1.ADAR1 Regulates the ERK/c-FOS/MMP-9 Pathway to Drive the Proliferation and Migration of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells.
Li ZHANG ; Xue PAN ; Wenqing YAN ; Shuilian ZHANG ; Chiyu MA ; Chenpeng LI ; Kexin ZHU ; Nijia LI ; Zizhong YOU ; Xueying ZHONG ; Zhi XIE ; Zhiyi LV ; Weibang GUO ; Yu CHEN ; Danxia LU ; Xuchao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(9):647-657
BACKGROUND:
Double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminase 1 (ADAR1) binds to double-stranded RNA and catalyzes the deamination of adenosine (A) to inosine (I). The functional mechanism of ADAR1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of ADAR1 in NSCLC and to elucidate its potential role in regulating tumor cell proliferation and migration.
METHODS:
Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and cBioPortal were analyzed to assess the correlation between high ADAR1 expression and clinicopathological features as well as prognosis in lung cancer. We performed Western blot (WB), cell proliferation assays, Transwell invasion/migration assays, and nude mouse xenograft modeling to examine the phenotypic changes and molecular mechanisms induced by ADAR1 knockdown. Furthermore, the ADAR1 p150 overexpression model was utilized to validate the proposed mechanism.
RESULTS:
ADAR1 expression was significantly elevated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) tissues compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues (LUAD: P=3.70×10-15, LUSC: P=0.016). High ADAR1 expression was associated with poor prognosis (LUAD: P=2.03×10-2, LUSC: P=2.81×10-2) and distant metastasis (P=0.003). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicated that elevated ADAR1 was associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway activation, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression, and cell adhesion. ADAR1 and MMP-9 levels showed a strongly positive correlation (P=6.45×10-34) in 10 lung cancer cell lines, highest in H1581. Knockdown of ADAR1 in H1581 cells induced a rounded cellular morphology with reduced pseudopodia. Concomitantly, it suppressed cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and in vivo tumorigenesis. It also suppressed ERK phosphorylation and downregulated cellular Finkel-Biskis-Jinkins murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (c-FOS), MMP-9, N-cadherin, and Vimentin. Conversely, ADAR1 p150 overexpression in PC9 cells enhanced ERK phosphorylation and increased c-FOS and MMP-9 expression.
CONCLUSIONS
High ADAR1 expression is closely associated with poor prognosis and distant metastasis in NSCLC patients. Mechanistically, ADAR1 may promote proliferation, invasion, migration, and tumorigenesis in lung cancer cells via the ERK/c-FOS/MMP-9 axis.
Humans
;
Lung Neoplasms/physiopathology*
;
Adenosine Deaminase/genetics*
;
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/genetics*
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/physiopathology*
;
Cell Movement
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics*
;
Female
;
Male
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos/genetics*
;
Middle Aged
;
MAP Kinase Signaling System
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
;
Mice, Nude
;
Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/genetics*
2.Prognostic value of single PET-CT after chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated with radiotherapy
Zhenghui MA ; Yuqi WU ; Guangqian JI ; Zongmei ZHOU ; Qinfu FENG ; Zefen XIAO ; Jima LYU ; Xin WANG ; Jianyang WANG ; Wenyang LIU ; Lei DENG ; Wenqing WANG ; Nan BI ; Junlin YI ; Tao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(11):1111-1116
Objective:To evaluate the role of a single PET-CT scan in predicting survival and prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who did not undergo surgery but received radiotherapy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 23 NSCLC patients treated at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from May 2022 to June 2024. All patients were pathologically confirmed, received neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy, did not undergo surgery for various reasons, and instead received radiotherapy. Each patient underwent only one PET-CT scan after neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy and before radiotherapy. According to the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max) on PET-CT, patients were divided into the low-uptake group (SUV max < 8, n=12) and high-uptake group (SUV max ≥ 8, n=11). Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method with survival curves plotted. Univariate analysis of influencing factors of survival was conducted using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Clinical characteristics and survival outcomes of the two groups were compared, including progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results:The 1-year PFS rates were 100% in the low-uptake group, 54.5% in the high-uptake group. This difference was statistically significant ( P=0.007). The 1-year and 2-year OS rates were both 100% in the low-uptake group, the 1-year and 2-year OS rates were both 90.9% in the high-uptake group, with no statistically significant difference ( P=0.394). Univariate Cox analysis identified age as an independent factor affecting PFS. Conclusions:For NSCLC patients who did not undergo surgical resection but received radiotherapy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy, a single PET-CT scan before radiotherapy has potential value in predicting PFS. However, clinical studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up are required to evaluate its predictive value for OS.
