1.Huanglian Jiedutang Improves Cognitive Impairment after Schemic Stroke by Regulating Neuron via NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Mengying SUN ; Lizhen WANG ; Tong LI ; Leilei WANG ; Shiyan JIA ; Tingting WANG ; Yanwen YANG ; Kaiqiang SI ; Youxiang CUI ; Zhilong LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):68-76
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJDT) on cognitive function in mice with ischemic stroke (IS) and to elucidate whether its neuroprotective effects are mediated by inhibition of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and subsequent suppression of NF-κB-regulated neuronal apoptosis. MethodsAn IS model was established using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Sixty C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to five groups (n =12 per group), i.e., sham operation, model, HLJDT low-dose (3.9 g·kg-1·d-1), HLJDT high-dose (7.8 g·kg-1·d-1), and Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE, 31.2 mg·kg-1·d-1). Post-operatively, neurological deficit scores (Longa score), cerebral infarct volume assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, and brain water content were evaluated. Learning and memory were assessed using new object recognition (NOR) and fear conditioning (FC) tests. Hippocampal pathology was examined via hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Immunofluorescence detected expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, astrocyte marker), cellular oncogene Fos (c-Fos, neuronal activation marker), and glutamate decarboxylase 65 (GAD65). Western blot measured nuclear factor-κB inhibitor protein α (IκBα), phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα), NF-κB p65, phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), ionic calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and apoptosis-related proteins, such as cleaved cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease 3 (Caspase-3), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). Real-time quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR) was used to assess mRNA levels of Iba-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB p65, cleaved Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group exhibited significantly increased neurological deficit scores, brain water content, and cerebral infarct volume (P<0.01). Hippocampal CA1 neurons were disorganized, showing nuclear pyknosis and karyolysis. NOR exploration time and FC freezing time were significantly reduced (P<0.01). GFAP and c-Fos expression were increased, while GAD65 expression was decreased (P<0.01). Cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax were upregulated, Bcl-2 was downregulated, and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was elevated (P<0.01). Expression levels of p-IκBα, p-NF-κB p65, IL-1β, TNF-α, and Iba-1 were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, HLJDT high-dose, low-dose, and GBE groups showed significant improvements in all parameters (P<0.01). Among them, the HLJDT high-dose group showed the most pronounced neuronal structural recovery and superior performance in NOR and FC tests (P<0.01). In this group, GFAP and c-Fos decreased, GAD65 increased (P<0.01), apoptosis-related protein expression was reversed, and NF-κB signaling and related inflammatory factor expression were suppressed (P<0.01). ConclusionHLJDT ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in mice after IS, potentially by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis.
2.Plant-derived Exosome-like Nanovesicles in Biomedical Applications
Xu LIU ; Si-Rui LIU ; Jia-Yu MA ; Yu-Ting MOU ; Ting-Yu SHI ; Sheng HUANG ; Tian-Li SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1609-1621
Plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PELNs), characterized by a natural lipid bilayer membrane, have rapidly emerged as a prominent research frontier in medicine owing to their unique biological properties and robust therapeutic potential. This review comprehensively examines the biological profiles, mechanistic functions, and recent engineering advancements of PELNs. In terms of composition, PELNs are uniquely enriched in plant-specific glycolipids, phosphatidylserine, secondary metabolites, and highly stable 2'-O-methylated miRNAs. This distinct molecular makeup endows them with exceptional biocompatibility, negligible immunogenicity, and the capacity for cross-species molecular communication. Mechanistically, PELNs demonstrate profound anti-inflammatory efficacy by suppressing the NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways. They also serve as potent immune modulators, driving macrophage M1/M2 polarization and regulating T cell activity. Additionally, PELNs exhibit promising antitumor capabilities, targeting malignancies via reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction, TRAIL pathway activation, and tumor microenvironment remodeling. Crucially, the plant miRNAs encapsulated within PELNs remain highly stable in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing them to selectively alter gene expression in specific gut microbiota communities. This interaction deeply influences host immunity and metabolism, highlighting the vital role in cross-species regulation. Advancements in bioengineering have further expanded the clinical utility of PELNs. Targeted delivery efficiency can be significantly amplified via surface functionalization (e.g., folate and RGD sequences) and state-of-the-art drug loading technologies such as sonication and electroporation. Consequently, engineered PELNs surpass traditional synthetic nanocarriers in penetrating natural physiological barriers, particularly for oral and transdermal drug administration. Despite these advantages, clinical translation is currently hindered by the lack of standardized isolation protocols, challenges in scalable manufacturing, and the need for robust quality control frameworks. Looking forward, the integration of multi-omics approaches and AI-driven “molecular fingerprinting”—coupled with the design of synthetic biomimetic vesicles—will be instrumental in overcoming these bottlenecks, ultimately establishing PELNs as a next-generation platform for precision medicine and targeted nanotherapeutic delivery.
