1.Mechanism of transcription factor ZEB1 in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells
Yun ZHAO ; Beibei MA ; Huaxue XING ; Shaofeng HUANG ; Zhongwei ZHANG ; Bo LING
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):470-479
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma H322 cells, as well as its underlying molecular mechanisms. MethodsThe gene expression characteristics of the transcription factor ZEB1 in lung adenocarcinoma were analyzed using data from the GEO and TCGA public databases. RT-qPCR and Western blot were employed to measure mRNA and protein expression levels of ZEB1 in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (H322, A549, 95-D) and normal human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). Lentiviral transduction was utilized to establish stable ZEB1-overexpressing (Oe-ZEB1) and vector control (Oe-NC) H322 cell lines. Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8, colony formation, and EdU assays, while apoptosis was evaluated by Hoechst33258/PI double staining. Wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to examine cell migration and invasion capabilities. Cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry, and Western blot was used to analyze protein expression changes in relevant signaling pathways. ResultsThe findings from GEO and TCGA indicated that ZEB1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma varied with tumor malignancy grade. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses revealed significantly higher ZEB1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines compared to BEAS-2B cells (P0.05). Results from the CCK-8, colony formation, EdU, wound healing, and Transwell assays demonstrated that, compared with the un-transfected control (Control) group, Oe-ZEB1 H322 cells exhibited enhanced proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities (P0.05). Hoechst33258/PI double staining and flow cytometry analyses showed that, relative to the Control group, apoptosis was reduced in Oe-ZEB1 H322 cells (P0.05). Additionally, a decreased proportion of cells in the G1 phase and an increased proportion in the S phase were observed in Oe-ZEB1 cells, indicating accelerated cell cycle progression. Western blot analysis further revealed that, compared with the Control group, Oe-ZEB1 H322 cells exhibited upregulated expression of N-cadherin, mutant p53 (mutp53), and Cyclin D1 (P0.05), while expression levels of E-cadherin, murine double minute 2 (MDM2), and p21 were downregulated (P0.05). ConclusionOverexpression of ZEB1 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma H322 cells and may facilitate cell cycle progression by modulating the MDM2/mutp53/p21 signaling pathway, thereby promoting the transition of cells from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase.
2.The impact of lesions in different nuclei of the basal ganglia on speech processing function in patients with post-stroke dysarthria
Juan LIU ; Shuzhi ZHAO ; Rongfeng SU ; Shaofeng ZHAO ; Yumei ZHANG ; Lan WANG ; Nan YAN
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(6):517-524
Objective:To investigate the impact of lesions in different nuclei of the subcortical basal ganglia on speech processing functions in patients with post-stroke dysarthria.Methods:From July 2022 to September 2023, a total of 20 patients with post-stroke dysarthria (patient group) and 22 healthy individuals (control group) were recruited. Brain imaging data, including structural magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), as well as behavioral data of speech fluency task and picture association task were collected. Structural MRI data was analyzed using SPM12 software to perform voxel-based morphometry (VBM), measuring cortical thickness and gray matter volume (VGM) in specific nuclei of the basal ganglia. Behavioral metrics, such as reaction time (RT) and the number of valid responses were extracted for each task. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 27.0 and R 4.0 softwares. Spearman correlation analysis was applied to examine relationships between neuroimaging parameters and behavioral performance indicators.Results:The patient group exhibited significantly smaller gray matter volumes in both left and right caudate nuclei((2.69±0.92)mm 3, (3.17±0.91)mm 3 ) and putamen (3.31±1.08)mm 3, (3.66±0.91)mm 3) compared to the control group (caudate nuclei (3.19±0.36)mm 3, (3.49±0.52)mm 3 putamen (4.52±0.54)mm 3, (4.72±0.64)mm 3), with statistically significant differences ( t=-2.83, 1.68; t=-3.59, 3.52, both P<0.05). Behavioral experiments revealed that the patient group exhibited significantly prolonged reaction time during picture association and naming tasks (1 910.50(1 214.25, 3 806.75) ms, 1 362.00(978.00, 2 297.00) ms) compared to the control group (1 618.00(1 162.75, 2 401.75) ms, 1 224.00(984.25, 1 661.50) ms; Z=-5.20, -4.61, both P<0.05). Gray matter volumes in the left caudate nucleus and left putamen exhibited negative correlations with reaction times during the picture naming task ( r=-0.52, -0.54, both P<0.05). Additionally, the gray matter volume of the left putamen demonstrated a positive correlation with the number of valid responses in speech fluency task-T2 ( r=0.46, P<0.05), whereas the left globus pallidus volume showed a negative correlation with speech fluency task-T1 ( r=-0.51, P<0.05) with the same measure. Conclusion:Lesions in the left subnuclei of the basal ganglia directly impair early-stage speech functions, including conceptual preparation and lexical selection, whereas right-side lesions exert less pronounced effects on linguistic performance compared to their left counterparts. Furthermore, the basal ganglia's involvement in higher-order linguistic processing may represent an indirect consequence of cognitive decline.
