1.Construction of the clinical diagnosis and treatment model during the “pre-disease to disease” window period in traditional Chinese medicine: integration of objective multimodal data from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine stateology
Danyang Li ; Min Ai ; Pai Zhou ; Ying Deng ; Chaoyang Yang ; Qinghua Peng
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(2):173-183
The philosophy of “treating disease before its onset” is a fundamental concept of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), permeating its diagnostic and therapeutic framework, and is central to clinical practice. However, current TCM diagnostic and treatment models for the “pre-disease to disease” window period face several limitations, including the lack of comprehensive clinical parameters, difficulties in characterizing and integrating heterogeneous multimodal data, and insufficient dynamic precision in interventions and efficacy evaluations. To address these issues, guided by Professor Candong Li’s theory of TCM stateology, this study focuses on integrating objective multimodal data. It proposes a new model for personalized TCM diagnosis and treatment targeting the “pre-disease to disease” window period. This approach first proposes the idea of restructuring the conceptual framework of “symptom” and integrating multi-source heterogeneous data at macroscopic, mesoscopic, and microscopic levels to form a three-dimensional assessment indicator system. By integrating graph neural networks, convolutional neural networks, attention mechanisms, and knowledge graph-guided weight allocation, this approach enables collaborative representation, alignment, and fusion of multi-source data. Subsequently, it plans to construct a multimodal fusion model at both feature and decision levels, in order to establish mappings between indicators and TCM state elements, and to screen key indicators characterizing pathological evolution during the window period. Furthermore, it proposes a technical path for enhancing model interpretability using methods such as SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and Ablation-CAM++. Finally, with state assessment as the core, it proposes the concept of constructing a dynamic evaluation method for individualized diagnosis and treatment based on time-series data analysis using algorithms such as long short-term memory (LSTM) networks and gated recurrent units (GRUs). Moreover, a causal inference framework and semi-supervised learning strategies are introduced to enable quantitative evaluation of individual intervention effects and to provide interpretable therapeutic feedback, forming a complete technical path from data representation and fusion, weight adjustment, and interpretability analysis, to dynamic diagnosis feedback. This study aims to address deficiencies in the current TCM diagnosis and treatment model during the “pre-disease to disease” window period and to provide an operational framework for the clinical practice of TCM’s “treating disease before its onset”.
2.The Potential Role of β-Asarone inCalcium Imbalance and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Melanoma Cells
Yuze LIU ; Wei TANG ; Biao YU ; Qinghua YANG ; Wenbing LAI
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):75-83
Background:
The treatment landscape for melanoma, a particularly malignant skin cancer, is constrained by notable drug resistance and toxicity. β-Asarone, a natural compound from Acorus tatarinowii, has shown anticancer potential. Disruption of calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction are key regulators of tumor cell survival and death.
Objective:
This research was conducted to investigate the impact of β-Asarone on B16F10 melanoma cells, focusing on its potential to induce apoptosis by modulating calcium signaling and mitochondrial function.
Methods:
Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated using CCK-8, colony formation, EdU, and TUNEL assays. Intracellular calcium levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured using Fluo-4 AM, Rhod-2 AM, and JC-1 staining. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were assessed by fluorescent probes and ATP assay. Western blotting was utilized to detect apoptosis-related proteins, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway activation, and mitochondrial dynamics (OPA1, DRP1, FIS1).
Results:
Treatment with β-Asarone notably inhibited the proliferation of B16F10 cells while simultaneously inducing apoptosis. Fluorescent probe analysis revealed that β-Asarone triggered cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca 2+ overloaded in both the cytosol and mitochondria, accompanied by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, elevated ROS levels, and reduced ATP production. Western blot analysis showed increased expression of DRP1 and FIS1, decreased OPA1, and enhanced AMPK phosphorylation, indicating that β-Asarone promotes mitochondrial fission through AMPK activation, likely driven by intracellular calcium imbalance.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that β-Asarone induces apoptosis in B16F10 melanoma cells by triggering Ca 2+ overload and mitochondrial dysfunction.
