1.Establishment of an in vitro model for Erastin and RSL3-induced ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Xinyue Zhu ; Qiaohui Ren ; Yan Zang ; Xinyi Zhou ; Junxiao Yao ; Lianzi Wang ; Xudong Sha ; Tao Li
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(4):611-618
Objective:
To establish anin vitromodel of ferroptosis induced by Erastin and RAS-selective lethal 3(RSL3) in hepatoma cells, and to provide theoretical basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for HCC.
Methods:
Hepatoma cells(HCCLM3, HepG2, Hep3B, Huh7 and PLC/PRF/5) in logarithmic growth phase were treated with Erastin(0-40 μmol/L) and RSL3(0-10 μmol/L) at double concentrations respectively. After 24 h, CCK-8 method was used to detect cell viability, draw growth curve, calculate IC50, and HCC cells sensitive to inducers were selected for follow-up experiments. The effect of inducer on the state of hepatoma cells was observed under light microscope, and immunoblotting and flow cytometry were used to verify whether the ferroptotic modelin vitrowas successfully constructed.
Results:
Huh7, Hep3B and HepG2 cells were sensitive to Erastin and RSL3, but HCCLM3 and PLC/PRF/5 were insensitive to Erastin and RSL3. When the concentration of Erastin and RSL3 reached the maximum, the survival rate was still above 65%. Huh7, Hep3B and HepG2 cells were selected for subsequent experiments. Compared with the control group, the expression of Glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4), a ferroptotic marker, was down-regulated in a concentration-dependent manner. In Huh7, Hep3B and HepG2 cells, lipid reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels significantly increased after 24 h treatment with 10 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L Erastin, respectively; in Huh7 cells, lipid ROS levels significantly increased after 24 h treatment with 0.5 μmol/L and 1 μmol/L RSL3, respectively; in Hep3B and HepG2 cells, lipid ROS levels significantly increased after 24 h treatment with 1 μmol/L and 2 μmol/L RSL3, respectively, compared with control group.
Conclusion
Huh7, Hep3B and HepG2 cells are highly sensitive to Erastin and RSL3. Huh7, Hep3B and HepG2 cells treated with 10 μmol/L Erastin for 24 h are good models for simulating ferroptosis induced by Erastinin vitro, Huh7 cells treated with 0.5 μmol/L RSL3 for 24 h and Hep3B and HepG2 cells treated with 1 μmol/L RSL3 for 24 h are good models for simulating ferroptosis induced by RSL3in vitro.
2.Mechanisms of immunosuppression mediated by tumor-associated macrophages on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and targeted strategies
Jingchang LI ; Chuangchuang LI ; Xiaorui LI ; Yu SHA ; Weihong REN
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2025;45(11):985-992
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes(TILs)are the main anti-tumor immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and play a crucial role in the immunotherapy of solid tumors. However,the presence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment limits their clinical efficacy. As one of the most abundant immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment,tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)have a close connection with TILs and play an important role in the immunosuppression on TILs. This review discusses the application of TILs in the field of tumor therapy and their immunosuppressive bottlenecks,elaborates on the role of TAMs in tumor immunosuppression,and summarizes the effects of TAMs on the immune function of TILs through mechanisms such as cytokine secretion,exosome release,metabolic reprogramming,and epigenetic remodeling. In addition,this article also explores the possibility of targeting TAMs as a strategy to improve the anti-tumor efficacy of TILs,aiming to provide new ideas for addressing the immunosuppressive challenges faced by TILs.
