innovative strengths in integrating digital technologies with multi-tiered healthcare networks. This model encompasses the entire refractive correction process and incorporates strategies for public education via the internet and new media. In terms of strategy implementation, the article discusses the necessity of establishing eye health records and long-term follow-up plans, as well as the potential applications of medical consortium models and family contract-based services in management. Moreover, the article emphasizes the importance of intelligent software systems in chronic ocular condition health management. It provides an overview of the benefits and challenges associated with this novel management model and proposes directions for future research and potential enhancements. Through this thorough examination and analysis, the article highlights the critical importance and effectiveness of implementing comprehensive, multifaceted, and sustained strategies in the management of refractive errors.
4.Standardization of outpatient medical record in rehabilitation setting
Ye LIU ; Qing QIN ; Haiyan YE ; Yifan TIAN ; Yingxin ZHANG ; Yaru YANG ; Zhongyan WANG ; Meng ZHANG ; Xiaoxie LIU ; Yanyan YANG ; Bin ZENG ; Mouwang ZHOU ; Yuxiao XIE ; Guangxu XU ; Jiejiao ZHENG ; Mingsheng ZHANG ; Xiangming YE ; Fubiao HUANG ; Qiuchen HUANG ; Yiji WANG ; Di CHEN ; Zhuoying QIU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(1):45-54
ObjectiveTo analyze the data structure and standards of rehabilitation outpatient medical records, to provide data support for improving the quality of rehabilitation outpatient care and developing medical insurance payment policies. MethodsBased on the normative documents issued by the National Health Commission, Basic Standards for Medical Record Writing and Standards for Electronic Medical Record Sharing Documents, in accordance with the Quality Management Regulations for Outpatient (Emergency) Diagnosis and Treatment Information Pages (Trial), reference to the framework of the World Health Organization Family of International Classifications (WHO-FICs), the data framework and content of rehabilitation outpatient medical records were determined, and the data standards were discussed. ResultsThis study constructed a data framework for rehabilitation outpatient medical records, including four main components: patient basic information, visit process information, diagnosis and treatment information, and cost information. Three major reference classifications of WHO-FICs, International Classification of Diseases, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and International Classification of Health Interventions,were used to establish diagnostic standards and standardized terminology, as well as coding disease diagnosis, functional description, functional assessment, and rehabilitation interventions, to improve the quality of data reporting, and level of quality control in rehabilitation. ConclusionThe structuring and standardization of rehabilitation outpatient medical records are the foundation for sharing of rehabilitation data. The using of the three major classifications of WHO-FICs is valuable for the terminology and coding of disease diagnosis, functional description and assessment, and intervention in rehabilitation outpatient medical records, which is significant for sharing and interconnectivity of rehabilitation outpatient data, as well as for optimizing the quality and safety of rehabilitation medical services.
5.Structure, content and data standardization of inpatient rehabilitation medical record summary sheet
Haiyan YE ; Qing QIN ; Ye LIU ; Yifan TIAN ; Yingxin ZHANG ; Yaru YANG ; Zhongyan WANG ; Meng ZHANG ; Xiaoxie LIU ; Yanyan YANG ; Bin ZENG ; Mouwang ZHOU ; Yuxiao XIE ; Guangxu XU ; Jiejiao ZHENG ; Mingsheng ZHANG ; Xiangming YE ; Fubiao HUANG ; Qiuchen HUANG ; Yiji WANG ; Di CHEN ; Zhuoying QIU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(1):55-66
ObjectiveTo explore the standardization of inpatient rehabilitation medical record summary sheet, encompassing its structure, content and data standards, to enhance the standardization level of inpatient rehabilitation medical record summary sheet, improve data reporting quality, and provide accurate data support for medical insurance payment, hospital performance evaluation, and rehabilitation discipline evaluation. MethodsBased on the relevant specifications of the National Health Commission's Basic Norms for Medical Record Writing, Specifications for Sharing Documents of Electronic Medical Records, and Quality Management and Control Indicators for Inpatient Medical Record Summary Sheet (2016 Edition), this study analyzed the structure and content of the inpatient rehabilitation medical record summary sheet. The study systematically applied the three