1.Research progress on the molecular mechanism and therapeutic targets of ferroptosis in acute kidney injury
Yang ZHANG ; Fanyi HE ; Kongchun SUN ; Rui YANG ; Xuezhi YU ; Ling ZHANG ; Ruixiang CHEN ; Baochun SHEN
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(2):315-321
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common and severe nephropathy syndromes in clinical practice and also one of the most common serious complications after organ transplantation, with high incidence and fatality. Iron is an essential trace element in the body. Ferroptosis is a form of programmed cell death induced by the accumulation of iron-mediated lipid peroxidation, and its occurrence is closely related to iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism and multiple signaling pathways. Recent studies have shown that ferroptosis plays a key role in the occurrence and development of AKI and provides therapeutic targets for AKI. This article summarizes the regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis and its role in AKI, as well as the compounds that play an important role in the prevention and treatment of AKI by inhibiting ferroptosis, providing new ideas for the future treatment and research of AKI.
2.Mechanism of Colquhounia Root Tablets against diabetic kidney disease via RAGE-ROS-PI3K-AKT-NF-κB-NLRP3 signaling axis.
Ming-Zhu XU ; Zhao-Chen MA ; Zi-Qing XIAO ; Shuang-Rong GAO ; Yi-Xin YANG ; Jia-Yun SHEN ; Chu ZHANG ; Feng HUANG ; Jiang-Rui WANG ; Bei-Lei CAI ; Na LIN ; Yan-Qiong ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):1830-1840
This study aimed to explore the therapeutic mechanisms of Colquhounia Root Tablets(CRT) in treating diabetic kidney disease(DKD) by integrating biomolecular network mining with animal model verification. By analyzing clinical transcriptomics data, an interaction network was constructed between candidate targets of CRT and DKD-related genes. Based on the topological eigenvalues of network nodes, 101 core network targets of CRT against DKD were identified. These targets were found to be closely related to multiple pathways associated with type 2 diabetes, immune response, and metabolic reprogramming. Given that immune-inflammatory imbalance driven by metabolic reprogramming is one of the key pathogenic mechanisms of DKD, and that many core network targets of CRT are involved in this pathological process, receptor for advanced glycation end products(RAGE)-reactive oxygen species(ROS)-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(AKT)-nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)-NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3) signaling axis was selected as a candidate target for in-depth research. Further, a rat model of DKD induced by a high-sugar, high-fat diet and streptozotocin was established to evaluate the pharmacological effects of CRT and verify the expression of related targets. The experimental results showed that CRT could effectively correct metabolic disturbances in DKD, restore immune-inflammatory balance, and improve renal function and its pathological changes by inhibiting the activation of the RAGE-ROS-PI3K-AKT-NF-κB-NLRP3 signaling axis. In conclusion, this study reveals that CRT alleviates the progression of DKD through dual regulation of metabolic reprogramming and immune-inflammatory responses, providing strong experimental evidence for its clinical application in DKD.
Animals
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Diabetic Nephropathies/metabolism*
;
Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products/genetics*
;
NF-kappa B/genetics*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Rats
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NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Male
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics*
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
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Humans
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Plant Roots/chemistry*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Tablets/administration & dosage*
3.Regulation of apoptosis and autophagy in hepatoblastoma cells by Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides through Akt/mTOR pathway.
