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.

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.

This study primarily investigates the effect of Liuwei Dihuang Pills on the activation and proliferation of female germline stem cells(FGSCs) in the ovaries and cortex of mice with premature ovarian failure(POF), and how it improves ovarian function. ICR mice were randomly divided into the control group, model group, Liuwei Dihuang Pills group, Liuwei Dihuang Pills double-dose group, and estradiol valerate group. A mouse model of POF was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide. After successful modeling, the mice were treated with Liuwei Dihuang Pills or estradiol valerate for 28 days. Vaginal smears were prepared to observe the estrous cycle and body weight. After the last administration, mice were sacrificed and sampled. Serum levels of estradiol(E_2), follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH), luteinizing hormone(LH), and anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe ovarian morphology and to count follicles at all stages to evaluate ovarian function. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of mouse vasa homolog(MVH), a marker of ovarian FGSCs. Immunofluorescence staining, using co-labeling of MVH and proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA), was used to detect the expression and localization of specific markers of FGSCs. Western blot was employed to assess the protein expression of MVH, octamer-binding transcription factor 4(Oct4), and PCNA in the ovaries. The results showed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited disordered estrous cycles, decreased ovarian index, increased atretic follicles, and a reduced number of follicles at all stages. FSH and LH levels were significantly elevated, while AMH and E_2 levels were significantly reduced, indicating the success of the model. After treatment with Liuwei Dihuang Pills or estradiol valerate, hormone levels improved, the number of atretic follicles decreased, and the number of follicles at all stages increased. MVH marker protein and PCNA proliferative protein expression in ovarian tissue also increased. These results suggest that Liuwei Dihuang Pills regulate estrous cycles and hormone disorders in POF mice, promote the proliferation of FGSCs, improve follicular development in POF mice, and enhance ovarian function.
Animals ; Female ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Mice ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Ovary/cytology* ; Primary Ovarian Insufficiency/genetics* ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone/metabolism* ; Humans ; Anti-Mullerian Hormone/blood* ; Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects* ; Luteinizing Hormone/metabolism* ; Cyclophosphamide/adverse effects*