3.Effect of Nuan'gong Decoction on the Menstrual Status and Uterine Artery Blood Flow in Patients with Cold Coagulation and Blood Stasis Type Oligomenorrhea
Hongyu MA ; Wenqing PIAO ; Hua YANG
Journal of Medical Research 2025;54(3):85-89
Objective To investigate the clinical effect of Nuan'gong decoction in the treatment of cold coagulation and blood stasis type menorrhagia.Methods A total of 120 patients with oligomenorrhea were selected and divided into two groups according to random number table method:estrogen and progesterone group and Nuan'gong decoction.The estrogen and progesterone group was treated with se-quential estrogen and progesterone therapy,while the Nuan'gong decoction group was treated with Nuan'gong decoction on the top of the estrogen and progesterone group.The therapeutic effects,menstrual status,and changes in uterine artery blood flow were compared be-tween the two groups.Results The total effective rate of the Nuan'gong decoction group was 91.67%,which was greatly higher than the 76.67%of the estrogen and progesterone group(P<0.05).After treatment,the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score and men-strual distress questionnaire(MDQ)Chinese version score of the Nuan'gong decoction group were lower than those of the estrogen and progesterone group(P<0.05).After treatment,the duration of menstruation in the Nuan'gong decoction group was longer than that in the estrogen and progesterone group(P<0.05),and the pictorial blood loss assessment chart(PBAC)score was higher than that in the estrogen and progesterone group(P<0.05).After treatment,the levels of progesterone(P),estradiol(E2),luteinizing hormone(LH),and follicle stimulating hormone(FSH)in the Nuan'gong decoction group were higher than those in the estrogen and progesterone group(P<0.05).After treatment,the uterine artery pulsatility index(PI),resistance index(BI)and systolic/diastolic peak flow ve-locity(S/D)in the Nuan'gong decoction group were lower than those in the estrogen and progesterone group.Conclusion For patients with cold coagulation and blood stasis type oligomenorrhea,Nuan'gong decoction for traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation treatment can achieve great therapeutic effects,effectively prolong the duration of menstruation,restore menstrual flow and sex hormone levels,and improve the blood flow parameters of uterine artery.
4.Effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in repairing IFN-γ-induced ovarian granulosa cell immune injury
Jia NIE ; Wenqing MA ; Aiping ZHUO ; Mingxin YANG ; Mengli MAO ; Xiafei FU
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(11):1525-1530
Objective:To investigate the repair effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)on interferon gamma(IFN-γ)induced ovarian granulosa cell immune injury.Methods:A model of IFN-γ-induced ovarian granulosa cell immune injury was estab-lished.KGN cells after modeling were co-cultured with human BMSCs(hBMSCs)and divided into three groups:negative control(NC)group,IFN-γ group,and BMSC group.After co-culture,cell proliferation was determined by a cell counting kit 8 assay for 3 consecu-tive days.Cell apoptosis was determined using an Annexin V-FITC apoptosis detection kit and a CytoFLEX flow cytometer.The estra-diol level and the mRNA expression levels of aromatase CYP19A1 and FSHR were measured to evaluate the hormone synthesis ability.The level of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),mRNA expression levels of NLRP3,caspase-1(CASP1),and interleukin-1β,and protein expression levels of NLRP3,CASP1,and gasdermin-D were determined to evaluate cell pyroptosis.Results:The proliferation rate of granulosa cells in the IFN-γ group and the BMSC group was lower than that in the NC group at 24 h,48 h and 72 h,and that in the IFN-γ group was lower than that in the BMSC group(P<0.001).The number of apoptotic granulosa cells in the INF-γ group and the BMSC group was higher than that in the NC group,and that in the INF-γ group was higher than that in the BMSC group(P<0.001).The estradiol level in the INF-γ group and the BMSC group was lower than that in the NC group,and that in the INF-γ group was lower than that in the BMSC group(P<0.001).Compared with the IFN-γ group,the mRNA expression of CYP19A1 and FSHR in the BMSC group decreased(P<0.001).Compared with the IFN-γ group,the BMSC group had significantly decreased LDH level,mRNA expression levels of NLRP3 and CASP1,and protein expres-sion level of CASP1.Conclusion:hBMSCs repair the immune in-jury of KGN cells induced by IFN-γ by restoring cell proliferation,inhibiting cell apoptosis,repairing endocrine function,and reducing pyroptosis.
5.Ginkgo biloba extract inhibits the proliferation and migration of human glioma cell line U87
Yue MA ; Conggang HUANG ; Yuan WANG ; Wenqing XU ; Zhihua LUO
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(9):1144-1150
Objective To find potential effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on proliferation and migration of human gli-oma cell line.Methods Glioma cell line U87 was cultured and incubated with Ginkgo biloba extract at doses of 0,10,50,and 100 μg/mL,respectively.The proliferation activity of the cells in each group was detected by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine(EDU)experiment,the migration activity of the cells in each group was examined by scratch experiment,the invasion activity of the cells in each group was detected by Transwell experiment and the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-related proteins,phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)signaling pathway proteins and E2F transcription factor 1(E2F1)protein in each group of the cells were detected by Western blot.Reply experiment was added with PI3K/AKT pathway activator 740 Y-P.Results Ginkgo biloba extract at concentrations of 10,50,and 100 μg/mL significantly inhibited the proliferation,migration,and invasion of U87 cells(P<0.05).The protein level of vimentin,N-cadherin,p-PI3K,p-AKT and E2F1 was significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the protein level of E-cadherin and ZO-1 was significantly increased(P<0.05).After addition of 740 Y-P into the cultural system,the inhibitory effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on the proliferation and metastasis of U87 cells was inhibited and the protein level of vimentin,N-cadherin,p-PI3K,p-AKT,and E2F1 increased(P<0.05),while the protein level of E-cadherin and ZO-1 was decreased(P<0.05).Conclusions Ginkgo biloba extract may inhibit proliferation,migration and EMT of U87 cells,which is potentially related to the PI3K/AKT/E2F1 pathway.
6.Prognostic value of single PET-CT after chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated with radiotherapy
Zhenghui MA ; Yuqi WU ; Guangqian JI ; Zongmei ZHOU ; Qinfu FENG ; Zefen XIAO ; Jima LYU ; Xin WANG ; Jianyang WANG ; Wenyang LIU ; Lei DENG ; Wenqing WANG ; Nan BI ; Junlin YI ; Tao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(11):1111-1116
Objective:To evaluate the role of a single PET-CT scan in predicting survival and prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who did not undergo surgery but received radiotherapy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 23 NSCLC patients treated at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from May 2022 to June 2024. All patients were pathologically confirmed, received neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy, did not undergo surgery for various reasons, and instead received radiotherapy. Each patient underwent only one PET-CT scan after neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy and before radiotherapy. According to the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max) on PET-CT, patients were divided into the low-uptake group (SUV max < 8, n=12) and high-uptake group (SUV max ≥ 8, n=11). Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method with survival curves plotted. Univariate analysis of influencing factors of survival was conducted using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Clinical characteristics and survival outcomes of the two groups were compared, including progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results:The 1-year PFS rates were 100% in the low-uptake group, 54.5% in the high-uptake group. This difference was statistically significant ( P=0.007). The 1-year and 2-year OS rates were both 100% in the low-uptake group, the 1-year and 2-year OS rates were both 90.9% in the high-uptake group, with no statistically significant difference ( P=0.394). Univariate Cox analysis identified age as an independent factor affecting PFS. Conclusions:For NSCLC patients who did not undergo surgical resection but received radiotherapy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy, a single PET-CT scan before radiotherapy has potential value in predicting PFS. However, clinical studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up are required to evaluate its predictive value for OS.
