Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, necessitating the development of advanced therapeutic strategies with enhanced efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. Among promising bioactive agents, lactoferrin (LF)—a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein abundantly found in mammalian milk and exocrine secretions—has garnered significant interest for its potent and multifaceted anti-cancer properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of LF’s role in oncology, encompassing its structural biology, diverse mechanisms of action, and groundbreaking advancements in its application through nano-engineering. LF exerts anti-tumor effects through multiple pathways, including extracellular action, intracellular action, and immune regulation. It demonstrates a remarkable affinity for cancer cell membranes, binding to overexpressed anionic components such as glycosaminoglycans and sialic acids, as well as to specific receptors including the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1). This selective binding facilitates targeted uptake. Upon internalization, LF orchestrates a direct assault by inducing cell-cycle arrest in phases such as G0/G1 or S phase through the modulation of key regulators including cyclins, CDKs, and p53. Furthermore, it promotes programmed cell death via apoptotic pathways, involving caspase activation and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins such as survivin. A more recently elucidated mechanism is the induction of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by overwhelming lipid peroxidation. Beyond direct cytotoxicity, LF acts as a potent immunomodulator. It enhances natural killer (NK) cell activity, modulates T-lymphocyte populations, and crucially reprograms tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from a pro-tumor M2 state to an anti-tumor M1 state, thereby reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The translation of LF’s potential has been significantly accelerated by nanotechnology. The inherent biocompatibility and natural tumor-targeting capabilities of LF make it an ideal platform for sophisticated drug-delivery systems. This review details various fabrication strategies for LF-based nanoparticles (NPs), including self-assembly, sol-in-oil emulsion, and electrostatic nanocomplexes, among others. Research demonstrates that nano-formulations not only protect LF from degradation but also enhance its bioactivity and anti-cancer potency. More importantly, LF NPs serve as versatile carriers for a wide array of therapeutic agents, including conventional chemotherapeutics, natural compounds, and imaging agents. These engineered systems enable synergistic therapy and facilitate site-specific delivery. Notably, the ability of LF to bind to receptors on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been leveraged to develop nano-systems for glioblastoma treatment. Other innovative designs utilize LF to modulate the TME—for instance, by alleviating tumor hypoxia to sensitize cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite compelling pre-clinical evidence, the clinical translation of LF and its nano-formulations remains nascent. While early-phase trials have established a favorable safety profile for recombinant human LF, larger Phase III studies have yielded mixed results, underscoring the complexity of its action in humans. Key challenges include enhancing drug targeting, optimizing loading efficiency, ensuring batch-to-batch reproducibility, and achieving deep tumor penetration. Future research must focus on the rational design of next-generation LF-NPs. This entails developing standardized manufacturing protocols, engineering “smart” stimuli-responsive systems for targeted drug release in the TME, and constructing multi-targeting platforms. A concerted interdisciplinary effort is paramount to bridge the gap between bench and bedside. In conclusion, LF, particularly in its nano-engineered forms, represents a highly promising and versatile agent in the oncological arsenal, holding immense potential for precise and effective cancer therapy.

Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, necessitating the development of advanced therapeutic strategies with enhanced efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. Among promising bioactive agents, lactoferrin (LF)—a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein abundantly found in mammalian milk and exocrine secretions—has garnered significant interest for its potent and multifaceted anti-cancer properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of LF’s role in oncology, encompassing its structural biology, diverse mechanisms of action, and groundbreaking advancements in its application through nano-engineering. LF exerts anti-tumor effects through multiple pathways, including extracellular action, intracellular action, and immune regulation. It demonstrates a remarkable affinity for cancer cell membranes, binding to overexpressed anionic components such as glycosaminoglycans and sialic acids, as well as to specific receptors including the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1). This selective binding facilitates targeted uptake. Upon internalization, LF orchestrates a direct assault by inducing cell-cycle arrest in phases such as G0/G1 or S phase through the modulation of key regulators including cyclins, CDKs, and p53. Furthermore, it promotes programmed cell death via apoptotic pathways, involving caspase activation and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins such as survivin. A more recently elucidated mechanism is the induction of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by overwhelming lipid peroxidation. Beyond direct cytotoxicity, LF acts as a potent immunomodulator. It enhances natural killer (NK) cell activity, modulates T-lymphocyte populations, and crucially reprograms tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from a pro-tumor M2 state to an anti-tumor M1 state, thereby reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The translation of LF’s potential has been significantly accelerated by nanotechnology. The inherent biocompatibility and natural tumor-targeting capabilities of LF make it an ideal platform for sophisticated drug-delivery systems. This review details various fabrication strategies for LF-based nanoparticles (NPs), including self-assembly, sol-in-oil emulsion, and electrostatic nanocomplexes, among others. Research demonstrates that nano-formulations not only protect LF from degradation but also enhance its bioactivity and anti-cancer potency. More importantly, LF NPs serve as versatile carriers for a wide array of therapeutic agents, including conventional chemotherapeutics, natural compounds, and imaging agents. These engineered systems enable synergistic therapy and facilitate site-specific delivery. Notably, the ability of LF to bind to receptors on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been leveraged to develop nano-systems for glioblastoma treatment. Other innovative designs utilize LF to modulate the TME—for instance, by alleviating tumor hypoxia to sensitize cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite compelling pre-clinical evidence, the clinical translation of LF and its nano-formulations remains nascent. While early-phase trials have established a favorable safety profile for recombinant human LF, larger Phase III studies have yielded mixed results, underscoring the complexity of its action in humans. Key challenges include enhancing drug targeting, optimizing loading efficiency, ensuring batch-to-batch reproducibility, and achieving deep tumor penetration. Future research must focus on the rational design of next-generation LF-NPs. This entails developing standardized manufacturing protocols, engineering “smart” stimuli-responsive systems for targeted drug release in the TME, and constructing multi-targeting platforms. A concerted interdisciplinary effort is paramount to bridge the gap between bench and bedside. In conclusion, LF, particularly in its nano-engineered forms, represents a highly promising and versatile agent in the oncological arsenal, holding immense potential for precise and effective cancer therapy.

This study aims to explore the synergistic effects of the main components in salvianolic acids for Injection(SAFI) on key pathological events in cerebral ischemia, elucidating the pharmacological characteristics of SAFI in neuroprotection. Two major pathological gene modules related to endothelial injury and neuroinflammation in cerebral ischemia were mined from single-cell data. According to the topological distance calculated in network medicine, potential synergistic component combinations of SAFI were screened out. The results showed that the combination of caffeic acid and salvianolic acid B scored the highest in addressing both endothelial injury and neuroinflammation, demonstrating potential synergistic effects. The cell experiments confirmed that the combination of these two components at a ratio of 1∶1 significantly protected brain microvascular endothelial cells(bEnd.3) from oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R)-induced reperfusion injury and effectively suppressed lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced neuroinflammatory responses in microglial cells(BV-2). This study provides a new method for uncovering synergistic effects among active components in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and offers novel insights into the multi-component, multi-target acting mechanisms of TCM.
Brain Ischemia/metabolism* ; Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Benzofurans/pharmacology* ; Mice ; Drug Synergism ; Caffeic Acids/pharmacology* ; Polyphenols/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Alkenes/pharmacology* ; Endothelial Cells/drug effects* ; Depsides

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between insulin resistance and uterine volume in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted involving 61 girls diagnosed with ICPP who visited the pediatric growth and development clinic of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2022 and September 2024, designated as the ICPP group, and 61 normally developing girls as the control group. The differences in insulin resistance index (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, HOMA-IR), uterine volume, and other indicators between the two groups were compared, and the relationship between insulin resistance and uterine volume in these girls was analyzed. RESULTS: The uterine volume and HOMA-IR level in the ICPP group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that there was a positive correlation between HOMA-IR level and uterine volume in the ICPP group (r_s=0.643, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that as HOMA-IR increased,uterine volume in the girls tended to increase (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS There is an association between insulin resistance and uterine volume in girls with ICPP, and as HOMA-IR increases, uterine volume in the girls also increases.
Humans ; Female ; Insulin Resistance ; Puberty, Precocious/metabolism* ; Uterus/pathology* ; Child ; Retrospective Studies ; Organ Size ; Linear Models