3.Mechanisms of Exercise Intervention in Cancer Bone Metastasis
Si-Tong YAN ; Feng-Zhi YU ; Bo-Yi ZONG ; Meng-Lu HE ; Dan-Dan JIA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2104-2122
Bone metastases are a common and serious complication of solid tumors such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and kidney cancer, and occur at a high rate in patients with advanced cancer. This pathological process not only frequently leads to skeletal-related events such as severe bone pain, pathological fractures, spinal cord compression, and hypercalcemia—conditions that severely impact patients’ quality of life—but may also significantly increase the risk of death. Cancer bone metastasis is a complex, multistage cascade involving key steps such as the detachment of tumor cells from the primary tumor, their invasion and entry into the bloodstream, and their colonization, dormancy, and reactivation within the bone microenvironment. In recent years, exercise—as a safe and easily implementable non-pharmacological intervention—has demonstrated significant potential in inhibiting bone metastasis, improving the bone microenvironment, and alleviating related clinical symptoms. Its mechanisms of action may involve multiple levels. First, at the mechanical load level, mechanical signals generated by exercise can directly act on bone cells, inhibiting tumor cell infiltration and colonization by regulating endothelial cell permeability and osteoclast activity. Second, at the endocrine and paracrine levels, exercise can alter the expression profiles of microRNAs (such as miR-486 and miR-34b) carried by extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) in the circulation, thereby inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and migration by targeting cell cycle-related genes. Furthermore, exercise can remodel the immune microenvironment, enhance the cytotoxic activity of antitumor immune cells, and improve oxygen supply to tumor tissues, thereby alleviating hypoxia-induced immunosuppression. Finally, at the metabolic intervention level, exercise can induce systemic metabolic reprogramming, increasing the nutritional demands of normal tissues, thereby competing with tumor cells for nutrients and forming a “metabolic barrier” in distal organs such as bones. This article reviews the pathogenesis and classification of bone metastases, including osteolytic, osteogenic, and mixed types, and elaborates in detail on the complex processes by which tumor cells undergo colonization, dormancy, and reactivation within the bone microenvironment. Furthermore, based on a comprehensive analysis of human and animal studies on exercise interventions for bone metastases, this paper highlights the mechanisms by which exercise inhibits tumor formation, growth, and spread through the regulation of mechanical loading, extracellular vesicles and granules, as well as via immune and metabolic pathways, thereby interfering with bone metastasis. However, the array of exercise modalities and intensities available for patients grappling with the challenges of cancer-related bone metastases remains markedly constrained, and the formulation of tailored exercise prescriptions continues to be devoid of robust, evidence-based medical backing. This review aims to explore the effects of exercise on bone health in patients with bone metastases, analyze the factors and considerations that should be taken into account in exercise prescriptions, and provide new theoretical support and insights for developing personalized exercise programs for these patients and further advancing relevant clinical research. Future research directions should include the development of evidence-based, personalized exercise prescriptions and further clarification of the safety boundaries and best practice standards for exercise interventions, thereby promoting the advancement of relevant clinical research and ultimately improving patients’ clinical outcomes and quality of life.