3.Current Understanding of Retinitis Pigmentosa in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Qing LI ; Ying DENG ; Li XIAO ; Jing LU ; Min AI ; Yasha ZHOU ; Yuhui QIN ; Qinghua PENG ; Yijing YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1567-1573
This paper has summarized current studies on retinitis pigmentosa (RP) from two perspectives, which were disease mechanism insights from western medicine, and etiology, pathogenesis and therapeutic principles in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). From the perspective of western medicine, the understanding of RP has evolved from an early single-factor explanation focusing on pathogenic gene mutations to a more comprehensive, multifactorial model involving genetic abnormalities, photoreceptor cell degeneration, retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, microenvironmental imbalance, and vascular insufficiency. In TCM, RP is considered to be a disorder manifested in the eyes but rooted in dysfunction of the zang-fu (脏腑) organs. Its pathogenesis is primarily associated with congenital insufficiency, liver-kidney depletion, impaired spleen function of transportation and transformation, and stasis obstructing the meridians. The core pathological mechanism can be summarized as "deficiency complicated by stasis", emphasizing holistic imbalance, dynamic disease progression, and syndrome differentiation and treatment. The differences and complementarities between the two medical systems in understanding disease progression are further discussed. RP is proposed to be more appropriately regarded as a complex disease characterized by long-term progression, stage-dependent evolution, and persistent decompensation. Western medicine contributes to elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying RP and provides the foundation for targeted therapeutic interventions, whereas TCM offers a holistic perspective for understanding disease evolution through the assessment of overall functional status, disease-stage stratification, and long-term syndrome-based regulation.
4.Current Understanding of Retinitis Pigmentosa in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Qing LI ; Ying DENG ; Li XIAO ; Jing LU ; Min AI ; Yasha ZHOU ; Yuhui QIN ; Qinghua PENG ; Yijing YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1567-1573
This paper has summarized current studies on retinitis pigmentosa (RP) from two perspectives, which were disease mechanism insights from western medicine, and etiology, pathogenesis and therapeutic principles in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). From the perspective of western medicine, the understanding of RP has evolved from an early single-factor explanation focusing on pathogenic gene mutations to a more comprehensive, multifactorial model involving genetic abnormalities, photoreceptor cell degeneration, retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, microenvironmental imbalance, and vascular insufficiency. In TCM, RP is considered to be a disorder manifested in the eyes but rooted in dysfunction of the zang-fu (脏腑) organs. Its pathogenesis is primarily associated with congenital insufficiency, liver-kidney depletion, impaired spleen function of transportation and transformation, and stasis obstructing the meridians. The core pathological mechanism can be summarized as "deficiency complicated by stasis", emphasizing holistic imbalance, dynamic disease progression, and syndrome differentiation and treatment. The differences and complementarities between the two medical systems in understanding disease progression are further discussed. RP is proposed to be more appropriately regarded as a complex disease characterized by long-term progression, stage-dependent evolution, and persistent decompensation. Western medicine contributes to elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying RP and provides the foundation for targeted therapeutic interventions, whereas TCM offers a holistic perspective for understanding disease evolution through the assessment of overall functional status, disease-stage stratification, and long-term syndrome-based regulation.