Yang GE ; Hang GAO ; Yun-Peng QIN ; Rui SHEN ; Hua-Zhang WU ; Ting YE ; Hang SONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2432-2441
This research investigated the impact of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides(GLP) on hepatoblastoma HepG2 and Huh6 cell models, as well as KM mouse model with in situ transplanted tumors, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of GLP. Cell viability was assessed through the CCK-8 assay, whereas cell proliferation was evaluated by using the BeyoClick~(TM)EdU-488 test. Cell apoptosis was visualized via Hochest 33258 staining, and autophagy was detected through Mrfp-GFP-LC3 dual fluorescence staining. An in situ tumor transplantation model was created by using HepG2 cells in mice, and mice were treated with normal saline and GLP of 100, 200, and 300 mg·kg~(-1) for tumor count calculation and size assessment. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in tumor tissue and vital organs(liver, kidney, lung, spleen, and heart). Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the protein expressions of tumor protein P53(P53), B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), cleaved-caspase-3, Beclin-1, autophagy related protein-5(Atg-5), microtubule-associated protein-light chain-3Ⅰ(LC3Ⅰ)/LC3Ⅱ, autophagy adapter protein 62(P62), protein kinase B(Akt), p-Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and p-mTOR. The in vitro experiment revealed that compared with the control group, after GLP treatment, tumor cell viability decreased significantly; apoptosis rate increased in a dose-dependent manner, and autophagic flux was inhibited. The in vivo experiments showed that compared with the model group, mice treated with GLP exhibited significantly fewer and smaller tumors. Western blot results showed that compared with the control group or model group, levels of P53, Bax, cleaved-caspase-3, Beclin-1, Atg-5, and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ were significantly increased after GLP treatment, and the levels of Bcl-2, P62, p-Akt/Akt, and p-mTOR/mTOR were significantly decreased. These outcomes suggest that GLP promotes apoptosis and autophagy in hepatoblastoma cells by regulating the Akt/mTOR pathway.
Animals
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Humans
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Autophagy/drug effects*
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Reishi/chemistry*
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Mice
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics*
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Liver Neoplasms/genetics*
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Hepatoblastoma/genetics*
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Polysaccharides/pharmacology*
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Male
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Hep G2 Cells
4.Relationship between triglyceride-glucose index and acute ischemic stroke with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion
Ruyue LIN ; Jianqiang FAN ; Lijun WANG ; Xiaoxi ZHANG ; Hongjian SHEN ; Pengfei XING ; Lei ZHANG ; Zifu LI ; Yongwei ZHANG ; Pengfei YANG ; Jianmin LIU ; Rui ZHAO
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(4):435-441
Objective To explore the relationship between triglyceride-glucose index(TyG)and acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion(AIS-LVO)of anterior circulation.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients with anterior circulation AIS-LVO who underwent emergency endovascular thrombectomy at Neurovascular Center of The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from Jan.2018 to Dec.2019.According to modified Rankin scale(mRS)score 90 d after operation,the patients were assigned to favorable outcome group(mRS score 0-2)or unfavorable outcome group(mRS score 3-6),and the TyG was compared.According to the median of TyG,the patients were assigned to low-TyG group(TyG<8.57)or high-TyG group(TyG ≥8.57),and the clinical data,laboratory indexes,and imaging characteristics were compared.Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of TyG for poor prognosis.Results A total of 135 patients were enrolled,with 72 in the favorable outcome group and 63 in the unfavorable outcome group.The TyG of the unfavorable outcome group was significantly higher than that of the favorable outcome group(8.82+0.63 vs 8.43+0.60,P<0.001).There were 67 patients in the low-TyG group and 68 in the high-TyG group.Compared with the low-TyG group,the proportion of patients with hyperlipidemia history(P=0.003),systolic blood pressure at admission(P=0.018),fasting blood glucose level(P<0.001),and triglyceride level(P<0.001)were significantly higher in the high-TyG group,the infarct core volume was significantly larger(P=0.025),the high density lipoprotein-cholesterol level was significantly lower(P=0.013),and the mRS score 90 d after operation was significantly higher(3[1,5]vs 1[0,5],P=0.049).The TyG had certain predictive value for poor prognosis in anterior circulation AIS-LVO patients(area under curve value=0.662,95%confidence interval 0.571-0.753).Conclusion TyG is elevated in anterior circulation AIS-LVO patients with poor prognosis,and may be a potential prognostic indicator for anterior circulation AIS-LVO patients.
5.Predictive value of bpMRI for pelvic lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer patients with PSA≤20 μg/L.
Lai DONG ; Rong-Jie SHI ; Jin-Wei SHANG ; Zhi-Yi SHEN ; Kai-Yu ZHANG ; Cheng-Long ZHANG ; Bin YANG ; Tian-Bao HUANG ; Ya-Min WANG ; Rui-Zhe ZHAO ; Wei XIA ; Shang-Qian WANG ; Gong CHENG ; Li-Xin HUA
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(5):426-431
Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the predictive value of biparametric magnetic resonance imaging(bpMRI)for pelvic lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer patients with PSA≤20 μg/L and establish a nomogram. Methods: The imaging data and clinical data of 363 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from July 2018 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to screen independent risk factors for pelvic lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer, and a nomogram of the clinical prediction model was established. Calibration curves were drawn to evaluate the accuracy of the model. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed extrocapusular extension (OR=8.08,95%CI=2.62-24.97, P<0.01), enlargement of pelvic lymph nodes (OR=4.45,95%CI=1.16-17.11,P=0.030), and biopsy ISUP grade(OR=1.97,95%CI=1.12-3.46, P=0.018)were independent risk factors for pelvic lymph node metastasis. The C-index of the prediction model was 0.834, which indicated that the model had a good prediction ability. The actual value of the model calibration curve and the prediction probability of the model fitted well, indicating that the model had a good accuracy. Further analysis of DCA curve showed that the model had good clinical application value when the risk threshold ranged from 0.05 to 0.70.Conclusion: For prostate cancer patients with PSA≤20 μg/L, bpMRI has a good predictive value for the pelvic lymph node metastasis of prostate cancer with extrocapusular extension, enlargement of pelvic lymph nodes and ISUP grade≥4.
Humans
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Male
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Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging*
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Lymphatic Metastasis
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Retrospective Studies
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Nomograms
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Prostate-Specific Antigen/blood*
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Lymph Nodes/pathology*
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Pelvis
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Predictive Value of Tests
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Prostatectomy
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Lymph Node Excision
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Risk Factors
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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Logistic Models
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Middle Aged
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Aged
6.Risk factors and prognosis of first extubation failure in neonates undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation.
Mengyao WU ; Hui RONG ; Rui CHENG ; Yang YANG ; Keyu LU ; Fei SHEN
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(8):1398-1407
OBJECTIVES:
Prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation is associated with increased risks of severe complications such as retinopathy of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Although neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) follow the principle of early extubation, extubation failure rates remain high, and reintubation may further increase the risk of adverse outcomes. This study aims to identify risk factors and short-term prognosis associated with first extubation failure in neonates, to provide evidence for effective clinical intervention strategies.
METHODS:
Clinical data of neonates who received invasive ventilation in the NICU of Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021, were retrospectively collected. Neonates were divided into a successful extubation group and a failed extubation group based on whether reintubation occurred within 72 hours after the first extubation. Risk factors and short-term outcomes related to extubation failure were analyzed.
RESULTS:
A total of 337 infants were included, with 218 males (64.69%). Initial extubation failed in 34 (10.09%) infants. Compared with the successful extubation group, the failed extubation group had significantly lower gestational age [(31.37±5.14) weeks vs (34.44±4.07) weeks], age [2.5 (1.00, 8.25) h vs 5 (1.00, 22.00) h], birth weight [(1 818.97±1128.80) g vs (2 432.18±928.94) g], 1-minute Apgar score (6.91±1.90 vs 7.68±2.03), and the proportion of using mask oxygenation after extubation (21% vs 46%) (all P<0.05). Conversely, compared with the successful extubation group, the failed extubation group had significantly higher rates of vaginal delivery (59% vs 32%), caffeine use during mechanical ventilation (71% vs 38%), dexamethasone use at extubation (44% vs 17%), the highest positive end-expiratory pressure level within 72 hours post-extubation [6(5.00, 6.00) cmH2O vs 5 (0.00, 6.00) cmH2O] (1 cmH2O=0.098 kPa), the highest FiO2 within 72 hours post-extubation [(34.35±5.95)% vs (30.22±3.58)%], and duration of noninvasive intermittent positive pressure ventilation after extubation [0.5 (0.00, 42.00) hours vs 0 (0, 0) hours] (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified gestational age <28 weeks (OR=5.570, 95% CI 1.866 to 16.430), age at NICU admission (OR=0.959, 95% CI 0.918 to 0.989), and a maximum FiO2≥35% within 72 hours post-extubation (OR=4.541, 95% CI 1.849 to 10.980) as independent risk factors for extubation failure (all P<0.05). Additionally, the failed extubation group exhibited significantly higher incidences of necrotizing enterocolitis grade II or above, moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, treatment abandonment due to poor prognosis, and discharge on home oxygen therapy (all P<0.05). Total hospital length of stay and total hospitalization costs were also significantly increased in the failed extubation group (all P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Gestational age <28 weeks, younger age at NICU admission, and FiO2≥35% after extubation are high-risk factors for first extubation failure in neonates. Extubation failure markedly increases the risk of adverse clinical outcomes.
Humans
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Infant, Newborn
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Male
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Female
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Airway Extubation/adverse effects*
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Risk Factors
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Retrospective Studies
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Respiration, Artificial/methods*
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Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
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Prognosis
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Gestational Age
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Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
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Infant, Premature
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Treatment Failure
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Intubation, Intratracheal
7.Comparison of two swept-source optical coherence tomography biometers for the measurement of ocular biological parameters in cataracts
Yifeng LI ; Wenli YANG ; Dongjun LI ; Ziyang WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Qi ZHAO ; Rui CUI ; Lin SHEN
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(6):481-485
Objective To compare the difference,agreement,and axial length measurement success rate between biometers ZW-30 and IOLMaser 700 based on swept-source optical coherence tomography for the measurement of ocular bi-ological parameters in patients with cataracts.Methods A total of 126 cataract patients(233 eyes)who were advised to undergo cataract surgery at the Department of Ophthalmology at Beijing Tongren Hospital,Capital Medical University from January to February 2024 were included in this study.Two biometers were used to measure the axial length(AL),mean keratometry(Km),anterior chamber depth(ACD),lens thickness(LT),central corneal thickness(CCT),and horizontal corneal diameter[namely,the white-to-white(WTW)distance].The axial measurement success rate of the two biometers and the difference and agreement between the parameters were calculated.Results The mean difference between ZW-30 and IOLMaster 700 was(-0.006±0.042)mm for AL,(-0.074±0.204)D for Km,(0.031±0.051)mm for ACD,(0.001±0.005)mm for CCT,and(-0.286±0.337)mm for WTW,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The mean difference between ZW-30 and IOLMaster 700 was(0.008±0.215)mm for LT,and the difference was not statis-tically significant(t=0.579,P=0.563).The 95%limits of agreement range was between-0.011 mm and 0.000 mm for AL,between-0.474 D and 0.326 D for Km,between-0.010 mm and 0.012 mm for CCT,between-0.068 mm and 0.131 mm for ACD,between-0.116 mm and 0.159 mm for LT,and between-0.947 mm and 0.376 mm for WTW.The intra-class correlation coefficient of all measurements ranged from 0.790 to 1.000.The AL measurement success rate of IOLMaster 700 and ZW-30 was 95.3%and 95.7%,respectively.The latter had an AL measurement success rate of 98.7%after manually marking the position of the retinal identification line.Conclusion There were statistically significant differences between ZW-30 and IOLMaster 700 in the measurement of the AL,Km,ACD,and CCT,which,however,were not clinically significant.The agreement between both was good.ZW-30 had a higher AL measurement success rate,espe-cially for the manual identification function of eyes with opacified refractive media,which can further improve the AL meas-urement success rate and provide reference for clinical work.
8.Summary of best evidence for management strategies of perinatal intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants
Fei SHEN ; Hui RONG ; Rui CHENG ; Banghong XU ; Mengya YU ; Zhouxuan HUANG ; Yang YANG ; Xianwen LI
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(10):873-882
Objective:To integrate the best available evidence regarding the management of perinatal intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in preterm infants.Methods:Using keywords such as "intracranial hemorrhage", "intraventricular hemorrhage", "germinal matrix hemorrhage", and their Chinese equivalents, we systematically searched for clinical decisions, guidelines, expert consensuses, evidence summaries, group standards, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses related to IVH management in preterm infants. Data sources included BMJ Best Practice, UpToDate, World Health Organization website, Guidelines International Network, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, National Guideline Clearinghouse, American Academy of Pediatrics, Canadian Paediatric Society, European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants, British Association of Perinatal Medicine, Yiigle, Cochrane Library, Joanna Briggs Institute, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and SinoMed. The search period spanned from January 2015 to December 2024. Literature screening, quality appraisal, evidence extraction, and synthesis were performed independently according to uniform standards.Results:A total of 12 publications were included, comprising three clinical decisions, three evidence-based guidelines, and six expert consensuses. Thirty-seven best evidence statements were synthesized across four domains: risk factor identification, diagnosis and monitoring, antenatal and delivery room management, and neonatal intensive care unit management. These included 28 strong recommendations (Grade A) and nine weak recommendations (Grade B).Conclusion:The 37 summarized best evidence statements provide an evidence-based foundation for developing clinical management protocols for perinatal IVH in preterm infants.