This article aims to explore the effect and mechanism of Liujunzi Pills on the intestinal microbiota of rats with spleen Qi deficiency syndrome. The raw Rhei Radix et Rhizoma water extract(1 g·mL~(-1)) was used to prepare spleen Qi deficiency rat models. A total of 44 SD male rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, Liujunzi Pills groups at high(3.24 g·kg~(-1)), medium(1.62 g·kg~(-1)), low(0.81 g·kg~(-1)) doses, and Shenling Baizhu San(2.50 g·kg~(-1)) group. The drug effect was evaluated by observing the following aspects: spleen index, fecal water content, body weight, and intestinal propulsion index. Gut microbiota analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were conducted on feces. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and UV spectrophotometry were used to detect interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and adenosine triphosphate(ATP) levels in small intestine tissues. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy were employed to observe changes in intestinal pathology and microstructure. The results show that, compared with the control group, fecal moisture content is significantly increased while spleen index, body weight, and intestinal propulsion index are significantly reduced in rats of the model group, indicating the successful establishment of the model. The above symptoms can be improved by both Shenling Baizhu San and Liujunzi Pills. Compared with the control group, in the model group, the gut microbiota abundance is changed with an unbalanced development: the abundance of beneficial bacteria within the Bacteroidetes phylum is reduced, accompanied by a significantly decreased Shannon index, and reduced signal levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NADPH)-related enzymes relevant to mitochondria. However, Liujunzi Pills and Shenling Baizhu San can significantly improve the Bacteroidetes phylum abundance in gut microbiota, microbial diversity, and NADPH activity in the model group. Additionally, compared with the control group, the ATP level is decreased and the IL-1β level is increased in small intestinal tissues of the model group, with shorter small intestinal epithelial villi and decreased mitochondrial number. The above symptoms can be improved by Liujunzi Pills and Shenling Baizhu San. In conclusion, Liujunzi Pills can treat spleen Qi deficiency syndrome by enhancing mitochondrial function to regulate gut microbiota balance and diversity.
Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Qi ; Spleen/metabolism* ; Splenic Diseases/metabolism* ; Humans ; Interleukin-1beta/genetics* ; Bacteria/drug effects* ; Feces/microbiology* ; Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the molecular mechanism by which He's Yangchao Formula improves ovarian function in premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) mice through intestinal flora modulation. METHODS: Forty female ICR mice (aged 6-8 weeks) were intraperitoneally injected with cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg) to establish a POI model, while 10 untreated mice served as the blank control. Successfully modeled mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=10/group): low-dose He's Yangchao Formula (6 g crude herb/kg), high-dose He's Yangchao Formula (25 g crude herb/kg), positive control (estradiol), and model control (distilled water). Treatments were admin-istered daily by gavage for 6 weeks. Vaginal exfoliated cells were stained with Wright-Giemsa solution to monitor estrous cycles. Serum estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were measured by ELISA. Ovarian FSH receptor (FSHR) expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Glycolysis-related proteins pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) were analyzed by Western blotting and immuno-fluorescence. Fecal samples from blank control, model control, and high-dose groups underwent metagenomic sequencing to evaluate intestinal microbiota diversity and com-position. RESULTS: He's Yangchao Formula restored estrous cyclicity, increased serum estradiol (P<0.05), decreased serum FSH (P<0.05), and upregulated FSHR expression in granulosa cells (P<0.05). Metagenomic analysis revealed significant structural differences in intestinal flora among blank control, model control, and high-dose groups (P<0.01). The high-dose group showed reduced abundance of conditional pathogens (e.g., Alistipes, Prevotella, Odoribacter, Blautia, Rikenella) compared to the model control (P<0.05). Functional enrichment analysis indicated involvement of glycolysis-related pathways. Concordantly, PKM2 and GLUT4 expression was downregulated in the model control but upregulated in He's Yangchao Formula groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS He's Yangchao Formula ameliorates POI in mice by remodeling intestinal flora structure, enhancing glycolytic activity, improving ovarian sex hormone secretion, increasing granulosa cell FSHR expression, and restoring estrous cyclicity.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the molecular mechanism by which He's Yangchao Decoction (HSYC) improves ovarian function in a mouse model of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). METHODS: Forty ICR mice were used to establish a POI model via intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide and were randomly assigned to four groups: model control group, low-dose HSYC group, high-dose HSYC group, and estradiol group (positive control). Additionally, 10 age-matched ICR mice were selected as the blank control group. After intragastric intervention, the ovarian index, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and ovarian tissue expression of the FSH receptor (FSHR) were measured. A POI cell model was established by treating the human granulosa tumor cell line (KGN) with 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide. The cells were divided into four groups: solvent control group, HSYC group, inhibitor control group, and inhibitor+HSYC group, which were respectively treated with TH5487 (an OGG1 inhibitor) and HSYC-containing serum. The expressions of OGG1, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) oxidative damage markers, and pyroptosis-related proteins were detected by molecular docking, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control group, the model control group showed a decreased ovarian index (P<0.05) and increased serum FSH levels (P<0.01). The ovarian index was higher in both the low- and high-dose HSYC groups compared with the model control group (both P<0.05). FSHR expression in ovarian tissue was lower in the model control group than that in the blank control group, but was higher in the high-dose HSYC group compared with the model control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinity between the active components of HSYC and OGG1 (binding energy: －6.3 to －8.3 kcal/mol). Western blotting analysis revealed that OGG1 protein expression in the ovaries of the model control group was significantly reduced compared with the blank control group, while it was increased in the low-dose HSYC group and the estradiol group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Immunofluorescence results demonstrated that the expression levels of mito-chondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) were decreased in the model control group compared with the blank control group (P<0.01), whereas their expressions were significantly elevated in the high-dose HSYC group and the estradiol group (all P<0.01). Cell experiments showed that TH5487 intervention increased the expression of 8-oxoguanine (8-OxoG) (P<0.01), while HSYC-containing serum intervention reduced 8-OxoG expression and increased TFAM expression (P<0.01). The expression of pyroptosis-related proteins (GSDMD, N-GSDMD, caspase-1, IL-1β) increased after TH5487 intervention (P<0.05), whereas HSYC-containing serum suppressed their expression (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS HSYC improves POI by upregulating OGG1 expression, mitigating mtDNA oxidative damage, and inhibiting granulosa cell pyroptosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of primary pulmonary lymphoma (PPL). METHODS: The clinical data of 17 patients with PPL admitted to Gansu Provincial Hospital from January 2013 to June 2023 were collected, and their clinical characteristics and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed and summarized. RESULTS: The median age of the 17 patients was 56 (29-73) years old. There were 8 males and 9 females. According to Ann Arbor staging system, there were 9 patients with stage I-II and 8 patients with stage III-IV. There were 14 patients with IPI score of 0-2 and 3 patients with IPI score of 3-4. All 17 patients had symptoms at the initial diagnosis, most of the first symptoms were cough, and 6 patients had B symptoms.Among the 17 patients, there were 8 cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), 5 cases of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, 1 case of gray zone lymphoma (GZL), and 3 cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). 15 patients received chemotherapy, of which 3 cases received autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(ASCT) and 3 cases received radiotherapy; 2 patients did not receive treatment. The median number of chemotherapy courses was 6(2-8). The short-term efficacy was evaluated, 12 patients achieved complete remission (CR) and 3 patients achieved partial remission (PR). The age, pathological subtype, sex, Ann Arbor stage, β₂-microglobulin(β₂-MG) level, lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) level were not correlated with CR rate (P >0.05), while IPI score was correlated with recent CR rate (P < 0.05 ). The median follow-up time was 31(2-102) months. One of the 12 CR patients died of COVID-19, and the rest survived. Among the 3 patients who did not reach CR, 1 died after disease progression, while the other 2 survived. One of the 2 untreated patients died one year after diagnosis. Both the median progression-free survival (PFS) time and overall survival (OS) time of the 17 patients were both 31 (2-102) months. CONCLUSION The incidence of PPL is low, and the disease has no specific clinical manifestations, which is easily missed and misdiagnosed. The pathological subtypes are mainly MALT lymphoma and DLBCL, and the treatment is mainly combined chemotherapy. The IPI score is related to the treatment efficacy.
Humans ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Prognosis ; Aged ; Lung Neoplasms/therapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Neoplasm Staging ; Lymphoma/therapy* ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most prevalent joint disease of late life, is closely linked to cellular senescence. Previously, we found that the senescence of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) played an essential role in the degradation of cartilage. In this work, single-cell sequencing data further demonstrated that cartilage acidic protein 1 (CRTAC1) is a critical secreted factor of senescent FLS, which suppresses mitophagy and induces mitochondrial dysfunction by regulating SIRT3 expression. In vivo, deletion of SIRT3 in chondrocytes accelerated cartilage degradation and aggravated the progression of OA. Oppositely, intra-articular injection of adeno-associated virus expressing SIRT3 effectively alleviated OA progression in mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that elevated CRTAC1 could bind with NRF2 in chondrocytes, which subsequently suppresses the transcription of SIRT3 in vitro. In addition, SIRT3 reduction could promote the acetylation of FOXO3a and result in mitochondrial dysfunction, which finally contributes to the degradation of chondrocytes. To conclude, this work revealed the critical role and underlying mechanism of senescent FLSs-derived CRTAC1 in OA progression, which provided a potential strategy for the OA therapy.