5.The Effect of Qingguang'an Ⅱ Formula (青光安Ⅱ号方)-Containing Serum on Oxidative Stress and the cAMP/PKA Signaling Pathway in R28 Cells Subjected to Continuous Hydrostatic Pressure Combined with Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation
Hongda CUI ; Xin XIA ; Yu HUANG ; Yijing YANG ; Qinghua PENG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(17):1883-1892
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of Qingguangan Ⅱ Formula (青光安Ⅱ号方, QGAⅡ) in the treatment of glaucoma from the perspectives of oxidative stress and the cyclic adenosine monophosphate/ protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) signaling pathway. MethodsForty SD rats were randomly assigned to a medicated serum group (n=30), which received QGAⅡby intragastric administration at 6.741 g/(kg·d), and a blank group (n=10), which received normal saline at 10 ml/(kg·d). After 7 consecutive days of administration, medicated serum and blank serum were prepared. The optimal concentration of medicated serum for R28 cell intervention was determined using CCK-8 assay. An in vitro glaucoma model was established by exposing R28 cells to continuous hydrostatic pressure combined with oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) for 24 h to simulate the pathological microenvironment of glaucomatous optic nerve injury. The experiment set a control group (complete medium), model group (glucose-free medium + tri-gas incubator), medicated serum group (selected concentration of QGA-medicated serum + glucose-free medium + tri-gas incubator), and blank serum group (blank serum + glucose-free medium + trigas incubator). The total culture medium volume in each culture dish was 5 ml. After 24 h of culture, cell proliferation was assessed using the EdU immunofluorescence assay, and apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured using biochemical assays. Western Blotting was performed to detect the expression of oxidative stress-related proteins including 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), apoptosis-related proteins including B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and cleaved caspase-3 (C-caspase-3), and cAMP/PKA signaling pathway-related proteins including protein kinase A (PKA), phosphorylated PKA (p-PKA), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB). Intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels were determined by ELISA. In addition, a forskolin (agonist) group, an H89 (inhibitor) group, and a 7.5% medicated serum plus inhibitor group were established to further investigate the effects of QGAⅡ-medicated serum on oxidative stress and the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in R28 cells. ResultsA concentration of 7.5% QGAⅡ-medicated serum was identified as the optimal concentration for subsequent experiments. Compared to the control group, the model group exhibited significantly decreased cell proliferation, SOD activity, Bcl-2 protein expression, p-PKA/PKA ratio, p-CREB/CREB ratio, and cAMP content, as well as increased apoptosis rate, MDA content, and the protein expression levels of 4-HNE, HO-1, Bax, and C-caspase-3 (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the 7.5% medicated serum group showed significant improvements in all of the above parameters (P<0.01). In the forskolin group, the apoptosis rate and the expression levels of C-caspase-3 and Bax significantly decreased, whereas Bcl-2 expression and the p-PKA/PKA and p-CREB/CREB ratios increased compared to those in the model group (P<0.01). Compared to the 7.5% medicated serum group, the 7.5% medicated serum plus inhibitor group exhibited significantly increased expression of C-caspase-3 and Bax, together with significantly decreased Bcl-2 expression and reduced p-PKA/PKA and p-CREB/CREB ratios (P<0.01). ConclusionUnder continuous hydrostatic pressure and OGD-induced injury conditions, QGAⅡ- containing serum effectively mitigates oxidative stress in R28 cells, activates the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway, and inhibits apoptosis, thereby exerting a neuroprotective effect on retinal ganglion cells
6.Mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyutang in Intervening in Ferroptosis in Rats with Coronary Heart Disease with Blood Stasis Syndrome Based on ACSL4 Signalling Pathway
Yi LIU ; Yang YANG ; Chang SU ; Peng TIAN ; Mingyun WANG ; Ruqian ZHONG ; Xuejiao XIE ; Qing YAN ; Qinghua PENG ; Qiuyan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):27-38
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of ferroptosis mediated by long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4) signalling pathway in rats with coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome and the intervention effect of Xuefu Zhuyutang. MethodsSPF male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, sham-operation group, model group, trimetazidine group (5.4 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose group (3.51, 7.02,14.04 g·kg-1) of Xuefu Zhuyutang. The coronary artery left anterior descending ligation method was used to prepare a model of coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome, and continuous treatment for 7 d was conducted, while the sham-operation group was only threaded and not ligated. The general macroscopic symptoms of the rats were observed, and indicators such as electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and blood rheology were detected. The pathological morphology of myocardial tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the changes in mitochondria in myocardial tissue were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The level of iron deposition in myocardial tissue was observed by Prussian blue staining. The levels of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and 15-HETE were detected in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A biochemical colourimetric assay was used to detect the levels of Fe2+, lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), and T-GSH/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) in myocardial tissue. DCFH-DA fluorescence quantitative assay was employed to detect the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was adopted to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), ACSL4, and ly-sophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase3 (LPCAT3) in myocardial tissue. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the rats in the model group were poor in general macroscopic symptoms. The electrocardiogram showed widened QRS wave amplitude and increased voltage, bow-back elevation of the ST segments, elevated T waves, J-point elevation, and accelerated heart rate. Echocardiography showed a significant reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS) (P<0.01). Blood rheology showed that the viscosity of the whole blood (low, medium, and high rate of shear) was significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining showed an abnormal structure of myocardial tissue. There was a large area of myocardial necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration and a large number of connective tissue between myocardial fibers. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the mitochondria were severely atrophy or swelling. The cristae were reduced or even broken, and the matrix was flocculent or even vacuolated. Prussian blue staining showed that there were a large number of iron-containing particles, and the iron deposition was obvious. The content of 12-HETE and 15-HETE in the serum was significantly increased (P<0.01). The content of Fe2+, LPO, and ROS in myocardial tissue was significantly increased (P<0.01). The content of GSH was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and T-GSH/GSSG was decreased (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and FTH1 in myocardial tissue were both significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while those of ACSL4 and LPCAT3 increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the general macroscopic symptoms and electrocardiogram results of rats in low-, medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang were alleviated, and the differences in LVEF/LVFS ratios were all significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The differences in whole-blood viscosity (low, medium, and high rate of shear) were all significantly decreased (P<0.01). The results of HE staining and transmission electron microscopy showed that the morphology, structure, and mitochondria of cardiomyocytes were improved. The content of 12-HETE and 15-HETE in serum was reduced to different degrees in low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01). The content of Fe2+, LPO, and ROS was significantly reduced in the medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the content of GSH and T-GSH/GSSG was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and FTH1 were significantly increased to varying degrees in the medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01), and ACSL4 and LPCAT3 were decreased to different degrees in the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXuefu Zhuyutang can regulate iron metabolism and anti-lipid oxidation reaction to mediate ferroptosis through the ACSL4 signalling pathway, thus exerting a protective effect on rats with coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome.
7.Hypobaric hypoxia promotes macrophage necroptosis and atherosclerotic plaque in-stability in mice
Tao HU ; Yingrong HE ; Wushuai WANG ; Xi YANG ; Qinghua DUAN ; Xuan DU ; Qiang WANG
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2025;33(3):219-226
Aim To investigate the effect of hypobaric hypoxia on macrophage necroptosis and atherosclerotic plaque instability and explore the underlying mechanisms.Methods Mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages were i-solated and cultured,and divided into control group(21%oxygen concentration)and hypoxia group(3%oxygen concen-tration).After 48 hours,cell necroptosis was detected,and the expression of cell necroptosis related proteins was deter-mined by Western blot.Healthy male ApoE-/-mice were randomly divided into control group and hypobaric hypoxia group.After the intervention for 16 weeks,the plasma lipids and inflammatory cytokines were measured,the areas of ath-erosclerotic plaque and necrotic core were evaluated by HE staining.The content of plaque collagen was detected by Mas-son staining.The number of macrophages in the plaque and the expression of necrotic apoptosis related proteins were de-tected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot.Results Hypoxia induced increased necrotic apoptosis of macrophages(P<0.01),while necroptotic inhibitor necrostatin-1(Nec-1)reduced hypoxia induced cell death(P<0.05);hypoxia leads to a decrease in the expression of adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1(ADAR1)in macrophages(P<0.01),and an increase in the expression of Z-DNA binding protein 1(ZBP1),phosphorylated receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase(p-RIPK3),and phosphorylated mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein(p-MLKL)(all P<0.01).Compared with the control group,the plasma lipid levels of ApoE-/-mice in the hypobaric hypoxia group did not change significantly(P>0.05),the plasma inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 and MCP-1)increased(all P<0.05),the area of atherosclerotic plaque increased(P<0.05),the area of plaque necrotic core increased,the content of plaque collagen decreased,the number of macrophages increased,the expression of ADAR1 decreased,and the expres-sion of ZBP1 and p-MLKL increased(all P<0.01).Conclusion Hypobaric hypoxia causes the imbalance of A-DAR1/ZBP1 expression in macrophages,activates RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway,promotes macrophage necroptosis,in-creases the area of plaque necrosis core,and leads to increase instability of atherosclerotic plaque.