The ventral anterior (VA) nucleus of the thalamus is a major target of the basal ganglia and is closely associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Notably, the VA receives direct innervation from the hypothalamic histaminergic system. However, its role in PD remains unknown. Here, we assessed the contribution of histamine to VA neuronal activity and PD motor deficits. Functional magnetic resonance imaging showed reduced VA activity in PD patients. Optogenetic activation of VA neurons or histaminergic afferents significantly alleviated motor deficits in 6-OHDA-induced PD rats. Furthermore, histamine excited VA neurons via H1 and H2 receptors and their coupled hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, inward-rectifier K⁺ channels, or Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels. These results demonstrate that histaminergic afferents actively compensate for Parkinsonian motor deficits by biasing VA activity. These findings suggest that targeting VA histamine receptors and downstream ion channels may be a potential therapeutic strategy for PD motor dysfunction.
Animals ; Histamine/metabolism* ; Male ; Oxidopamine/toxicity* ; Rats ; Ventral Thalamic Nuclei/physiopathology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Disease Models, Animal ; Parkinson Disease/metabolism* ; Neurons/physiology* ; Humans ; Optogenetics

Objective To explore the relationship between insulin resistance and idiopathic central precocious puberty(ICPP)in girls and the diagnostic value of insulin resistance.Methods Clinical data of 245 girls aged 4 to 7.5 years with low luteinizing hormone(LH)levels(0.2-0.83 IU/L),normal body weight(body mass index standard deviation score between-2 and+2),and early breast development who visited the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology,Henan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2022 to March 2025 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Central Precocious Puberty(2022),patients were assigned to an ICPP group(n=123)or a control group(n=122).Correlations between the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)and selected indices were assessed.Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between HOMA-IR and ICPP,and the diagnostic performance of various indices for ICPP was evaluated.Results HOMA-IR was higher in the ICPP group than in the control group(P<0.001)and was positively correlated with LH peak(rs=0.467,P<0.05)and the LH peak/FSH peak ratio(rs=0.444,P<0.05).The multivariable logistic regression model including age,BMI,and basal LH showed that HOMA-IR was closely associated with ICPP(OR=2.756,95%CI:1.940-3.913).Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the areas under the curve for basal LH,HOMA-IR,and their combination in diagnosing ICPP were 0.735,0.735,and 0.805,respectively(P<0.05),and the combined model had a greater area under the curve than either basal LH or HOMA-IR alone(both P<0.05).Conclusions HOMA-IR is closely associated with ICPP in girls with low LH and normal body weight,and combining HOMA-IR with basal LH improves early identification and diagnostic efficiency in this population.

Objective:To investigate the effects of Japan tallow(JT)on liver injury and gut microbiota regulation in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)mice,thereby providing a theoretical basis for developing therapeutic edible oils for diabetes treatment.Methods:T2DM animal model was established through a combined approach of nutritional intervention and chemical induction.Experimental animals were first fed a high-fat diet(HFD)for 6 weeks,followed by intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared streptozotocin(STZ).After successful model establishment,the mice were divided into five groups(n=6 per group):control group without any intervention;T2DM group;HFD reversion to standard chow group;metformin group;and JT intervention group,which received respective treatments for 4 weeks.At the endpoint,fresh fecal samples were collected from all groups,and the gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16s rDNA high-throughput sequencing.Liver histopathological changes were examined using histological methods.Results:Compared with the normal control(ND),T2DM mice showed significantly increased fasting blood glucose(FBG)levels,with evident hepatocyte lipid accumulation,steatosis,inflammatory cell infiltration,and widespread vacuolar and fatty degeneration.After Japan tallow(JT)intervention,FBG levels decreased significantly,liver color approximated normal appearance,and pathological morphology improved noticeably.16s rDNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that JT treatment could effectively regulate the intestinal microbiota structure in T2DM mice.Increased microbial α-diversity indices(Chao1,observed_species,Faith_pd,Simpson);At the phylum level,increased Verrucomicrobia abundance while decreased Proteobacteria were detected;At the family level,elevated Bifidobacteriaceae and reduced Porphyromonadaceae were seen;At the genus level,Bifidobacterium was promoted and Akkermansia proliferat while Escherichia and Klebsiella were downregulated.Conclusions:Japan tallow exhibits significant effects in alleviating liver tissue damage and regulating intestinal microbiota disorders in T2DM mice,our study indicated new theoretical basis for the research and development of potential strategy for diabetes.

AIM To evaluate the quality of Rubi Fructus.METHODS UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was adopted in the component identification,after which the HPLC fingerprints were established,cluster analysis,principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis were used for chemical pattern recognition.and the contents of chlorogenic acid,ferulic acid,ellagic acid,isoquercitrin,kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside,astragalin,tiliroside quercetin,kaempferol were determined.RESULTS Total 34 constituents were identified.There were 19 common peaks in the fingerprints for 31 batches of medicinal materials with the similarities of more than 0.8.Wild varieties and cultivated varieties,and medicinal materials from different producing areas could be distinguished;4 principal components demonstrated the accumulative variance contribution rate of 84.142％;8 differential components were screened,2 of which were ellagic acid and astragalin.Ellagic acid and astragalin displayed higher contents in the wild varieties than those in the cultivated varieties(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS,HPLC fingerprints combined with content determination can be used for the quality control of Rubi Fructus.

Objective To design a high altitude adaptive oxygen generator for the crews to alleviate their high altitude reaction in high altitude environment and meet their requirements for oxygen supply.Methods A high altitude adaptive oxygen generator based on the mature pressure swing adsorption oxygen production method was designed with the key technologies of discharge capacity compensation of air compression pump and airway fusion of molecular sieve tower,which had the components of molecular sieve tower,air compression pump,controller,cooling fan,cooler,solenoid valve,regulator,flow meter and etc.Trials were carried out at the simulated altitude and field plateau environment so as to verify the high altitude adaptive performance of the oxygen generator developed.Results The trial results showed the oxygen generator met the desired objectives and the requirements for oxygen volume fraction in GJB 2799-1996 General specification for medical oxygen generator using molecular sieve method.Conclusion The oxygen generartor provides oxygen supply effectively for vehicle operators in plateau environments or the ones rushing into the plateau.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(4):29-34]

Aim To investigate the effect of triptolide(TP)on corticosterone(CORT)-induced depression-like behaviors in mice and explore the antidepressant mechanism of TP based on the CREB/BDNF/TrkB sig-naling pathway.Methods Sixty 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups:control group,CORT group,TP groups of low and high doses(10,30 μg·kg-1),and fluoxetine(FLU)group(10 mg·kg-1).Except for the control group,the other groups received subcutaneous injec-tions of CORT for three consecutive weeks to establish the model of depression.During the last two weeks of modeling,normal saline,TP and FLU were adminis-tered via intraperitoneal injection respectively.After the administration,depression-like behaviors in mice were assessed using forced swimming test,tail suspen-sion test,and sucrose preference test.Biochemical methods were used to measure the levels of SOD and MDA in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex(PFC).Cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL meth-od.Immunohistochemistry,immunofluorescence,and Western blotting were employed to detect the expres-sion of apoptosis/autophagy-related proteins,synaptic structure markers,and proteins related to the CREB/BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway.Results TP signifi-cantly ameliorated CORT-induced depression-like be-haviors in mice,mainly manifested by reduced immo-bility time in the tail suspension test and forced swim-ming test,and increased sucrose preference rate.TP alleviated CORT-induced oxidative stress by increasing SOD levels and reducing MDA production in brain tis-sue.Additionally,TP also inhibited apoptosis and ex-cessive autophagy of neurons in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex,maintained synaptic plasticity,and significantly upregulated the expression of p-CREB,BDNF,and TrkB.Conclusions TP exhibits potential antidepressant effect in mice by upregulating the CREB/BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway,reducing oxida-tive stress,inhibiting excessive neuronal apoptosis and autophagy,and improving synaptic plasticity.