Aim To investigate the pharmacological mechanism of Ebselenin(Ebselen,EbSe)in the treat-ment of Escherichia coli(E.coli)infection,which had no significant inhibitory effect on Gram-negative bacte-ria,based on previous studies.Methods After EbSe intervention in E.coli infected Raw264.7 cells,the via-bility of Raw264.7 cells was determined by CCK-8 method,the morphology and structure of Raw264.7 cells were observed by electron microscope,and the in-tracellular bacterial load of Raw264.7 cells was calcu-lated by coated plate method.Polarization status of peritoneal macrophages,Raw264.7 intracellular NO and ROS content and intracellular HO-1 expression in Raw264.7 and E.coli acutely infected mice after E.co-li infection by flow cytometry.qPCR was used to detect the expression of related mRNAs in Raw264.7 cells.qPCR was used to detect the intracellular GSH content in Raw264.7 cells by spectrophotometric assay,and the state of cytoskeletal proteins was observed by immuno-fluorescence.Western blot assay was performed to de-tect the intracellular Txnrd1 expression level.Results Microtiter method,CCK-8,and electron microscopy observations showed that EbSe had no effect on the growth of E.coli and Raw264.7 cells in vitro.The re-sults of smear plate counting showed that EbSe reduced the intracellular bacterial load of Raw264.7 in the in-fected group.Flow cytometry results showed that EbSe upregulated the number of M2-type macrophages.The EbSe-treated infected group had reduced intracellular NO and ROS levels and increased GSH levels.The qPCR results showed that the expression of IL-6,IL-1β,and iNOS was decreased,and the expression of HO-1,Txnrd1,and Glut1 was increased in DHB4-in-fected Raw264.7 cells after EbSe treatment.Cytoskel-etal staining showed that the morphology of the EbSe-treated infected cells was similar to that of oxPAPC-in-duced cells.Western blot results showed the expres-sion of Txnrd1 protein in EbSe-treated infected cells in-creased.Conclusion EbSe exerts anti-E.coli acute infection effect by regulating macrophage polarization and inhibiting macrophage excessive inflammatory state.

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(OPSCC)is a malignant tumor originating from the squamous epithelium of the oro-pharyngeal mucosa,accounting for more than 90％of oropharyngeal malignancies.In recent years,human papillomavirus(HPV)infec-tion has become one of the primary etiological factors of oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma.The incidence of HPV-associated oropharyn-geal squamous carcinoma has been rising annually,with a noticeable trend toward younger populations,posing a significant threat to hu-man health.Due to the distinct biological behavior and clinical characteristics of HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma com-pared to its non-HPV-related counterpart,the diagnostic and treatment strategies for oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma have undergone substantial changes.Prevention and screening for oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma are of critical importance.The diagnostic and treat-ment process involves multi-disciplinary collaboration,including oral and maxillofacial surgery,otolaryngology,head and neck surgery,oncology,radiology and pathology.Based on evidence from clinical practice,a comprehensive,integrated diagnostic and therapeutic ap-proach has been established,centered around the concept of"prevention,screening,diagnosis,treatment,and rehabilitation",covering the entire patient lifecycle and providing a valuable reference for clinical practice.