8.Impact of real-time computer endoscopy-assisted system on the detection rate of colorectal lesions
Peici YAN ; Yingxue YANG ; Yongwei HU ; Wei HAN ; Bo SHEN ; Na DAI ; Jiayi SHI ; Qinghua WANG
China Journal of Endoscopy 2025;31(4):32-38
Objective To evaluate the advantages of a real-time computer endoscopy-assisted system(EndoAngel)for colorectal lesions detection in colonoscopy.Methods 2 000 patients who underwent EndoAngel assisted colonoscopy and conventional colonoscopy were selected for the study in a single-center,self-controlled study.According to different examination methods,the patients were divided into artificial intelligence(AI)group and traditional colonoscopy group,each with 1 000 cases.The results were statistically analyzed and compared with the polyp detection rate and adenoma detection rate of the two groups using pathological diagnosis as the gold standard.Further subgroup analysis will be conducted based on the seniority of the operating physicians.Results AI group's polyp detection rate was higher(39.3%)than conventional colonoscopy group polyp detection rate(29.0%),with statistically significant difference(x2=23.59,P=0.000).Of these,the detection rates of hyperplastic polyps and adenomatous polyps were 19.1%and 25.2%,which were significantly higher than those of 12.4%and 20.8%in the conventional colonoscopy group,and the differences were statistically significant(x2=16.92,P=0.000;x2=5.46,P=0.019).Further subgroup analysis of the two groups by physician seniority,the polyp detection rate of AI low seniority group(36.6%)was higher than that of conventional colonoscopy low seniority group(20.40%),with a statistically significant difference(x2=32.20,P=0.000).Among them,the detection rates of hyperplastic polyp(17.8%)and adenomatous polyp(23.6%)in AI low seniority group were higher than those in the conventional colonoscopy low seniority group(12.8%vs 13.6%),and the differences were significant(x2=4.82,P=0.028;x2=16.51,P=0.000).There were no significant differences in adenomatous polyp detection rates between the two groups of senior physicians.Conclusion EndoAngel assisted system can improve the polyp detection rate of colonoscopy,especially for the effect of low seniority physicians is more significant.
9.The ferroptosis is induced in degenerated temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis chondrocytes by abnor-mal biological force
Qinghua LI ; Peinan FAN ; Qinyu LUO ; Yang YU ; Hongxu YANG
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(2):181-188
Objective:The aim of this study is to explain the key role of chondrocyte ferroptosis in TMJ OA and demonstrate that abnormal occlusion stimulation is an important causative factor of ferroptosis.Methods:We observed the morphological changes of mouse condylar cartilage in unilateral anterior crossbite(UAC,an abnormal occlusion stimulation)and bilateral anterior elevation(BAE,a proliferation occlusion stimulation)mice by HE and SO staining,and analyzed the expression of intracellular GPX4 by im-munofluorescence staining,and analyzed the changes in the content of mitochondria and reactive oxygen species by JC-1 and ROS staining.Results:The UAC caused degeneration of condylar cartilage and ferroptosis of chondrocytes in mice.The accumulation of iron ions and the dysfunction of mitochondria in chondrocytes significantly upregulated.The expression of GPX4,which is a key reg-ulator in the regulation of ferroptosis was lowered in UAC mice condyle cartilage.Moreover,in BAE model the condylar cartilage hy-perplasia was observed,but not the ferroptosis of chondrocytes.Conclusion:This study revealed that the abnormal biological force caused by abnormal occlusion could induce ferroptosis of chondrocytes,and ferroptosis is one of the main factors leading to the de-generation and thinning of condylar cartilage.GPX4 could regulate the ferroptosis of chondrocytes.