major reference classifications of the World Health Organization Family of International Classifications, International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10/ICD-11, ICD-9-CM-3), International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), and International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI Beta-3), for disease diagnosis, functional description and assessment, and rehabilitation intervention, forming a standardized terminology system and coding methods. ResultsThe inpatient rehabilitation medical record summary sheet covered four major sections: inpatient information, hospitalization information, diagnosis and treatment information, and cost information. ICD-10/ICD-11 were the standards and coding tools for admission and discharge diagnoses in the inpatient rehabilitation medical record summary sheet. The three functional assessment tools recommended by ICD-11, the 36-item version of World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, Brief Model Disability Survey and Generic Functioning domains, as well as ICF, were used for rehabilitation functioning assessment and the coding of outcomes. ICHI Beta-3 and ICD-9-CM-3 were used for coding surgical procedures and operations in the medical record summary sheet, and also for coding rehabilitation intervention items. ConclusionThe inpatient rehabilitation medical record summary sheet is a summary of the relevant content of the rehabilitation medical record and a tool for reporting inpatient rehabilitation data. It needs to be refined and optimized according to the characteristics of rehabilitation, with necessary data supplemented. The application of ICD-11/ICD-10, ICF and ICHI Beta-3/ICD-9-CM-3 classification standards would comprehensively promote the accuracy of inpatient diagnosis of diseases and functions. Based on ICD-11 and ICF, relevant functional assessment result data would be added, and ICHI Beta-3/ICD-9-CM-3 should be used to code rehabilitation interventions. Improving the quality of rehabilitation medical records and inpatient rehabilitation medical record summary sheet is an important part of rehabilitation quality control, and also lays an evidence-based data foundation for the analysis and application of inpatient rehabilitation medical record summary sheet.
6.Liquiritin improves macrophage degradation of engulfed tumour cells by promoting the formation of phagolysosomes via NOX2/gp91phox
Caiyi YANG ; Kehan CHEN ; Yunliang CHEN ; Xuting XIE ; Pengcheng LI ; Meng ZHAO ; Junjie LIANG ; Xueqian XIE ; Xiaoyun CHEN ; Yanping CAI ; Bo XU ; Qing WANG ; Lian ZHOU ; Xia LUO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(5):1016-1032
The incomplete degradation of tumour cells by macrophages(Mφ)is a contributing factor to tumour progression and metastasis,and the degradation function of Mφ is mediated through phagosomes and lysosomes.In our preliminary experiments,we found that overactivation of NADPH oxidase 2(NOX2)reduced the ability of Mφ to degrade engulfed tumour cells.Above this,we screened out liquiritin from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch,which can significantly inhibit NOX2 activity and inhibit tumours,to elucidate that suppressing NOX2 can enhance the ability of Mφ to degrade tumour cells.We found that the tumour environment could activate the NOX2 activity in Mφ phagosomes,causing Mφ to produce excessive reactive oxygen species(ROS),thus prohibiting the formation of phagolysosomes before degradation.Conversely,inhibiting NOX2 in Mφ by liquiritin can reduce ROS and promote phagosome-lysosome fusion,therefore improving the enzymatic degradation of tumour cells after phagocytosis,and subse-quently promote T cell activity by presenting antigens.We further confirmed that liquiritin down-regulated the expression of the NOX2 specific membrane component protein gp91 phox,blocking its binding to the NOX2 cytoplasmic component proteins p67 phox and p47 phox,thereby inhibiting the activity of NOX2.This study elucidates the specific mechanism by which Mφ cannot degrade tumour cells after phagocytosis,and indicates that liquiritin can promote the ability of Mφ to degrade tumour cells by suppressing NOX2.
7.Central nervous system infection:Expert consensus on imaging examination standards(2024 edition)
Chen QIAO ; Ting LIU ; Jianming CAI ; Qing LU ; Weijun SITU ; Meng ZHENG ; Zhenying XIA ; Yuan QU ; Ting LIANG ; Guangping ZHENG ; Hongkai ZHANG ; Shengyuan LAI ; Hongjun LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(6):857-860
Imaging examination is a crucial part in diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system infection(CNSI),involving complex imaging sequences and parameters.This consensus was jointly written by multiple CNSI imaging experts in China,aimed to standardize imaging examination of CNSI.