4.Effects of Shengxian Yixin Granules on Ventricular Remodeling in Rats with Myocardial Infarction by Regulating PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Min ZHANG ; Zuoying XING ; Zhengwei DONG ; Boyong QIU ; Jia ZHENG ; Yucai HU ; Chunying SI ; Yongxia WANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(9):98-104
Objective To explore the effects and mechanism of Shengxian Yixin Granules in treating ventricular remodeling in rats with myocardial infarction based on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.Methods A total of 60 SD rats were randomly selected six rats as the control group,and the remaining 54 rats were used as the modeling group.Sham-operation and left anterior descending coronary artery ligation were performed respectively.The modeled rats were divided into model group,Shengxian Yixin Granules group,740Y-P group and Shengxian Yixin Granules+740Y-P group,and were given corresponding intervention for 28 days.Left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS)were measured by echocardiography,and left ventricular hypertrophy index was calculated,the myocardial morphology was observed by HE and Masson staining,and the protein expressions of p-PI3K,PI3K,p-AKT and AKT were detected by Western blot,RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of type Ⅰ collagen(Col1)and type Ⅲ collagen(Col3),and ELISA was used to detect the contents of serum cardiac troponin T(cTnT),creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB),Col1 and Col3.Results Compared with the control group,the LVEF and LVFS in the model group significantly decreased(P<0.01),the left ventricular hypertrophy index increased(P<0.01);myocardial cells were arranged disorderly,some cells were necrotic,ruptured and their nuclei were dissolved,with obvious neutrophil infiltration,the collagen fiber significantly increased,the protein expressions of p-PI3K and p-AKT in myocardial tissue significantly increased(P<0.05),and the mRNA expression of Col1 and Col3 significantly increased(P<0.01);the contents of serum cTnT,CK-MB,Col1 and Col3 significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the LVEF and LVFS in Shengxian Yixin Granules group significantly improved(P<0.05,P<0.01),and left ventricular hypertrophy index decreased(P<0.05);myocardial necrosis,neutrophil infiltration and collagen fiber deposition were reduced,the protein expressions of p-PI3K and p-AKT in myocardial tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the mRNA expressions of Col1 and Col3 significantly decreased(P<0.01);the contents of serum cTnT,CK-MB,Col1 and Col3 significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).LVEF and LVFS in 740Y-P group significantly decreased(P<0.01),and left ventricular hypertrophy index increased(P<0.05);a large number of myocardial cells were necrotic and ruptured,fibers were torn obviously,and many scar tissues were formed,the protein expressions of p-PI3K and p-AKT in myocardial tissue significantly increased(P<0.05),the mRNA expressions of Col1 and Col3 significantly increased(P<0.01);the contents of serum cTnT,CK-MB,Col1 and Col3 significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Shengxian Yixin Granules+740Y-P could improve the damage of 740Y-P to the heart.Conclusion Shengxian Yixin Granules can improve ventricular remodeling in rats with heart failure,reduce myocardial fibrosis,and improve cardiac function through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
5.Hereditary thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in a neonate
Jia FU ; Shuyu SI ; Di JIN ; Zequn ZHANG ; Heng LI
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(7):598-600
This report described a case of hereditary thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) with neonatal onset. The infant presented with facial petechiae, jaundice, progressive thrombocytopenia, and persistent bleeding at puncture sites shortly after birth. Plasma ADAMTS13 activity was<1%. Whole-exome sequencing identified heterozygous variants in ADAMTS13: c.3121C>T and c.1869delT, inherited from the father and mother, respectively. The infant improved following exchange transfusion and phototherapy. Post-discharge, prophylactic fresh frozen plasma infusion was administered every 3-4 weeks. At the 2-year follow-up, no abnormalities were observed. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and intervention in neonates with unexplained thrombocytopenia, severe non-hemolytic jaundice, and anemia to ensure survival and improve prognosis.