10.Combination of hyaluronidase and pH-responsive, IR780-loaded photosensitive micelle enhanced anticancer effect in triple-negative breast cancer
Rui YANG ; Qinghua WANG ; Lan MING ; Su LI ; Zhen JIA ; Jiuda ZHAO ; Daozhen CHEN
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(9):885-895
Objectives:To investigate the enhancement of tumor penetration and photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy in triple-negative breast cancer by hyaluronidase (HAase) using a novel pH-responsive IR780-loaded photosensitive micelle.Methods:The pH-responsive IR780-loaded photosensitive micelles were prepared using the nanoprecipitation method, and their morphology, size, and encapsulation efficiency were characterized. The in vitro stability and pH-responsive drug release of the micelles were also evaluated. The cytotoxicity of the micelles on triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) was assessed using a cell counting kit. A nude mouse breast cancer model was established, and HAase was injected intratumorally 24 hours before intravenous injection of the photosensitive micelles. The effect of HAase on the biodistribution and tumor uptake of the micelles was detected using small animal in vivo imaging. CD31 and HIF-1α immunofluorescence staining were performed to investigate the mechanism of HAase-enhanced tumor penetration. The body weight and tumor volume of the mice were measured, and necrosis and apoptosis of tumor tissues were assessed using HE staining and TUNEL staining, respectively. Results:Transmission electron microscopy showed that the micelles had a uniform particle size of approximately 60-70 nm, with a hydrated particle size of (98.03±0.22) nm. The IR780 encapsulation efficiency was 74.15%, with a drug loading content of 2.07%. After 7 days at 4 ℃, there was no significant change in hydrated particle size ( P=0.062). The 24-hour release rates of the micelles in PBS at pH 7.4 and 6.5 were (2.41±0.21)% and (43.69±2.09)%, respectively, showing a significant difference ( P<0.000 1). The cytotoxicity assay revealed that the cell viability in the micelles group without light exposure was significantly higer than that in the micelles group under light exposure [(97.00±5.38)% vs. (53.27±9.00)%, P=0.000 2]. The micelles were able to target and accumulate in the tumor tissue, and this accumulation increased significantly with HAase treatment. CD31 and HIF-1α immunofluorescence staining indicated that the CD31 signal was enhanced [(0.27±0.05)% vs. (4.57±0.27)%, P<0.000 1] and the HIF-1α signal was reduced [(5.14±0.38)% vs. (0.08±0.04)%, P<0.000 1] in the HAase-treated group compared to that in the micelle-only group. After 11 days of treatment with HAase combined with photosensitive micelles, there was no statistically significant difference in mouse body weight ( P>0.05). However, the tumor volume inhibition rate in the HAase-micelle-mediated PDT group was significantly higher than that in the micelle-mediated PDT group [(87.66±6.37)% vs. (25.34±12.63)%, P=0.002]. Histological staining showed a significant increase in tumor cell necrosis and apoptosis in the HAase-micelle-mediated PDT group. Conclusion:HAase enhances the deep tumor penetration and targeted accumulation of pH-responsive IR780-loaded photosensitive micelles, significantly improves the efficacy of photodynamic therapy in triple-negative breast cancer.

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