1.The Ferroptosis-inducing Compounds in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Xin-Die WANG ; Da-Li FENG ; Xiang CUI ; Su ZHOU ; Peng-Fei ZHANG ; Zhi-Qiang GAO ; Li-Li ZOU ; Jun WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):804-819
Ferroptosis, a programmed cell death modality discovered and defined in the last decade, is primarily induced by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. At present, it has been found that ferroptosis is involved in various physiological functions such as immune regulation, growth and development, aging, and tumor suppression. Especially its role in tumor biology has attracted extensive attention and research. Breast cancer is one of the most common female tumors, characterized by high heterogeneity and complex genetic background. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a special type of breast cancer, which lacks conventional breast cancer treatment targets and is prone to drug resistance to existing chemotherapy drugs and has a low cure rate after progression and metastasis. There is an urgent need to find new targets or develop new drugs. With the increase of studies on promoting ferroptosis in breast cancer, it has gradually attracted attention as a treatment strategy for breast cancer. Some studies have found that certain compounds and natural products can act on TNBC, promote their ferroptosis, inhibit cancer cells proliferation, enhance sensitivity to radiotherapy, and improve resistance to chemotherapy drugs. To promote the study of ferroptosis in TNBC, this article summarized and reviewed the compounds and natural products that induce ferroptosis in TNBC and their mechanisms of action. We started with the exploration of the pathways of ferroptosis, with particular attention to the System Xc--cystine-GPX4 pathway and iron metabolism. Then, a series of compounds, including sulfasalazine (SAS), metformin, and statins, were described in terms of how they interact with cells to deplete glutathione (GSH), thereby inhibiting the activity of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and preventing the production of lipid peroxidases. The disruption of the cellular defense against oxidative stress ultimately results in the death of TNBC cells. We have also our focus to the realm of natural products, exploring the therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine extracts for TNBC. These herbal extracts exhibit multi-target effects and good safety, and have shown promising capabilities in inducing ferroptosis in TNBC cells. We believe that further exploration and characterization of these natural compounds could lead to the development of a new generation of cancer therapeutics. In addition to traditional chemotherapy, we discussed the role of drug delivery systems in enhancing the efficacy and reducing the toxicity of ferroptosis inducers. Nanoparticles such as exosomes and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can improve the solubility and bioavailability of these compounds, thereby expanding their therapeutic potential while minimizing systemic side effects. Although preclinical data on ferroptosis inducers are relatively robust, their translation into clinical practice remains in its early stages. We also emphasize the urgent need for more in-depth and comprehensive research to understand the complex mechanisms of ferroptosis in TNBC. This is crucial for the rational design and development of clinical trials, as well as for leveraging ferroptosis to improve patient outcomes. Hoping the above summarize and review could provide references for the research and development of lead compounds for the treatment for TNBC.
2.Environmental contamination status of norovirus outbreaks in schools and nurseries in Linhai City
ZHENG Jianjun, WANG Xi,HONG Danyang, LI Yaling, XU Qiumeng, ZHANG Huili, HAN Qian, LU Da, ZHENG Qiao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):601-603
Objective:
To investigate the environmental contamination of norovirus in nurseries and primary/secondary schools, so as to provide a scientific basis for effective prevention and control measures.
Methods:
A total of 483 external environmental samples were collected from 34 cluster outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis in kindergartens and primary/secondary schools in Linhai City from 2021 to 2024. Pathogen detection was conducted using a rapid nucleic acid extraction kit and realtime fluorescence RT-PCR, and the results were analyzed using the χ2 test or Fishers exact test.
Results:
Among the collected external environmental samples, the total positive rate of surface contamination was 13.66%. The positive rates in kindergartens and primary/secondary schools were 12.20% and 15.82%, respectively. In kindergartens, the five surfaces with the highest detection rates were desks/chairs (23.33%), toilet stool troughs (20.69%), urinal troughs (12.00%), washbasins/sinks (11.11%), and toilet mops (9.38%). In primary/secondary schools, the top five were toilet stool troughs (38.30%), urinal troughs (23.53%), toilet door handles (13.04%), toilet mops (12.50%), and drinking cups (11.11%). The difference in positive detection rates among different external environments in primary/secondary schools was statistically significant (Fishers exact probability test, P<0.01). The positive detection rate in sanitary toilets was higher than that in classroom environments (χ2=17.38), while the positive detection rate in classroom environments of kindergartens was higher than that in primary/secondary schools (χ2=5.42)(P<0.05).