6.Mechanism of senegenin in improving lipopolysacchride-induced inflammatory response of BV2 microglial cell
Bing-Tao MU ; Min-Fang GUO ; Jing-Wen YU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Feng-Jun YANG ; Si-Wei JIA ; Qing SU ; Tao MENG ; Cun-Gen MA ; Jie-Zhong YU ; Li-Juan SONG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(2):188-196
Objective To investigate the mechanism by which Senegenin(SEN)alleviates microglial inflammatory response through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)pathway.Methods BV2 mouse microglia cells were randomly divided into control group,model group,SEN group and MCC950 group.Cells in control group were not treated,and cells in model group were added with 1 μg/ml lipopolysaccharide(LPS);Cells in SEN group were added with 1 μg/ml LPS+4 μmol/L SEN,and cells in MCC950 group were added with 1 μg/ml LPS+10 μmol/L MCC950 for 24 hours.CCK-8 method was used to detect the effect of different concentrations of SEN on the viability of BV2 cells.Griess method was used to determine the release amount of nitric oxide(NO)in the supernatant.Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to determine the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3,lymphocyte apoptosis-associated spect-like protein containing a CARD(ASC),caspase-1,interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-18 mRNA.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression levels of ASC,IL-1β,Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1).Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of NLRP3,caspase-1,ASC,IL-1β,IL-18,Nrf2,HO-1,nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS).Results The results of CCK-8 method showed that there was no significant difference in the viability of BV2 cells treated with 2~20 μmol/L SEN compared with control group(P>0.05).Compared with control group,the viability of BV2 cells in model group decreased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with model group,the viability of BV2 cells in 4 μmol/L SEN group was significantly restored(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the results of Griess method showed that the release amount of NO in cells of model group increased significantly(P<0.05);the results of real-time PCR showed that the expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,IL-1β and IL-18 mRNA in cells of model group increased significantly(P<0.05);the results of Western blotting showed that the protein expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,IL-1β and IL-18 proteins in cells of model group increased significantly(P<0.05),and the immunofluorescence staining results showed that the expression levels of iNOS and NF-κB protein in cells of model group increased,and the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 decreased,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Compared with model group,the release amount of NO in cells of SEN group and MCC950 group decreased,and the expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,IL-1β and IL-18 mRNA and proteins decreased,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05);in the SEN group,the expression levels of iNOS and NF-κB decreased,and immunofluorescence staining showed that Nrf2 was translocated into the nucleus,and the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins increased significantly,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusions SEN could alleviate the inflammatory response of mouse microglia cells induced by LPS and inhibit the activation and expression of NLRP3 inflammasome,with an effect comparable to that of the inflammasome inhibitor MCC950.The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the expression of upstream factors Nrf2 and HO-1.
7.Protective effect and its mechanism of low-dose interleukin-2 against hepatocyte injury in mice with autoimmune hepatitis
Chen CHEN ; Zhu-Rong LI ; Si-Xue LYU ; Di GUO ; Jia-Wen WU ; Na YANG ; Yang LIU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(2):214-220
Objective To investigate the protective effect and its mechanism of low-dose interleukin-2(IL-2)against hepatocyte injury in Concanavalin A(Con A)-induced autoimmune hepatitis(AIH)mice.Methods Eighteen SPF female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group and treatment group,each group with 6 mice.Mice in the treatment group were subcutaneously injected with 300 μl 10,000 U IL-2 for 12 d,once a day.2 h after the last dose,Con A(15 mg/kg)was injected through the tail vein in the model group and treatment group.After 8 h of modeling,the histopathological changes in the mouse liver were observed using HE staining,and the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interferon-γ(IFN-γ)were detected using ELISA method;the expression of apoptotic protein caspase 8/9/3 was detected by Western blotting;and the percentages of Treg and Th1 cells were observed by flow cytometry.Results Compared with normal group,the liver index,spleen index,the percentage of necrotic area of liver tissue,the serum levels of ALT,AST,TNF-α and IFN-γ,and the expression of apoptosis protein caspase 8/9/3 significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05 or P<0.01);Compared with model group,the liver index,spleen index,the percentage of necrotic area of liver tissue,the serum levels of ALT,TNF-α and IFN-γ,and the expression of apoptosis protein caspase 8/9/3 significantly decreased in the treatment group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The flow cytometry results showed that compared with normal group,the percentages of Treg and Th1 cells and Th1/Treg ratio increased in the model group(P<0.05 or P<0.01);Compared with the model group,the percentage of Treg cells further increased(P<0.01),Th1/Treg ratio decreased significantly in the treatment group(P<0.05),but there was no significant difference in the percentage of Th1 cells between two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Low-dose of IL-2 can effectively improve liver injury in AIH mice,and the mechanism of action may be related to inducible Treg cell activation.
8.Correlation between dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI imaging and clinical pathological features of invasive breast cancer and lymphovascular invasion
Shi-Qi GUO ; Yu-Jiao XIE ; Qing-Yang LI ; Si-Yi CHEN ; Jia-Hong SUN ; Zhao-Feng GAO ; Jun-Qing LIANG ; Yu-Hui CHEN ; Bao-Shi BAO ; Li ZHU ; Jian-Dong WANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(7):847-854
Objective To explore the relationship between dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(DCE-MRI)and clinical pathological features of invasive breast cancer and lymphovascular invasion(LVI).Methods Imaging and clinical pathological data were retrospectively collected from 508 patients with invasive breast cancer who underwent breast DCE-MRI at the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2019 to August 2021.Patients were divided into the LVI-positive(LVI+)group(n=79)and LVI-negative(LVI-)group(n=429)based on postoperative pathological results.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for LVI.Results Compared with LVI-group,LVI+group had a higher proportion of patients aged<45 years(44.3%vs.27.0%,P=0.002),non-mass-like enhancement(NME)(31.7%vs.17.7%,P=0.004),Ki-67 expression rate(40.0%vs.30.0%,P<0.001),high Ki-67 expression(94.9%vs.78.1%,P=0.001),Luminal B subtype(76.0%vs.60.1%,P=0.008),and positive axillary lymph nodes rate(72.2%vs.31.5%,P<0.001),while the proportion of Luminal A subtype was lower(2.5%vs.21.5%,P<0.001).Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that age≥45 years(OR=0.468,95%CI 0.280-0.783,P=0.004)was an independent protective factor for LVI,while NME(OR=1.987,95%CI 1.126-3.444,P=0.016)was an independent risk factor.Compared with Luminal A subtype,patients with Luminal B subtype(OR=10.482,95%CI 3.164-64.923,P=0.001),HER-2 overexpression subtype(OR=11.571,95%CI 2.755-79.341,P=0.003)and triple-negative subtypes(OR=8.433,95%CI 1.985-57.908,P=0.009)had a higher risk of LVI.Conclusions Age≥45 years is an independent protective factor for LVI,while NME is an independent risk factor.Among molecular subtypes,patients with Luminal B,HER-2 overexpression and triple-negative subtypes have a higher risk of LVI compared with the Luminal A subtype.
9.Thrombus aspiration combined with different thrombolysis regimens for the treatment of acute intermediate-high-risk pulmonary embolism:a comparative study
Shuanglin LU ; Jian MAO ; Rongfeng SHI ; Pengfei JIA ; Zhuxin GU ; Luyi SI ; Hui ZHAO
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(11):1218-1223
Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of pulmonary artery thrombus aspiration plus catheter-directed thrombolysis and pulmonary artery thrombus aspiration plus peripheral venous thrombolysis in treating acute intermediate-high-risk pulmonary embolism.Methods The clinical data of patients with acute intermediate-high-risk pulmonary embolism,who received pulmonary artery thrombosis aspiration combined with catheter-directed thrombolysis or peripheral venous thrombolysis at the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University and the Qidong Municipal People's Hospital from January 2017 to May 2024,were retrospectively analyzed.Based on the propensity score matching(PSM)method,the clinical efficacy of the two treatments was compared.The observation indicators included technical success rate,clinical success rate,changes in cardiopulmonary function,and incidence of complications.Results After propensity score matching,the pulmonary artery thrombosis aspiration combined with catheter-directed thrombolysis group(group A)and the pulmonary artery thrombosis aspiration combined with peripheral venous thrombolysis group(group B)had 40 patients each.In group A and group B,the technical success rate was 100%and 100%respectively,the clinical success rate was 97.5%and 87.5%respectively,and the clinical success rate was 97.5%and 87.5%respectively(P=0.201);the postoperative one-week mean oxygen partial pressure was(98.4±16.4)mmHg and(95.5±14.7)mmHg respectively(P<0.001);the postoperative one-week mean pulmonary artery pressure was(26.3±10.5)mmHg and(28.5±11.8)mmHg respectively(P=0.005);the mean reduction value of B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP)level was(767.2±1 005.5)ng/L and(831.0±1 371.8)ng/L respectively(P<0.001).No statistically significant difference in the incidence of surgery-related complications existed between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion In treating patients with acute intermediate-high-risk pulmonary embolism,pulmonary artery thrombosis aspiration combined with catheter-directed thrombolysis is superior to pulmonary artery thrombosis aspiration combined with peripheral venous thrombolysis in better short-term efficacy.
