1.Probing the biological efficacy and mechanistic pathways of natural compounds in breast cancer therapy via the Hedgehog signaling pathway.
Yining CHENG ; Wenfeng ZHANG ; Qi SUN ; Xue WANG ; Qihang SHANG ; Jingyang LIU ; Yubao ZHANG ; Ruijuan LIU ; Changgang SUN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(4):101143-101143
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors affecting women worldwide, with its incidence rate continuously increasing. As a result, treatment strategies for this disease have received considerable attention. Research has highlighted the crucial role of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in the initiation and progression of BC, particularly in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Therefore, molecular targets within this pathway represent promising opportunities for the development of novel BC therapies. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms by which natural compounds modulate the Hh signaling pathway in BC. By conducting a comprehensive review of various natural compounds, including polyphenols, terpenes, and alkaloids, we reveal both common and unique regulatory mechanisms that influence this pathway. This investigation represents the first comprehensive analysis of five distinct mechanisms through which natural compounds modulate key molecules within the Hh pathway and their impact on the aggressive behaviors of BC. Furthermore, by exploring the structure-activity relationships between these compounds and their molecular targets, we shed light on the specific structural features that enable natural compounds to interact with various components of the Hh pathway. These novel insights contribute to advancing the development and clinical application of natural compound-based therapeutics. Our thorough review not only lays the groundwork for exploring innovative BC treatments but also opens new avenues for leveraging natural compounds in cancer therapy.
2.The mechanism of the effects of bisphenol A and high-fat diet on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice
Yunfeng LIN ; Jiaoxiang ZHANG ; Zhilin ZHANG ; Zeqi LU ; Ruijuan YAO ; Lanlan XU ; Congzheng QI ; Lili LIU ; Qiansheng HU ; Wei ZHU
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(4):376-385
Objective To explore the effects of combined exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and high-fat diet on liver lipid metabolism and hepatocyte senescence in mice, and to elucidate the potential mechanisms of the onset and development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods Specific pathogen free C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups, with 10 mice with equal numbers of each sex in each group. The mice in the control group and the simple BPA group were fed with regular diet, while others four groups of mice were fed with high-fat diet. At the same time, the mice in the simple BPA group were intragastric administered with BPA at a dose of 50 μg/kg body weight, while the mice in the low-, medium- and high-dose BPA+high-fat groups were intragastric administered with BPA at doses of 5, 50 and 500 μg/kg body weight respectively. The mice in the control group and the high-fat group were intragastric administered with the same volume of corn oil once per day for 90 consecutive days. Liver tissues were subjected to hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Oil Red O staining. Liver coefficients and lipid-stained area ratios were calculated. Serum level of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined using an automatic biochemical analyzer. The hepatic tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relative expression of cholesterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1), CCAAT enhancer binding protein α, P16, and phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX) in liver tissues was detected using Western blotting. The interaction effect of the combined exposure to BPA and high-fat diet was observed based on the result of mice in the control group, the simple high-fat group, the simple BPA group, and the medium-dose BPA group+high-fat group (the combined exposure group) using a 2×2 factorial design. The results of mice in the simple high-fat group and the low-, medium-, and high-dose BPA+high-fat groups were used to observe the effect of BPA exposure dose under high-fat diet conditions. Results i) The interactive effect of combined exposure to BPA and high fat. The HE and Oil Red O staining results indicated that the combined exposure to BPA and high-fat diet successfully established NAFLD in mice. The interactive effect of combined exposure to BPA and high-fat diet on serum ALT activity and the relative expression of P16 in the liver tissue of female mice, as well as the serum ALT and AST activities and the relative expression of SREBP1 in the liver tissue of male mice was significant (all P<0.05). Specifically, the serum ALT activity of male mice in the combined exposure group was higher than that in the simple high-fat group (P<0.05), while the ALT activity in the serum of female mice in the combined exposure group was lower than that in the simple BPA group (P<0.05). The relative expression of SREBP1 protein in the liver tissue of male mice in the combined exposure group was higher than that in the control group, the simple high-fat group, and the simple BPA group (all P<0.05). For the other indicators, there were no significant differences in the interactive effect of combined exposure to BPA and high-fat diet (all P>0.05). ii) Dose effects of BPA exposure. The HE and Oil Red O staining result showed that the degree of vacuolar steatosis in the liver of female and male mice of medium- and high-dose BPA + high-fat groups was aggravated, and the range of inflammatory cell infiltration was expanded when compared with same-sex mice in the simple high-fat group. The serum ALT activity and the fat stained area ratio, as well as the relative expression of P16 in liver tissue of female mice in high-dose BPA + high-fat group increased (all P<0.05), while the level of IL-10 in liver tissue decreased (P<0.05), compared with the female mice in simple high-fat group. The serum ALT activity, the TNF-α level in liver tissue, and the relative expression of SREBP1, P16 and γ-H2AX proteins in liver tissue of male mice in high-dose BPA + high-fat group increased (all P<0.05), while the IL-6 level in liver tissue decreased (P<0.05), compared with the male mice in simple high-fat group. For the female or male mice in the low- and medium-dose BPA + high-fat groups, only some of the above indicators showed significant changes (all P<0.05). Conclusion The combined exposure to BPA and high-fat diet has a synergistic effect on the onset and development of NAFLD. The mechanism may be related to inducing cellular senescence and modulation of lipid synthesis pathways, thereby affecting liver steatosis. The exposure dose of BPA may affect the synergistic effect.
3.Clinical characteristics and transfusion strategies of delayed serological transfusion reactions caused by platelet transfusion in tumor patients
Min LIU ; Tao PENG ; Jingjing YU ; Ruijuan ZHAO ; Weiwei FANG ; Juan CAI ; Simeng CHEN ; Xiying LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2024;37(5):491-494,500
Objective To analyze the clinical manifestations of delayed serological transfusion reactions(DSTR)after platelet transfusion in tumor patients,and to explore the transfusion strategy.Methods Clinical data and laboratory test re-sults of patients with positive antibody screening were analyzed after platelet transfusion in our hospital from January 1,2015 to June 30,2023,and the incidence rate,clinical characteristics and transfusion strategy of patients with DSTR were ana-lyzed.Results A total of 2 553 patients with 6 057 platelet transfusions were reviewed.Eight patients developed DSTR and received a total of 21 therapeutic amounts of platelets,and 5 patients were subsequently transfused with red blood cells.Rh system antibodies were detected in 7 cases(4 anti-E,1 anti-c/E,1 anti-C and 1 anti-c)and Kell system antibodies in 1 case.Conclusion Tumor patients may also develop DSTR after platelet transfusion.It is necessary to pay close attention to the antibody situation and perform matched transfusion when transfusing blood again.
4.The current situation and influencing factors of breast cancer patients′ anxiety about the upbringing of minor children
Jie LIU ; Haiyan WANG ; Hongmei CHEN ; Ruijuan SI ; Mengqi LI
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2024;40(11):846-852
Objective:To study and analyze the status quo and influencing factors of breast cancer patients′ concern about the upbringing of their minor children, and to provide a reference for clinical improvement of the level of breast cancer patients′ concern about parenting.Methods:A total of 247 breast cancer patients in the daytime ward of Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital from March to May 2023 were selected by convenience sampling. The General Information Questionnaire, Parenting Concerns Questionnaire, Parenting Sense of Competence Scale were selected for cross-sectional investigation. The multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of breast cancer patients′ worries about the upbringing of their minor children.Results:Finally, 240 valid questionnaires were ultimately collected. There were 12 patients with breast cancer aged 20-29 years old, 76 patients aged 30-39 years old, 117 patients aged 40-49 years old, and 35 patients aged ≥50 years old. The total score of breast cancer patients′anxiety about minor children′s rearing was (37.34 ± 2.56) points. The scores of each dimension were in order of (15.14 ± 1.02) worry about the actual impact on children, (11.15 ± 0.83) worry about the emotional impact on children, and (11.05 ± 0.71) worry about the parents of children. The total score of parenting competence (66.54 ± 11.68) points. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that parenting competence, educational level, number of underage children, per capita monthly income of families, and TNM stage (T: tumor primary lesion; N: regional lymphnode involvement; M: remote metastasis situation) affected parenting anxiety ( t values were -15.24-8.56, all P<0.05), which could explain 81.2% of the total variation in parenting anxiety level. Conclusions:Breast cancer patients′ concern about the upbringing of minor children is at a medium level, so medical staff should give relevant intervention measures to breast cancer patients with different characteristics, in order to provide reference for reducing the level of concern about the upbringing of minor children.
5.Observation on isolated bicuspid aortic valve in children using echocardiography
Jiao YANG ; Ning MA ; Liyuan XU ; Li XUE ; Yan SUN ; Hongju ZHANG ; Guowen LIU ; Ruijuan SU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2024;40(7):978-981
Objective To observe the manifestations of isolated bicuspid aortic valve(i-BAV)in children using echocardiography.Methods Echocardiographic data of 79 children with i-BAV were retrospectively analyzed,and classification of i-BAV was performed.The patients were divided into complication group(n=50)and non-complication group(n=29)according to the existence of valve and/or aortic involvement or not,and echocardiographic parameters were compared between groups.Results After adjusting body surface area(BSA),in complication group,left ventricular end-systolic diameter/BSA was lower,while left ventricular myocardial mass index group was higher than those in non-complication group(both P<0.05).Type 0 i-BAV was found in 22 cases,with lat subtype as the most common ones(18/22,81.82%),while Type Ⅰ was observed in 57 cases with L-R subtype as the most common ones(39/57,68.42%).The most common subtype in complication group was also Type Ⅰ L-R(31/50,62.00%),with incidence of valve involvement of 90.00%(45/50),mainly including mild aortic stenosis and/or incompetence(37/45,82.22%),and incidence of aorta involvement of 24.00%(12/50),all with type Ⅰ or Ⅱ aortic widening.Conclusion The most common subtype of i-BAV in children was type Ⅰ L-R,with mild valve damage as the main complication and possibility of left ventricular myocardial remodeling.
6.Research progress on material basis and mechanism of Hedyotis Dif-fusa-Scutellaria Barbata Herb Pair in the treatment of gastric cancer
Xiaowei ZHANG ; Nan WANG ; Mengge DAI ; Ruijuan LIU ; Ting MA
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2024;29(7):831-840
Gastric cancer is one of the most com-mon malignant tumors in the digestive system,which often occurs in middle-aged and elderly peo-ple.Traditional Chinese medicine recognizes gastric cancer as a kind of tumor characterized by fluid de-ficiency,heat accumulation and the growing bind-ing of toxins in the stomach.It is commonly treated with heat-clearing and detoxifying drugs in clinical practice.Hedyotis diffusa-Scutellaria barbata herb pair(HS)has the effects of clearing heat and detoxi-fying,promoting blood circulation,resolving car-buncle and expulsing boil,anti-inflammatory and analgesic,which are consistent with the etiology and pathogenesis of gastric cancer,therefore,it can be used for the treatment of gastric cancer.Modern pharmacological researches have con-firmed that HS can play an anti-gastric cancer role by inducing cell apoptosis,inhibiting cell prolifera-tion,inhibiting angiogenesis,improving immune mi-croenvironment and down-regulating telomerase activity.Herein,this review summarizes the active ingredients and related mechanism responsible for the anti-gastric cancer effect of HS,which will pro-vide the theoretical basis for its clinical use and the development of new drugs against gastric cancers.
7.Qualitative study of active management dilemmas in young and middle-aged postoperative patients with lumbar disc herniation
Qianqian YAO ; Junjuan ZHANG ; Ruijuan HAN ; Na GAO ; Sinuo CHEN ; Linlin HOU ; Suting LIU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(13):1738-1744
Objective:To understand the dilemma of active management in young and middle-aged postoperative patients with lumbar disc herniation, in order to provide reference for the formulation of active intervention program of self-health management meeting the needs of patients.Methods:Using the phenomenological research method, a total of 16 middle-aged and young patients with lumbar disc herniation were selected for semi-structured in-depth interviews, and the themes were analyzed and extracted by Colaizzi 7-step analysis method.Results:Three themes and nine sub-themes were extracted namely, inadequate disease response capacity and response resources (lack of disease symptom management capacity, limited access to disease management information, difficult use of disease management information, difficulty in maintaining positive self-management for a long time (forced to stop behavior change due to stress, lack of motivation to achieve good behavior change, doubts about the effectiveness of self-management) and multi-dimensional negative emotions (contrast between maintaining independence and dependence on others, fear of being misunderstood, fear of relapse) .Conclusions:Medical staff should provide comprehensive health information services for young and middle-aged postoperative patients with lumbar disc herniation, improve the out-of-hospital follow-up mechanism with the help of information technology, further improve family and social support strategies, reduce the difficulties faced in the process of active management and achieve long-term active disease management.
8.Research status and hotspot analysis of leech in the field of medicine based on bibliometrics
Quancheng XIN ; Yanzhao ZHANG ; Yutong HUA ; Xiuhuan GUO ; Zhaoyuqing SU ; Chuanxin LIU ; Ruijuan YUAN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2024;33(9):1064-1073
Objective To analyze the literature of leech in medicine using CiteSpace knowledge map,comprehensively understand the research status,hotspots and development trends of component analysis and pharmacological effects of leech,and provide reference for researchers in the field of leech.Methods CiteSpace 6.1 R3 software was used to analyze the relevant literature of leech in the field of medical research in CNKI and Web of Science databases from 1996 to 2022.The bibliometric and visual analysis of the number of articles,authors,research institutions,keyword co-occurrence,clustering and emergence were carried out.Results A total of 1 115 Chinese articles in CNKI database and 237 English articles in Web of Science database were included.The analysis of Chinese and English literature showed that the author Shi Hongzhuan had the largest number of Chinese articles,and the German author Hildebrandt had the largest number of English articles.Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Academy of Sciences were the institutions with the largest number of articles in Chinese and English respectively.The country with the most published English literature is the United States.Chinese and English keyword co-occurrence and cluster analysis showed that Chinese literature focused on the study of its active ingredient hirudin,including molecular structure,pharmacological efficacy,mechanism of treating thrombosis,coronary heart disease,kidney disease and other diseases,and paid attention to the differences in the active ingredients of different types of leeches.In addition,English literature focused on the clinical external use of living leeches.The emergence of keywords suggested that the mechanism of action,the search and synthesis of hirudin analogues,and the pharmacodynamic mechanism of compatibility application were not only the current research hotspots,but also the future hot spots.Conclusion The analysis of leech components,the pharmacological mechanism of leech in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases,chronic kidney diseases and other diseases have always been the research hotspots.Hirudin analogues,the pharmacodynamic mechanism of compatibility application,network pharmacology,molecular docking and so on may be the future research hotspots and trends of leeches.
9.Analysis of iodine nutritional status in water-borne high iodine areas of Shandong Province in 2021
Ruijuan GUO ; Jiakun WANG ; Na LIANG ; Xue ZHANG ; Fang YANG ; Haijie LIU ; Wen JIANG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2024;43(8):652-656
Objective:To investigate the popularization of non-iodized salt among residents in water-borne high iodine areas and the iodine nutrition status of key populations in Shandong Province.Methods:In 2021, monitoring was conducted on a county-by-county basis in 47 counties (cities, districts, hereinafter referred to as counties) in 9 cities of Shandong Province, in accordance with the newly designated high iodine areas in the "Definition of Water Source High Iodine Areas and High Iodine Disease Areas" (GB/T 19380-2016) and historical high iodine areas. In each monitoring county, administrative villages with a median water iodine level greater than 100 μg/L were sorted by water iodine value, and a systematic sampling method was used to select 5 administrative villages as monitoring sites to investigate the water improvement situation and the iodine level of residents' drinking water. Totally 40 non boarding students aged 8 to 10 from one primary school and 20 pregnant women were selected in each village location to collect household edible salt samples and random urine samples for testing salt iodine and urine iodine levels, and the B-ultrasound method was used for thyroid examination in children.Results:A total of 364 high iodine administrative villages had been monitored, all of which had completed water improvement with a water improvement rate of 100.0%. The median iodine content in residential drinking water was 20.3 μg/L, ranging from 0.1 to 869.1 μg/L; and 11 464 edible salt samples were collected from residents' homes, with a non-iodized salt rate of 82.7% (9 481/11 464). A total of 9 197 urine samples from children and 2 335 urine samples from pregnant women were tested, with median urinary iodine levels of 219.0 and 139.0 μg/L, respectively. A total of 9 197 children were examined for thyroid, with 262 cases detected and a goiter rate of 2.8%.Conclusions:The rate of non-iodized salt in high iodine areas of Shandong Province still needs to be improved. Children's iodine nutrition is above the appropriate level, while pregnant women are at an iodine deficiency level.
10.The Prevention and Treatment of Pulmonary Nodules “Nodule-cancer Transformation” Based on the View of “Disease with Latent Pathogen Induced by a New Pathogen”
Yi LIU ; Chuchu ZHANG ; Bingyi YIN ; Qiyuan MAO ; Qianwen CHENG ; Ruijuan CAI ; Hongsheng LIN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(1):39-43
As one of the pathogenic mechanisms contained in The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》), “disease with latent pathogen induced by a new pathogen” means that the induced new pathogen resulted to a combination of the latent previous pathogen and the new pathogen, which caused the disease. Based on this, it is believed that the change of “nodule-cancer transformation” of pulmonary nodules is actually based on the deficiency of original qi, and the new pathogen induces the latent pathogens like phlegm coagulation, qi stagnation, blood stasis, toxicity, so healthy qi can not drive the pathogens out, and the long-time detention generated into cancerous turbidity, and deve-loped into cancerous tumour at the end. Therefore, based on the three-stage treatment of unformed cancer, dense cancerous toxin, and developed cancer, the clinical practice applied six methods of clearing, expelling, dissipating, tonifying, harmonizing, and transforming, taking into account both the manifestation and root cause, moving the treatment window of pulmonary nodules forward, attacking the pathogens when the toxin was not yet overbearing, supporting the healthy qi before declining, delaying the process of nodules-cancer transformation, and providing ideas for the prevention and treatment of pulmonary nodules “nodule-cancer transformation” in traditional Chinese medicine.

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