8.Clinical effects of Supplemented Baihe Gujin Decoction on elderly patients with postoperative pulmonary infection following non-small cell lung cancer surgery
Ning SHEN ; Meng-ru QIU ; Qing-yin LIU ; Xue LIU ; Wei ZHANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(7):2234-2238
AIM To explore the clinical effects of Supplemented Baihe Gujin Decoction on elderly patients with postoperative pulmonary infection following non-small cell lung cancer surgery.METHODS Ninety-two patients were randomly assigned into control group(46 cases)for 1-week intervention of conventional treatment,and observation group(46 cases)for 1-week intervention of both Supplemented Baihe Gujin Decoction and conventional treatment.The changes in clinical effects,TCM syndrome scores,immune function indices(CD3+,CD4+,CD8+,CD4+/CD8+),inflammatory indices(CRP,PCT,TNF-α),serum indices(sTREM-1,CD40L,NLR)and incidence of adverse reactions were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P<0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased TCM syndrome scores,CD8+,inflammatory indices,serum indices(P<0.05),and increased CD3+,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+(P<0.05),especially for the observation group(except for CD4+,CD8+)(P<0.05).CONCLUSION For the elderly patients with postoperative pulmonary infection following non-small cell lung cancer surgery,Supplemented Baihe Gujin Decoction can safely and effectively relieve clinical symptoms,enhance immune functions,reduce serum sTREM-1,CD40L levels and NLR,and control inflammatory responses.
9.Inhibitory effects of Shuyu Pills combined with everolimus on TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in triple-negative breast cancer cells
Xiao-shan LUO ; Su XIE ; Dou-dou FENG ; Yan-yun MENG ; Jing-zhe ZHAO ; Qing XIE ; Xiang-li LING
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(7):2190-2197
AIM To investigate the effects of Shuyu Pills combined with evolimus on the epithelial mesenchymal transformation of triple negative breast cancer cells 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 induced by TGF-β1.METHODS The 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 cells were divided into the blank group and the induction group to induce the epithelial mesenchymal transformation with TGF-β1 cytokine treatment,followed by the assignment into the model group,the Shuyu Pills group,the everolimus group and the Shuyu Pills combined with everolimus group.CCK8 method,plate cloning method,cell scratch test and Transewll test were used to detect the proliferation,cloning formation,migration and invasion ability of the cells whose expressions of E-cadherin,N-cadherin,Vimentin,MMP9,MMP2 and pathway proteins PTEN,PI3K,Akt and mTOR were detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the induction group displayed a cell morphological change from epithelioid to stromal,decreased expression of E-cadherin protein(P<0.01);and increased protein expressions of N-cadherin and Vimentin(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,each group intervened with the medicine displayed decreased proliferation,clone formation,migration and invasion ability of both kinds of cells(P<0.01);increased protein expressions of PTEN and E-cadherin(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased protein expressions of PI3K,Akt,mTOR,N-cadherin,Vimentin,MMP9 and MMP2(P<0.05,P<0.01);and more significantly in the Shuyu Pills combined with evolimus group(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION With a more ideal effect than the single uses in inhibiting the TGF-β1-induced epithelial mesenchymal transformation of triple-negative breast cancer cells,the combination use of Shuyu Pills and everolimus may work through the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
10.Quality evaluation of Gegen Formula Granules
Dai-liang ZHANG ; Chun-xia WANG ; Lei SHI ; Yu-kang LIU ; Yong-qiang LIN ; Yu-zhuo WANG ; Jing-hua ZHANG ; Jin-xin LI ; Gui-yun CAO ; Zhao-qing MENG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(5):1421-1431
AIM To evaluate the quality of Gegen Formula Granules.METHODS Linear calibration with two reference substances(LCTRS)was adopted in the predicting of retention time with puerarin and daidzein as internal standards.UPLC characteristic chromatograms were established.The contents of 3'-hydroxy puerarin,puerarin(internal standard),3'-methoxy puerarin,puerarin 6"-O-xyloside,puerarin apioside and daidzin were determined by quantitative determination analysis multi-components by a single marker(QAMS),after which their transfer rates were calculated.RESULTS Compared with relative retention time method,LCTRS demonstrated higher positional accuracy for characteristic peaks and wider application range for columns.There were 9 characteristic peaks in the characteristic chromatograms for 14 batches of formula granules and 15 batches of standard decoctions with the similarities of more than 0.95.The contents and transfer rates of various constituents in formula granules and standard decoctions were basically consistent.CONCLUSION The chemical constituents in formula granules and their standard decoctions of Puerariae lobatae Radix display good consistency,reliable preparation process is observable in the former.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail