1.Applications of Lactoferrin and Its Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy
Wen-Tian YUE ; Shu-Rong HE ; Qin AN ; Yun-Xia ZOU ; Wen-Wen DONG ; Qing-Yong MENG ; Ya-Li ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):342-355
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.
2.Applications of Lactoferrin and Its Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy
Wen-Tian YUE ; Shu-Rong HE ; Qin AN ; Yun-Xia ZOU ; Wen-Wen DONG ; Qing-Yong MENG ; Ya-Li ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):342-355
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.
3.A study on the application of predictive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation intraoperative support in high-risk liver transplant recipients
Zhiying LEI ; Xuyong SUN ; Yuanyuan MO ; Jianhui DONG ; Ning WEN ; Rong PENG ; Juhua ZENG ; Silin LI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(4):618-624
Objective To investigate the clinical safety and efficacy of predictive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support during liver transplantation in high-risk recipients. Methods A single-center retrospective study was conducted. A total of 35 liver transplant recipients who underwent predictive ECMO assistance during surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from January 2021 to April 2025 were included. Baseline characteristics, ECMO application, ECMO operating parameters and hemodynamic conditions during ECMO operation were analyzed. The cumulative survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and survival curves were plotted. Results Veno-arterial ECMO in 35 recipients was established after induction of general anesthesia. The median ECMO operation time was 8.5 h, and the success rate of weaning from ECMO was 97%. The cardiac index (CI) during the non-liver period and the new liver period was higher than that before cannulation, and CI increased during the non-liver period and before weaning (all P<0.001). The mean invasive arterial pressure and central venous pressure remained stable. No ECMO-related complications occurred in the recipients. The average survival time was (25 ± 3) months. The main causes of death were severe pulmonary infection and multiple organ failure. Conclusions For liver transplant recipients with severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction, hemodynamic disorders, or multiple organ failure risk factors, implementing predictive ECMO support during liver transplantation through active risk prediction is a safe and effective circulatory guarantee strategy.
4.Design, synthesis and anti-Alzheimer's disease activity evaluation of cinnamyl triazole compounds
Wen-ju LEI ; Zhong-di CAI ; Lin-jie TAN ; Mi-min LIU ; Li ZENG ; Ting SUN ; Hong YI ; Rui LIU ; Zhuo-rong LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):150-163
19 cinnamamide/ester-triazole compounds were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) activity. Among them, compound
5.Rehabilitation effect of aerobic exercise combined with discharge rehabilitation guidance in patients with coronary heart disease
Hui-wen SHEN ; Li YUAN ; Hai-rong YANG ; Ying GU
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(5):598-604
Objective:To investigate the rehabilitation effect of aerobic exercise combined with discharge rehabilita-tion guidance in patients with coronary heart disease(CHD).Methods:This randomized controlled study enrolled 225 CHD patients admitted in Huai'an First People's Hospital between June 2020 and June 2023.Patients were ran-domly divided into control group(n=112)and intervention group(n=113).Patients in the control group received discharge rehabilitation guidance intervention,while those in the intervention group received additional aerobic ex-ercise training.After 6-month intervention,cardiac function,pulmonary function,vascular endothelial function indexes,quality of life,exercise treadmill scores,walking distance and patient satisfaction with rehabilitation effect were compared between the two groups.Results:Compared to those in the control group after intervention,patients in the intervention group had significantly higher left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)[(69.82±7.92)%vs.(63.34±6.88)%],stroke volume(SV)[(74.74±8.09)ml vs.(68.03±7.70)ml],cardiac output(CO)[(4.85±0.82)L/min vs.(4.18±0.73)L/min],cardiac index(CI)[(3.05±0.64)L·min-1·m-2 vs.(2.42±0.59)L·min-1·m-2],forced vital capacity(FVC)[(2.88±0.59)L vs.(2.37±0.56)L],maximum oxygen uptake(VO2max)[(23.23±4.08)ml·kg-1·min-1 vs.(19.79±3.86)ml·kg-1·min-1],anaerobic threshold(AT)[(21.10±4.18)ml·kg-1·min-1 vs.(17.21±3.90)ml·kg-1·min-1],nitric oxide(NO)[(33.10±5.18)mg/L vs.(27.21±5.90)mg/L],scores of General Quality of Life Inventory 74(GQOLI-74)[(85.43±8.19)points vs.(79.67±7.86)points],Duke treadmill score(DTS)[(9.08±2.03)points vs.(7.14±1.78)points],6-min walking distance(6MWD)[(342.14±36.24)m vs.(317.21±34.90)m](P<0.001 all),and significantly lower levels of von Willebrand factor(vWF)[(23.43±4.39)ng/L vs.(29.37±4.56)ng/L]and endothelin-1(ET-1)[(47.12±5.28)pg/ml vs.(52.79±5.96)pg/ml](P<0.001 all).We detected significantly higher total satisfac-tion with rehabilitation effect(92.73%vs.78.18%,P=0.002)in intervention group.Conclusion:Aerobic exercise combined with discharge rehabilitation guidance had good rehabilitation effect in CHD patients.It could improve their cardiopulmonary function,vascular endothelial function,and prognosis quality of life,and increase patient sat-isfaction.
6.Exploration and practice of course integration in medical imaging technology for a five-year medical imaging program based on education digitization
Zhijie YIN ; Xianglin LI ; Wen WANG ; Shuai WANG ; Quanyuan LIU ; Kang RONG ; Xinkai LIU ; Wei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(2):209-214
In response to the new requirements for course instruction outlined in the revised training program for medical imaging program, this study integrated medical imaging technology courses based on the principle of outcome-oriented education and by leveraging self-developed digital resources, with imaging methods as the entry point. The core elements of the course teaching were re-optimized and reorganized to transcend the temporal and spatial limitations of course delivery, enabling the rational application of diverse teaching methods. This approach facilitated the integration of knowledge across three specialized courses, namely medical imaging physics, medical imaging equipment, and medical imaging examination techniques, and achieved full-dimensional and whole-process teaching evaluation. While reducing the number of hours allocated to theoretical instruction, the teaching objectives were achieved with high quality, providing a reference for the integration of digital technologies into the teaching of medical imaging and related disciplines.
7.Psychological intervention based on the extension and expansion of positive psychology model improves psychosexual resilience and erectile function in patients with psychogenic ED
Wen-rong LIU ; Li TIAN ; Na LI
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(2):144-149
Objective:To investigate the effect of psychological intervention based on the extension and expansion of positive psychology(PERM A)model on sexual psychological resilience(PR)and erectile function in patients with psychogenic erectile dys-function(pED).Methods:This prospective,single-blind,randomized controlled trial included 122 cases of pED diagnosed in our hospital from September 2023 to August 2024,which were equally divided into a trial and a control group,the former treated by PERMA-based psychological intervention in addition to drug therapy,while the latter by drug therapy only.After 2,4 and 8 weeks of treatment,we obtained the scores of the patients on IIEF-5,Connor-DavidsonResilience Scale(CD-RISC),Self-Esteem and Sexual Relationship Satisfaction Scale(SESRS)and the quality of sexual life,and compared them between the two groups before and after in-tervention.Results:At 2,4 and 8 weeks after treatment,the IIEF-5 scores were significantly lower in the trial than in the control group(P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline scores on any dimensions of CD-RISC between the two groups,while after 8 weeks of treatment,the scores on personal abilities,stress resistance,control,mental influence and total CD-RISC scores were all remarkably higher in the trial group than in the control(P<0.05).No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups before treatment either in the SESRS scores,or in the average number of effective erections,average duration of each erection and average erection hardness.After 8 weeks of treatment,the patients in the trial group,compared with the controls,showed marked increases in self-esteem,sexual relationship satisfaction and total SESRS scores,as well as in the average number of effective erections,average duration of each erection and average erection hardness(P<0.05).Conclusion:For the treatment of pED,PERMA-based psychological intervention in addition to active medication contributes to elevating the psychological resilience and improving the erectile function of the patients.