3.Clinical value of a deep learning multi-view fusion model for diagnosing fetal conotruncal defects
Hongmei GUO ; Zhengxi DENG ; Qiuhong XU ; Sha WAN ; Jianhua LUO ; Shuangli REN ; Shuxing ZHONG ; Ting LEI ; Xiaoyan MA ; Yafui YAN
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(10):842-849
Objective:To develop an ultrasound multi-view fusion recognition model and evaluate its clinical value in diagnosing fetal conotruncal defects (CTD).Methods:This prospective study collected cardiac ultrasound images from fetuses at 20-32 weeks of gestation undergoing prenatal ultrasound at Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Hospital between September 2022 and May 2024. The case group comprised fetuses diagnosed with CTD, while controls with normal cardiac structures were collected at a 1∶2 ratio. Both groups were divided into modeling training and validation sets at a 3∶1 ratio. One optimal standard image each from the four-chamber view, left ventricular outflow tract view, right ventricular outflow tract view, and three vessels and trachea view was included per fetus. A deep learning-based multi-view fusion recognition model was developed to differentiate normal conotruncal anatomy from CTD. Model performance was validated against post-abortion pathology or postnatal echocardiography results. SAS software was used for statistical analysis to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of three fusion models (based on positivity in any two, three, or four views, and were designated as Fusion Model 1, Fusion Model 2, and Fusion Model 3, respectively), with the optimal model determined by the maximum Youden index. Senior, intermediate, and junior prenatal sonologists independently diagnosed cases in the validation set under blinding conditions. Their diagnostic results were compared with those of the optimal model. Paired Chi-square test (Cochran's Q test) was employed to compare the differences between the diagnostic accuracy rates of sonologists at different experience levels and the sensitivity of the optimal model, thereby analyzing the auxiliary diagnostic value of the multi-view fusion recognition model. Results:The study included 88 CTD cases, excluding six cases (non-CTD diagnosed by post-abortion pathology or postnatal echocardiography or poor image quality), divided into 60 training and 22 validation cases (12 tetralogy of Fallot, four double outlet right ventricle, three transposition of great arteries, three persistent truncus arteriosus). The control group included 176 cases, excluding 15 cases (other cardiac abnormalities confirmed postnatally or poor image quality after re-evaluation), divided into 120 training and 41 validation cases. The sensitivities of Fusion Model 1, Fusion Model 2, and Fusion Mudel 3 were 0.86, 0.64, and 0.27, while their specificities were 0.76, 0.95, and 1.00, respectively. Fusion Model 1 demonstrated the highest Youden index (0.62) and was selected as optimal. Its diagnostic sensitivity showed no significant difference from senior sonologists [86% vs. 91% (20/22), Bonferroni-corrected P>0.999], but was significantly higher than intermediate [55% (12/22), Bonferroni-corrected P=0.049] and junior sonologists [32% (7/22), Bonferroni-corrected P=0.003]. Conclusion:The deep learning multi-view fusion model achieved diagnostic performance comparable to senior sonologists, demonstrating potential value in assisting CTD diagnosis, training less experienced sonologists, and supporting research and education.
4.Tanshinone Ⅰ Alleviates Sepsis Associated Acute Kidney Injury in Rats by Regulating Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Jingyu REN ; Xingpeng JIANG ; Zhengchao LI ; Shiyuan WEN ; Sha ZHU ; Jin RU
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(6):29-37
Objective To investigate the effect of Tan Ⅰ on SA-AKI in rats by mediating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following groups(n=8 per group,including 2 reserve animals per group):Sham,SA-AKI,SA-AKI+5 mg/kg Tan I,SA-AKI+10 mg/kg Tan I,SA-AKI+15 mg/kg Tan I(SA-AKI+Tan I),SA-AKI+salinomycin sodium(SS,Wnt signal inhibitor,SA-AKI+SS),SA-AKI+SS+Tan I,SA-AKI+laduviglusib(LG,Wnt signal activator,SA-AKI+LG),and SA-AKI+LG+Tan I.Rat SA-AKI model was induced by cecal ligation and puncture(CLP),with Tan I,SS,and LG administered via intraperitoneal injection.Hematoxylin-eosin and TUNEL staining were used to observe renal tissue pathological damage.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum concentrations of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL),IL-1β,IL-8,IL-6,and TNF-α.Creatinine(Cre)and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)kit were used to detect serum Cre and BUN concentrations.Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the expression and fluorescence intensity of Wnt1,GSK3β,and β-catenin.Results Administration of Tan I at doses of 10 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg significantly attenuated renal injury in rats with SA-AKI(P<0.05),suppressed the levels of SA-AKI biomarkers NGAL,Cre,and BUN and pro-inflammatory cytokines(P<0.05),reduced apoptosis,and downregulated Wnt1 and GSK3β while upregulating β-catenin expression(P<0.05).Although Tan I at 5 mg/kg exhibited a modest protective effect against SA-AKI in rats,no statistically significant difference was observed compared to the sham group(P>0.05).SS weakened CLP-induced kidney injury and the production of inflammatory cytokines in rats(P<0.05),and LG further aggravated CLP-induced kidney injury in rats(P<0.05).Tan Ⅰ reversed the promoting effect of LG on kidney injury in SA-AKI rats(P<0.05).Conclusion Tan Ⅰ provides a protective effect on CLP-induced SA-AKI rat by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
5.Analysis of the core and bridge effects of interpersonal,relaxation and medication efficacy in self-management of rheumatoid arthritis patients
Yao DENG ; Sha ZHANG ; Xiaorun XIANG ; Ping WAN ; Qi REN ; Lei LIU
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(20):2532-2539
Objective To explore the networked association among the dimensions of self-efficacy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis(RA)and to identify core efficacy and bridge efficacy,and provide a basis for formulating precise nursing intervention strategies.Methods A total of 652 RA patients admitted in our hospital from September 2024 to January 2025 were enrolled with convenience sampling.The general information questionnaire and Rheumatoid Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale(RASE)were used for assessment.Exploratory factor analysis was used to extract efficacy symptom clusters.With aid of R project,network analysis was employed to construct an association network among efficacy dimensions to calculate centrality indicators(strength,closeness,betweenness)to identify core efficacy and bridge efficacy.Results Exploratory factor analysis extracted 7 efficacy symptom clusters,with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 64.539%(P<0.001).Network analysis showed that the network density was 0.143,suggesting that there were moderate correlations among the self-efficacy dimensions."Relaxation efficacy 1(r1)"and"pain efficacy 1(a1)"had the strongest correlation(r=0.73).Interpersonal efficacy 2(i2)had the highest intensity centrality(6.88),and relaxation efficacy 3(r3)had the highest tightness(0.0125),and medication efficacy 1(m1)had the highest mediation(116),which were the core efficacy and bridge efficacy in this network group.Conclusion There are complex network-like correlations among the various dimensions of self-efficacy in RA patients.Interpersonal efficacy is the core driving factor,while relaxation and medication efficacies play the bridging role,jointly influencing the overall level of patients'self-management ability.
6.Causal relationship of liposomes and circulating metabolomes to schizophrenia: a two-step, two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Mengyun LEI ; Yanhong DU ; Yao GAO ; Huaili DENG ; Binhong WANG ; Zhiyong REN ; Sha LIU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):223-228
BackgroundSchizophrenia is a complex, chronic and severe mental disorder, and the pathogenesis of which has not been fully elucidated. The abnormalities in lipid metabolism and circulating metabolomes have already been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. However, available studies have mainly focused on a few liposomes and circulating metabolites, failing to systematically reveal the mediating role of circulating metabolomes in the causal relationship between liposomes and schizophrenia. ObjectiveTo uncover mediating role of circulating metabolomes in the causal relationship between liposomes and schizophrenia, thereby providing biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of schizophrenia. MethodsData from Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) were analyzed, taking data on 179 liposomes as exposure variables, data on 123 circulating metabolites as intermediate variables, and data on schizophrenia as outcome variable. A two-step, two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR- Egger, Weighted median, and Weighted mode methods to study the causal relationship of liposomes with schizophrenia and the mediating role of circulating metabolomes in the relationship. ResultsIVW model identified 8 lipids associated with schizophrenia without reverse causality. There were 5 circulating metabolomes strongly associated with schizophrenia. Acetate played a significant mediating role in the causal relationship between phosphatidylinositol (18:0_18:2) and schizophrenia (P=0.023, 95% CI: 0.036~0.532), accounting for 28.4% of the causal relationship. ConclusionThis study demonstrates a causal relationship between liposomes and schizophrenia, with phosphatidylinositol being a risk factor in the progression of schizophrenia, and acetate playing a mediating role in this process. [Fund by National Natural Science Foundation of China General Program (number, 82271546); Shanxi Merit Funding for Overseas Students Sci-Tech Activities Project (number, 20240041); Shanxi Province Science and Technology Innovation Leading Talent Team Project (number, 202304051001049); Shanxi Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars (number, 2022-190); "Six Measures for Health Care Prosperity" Specialized Research Program (number, Y2024008)]
7.Research progress on the functional polarization mechanism of myeloid-derived cells in the tumor microenvironment and their targeted therapy potential.
Chuangchuang LI ; Jingchang LI ; Xiaorui LI ; Yu SHA ; Weihong REN
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(9):844-850
Myeloid-derived cells (MDCs) are crucial in immune response and tissue homeostasis. They have high functional plasticity and can be polarized according to microenvironment signals. These cells, including macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells (DCs), exhibit different functional polarization states in different pathological environments and are involved in the occurrence and development of diseases such as inflammation and tumors. Studies have shown that metabolic reprogramming plays a key role in the functional polarization of MDCs, affecting the cellular energy supply and regulating immune function. This paper reviews classification, function and polarization mechanism of MDCs and discusses metabolic reprogramming. In addition, the therapeutic strategies targeting MDC are summarized, which is expected to provide new targets for tumor immunotherapy.
Humans
;
Tumor Microenvironment/immunology*
;
Myeloid Cells/metabolism*
;
Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Animals
;
Immunotherapy/methods*
;
Dendritic Cells/immunology*
;
Macrophages/immunology*
8.Mechanisms of immunosuppression mediated by tumor-associated macrophages on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and targeted strategies
Jingchang LI ; Chuangchuang LI ; Xiaorui LI ; Yu SHA ; Weihong REN
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2025;45(11):985-992
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes(TILs)are the main anti-tumor immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and play a crucial role in the immunotherapy of solid tumors. However,the presence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment limits their clinical efficacy. As one of the most abundant immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment,tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)have a close connection with TILs and play an important role in the immunosuppression on TILs. This review discusses the application of TILs in the field of tumor therapy and their immunosuppressive bottlenecks,elaborates on the role of TAMs in tumor immunosuppression,and summarizes the effects of TAMs on the immune function of TILs through mechanisms such as cytokine secretion,exosome release,metabolic reprogramming,and epigenetic remodeling. In addition,this article also explores the possibility of targeting TAMs as a strategy to improve the anti-tumor efficacy of TILs,aiming to provide new ideas for addressing the immunosuppressive challenges faced by TILs.