7.Effect of Nuan'gong Decoction on the Menstrual Status and Uterine Artery Blood Flow in Patients with Cold Coagulation and Blood Stasis Type Oligomenorrhea
Hongyu MA ; Wenqing PIAO ; Hua YANG
Journal of Medical Research 2025;54(3):85-89
Objective To investigate the clinical effect of Nuan'gong decoction in the treatment of cold coagulation and blood stasis type menorrhagia.Methods A total of 120 patients with oligomenorrhea were selected and divided into two groups according to random number table method:estrogen and progesterone group and Nuan'gong decoction.The estrogen and progesterone group was treated with se-quential estrogen and progesterone therapy,while the Nuan'gong decoction group was treated with Nuan'gong decoction on the top of the estrogen and progesterone group.The therapeutic effects,menstrual status,and changes in uterine artery blood flow were compared be-tween the two groups.Results The total effective rate of the Nuan'gong decoction group was 91.67%,which was greatly higher than the 76.67%of the estrogen and progesterone group(P<0.05).After treatment,the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score and men-strual distress questionnaire(MDQ)Chinese version score of the Nuan'gong decoction group were lower than those of the estrogen and progesterone group(P<0.05).After treatment,the duration of menstruation in the Nuan'gong decoction group was longer than that in the estrogen and progesterone group(P<0.05),and the pictorial blood loss assessment chart(PBAC)score was higher than that in the estrogen and progesterone group(P<0.05).After treatment,the levels of progesterone(P),estradiol(E2),luteinizing hormone(LH),and follicle stimulating hormone(FSH)in the Nuan'gong decoction group were higher than those in the estrogen and progesterone group(P<0.05).After treatment,the uterine artery pulsatility index(PI),resistance index(BI)and systolic/diastolic peak flow ve-locity(S/D)in the Nuan'gong decoction group were lower than those in the estrogen and progesterone group.Conclusion For patients with cold coagulation and blood stasis type oligomenorrhea,Nuan'gong decoction for traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation treatment can achieve great therapeutic effects,effectively prolong the duration of menstruation,restore menstrual flow and sex hormone levels,and improve the blood flow parameters of uterine artery.
8.Prediction of Screw Loosening After Dynamic Pedicle Screw Fixation With Lumbar Polyetheretherketone Rods Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Vertebral Bone Quality Score
Guozheng JIANG ; Luchun XU ; Yukun MA ; Jianbin GUAN ; Yongdong YANG ; Wenqing ZHONG ; Wenhao LI ; Shibo ZHOU ; JiaWei SONG ; Ningning FENG ; Ziye QIU ; Zeyu LI ; YiShu ZHOU ; Letian MENG ; Yi QU ; Xing YU
Neurospine 2024;21(2):712-720
Objective:
To investigate the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score and screw loosening after dynamic pedicle screw fixation with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) rods, and evaluate its predictive value.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the patients who underwent dynamic pedicle screw fixation with PEEK rods from March 2017 to June 2022. Data on age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia history, long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, VBQ score, L1–4 average Hounsfield unit (HU) value, surgical fixation length, and the lowest instrumented vertebra were collected. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between VBQ score and pedicle screw loosening (PSL).
Results:
A total of 24 patients experienced PSL after surgery (20.5%). PSL group and non-PSL group showed statistical differences in age, number of fixed segments, fixation to the sacrum, L1–4 average HU value, and VBQ score (p < 0.05). The VBQ score in the PSL group was higher than that in the non-PSL group (3.56 ± 0.45 vs. 2.77 ± 0.31, p < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis, VBQ score (odds ratio, 3.425; 95% confidence interval, 1.552–8.279) were identified as independent risk factors for screw loosening. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for VBQ score predicting PSL was 0.819 (p < 0.05), with the optimal threshold of 3.15 (sensitivity, 83.1%; specificity, 80.5%).
Conclusion
The VBQ score can independently predict postoperative screw loosening in patients undergoing lumbar dynamic pedicle screw fixation with PEEK rods, and its predictive value is comparable to HU value.
9.Diagnosis and treatment of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver
Zhen LI ; Jing LIU ; Yunhui WANG ; Wenqing KONG ; Xinguo CHEN ; Jianjun LAI ; Qilong LI ; Bangzhen MA
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2024;39(10):797-800
Objective:To summarize the clinicopathologic characteristics of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver.Methods:The clinical data of 16 patients with undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver admitted to Shandong Provincial Hospital and Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital from Jan 2000 to Jan 2023 was retrospectively analyzed.Results:The diagnosis of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma in all the 16 patients was established by postoperative pathology. The clinical manifestations of the patients were mainly asymptomatic abdominal mass, abdominal pain and discomfort. The laboratory examination was mostly nonspecific, the image exam showed mostly solid cystic mass. 14 cases underwent radical surgical resection.The minimum survival time was 7 months, maximum survival time was 121 months with median survival time of 35.9 months.Conclusions:Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver is an extremely rare malignant tumor of the liver. The disease lacks specific clinical manifestations. CT examination can assist in the diagnosis of the disease. Diagnosis of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver depends on pathological examination. The prognosis of patients is poor, surgical resection of the tumor is an effective treatment.
10.Prediction of Screw Loosening After Dynamic Pedicle Screw Fixation With Lumbar Polyetheretherketone Rods Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Vertebral Bone Quality Score
Guozheng JIANG ; Luchun XU ; Yukun MA ; Jianbin GUAN ; Yongdong YANG ; Wenqing ZHONG ; Wenhao LI ; Shibo ZHOU ; JiaWei SONG ; Ningning FENG ; Ziye QIU ; Zeyu LI ; YiShu ZHOU ; Letian MENG ; Yi QU ; Xing YU
Neurospine 2024;21(2):712-720
Objective:
To investigate the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score and screw loosening after dynamic pedicle screw fixation with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) rods, and evaluate its predictive value.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the patients who underwent dynamic pedicle screw fixation with PEEK rods from March 2017 to June 2022. Data on age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia history, long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, VBQ score, L1–4 average Hounsfield unit (HU) value, surgical fixation length, and the lowest instrumented vertebra were collected. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between VBQ score and pedicle screw loosening (PSL).
Results:
A total of 24 patients experienced PSL after surgery (20.5%). PSL group and non-PSL group showed statistical differences in age, number of fixed segments, fixation to the sacrum, L1–4 average HU value, and VBQ score (p < 0.05). The VBQ score in the PSL group was higher than that in the non-PSL group (3.56 ± 0.45 vs. 2.77 ± 0.31, p < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis, VBQ score (odds ratio, 3.425; 95% confidence interval, 1.552–8.279) were identified as independent risk factors for screw loosening. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for VBQ score predicting PSL was 0.819 (p < 0.05), with the optimal threshold of 3.15 (sensitivity, 83.1%; specificity, 80.5%).
Conclusion
The VBQ score can independently predict postoperative screw loosening in patients undergoing lumbar dynamic pedicle screw fixation with PEEK rods, and its predictive value is comparable to HU value.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail