1.Anti-cancer Effect and Mechanism of Chinese Herbal Medicine Saponins: A Review
Mingtao ZHU ; Yanpin SUN ; Yimeng WANG ; Haodong BAI ; Bingyou YANG ; Qiuhong WANG ; Haixue KUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):236-245
Cancer, one of the deadliest diseases caused by cells escaping homeostasis, abnormal proliferation, and abnormal differentiation, is fast becoming one of the most burdensome diseases of this century. With decades of human research and cognitive changes in cancer, cancer treatment is also developing rapidly, but there is still a lack of effective treatment and countermeasures. Especially, the search for safe, efficient, and non-toxic drugs has become a long-term goal in the field of cancer. Saponins extracted and separated from traditional Chinese medicine can improve cancer through various pathways and have almost no toxic side effects. Therefore, the research on the anti-cancer effect of saponins is heating up. It is found that saponins play anti-tumor roles by inhibiting proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis of cancer cells, promoting apoptosis of cancer cells, inducing autophagy of tumor cells, and regulating miRNA expression and immune functions. Chinese herbal medicine saponins can regulate secretory glycoprotein /β-catenin (Wnt/β-catenin), adenylate activated protein kinase (AMPK), nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Janus kinase/activator of signal transduction and transcription 3 (JAK/ STAT3), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), Toll-like receptor (TLR), and other related signaling pathways to get involved in the proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, apoptosis, autophagy, and other processes of cancer cells, thus interfering with the progression of cancer. Therefore, the focus of this review is to update the discovery and evaluation of Chinese herbal medicine saponins with anti-cancer properties, clarify their mechanism of action, including the progress of related signaling pathways, and deepen the understanding of the anti-cancer function of Chinese herbal medicine saponins, so as to provide a new perspective and direction for the prevention and treatment of tumors by traditional Chinese medicine and better promote the development and utilization of resources.
2.Research on quantitative evaluation of revise requirements of Specifications of Air Sampling for Hazardous Substances Monitoring in the Workplace (GBZ 159-2004)
Tuo LIU ; Xiaoshuang XIE ; Yang LU ; Peng QIN ; Wenjie LI ; Qiuhong ZHU
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2024;42(2):90-95
Objective:To conduct quantitative evaluation on the revise requirements of Specifications of Air Sampling for Hazardous Substances Monitoring in the Workplace (GBZ 159-2004) , clarify the problems and suggestions during its implementation for improvement, and provide a basis for the revision of the standard.Methods:From April to September 2021, stratified convenient sampling method was adopted and semi-open questionnaire was used to investigate the occupational health personnel in CDC, occupational prevention and control institutes, employers, third-party technical service institutions and universitie. The entropy weight of each index and the score based on entropy weight of GBZ 159 were calculated. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to describe the correlation between the two indexes and radar chart was drawn for comprehensive evaluation.Results:A total of 151 questionnaires were received from the respondents, of which 147 were valid, with an effective recovery rate of 97.35%, involving 29 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. The median G scores of the necessity and urgency of GBZ 159 revision based on entropy weight were 2.84 and 3.17, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( M=-25.50, P<0.001) . The trend of the score G of necessity and urgency based on entropy weight was basically the same for all secondary items ( rs=0.9998, P<0.001) , and the score G of urgency based on entropy weight was higher than that of necessity. The highest score G of necessity and urgency based on entropy weight was "3.13 long time sampling", which were 7.56 and 8.23 respectively. This was followed by "3.12 short time sampling", which were 7.19 and 7.13 respectively. Conclusion:GBZ 159 has encountered some new problems and challenges in the implementation process, and some of its technical indicators have been out of line with the actual practice of occupational health at present. These are the two items that urgently needs to be revised and improved, such as "3.13 long time sampling" and "3.12 short time sampling" and other items need to be revised and improved.
3.Comparison and analysis research on occupational exposure limits of coal dust between China and foreign countries
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2024;42(2):107-111
Objective:To study and compare the occupational exposure limits (OELs) of coal dust between China and foreign countries, understand the OEL of coal dust in China, and provide data and basis for revising the OEL of coal dust in China.Methods:In August 2023, by searching the official websites of limits setting institutions in relevant countries and regions at home and abroad, collecting and sorting out the OELs of coal dust issued by 10 limit setting institutions in 6 countries and the background information of the formulation, and conducting specific analysis on the classification, limit level and formulation principles of coal dust OEL in each country/institution.Results:In China and Japan, the total dust and respirable dust of coal dust OEL were established respectively, while in other countries, only the time-weighted average concentration (TWA) of respirable coal dust exposure was established. The TWA prescribed by China's Notional Health Commission, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) , the United States Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the Australian Safety Work Bureau when the SiO 2 content was less than 5% were 5, 2.4, 2 and 3 mg/m 3 respectively. China GBZ 2.1-2019 sets the limit of 2.5 mg/m 3 for respirable coal dust with SiO 2 content less than 10%. The TWA set by the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the South African Department of Mines and Energy (DME) for anthracite coal were 0.4 and 0.8 mg/m 3, respectively, and bituminous coal or lignite were 0.9 and 1.8 mg/m 3, respectively. The respirable coal dust TWA set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the United States was 1 mg/m 3, and the TWA set by the New Zealand Work Safety Authority was 3 mg/m 3. Conclusion:At present, the OEL of coal dust in China is at a relatively loose level, and it is suggested to further explore the possibility of revising coal dust OEL.