Conclusions
Norovirus exhibits a high contamination rate in nurseries and schools, particularly in restroom areas. Strengthening sanitation and disinfection in highrisk environments, and improving hygiene awareness among children and staff, are essential for the effective prevent and control of norovirus.
6.Adolescent Smoking Addiction Diagnosis Based on TI-GNN
Xu-Wen WANG ; Da-Hua YU ; Ting XUE ; Xiao-Jiao LI ; Zhen-Zhen MAI ; Fang DONG ; Yu-Xin MA ; Juan WANG ; Kai YUAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2393-2405
ObjectiveTobacco-related diseases remain one of the leading preventable public health challenges worldwide and are among the primary causes of premature death. In recent years, accumulating evidence has supported the classification of nicotine addiction as a chronic brain disease, profoundly affecting both brain structure and function. Despite the urgency, effective diagnostic methods for smoking addiction remain lacking, posing significant challenges for early intervention and treatment. To address this issue and gain deeper insights into the neural mechanisms underlying nicotine dependence, this study proposes a novel graph neural network framework, termed TI-GNN. This model leverages functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to identify complex and subtle abnormalities in brain connectivity patterns associated with smoking addiction. MethodsThe study utilizes fMRI data to construct functional connectivity matrices that represent interaction patterns among brain regions. These matrices are interpreted as graphs, where brain regions are nodes and the strength of functional connectivity between them serves as edges. The proposed TI-GNN model integrates a Transformer module to effectively capture global interactions across the entire brain network, enabling a comprehensive understanding of high-level connectivity patterns. Additionally, a spatial attention mechanism is employed to selectively focus on informative inter-regional connections while filtering out irrelevant or noisy features. This design enhances the model’s ability to learn meaningful neural representations crucial for classification tasks. A key innovation of TI-GNN lies in its built-in causal interpretation module, which aims to infer directional and potentially causal relationships among brain regions. This not only improves predictive performance but also enhances model interpretability—an essential attribute for clinical applications. The identification of causal links provides valuable insights into the neuropathological basis of addiction and contributes to the development of biologically plausible and trustworthy diagnostic tools. ResultsExperimental results demonstrate that the TI-GNN model achieves superior classification performance on the smoking addiction dataset, outperforming several state-of-the-art baseline models. Specifically, TI-GNN attains an accuracy of 0.91, an F1-score of 0.91, and a Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) of 0.83, indicating strong robustness and reliability. Beyond performance metrics, TI-GNN identifies critical abnormal connectivity patterns in several brain regions implicated in addiction. Notably, it highlights dysregulations in the amygdala and the anterior cingulate cortex, consistent with prior clinical and neuroimaging findings. These regions are well known for their roles in emotional regulation, reward processing, and impulse control—functions that are frequently disrupted in nicotine dependence. ConclusionThe TI-GNN framework offers a powerful and interpretable tool for the objective diagnosis of smoking addiction. By integrating advanced graph learning techniques with causal inference capabilities, the model not only achieves high diagnostic accuracy but also elucidates the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction. The identification of specific abnormal brain networks and their causal interactions deepens our understanding of addiction pathophysiology and lays the groundwork for developing targeted intervention strategies and personalized treatment approaches in the future.
7.Pathogenesis and Differentiated Treatment Strategies of Childhood Tic Disorders Based on WANG Xugao's “Thirty Methods of Treating the Liver”
Rui ZHAI ; Juan DUAN ; Yuan LI ; Yanlin JIANG ; Congxiao ZHOU ; Zhenhua YUAN ; Da LI ; Junhong WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(2):149-153
Based on WANG Xugao's “thirty methods of treating the liver”, it is believed that the occurrence and development of childhood tic disorders follow the dynamic progression from liver qi disease to liver fire disease and then liver wind disease. The basic pathogenesis of three stages are characterized by binding constraint of liver qi, liver fire hyperactivity, and internal stirring of liver wind. Moreover, liver-blood deficiency and stagnation, and malnutrition of liver yin as the main point in terms of the imbalance of liver qi, blood, yin, and yang should be considered, as well as the imbalance relationship of the five zang organs such as the involvement of other organs and the gradually reach of the other organs. Guided by the principles of “thirty methods of treating the liver”, the treatment of tic disorders in liver qi stage should focus on soothing the liver and rectifying qi, soothing the liver and unblocking the collaterals, using Xiaochaihu Decoction (小柴胡汤) and Sini Powder (四逆散). The treatment of tic disorders in liver fire stage involves clearing, draining and resolving liver heat, using Longdan Xiegan Decoction (龙胆泻肝汤), Xieqing Pill (泻青丸), Danggui Longhui Pill (当归龙荟丸), and Huagan Decoction (化肝煎). The treatment of tic disorders in liver wind stage involves extinguishing wind and subduing yang, using Lingjiao Gouteng Decoction (羚角钩藤汤) and Liuwei Dihuang Pill (六味地黄丸). Throughout the treatment process, attention should be paid to harmonizing the liver's qi, blood, yin, and yang, as well as addressing the pathology of other organs.
8.Regulation of microRNA in the development of primary hepatocellular carcinoma
Da-Wei CHEN ; Zhi-Xin WANG ; Heng LI ; San-Qiang LI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(8):1231-1235
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)accounts for more than 80%of primary liver cancer,and the prognosis of patients is very poor due to factors such as untimely diagnosis,failure of chemotherapy and frequent recurrence.MicroRNA is a kind of endogenous noncoding RNA,which can inhibit the translation of messenger RNA in liver malignant tumors,regulate the proliferation,apoptosis,migration and invasion of HCC cells,and play an important role in the development of HCC.Therefore,the mechanism of miRNAs in the development of HCC and its research progress in diagnosis and treatment are deeply discussed.
9.Analysis of Cardiac Reverse Remodeling After Transcatheter Edge-to-edge Repair of Mitral Regurgitation due to Various Etiologies and Experience of Echocardiography Application
Zhiling LUO ; Xiaoli DONG ; Qiuzhe GUO ; Yuanzheng WANG ; Jin LI ; Yunfei ZHOU ; Shuanglan YU ; Da ZHU ; Shouzheng WANG ; Xiangbin PAN
Chinese Circulation Journal 2024;39(3):234-241
Objectives:To evaluate the valvular and cardiac function,cardiac reverse remodeling at 6-month after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair(TEER)for patients with functional and degenerative mitral valve regurgitation,and summarize the experience of echocardiography application. Methods:The clinical data of 93 patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation(MR)treated with TEER and completed 6-month follow-up in Yunnan Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital from July 2022 to February 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were divided into functional mitral regurgitation(FMR)and degenerative mitral regurgitation(DMR)groups according to MR etiology.The valve characteristic parameters,as well as valvular function,chamber volume and cardiac functional parameters before and at 6 months after operation were compared.The key points of echocardiography application were summarized. Results:Among all patients,71 were FMR and 22 were DMR.There were differences in valve structure between the two groups.Mitral TEER were successfully accomplished and all patients completed 6-month follow-up.The key points of echocardiography application included:valve structure analysis,atrial septal puncture location,device delivery process monitoring and image optimization during clamping process.The mitral regurgitation grade and NYHA grade were significantly improved in all patients at 6 months after TEER(P<0.05),and the mean mitral valve pressure gradient was higher than that before operation(P<0.05).Left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVEDV),left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESV)and left atrial volume index in FMR group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),while left ventricular and left atrial volume in DMR group remained unchanged(P>0.05).There were no significant changes in left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular global strain in both groups during the observation period(P>0.05).The changes of LVEDV and LVESV before and after operation were more significant in FMR group than those in DMR group(P<0.05). Conclusions:Mitral TEER can reduce the degree of regurgitation and improve cardiac function in the early postoperative period for moderate and severe MR patients with different etiologies.There are differences in preoperative valve structure and postoperative cardiac reverse remodeling between FMR and DMR patients.Echocardiography is an important imaging technique for the evaluation and monitoring process before,during and post mitral TEER.
10.Teaching Reform of “Structural Biology” Course Based on The Ability Cultivation
Ying-Jie LI ; Ting-Ting GUO ; Ming-Yu WANG ; Da-Lei WU ; Xiang GAO ; Lu-Shan WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(11):3046-3053
As a rapidly developing frontier discipline, structural biology has penetrated into every field of life science research. The course of “Structural Biology” plays an important role in expanding the knowledge system of undergraduate students and promoting students’ scientific spirit and innovation. For the high-quality training of highly skilled talents, we aimed to promote the original innovation of students, the ability of thinking, and the ability of engineering practice. The trinity education concept, including shape of the value, passing on knowledge, and ability cultivation, was applied. During the reform, we explored a step-by-step course content and searched for factors involved in ideological and political education. Based on the problem-based learning (PBL) method, a hybrid teaching model was designed to cultivate the problem-thinking and problem-solving skills of students. Meanwhile, a number of evaluation systems for students and teachers were established, which may be generally adopted for the course of “Structural Biology”. The survey data suggested that the exploration has a good effect on teaching and training and is conducive to the cultivation of research-oriented, comprehensive, innovative talents under the background of “New Engineering”.


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