9.Clinical value of a deep learning multi-view fusion model for diagnosing fetal conotruncal defects
Hongmei GUO ; Zhengxi DENG ; Qiuhong XU ; Sha WAN ; Jianhua LUO ; Shuangli REN ; Shuxing ZHONG ; Ting LEI ; Xiaoyan MA ; Yafui YAN
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(10):842-849
Objective:To develop an ultrasound multi-view fusion recognition model and evaluate its clinical value in diagnosing fetal conotruncal defects (CTD).Methods:This prospective study collected cardiac ultrasound images from fetuses at 20-32 weeks of gestation undergoing prenatal ultrasound at Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Hospital between September 2022 and May 2024. The case group comprised fetuses diagnosed with CTD, while controls with normal cardiac structures were collected at a 1∶2 ratio. Both groups were divided into modeling training and validation sets at a 3∶1 ratio. One optimal standard image each from the four-chamber view, left ventricular outflow tract view, right ventricular outflow tract view, and three vessels and trachea view was included per fetus. A deep learning-based multi-view fusion recognition model was developed to differentiate normal conotruncal anatomy from CTD. Model performance was validated against post-abortion pathology or postnatal echocardiography results. SAS software was used for statistical analysis to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of three fusion models (based on positivity in any two, three, or four views, and were designated as Fusion Model 1, Fusion Model 2, and Fusion Model 3, respectively), with the optimal model determined by the maximum Youden index. Senior, intermediate, and junior prenatal sonologists independently diagnosed cases in the validation set under blinding conditions. Their diagnostic results were compared with those of the optimal model. Paired Chi-square test (Cochran's Q test) was employed to compare the differences between the diagnostic accuracy rates of sonologists at different experience levels and the sensitivity of the optimal model, thereby analyzing the auxiliary diagnostic value of the multi-view fusion recognition model. Results:The study included 88 CTD cases, excluding six cases (non-CTD diagnosed by post-abortion pathology or postnatal echocardiography or poor image quality), divided into 60 training and 22 validation cases (12 tetralogy of Fallot, four double outlet right ventricle, three transposition of great arteries, three persistent truncus arteriosus). The control group included 176 cases, excluding 15 cases (other cardiac abnormalities confirmed postnatally or poor image quality after re-evaluation), divided into 120 training and 41 validation cases. The sensitivities of Fusion Model 1, Fusion Model 2, and Fusion Mudel 3 were 0.86, 0.64, and 0.27, while their specificities were 0.76, 0.95, and 1.00, respectively. Fusion Model 1 demonstrated the highest Youden index (0.62) and was selected as optimal. Its diagnostic sensitivity showed no significant difference from senior sonologists [86% vs. 91% (20/22), Bonferroni-corrected P>0.999], but was significantly higher than intermediate [55% (12/22), Bonferroni-corrected P=0.049] and junior sonologists [32% (7/22), Bonferroni-corrected P=0.003]. Conclusion:The deep learning multi-view fusion model achieved diagnostic performance comparable to senior sonologists, demonstrating potential value in assisting CTD diagnosis, training less experienced sonologists, and supporting research and education.
10. Study on relationship of target organ injury of mechanism and "structure-effect-dose" of Hedysari Radix during radiotherapy-chemotherapy induced
Sha-Sha ZHAO ; Hai HE ; Zi-Yang WANG ; Yao-Ying XING ; Yuan REN ; Jing SHAO ; Sha-Sha ZHAO ; Hai HE ; Zi-Yang WANG ; Yao-Ying XING ; Jing SHAO ; Yuan REN ; Jing SHAO ; Jing SHAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(2):371-380
Aim To explore the possible mechanism of "component-target-pathway" of Radix Hedysari against target organ damage caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and to verify the " dose-effect" relationship of the main active components. Methods TCMSP, Uniprot, Swiss Target Prediction, GeneCards, Cytoscape, Omicshare and other platforms were used for network pharmacology analysis. Autodock, Pymol and Ligplot were used for molecular docking. The water extract of Radix Hedysari was used for animal experiment verification. The contents of eight main components were determined by HPLC. Results Four active components, eight key targets and four key pathways of Radix Hedysari were identified to resist the damage of target organs caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Molecular docking showed that formononetin and quercetin had good binding activity with HSP90AA1, naringenin and MAPK3, and ursolic acid and TP53. Animal experiments showed that gastrointestinal factors MTL and VIP increased significantly, liver and kidney factors Cr, BUN, AST and ALT decreased significantly, inflammatory factor IL-10 increased significantly and TNF-a decreased significantly. The content of ononm was the highest (2 . 884 8 µg • g "


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