9.Research progress on the role of a ketogenic diet in Parkinson's disease
Boyang LI ; Rui LAN ; Huijie YANG ; Hongyu LI ; Chiyang LI ; Xiaoming SHEN
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(1):111-118
A ketogenic diet(KD)refers to an eating pattern designed to achieve a low-calorie content,minimum carbohydrate intake,high-fat consumption,and standard protein levels.A ketogenic diet is used in clinical practice to treat conditions including heart disease,diabetes,obesity,autism,glioblastoma,and other cancers.Although a ketogenic diet has not been recommended for any neurological disorders except epilepsy,extensive recent research suggests that such a diet may have a neuroprotective effect and may thus represent a new dietary therapy for the treatment of Parkinson's disease(PD).In this review,we discuss in detail the mechanisms responsible for the neuroprotective effects of a ketogenic diet in Parkinson's disease,with the aim of providing references for future clinical and experimental studies.
10.Mechanistic study of targeting melanoma with STING pathway deficiencies via PIKfyve inhibitor
Xiaoyu YANG ; Rui HUANG ; Yijia WU ; Zhe ZHANG ; Yan FANG ; Jianfeng SHEN
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(9):1126-1137
Objective·To explore the antitumor effects and potential mechanisms of combining phosphoinositide 3-kinase,FYVE-type zinc finger containing(PIKfyve)inhibitor YM201636 with the stimulator of interferon genes(STING)agonist diABZI in STING pathway-deficient melanoma.Methods·The mRNA and protein expression levels of STING in human cancer cell lines were obtained from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia(CCLE)and UniProt databases.Based on median expression values,melanoma cell lines with high STING mRNA but low protein expression were identified.Quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)and Western blotting were performed to validate STING mRNA and protein expression in human melanoma cells.The murine melanoma cell line YUMM1.7,characterized by low STING protein expression,was selected through Western blotting.The ability of YM201636 to restore STING protein expression in YUMM1.7 cells was evaluated.STING agonist diABZI was then applied in combination with YM201636 to analyze the synergistic tumor cell-killing effect through CCK-8 assay.Western blotting was used to detect the phosphorylation of TANK-binding kinase 1(TBK1)and interferon regulatory factor 3(IRF3),and qRT-PCR was used to evaluate type Ⅰ interferon expression.A mouse melanoma model was established and treated with YM201636,diABZI,or their combination.Tumor volume was measured,and treatment efficacy was assessed.RNA sequencing and immunofluorescence staining were performed to analyze immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment.Results·Database analyses,qRT-PCR,and Western blotting confirmed that some human melanoma cell lines exhibited high STING mRNA expression but low STING protein levels.YM201636 significantly increased STING protein expression in YUMM1.7 cells(P<0.001).Combined treatment with YM201636 and diABZI significantly enhanced phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3(P<0.05),indicating effective activation of the STING signaling pathway.This combination also promoted the expression of type Ⅰ interferons(P<0.001)and enhanced tumor cell killing in vitro.In vivo,the combination therapy markedly suppressed melanoma growth compared to monotherapy.Immune profiling of the tumor microenvironment revealed significantly increased infiltration of CD4? T cells and CD8? T cells in the combination treatment group(P<0.05).Conclusion·The PIKfyve inhibitor YM201636 could restore STING protein expression in STING-deficient melanoma and enhance the antitumor efficacy of the STING agonist diABZI,offering a promising therapeutic strategy for tumors with defective STING signaling.

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