10.MiR-1-3p inhibits mitophagy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting SLC7A11
Shuman ZHEN ; Haoran ZHANG ; Jiaxin SI ; Jiaqi WANG ; Yan ZHAO ; Yunlong JIA ; Lihua LIU
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(7):645-656
Objective:To investigate the effect of miR-1-3p on mitophagy in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells and the related mechanisms.Methods:The differentially expressed miRNAs in ESCC were screened using the GEO database. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to measure miR-1-3p expression in normal esophageal epithelial cells (HET-1A) and ESCC cell lines (TE1, KYSE30, KYSE150, KYSE410, Eca109). Bioinformatics tools were utilized to predict target genes of miR-1-3p, subcellular localization was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The targeting relationship between miR-1-3p and SLC7A11 was validated using dual-luciferase reporter assay. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by CCK8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Furthermore, experimental validation demonstrated that overexpression of SLC7A11 rescued the presence of the miR-1-3p/SLC7A11 axis. Confocal microscopy was used to detect changes in mitochondrial autophagic lysosomes, while transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe mitophagy and morphological alterations. Western blot was conducted to evaluate the expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3 and P62. Flow cytometry was used to measure mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Immunohistochemistry was applied to assess SLC7A11 expression in 133 ESCC patient tissues and 115 normal esophageal epithelial tissues. The correlation between SLC7A11 expression level and clinicopathological features was analyzed. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox proportional hazard regression models were used for multivariate analysis.Results:The expression of miR-1-3p in ESCC cells was significantly lower than that in HET-1A cells ( P<0.05). SLC7A11 was a target gene of miR-1-3p. Transfection of miR-1-3p mimic inhibited the proliferation of ESCC cells. CCK-8 assay results showed that the proliferative capacity of KYSE30 and KYSE410 cells in the miR-1-3p mimic group (absorbance values: 2.88±0.24 and 2.88±0.18, respectively) was significantly lower than that in the miRNA mimic negative control (NC) group (3.94±0.27, P<0.001; 4.20±0.21, P<0.001). Meanwhile, the proliferative capacity of KYSE30 and KYSE410 cells in the miR-1-3p mimic+SLC7A11-overexpression (OE) group (absorbance values: 3.57±0.15 and 3.60±0.13, respectively) was significantly higher than that in the miR-1-3p mimic +empty vector (EV) group (2.54±0.10, P<0.001, 2.36±0.16, P<0.001). Additionally, transfection of miR-1-3p mimic promoted apoptosis. Flow cytometry results demonstrated that the apoptosis rates of KYSE30 and KYSE410 cells in the miR-1-3p mimic group [(9.22±0.05)% and (6.55±0.37)%, respectively] were significantly higher than those in the miRNA mimic NC group [(0.81±0.17)%, P<0.001); (1.04±0.12)%, P<0.001]. Conversely, the apoptosis rates of KYSE30 and KYSE410 cells in the miR-1-3p mimic + SLC7A11-OE group [(0.73±0.04)% and (1.19±0.05)%, respectively] were significantly lower than those in the miR-1-3p mimic+EV group [(9.83±0.41)%, P<0.001); (6.09±0.17)%, P<0.00)]. MiR-1-3p mimic downregulated SLC7A11 protein expression and the LC3Ⅱ/LC3I ratio ( P<0.05), upregulated P62 protein expression ( P<0.05), this phenomenon can be rescued by overexpressing SLC7A11 ( P<0.05). Additionally, miR-1-3p mimic increased ROS levels and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1 aggregate/monomer ratio), this phenomenon can be rescued by overexpressing SLC7A11 ( P<0.05). SLC7A11 expression was higher in ESCC tissues compared to normal esophageal epithelial tissues ( P<0.001), and SLC7A11 serves as an independent prognostic factor in ESCC ( HR=2.15, 95% CI: 1.27-3.65, P=0.004). Conclusion:miR-1-3p inhibits mitophagy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting SLC7A11.

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