3.Application and progress of artificial intelligence in the analysis of retinal vascular parameters
Zhaoyang ZHAO ; Huilin LI ; Yanfeng SHANG ; Sisi MENG ; Shaofeng HAO
International Eye Science 2025;25(5):787-791
This review summarizes the applications and advancements of artificial intelligence(AI)in the analysis of retinal vascular parameters. Retinal vascular parameters, including vessel diameter, fractal dimension, vascular tortuosity, branching angles, and vessel density, are important indicators for assessing changes in the retinal vascular network structure. These parameters are not only related to various ophthalmic diseases but also reflect the conditions of systemic diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. This article provides a detailed discussion on the advantages of AI technology in the automated identification and quantification of retinal vascular parameters, particularly in improving measurement efficiency and accuracy, and enabling the early detection and monitoring of various diseases. Additionally, the challenges faced by AI in the analysis of retinal vascular parameters were discussed, such as data standardization and insufficient sample diversity, and proposes directions for future research. By thoroughly analyzing the application of AI in retinal vascular parameter analysis, this article aims to offer new perspectives and methods for clinical diagnosis and early intervention of diseases, holding significant clinical significance and application prospects.
4.The progress on the role of ferroptosis in oxidative stress in BPH
Shaofeng CHEN ; Chunxu LI ; Jiang WANG ; Fu WANG ; Qiang GENG ; Zhong LI ; Feng ZHAO ; Yuan SUN
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(8):636-640
Ferroptosis is an emerging form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and the failure of the antioxidant system,which results in iron-dependent oxidative damage to the cell membrane. Ferroptosis is implicated in various biological processes,including cell proliferation,aging,and differentiation. The regulation of oxidative stress by ferroptosis is closely associated with the inactivation of glutathione peroxidase 4(Gpx4),dysfunction of the cysteine/glutamate antiporter System Xc-,the production of reactive oxygen species derived from oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acids,and alterations in lipid metabolism. Oxidative stress is a critical mechanism underlying the onset and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)and plays a pivotal role in its pathogenesis. Ferroptosis may regulate the occurrence and development of BPH by mediating lipid oxidative stress response.
5.The impact of lesions in different nuclei of the basal ganglia on speech processing function in patients with post-stroke dysarthria
Juan LIU ; Shuzhi ZHAO ; Rongfeng SU ; Shaofeng ZHAO ; Yumei ZHANG ; Lan WANG ; Nan YAN
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(6):517-524
Objective:To investigate the impact of lesions in different nuclei of the subcortical basal ganglia on speech processing functions in patients with post-stroke dysarthria.Methods:From July 2022 to September 2023, a total of 20 patients with post-stroke dysarthria (patient group) and 22 healthy individuals (control group) were recruited. Brain imaging data, including structural magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), as well as behavioral data of speech fluency task and picture association task were collected. Structural MRI data was analyzed using SPM12 software to perform voxel-based morphometry (VBM), measuring cortical thickness and gray matter volume (VGM) in specific nuclei of the basal ganglia. Behavioral metrics, such as reaction time (RT) and the number of valid responses were extracted for each task. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 27.0 and R 4.0 softwares. Spearman correlation analysis was applied to examine relationships between neuroimaging parameters and behavioral performance indicators.Results:The patient group exhibited significantly smaller gray matter volumes in both left and right caudate nuclei((2.69±0.92)mm 3, (3.17±0.91)mm 3 ) and putamen (3.31±1.08)mm 3, (3.66±0.91)mm 3) compared to the control group (caudate nuclei (3.19±0.36)mm 3, (3.49±0.52)mm 3 putamen (4.52±0.54)mm 3, (4.72±0.64)mm 3), with statistically significant differences ( t=-2.83, 1.68; t=-3.59, 3.52, both P<0.05). Behavioral experiments revealed that the patient group exhibited significantly prolonged reaction time during picture association and naming tasks (1 910.50(1 214.25, 3 806.75) ms, 1 362.00(978.00, 2 297.00) ms) compared to the control group (1 618.00(1 162.75, 2 401.75) ms, 1 224.00(984.25, 1 661.50) ms; Z=-5.20, -4.61, both P<0.05). Gray matter volumes in the left caudate nucleus and left putamen exhibited negative correlations with reaction times during the picture naming task ( r=-0.52, -0.54, both P<0.05). Additionally, the gray matter volume of the left putamen demonstrated a positive correlation with the number of valid responses in speech fluency task-T2 ( r=0.46, P<0.05), whereas the left globus pallidus volume showed a negative correlation with speech fluency task-T1 ( r=-0.51, P<0.05) with the same measure. Conclusion:Lesions in the left subnuclei of the basal ganglia directly impair early-stage speech functions, including conceptual preparation and lexical selection, whereas right-side lesions exert less pronounced effects on linguistic performance compared to their left counterparts. Furthermore, the basal ganglia's involvement in higher-order linguistic processing may represent an indirect consequence of cognitive decline.
6.The progress on the role of ferroptosis in oxidative stress in BPH
Shaofeng CHEN ; Chunxu LI ; Jiang WANG ; Fu WANG ; Qiang GENG ; Zhong LI ; Feng ZHAO ; Yuan SUN
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(8):636-640
Ferroptosis is an emerging form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and the failure of the antioxidant system,which results in iron-dependent oxidative damage to the cell membrane. Ferroptosis is implicated in various biological processes,including cell proliferation,aging,and differentiation. The regulation of oxidative stress by ferroptosis is closely associated with the inactivation of glutathione peroxidase 4(Gpx4),dysfunction of the cysteine/glutamate antiporter System Xc-,the production of reactive oxygen species derived from oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acids,and alterations in lipid metabolism. Oxidative stress is a critical mechanism underlying the onset and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)and plays a pivotal role in its pathogenesis. Ferroptosis may regulate the occurrence and development of BPH by mediating lipid oxidative stress response.
7.A Series of N-of-1 Trials on the Treatment of Stable Stage of Bronchiectasis(Phlegm Heat Accumulating in the Lung Pattern)with Modified Weijing Decoction
Chengxin LIU ; Zeting ZHAO ; Huiqiu LIANG ; Xiaofang LIU ; Xiufang HUANG ; Xiaohong LIU ; Shaofeng ZHAN ; Huiting HUANG ; Yong JIANG
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2024;35(6):878-883
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of modified Weijing Decoction in the treatment of stable stage of bronchiectasis(phlegm heat accumulating in the lung pattern).Methods A series of N-of-1 trials using bronchiectasis patients in stable stage with phlegm heat accumulation in the lung pattern were performed.Participants meeting inclusion criteria underwent two distinct treatment protocols during a therapy period.Modified Weijing Decoction was used in the experimental period and ambroxol tablets were used in the control period,washout periods were set.The medication-use order in the control period and experimental period is random.The visual analog scale(VAS)was used to assess symptom changes before and after treatment.24-hour sputum volume and COPD self-assessment test(CAT)scores were recorded,while adverse reactions were monitored during the study period.Statistical analysis and drawing were performed on SPSS 25.0 and GraphPad Prism 8.Comparison of inter-group differences before grouping was assessed by independent samples t-test.Analysis of symptom score,24-hour sputum volume and CAT scores in the experimental and control periods,as well as comparison of differences between the above two groups before and after treatment were performed using paired t-test,which enabled comprehensive exploration of clinical and statistical distinctions.Results A total of 9 patients participated in 16 rounds of analysis.Statistically significant differences(P<0.05)before and after the treatment in the experimental period were noted in total Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)symptom scores,cough,sputum,sputum color,chest tightness and chest pain,bitter and dry mouth,fatigue and tiredness,24-hour sputum volume,and CAT score.Paired t-tests revealed significant variations(P<0.05)in the total TCM symptom scores,sputum color scores,scores of chest tightness and pain,and 24-hour sputum volume between experimental and control periods.No adverse events related to the test methods or drugs occurred during the observation period.Conclusion Modified Weijing Decoction could comprehensively improve clinical symptoms of bronchiectasis patients in stable stage.It exhibits superior efficacy compared to ambroxol,and maintains a favorable safety profile.