8.Research progress on regulation of hemoglobin hypoxia adaptation by erythrocyte protein complexes
Ying-fei ZHANG ; An-peng ZHAO ; Rong WANG ; Wen-bin LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1020-1025
The red blood cell membrane is an important place for signaling,material transport,energy exchange and other life activities inside and outside the erythrocyte,and its function is mainly realized by the protein complexes on the membrane sur-face.Glycoproteins,integrins,signaling proteins,channel pro-teins and other proteins that constitute the erythrocyte membrane protein complexes interact with each other through direct physi-cal effects or regulatory factor-mediated mechanisms,playing a role in regulating oxygen transport,maintaining cellular morphol-ogy and stability,participating in the regulation of signaling,as well as supporting the cytoskeleton and other functions.Hemo-globin is the mediator of oxygen transport and delivery in blood erythrocytes,and regulating its conformational changes can in-crease the efficiency of oxygen supply to alleviate hypoxia in plateau hypoxia.This review describes the composition,func-tion,interaction mechanism,and adaptive regulation of hemoglo-bin to hypoxia in erythrocyte membrane protein complexes,with the aim of providing new reference for the prevention of hypoxia symptoms,the formulation of therapeutic regimens and the devel-opment of anti-hypoxia drugs.
9.Effect of vorinostat on P-gp expression and pharmacokinetic parameters of its substrate phenytoin sodium in rats under hypoxic environments
Zi-qin WEI ; Hong-fang MU ; Lin JIANG ; Fang-fang QIU ; Dou-dou LI ; Wen-bin LI ; Rong WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2291-2297
Aim To investigate the effects of SAHA on the expression of P-gp and the pharmacokinetic pa-rameters of its substrate phenytoin sodium in rats under hypoxic environments.Methods Wistar rats were randomly divided into the normioxic group,the hypoxic model group,and the low-,medium-and high-dose vorinostat(SAHA)groups.Liver tissues were col-lected,and the expression levels of P-gp and HDAC5 were detected by Real-time PCR and Western blot.The morphological changes of liver tissues were ob-served by HE staining.Following intragastric adminis-tration of 50 mg·kg-1 phenytoin sodium to each group,blood samples were collected,and the plasma concentration of phenytoin sodium was determined u-sing UFLC-MS/MS to calculate pharmacokinetic pa-rameters.Results Compared with the normoxic group,the expression of HDAC5 in the liver tissues of hypoxia model rats increased,while the expression of P-gp decreased.After SAHA treatment,HDAC5 expression decreased,and P-gp expression increased.Among the SAHA groups,the medium-dose group showed the most significant effect,and HE staining re-sults indicated that this concentration did not cause damage to rat liver tissues.Compared with the normox-ic group,the AUC,Cmax,and T1/2 of phenytoin sodium in hypoxia model rats were significantly raised.After administration of the medium dose of SAHA,the AUC,Cmax,MRT,and T1/2 were significantly reduced,while CLZ/r was significantly increased.Conclusions Un-der hypoxic environments,the expression of P-gp in rat liver tissue is significantly downregulated,leading to increased systemic exposure of phenytoin,reduced clearance,and consequently elevated blood concentra-tions,raising the risk of central nervous system toxici-ty.In contrast,SAHA suppresses HDAC5 expression,thereby activating P-gp transcription and enhancing its efflux function.This results in decreased systemic ex-posure and improved clearance of phenytoin,signifi-cantly reducing drug accumulation in body and ulti-mately lowering the risk of adverse effects.
10.Characteristics and Long-term Outcomes of Benign Lesions of the Vocal Folds in Children
Xueyan LI ; Liyu CHENG ; Jingjing YANG ; Rong HU ; Wen XU
Journal of Audiology and Speech Pathology 2025;33(1):8-11
Objective To study the clinical features,management,and outcomes of benign lesions of the vocal folds in children.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 686 children diagnosed with benign lesions of vocal folds from 2010 to 2021.The clinical features were analyzed.One hundred children with follow-up records were divided in-to conservative observation group(66 cases)and surgical treatment group(34 cases),and the outcomes was analyzed.Results A total of 455(66.3%)children with benign lesions of vocal folds were boys,and most children(249 cases,36.3%)were within the age group of 6~10 years old.Vocal fold polyps were the most common cases(451 cases,65.7%).The long-term effective rates of the conservative observation and the surgery groups were 63.6%and 79.4%,respectively.The recurrence rate of vocal fold polyps was 31.8%in children aged 3 to 10 years.All the children with vocal fold cyst failed to respond to conservative treatment.Conclusion Benign lesions in children are more common in boys and those aged 6~10 years old,and vocal fold polyps being the most common lesions.Conservative observation is preferred when children with vocal fold polyps are under six years old,and surgical treatment is considered when they are aged 10 and above.Surgery is recommended for children with vocal fold cysts.

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