4.Introduction to carcinogenesis of nickel compounds in ILO criteria for Diagnosis and Exposure Standard for Occupational Diseases
Qiuhong ZHU ; Tuo LIU ; Chen YU
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2024;42(2):133-135
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies nickel compounds as Class Ⅰ carcinogens. International Labour Organization (ILO) also lists nickel compounds as carcinogenic factors of occupational cancer. At present, China is revising the Classification and Catalogue of Occupational Diseases, and cancer caused by nickel compounds may also be included in the statutory occupational diseases. The Diagnostic and Exposure Standards for Occupational Diseases published by ILO in 2022 discussed the pathogenic characteristics, occupational exposure, main health effects, diagnostic criteria and key preventive measures of nickel compounds in detail. This article mainly introduces its contents, in order to provid a basis for the formulation of relevant standards in China.
5.Study on the implementation effect evaluation of Specifications of Air Sampling for Hazardous Substances Monitoring in the Workplace (GBZ 159-2004)
Tuo LIU ; Xiaoshuang XIE ; Yang LU ; Peng QIN ; Wenjie LI ; Qiuhong ZHU
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2024;42(2):136-140
Systematically evaluate the implementation of Specifications of Air Sampling for Hazardous Substances Monitoring (GBZ 159-2004) , so as to provide technical basis for the future standard revision. The semi-structured interview method was used to interview the industry experts from centers for disease control and prevention, occupational disease prevention and control hospitals/institutes, employers, third-party technical service institutions and universities, and the induction method was used to refine the topics and relevant suggestions. Some technical indicators of GBZ 159 are not suitable for the current actual work of occupational health, and need to be revised and improved urgently. The revised GBZ 159 should comply with the current situation of China's industrial development and the development of occupational health testing equipment in the new era, and improve the relevant technical requirements of sampling quality control.
6.Research on quantitative evaluation of revise requirements of Specifications of Air Sampling for Hazardous Substances Monitoring in the Workplace (GBZ 159-2004)
Tuo LIU ; Xiaoshuang XIE ; Yang LU ; Peng QIN ; Wenjie LI ; Qiuhong ZHU
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2024;42(2):90-95
Objective:To conduct quantitative evaluation on the revise requirements of Specifications of Air Sampling for Hazardous Substances Monitoring in the Workplace (GBZ 159-2004) , clarify the problems and suggestions during its implementation for improvement, and provide a basis for the revision of the standard.Methods:From April to September 2021, stratified convenient sampling method was adopted and semi-open questionnaire was used to investigate the occupational health personnel in CDC, occupational prevention and control institutes, employers, third-party technical service institutions and universitie. The entropy weight of each index and the score based on entropy weight of GBZ 159 were calculated. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to describe the correlation between the two indexes and radar chart was drawn for comprehensive evaluation.Results:A total of 151 questionnaires were received from the respondents, of which 147 were valid, with an effective recovery rate of 97.35%, involving 29 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. The median G scores of the necessity and urgency of GBZ 159 revision based on entropy weight were 2.84 and 3.17, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( M=-25.50, P<0.001) . The trend of the score G of necessity and urgency based on entropy weight was basically the same for all secondary items ( rs=0.9998, P<0.001) , and the score G of urgency based on entropy weight was higher than that of necessity. The highest score G of necessity and urgency based on entropy weight was "3.13 long time sampling", which were 7.56 and 8.23 respectively. This was followed by "3.12 short time sampling", which were 7.19 and 7.13 respectively. Conclusion:GBZ 159 has encountered some new problems and challenges in the implementation process, and some of its technical indicators have been out of line with the actual practice of occupational health at present. These are the two items that urgently needs to be revised and improved, such as "3.13 long time sampling" and "3.12 short time sampling" and other items need to be revised and improved.
7.Comparison and analysis research on occupational exposure limits of coal dust between China and foreign countries
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2024;42(2):107-111
Objective:To study and compare the occupational exposure limits (OELs) of coal dust between China and foreign countries, understand the OEL of coal dust in China, and provide data and basis for revising the OEL of coal dust in China.Methods:In August 2023, by searching the official websites of limits setting institutions in relevant countries and regions at home and abroad, collecting and sorting out the OELs of coal dust issued by 10 limit setting institutions in 6 countries and the background information of the formulation, and conducting specific analysis on the classification, limit level and formulation principles of coal dust OEL in each country/institution.Results:In China and Japan, the total dust and respirable dust of coal dust OEL were established respectively, while in other countries, only the time-weighted average concentration (TWA) of respirable coal dust exposure was established. The TWA prescribed by China's Notional Health Commission, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) , the United States Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the Australian Safety Work Bureau when the SiO 2 content was less than 5% were 5, 2.4, 2 and 3 mg/m 3 respectively. China GBZ 2.1-2019 sets the limit of 2.5 mg/m 3 for respirable coal dust with SiO 2 content less than 10%. The TWA set by the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the South African Department of Mines and Energy (DME) for anthracite coal were 0.4 and 0.8 mg/m 3, respectively, and bituminous coal or lignite were 0.9 and 1.8 mg/m 3, respectively. The respirable coal dust TWA set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the United States was 1 mg/m 3, and the TWA set by the New Zealand Work Safety Authority was 3 mg/m 3. Conclusion:At present, the OEL of coal dust in China is at a relatively loose level, and it is suggested to further explore the possibility of revising coal dust OEL.
8.Introduction to carcinogenesis of nickel compounds in ILO criteria for Diagnosis and Exposure Standard for Occupational Diseases
Qiuhong ZHU ; Tuo LIU ; Chen YU
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2024;42(2):133-135
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies nickel compounds as Class Ⅰ carcinogens. International Labour Organization (ILO) also lists nickel compounds as carcinogenic factors of occupational cancer. At present, China is revising the Classification and Catalogue of Occupational Diseases, and cancer caused by nickel compounds may also be included in the statutory occupational diseases. The Diagnostic and Exposure Standards for Occupational Diseases published by ILO in 2022 discussed the pathogenic characteristics, occupational exposure, main health effects, diagnostic criteria and key preventive measures of nickel compounds in detail. This article mainly introduces its contents, in order to provid a basis for the formulation of relevant standards in China.
9.Study on the implementation effect evaluation of Specifications of Air Sampling for Hazardous Substances Monitoring in the Workplace (GBZ 159-2004)
Tuo LIU ; Xiaoshuang XIE ; Yang LU ; Peng QIN ; Wenjie LI ; Qiuhong ZHU
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2024;42(2):136-140
Systematically evaluate the implementation of Specifications of Air Sampling for Hazardous Substances Monitoring (GBZ 159-2004) , so as to provide technical basis for the future standard revision. The semi-structured interview method was used to interview the industry experts from centers for disease control and prevention, occupational disease prevention and control hospitals/institutes, employers, third-party technical service institutions and universities, and the induction method was used to refine the topics and relevant suggestions. Some technical indicators of GBZ 159 are not suitable for the current actual work of occupational health, and need to be revised and improved urgently. The revised GBZ 159 should comply with the current situation of China's industrial development and the development of occupational health testing equipment in the new era, and improve the relevant technical requirements of sampling quality control.
10.Ursolic acid targets secreted phosphoprotein 1 to regulate Th17 cells against metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Yiyuan ZHENG ; Lina ZHAO ; Zhekun XIONG ; Chaoyuan HUANG ; Qiuhong YONG ; Dan FANG ; Yugang FU ; Simin GU ; Chong CHEN ; Jiacheng LI ; Yingying ZHU ; Jing LIU ; Fengbin LIU ; Yong LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2024;30(3):449-467
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become an increasingly important health challenge, with a substantial rise linked to changing lifestyles and global obesity. Ursolic acid, a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid, has been explored for its potential therapeutic effects. Given its multifunctional bioactive properties, this research further revealed the pharmacological mechanisms of ursolic acid on MASLD.
Methods:
Drug target chips and bioinformatics analysis were combined in this study to explore the potential therapeutic effects of ursolic acid on MASLD. Molecular docking simulations, surface plasmon resonance analyses, pull-down experiments, and co-immunoprecipitation assays were used to verify the direct interactions. Gene knockdown mice were generated, and high-fat diets were used to validate drug efficacy. Furthermore, initial CD4+ T cells were isolated and stimulated to demonstrate our findings.
Results:
In this study, the multifunctional extracellular matrix phosphorylated glycoprotein secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) was investigated, highlighting its capability to induce Th17 cell differentiation, amplifying inflammatory cascades, and subsequently promoting the evolution of MASLD. In addition, this study revealed that in addition to the canonical TGF-β/IL-6 cytokine pathway, SPP1 can directly interact with ITGB1 and CD44, orchestrating Th17 cell differentiation via their joint downstream ERK signaling pathway. Remarkably, ursolic acid intervention notably suppressed the protein activity of SPP1, suggesting a promising avenue for ameliorating the immunoinflammatory trajectory in MASLD progression.
Conclusions
Ursolic acid could improve immune inflammation in MASLD by modulating SPP1-mediated Th17 cell differentiation via the ERK signaling pathway, which is orchestrated jointly by ITGB1 and CD44, emerging as a linchpin in this molecular cascade.

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