8.Mechanism of Huang'e Capsule in treatment of chronic prostatitis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Qiang GENG ; Yuan SUN ; Yan WANG ; Yu ZHAO ; Shaofeng CHEN ; Jun GUO
International Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2022;45(3):232-240
Objective:To explore the mechanism of Huang'e capsule in the treatment of chronic prostatitis (CP) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.Methods:The drug ingredients of Huang'e Capsule were screened by searching the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM), and some other literature materials. The drug component targets were predicted using Swiss Target Prediction, and the CP disease targets were obtained using GeneCards, OMIM, and GisGeNET. The intersection targets were obtained by Venny 2.1.0. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by STRING and Cytoscape software. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were carried out by Metascape. The "drug-ingredient-target-pathway" network was established by Cytoscape software. Molecular docking was carried out with PubChem, PDB, PyMoL, and AutoDock.Results:It was found that 142 active ingredients in Huang'e Capsule acted directly on 286 disease targets through multiple pathways for CP treatment, with cyasterone, morin, quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, and isorhamnetin as core ingredients and ESR1, CDK1, APP, SYK, and EGFR as core targets. GO enrichment analysis showed that the most likely related BP of the intersection genes mainly includes cellular reaction to nitrogen-containing compounds, inorganic substances, organic cyclic compounds, etc., CCs mainly involved in membrane rafts, receptor complexes, membrane sides, etc., and MF includes protein kinase activity, nuclear receptor activity, and kinase binding, etc. It can be found in KEGG enrichment analysis that Huang'e Capsule is mainly involved in the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway and the HIF-1 signaling pathway. Molecular docking indicated that the core target had a great affinity with the core active ingredients of the Huang'e Capsule.Conclusions:Huang'e Capsule is mainly used to treat CP by modulating the disease targets such as ESR1, CDK1, APP, SYK, and EGFR of PI3K/Akt, HIF-1 and other signaling pathways, interfering with enzyme activity, inflammatory reactions, and other biological processes.
9.Interpretation of Male Oxidative Stress Infertility (MOSI): Proposed Terminology and Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Idiopathic Male Infertility
Yu ZHAO ; Zuqian LUAN ; Yuan SUN ; Zhong LI ; Shaofeng CHEN ; Bin OUYANG ; Qiang GENG ; Tian XIA
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2022;42(10):1026-1030
Leading by American Center for Reproductive Medicine, more than 27 reproductive experts around the world participated in writing and publishing Male Oxidative Stress Infertility (MOSI): Proposed Terminology and Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Idiopathic Male Infertility (hereinafter referred to as MOSI practice guidelines) in 2019. The guideline formulated the physiological pathology of male infertility caused by oxidative stress (OS), the concept, diagnosis and treatment of MOSI. This article interpreted the important chapters of MOSI practice guidelines in order to provide reference for clinicians.
10.Interpretation of Male Oxidative Stress Infertility (MOSI): Proposed Terminology and Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Idiopathic Male Infertility
Yu ZHAO ; Zuqian LUAN ; Yuan SUN ; Zhong LI ; Shaofeng CHEN ; Bin OUYANG ; Qiang GENG ; Tian XIA
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2022;42(10):1026-1030
Leading by American Center for Reproductive Medicine, more than 27 reproductive experts around the world participated in writing and publishing Male Oxidative Stress Infertility (MOSI): Proposed Terminology and Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Idiopathic Male Infertility (hereinafter referred to as MOSI practice guidelines) in 2019. The guideline formulated the physiological pathology of male infertility caused by oxidative stress (OS), the concept, diagnosis and treatment of MOSI. This article interpreted the important chapters of MOSI practice guidelines in order to provide reference for clinicians.

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