1.Effect and Mechanism of Liangyi Paste on Hepatic Lipid Deposition in Naturally Aged Mice with High-fat Diet via Cuproptosis/Oxidative Stress Pathway
Meiling ZHANG ; Yuanguang DONG ; Xiaofei SUN ; Jiaxin WANG ; Yu LIU ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Qun WANG ; Nan SONG ; Guoyuan SUI ; Lianqun JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):91-99
ObjectiveTaking the cuproptosis/oxidative stress pathway as the entry point, this study investigated the effect and mechanism of Liangyi Paste on hepatic lipid deposition in naturally aged mice fed with a high-fat diet. MethodsAfter adaptive feeding, 80 ten-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were used. Thirty of them were randomly divided into three groups (10 mice per group): The 12-month-old control group (12MCON), the 15-month-old control group (15MCON), and the 15-month-old group with a high-fat diet (15MHFD). The 12MCON and 15MCON groups were continuously fed a standard diet, while the 15MHFD group started receiving a high-fat diet at 12 months of age. Tissue samples were collected at the corresponding time points for each group. The remaining 50 mice were randomly divided into five groups (10 mice per group): the 20-month-old control group (20MCON), the model group, and the low-, medium-, and high-dose Liangyi Paste groups (2.91 , 5.82 , 11.64 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively). The 20MCON group was continuously fed a standard diet, while the other groups started receiving a high-fat diet at 15 months of age. At 18 months of age, the Liangyi Paste groups were administered the corresponding doses of Liangyi Paste by gavage, while the 20MCON and model groups were given an equal volume of saline by gavage. After 8 weeks of continuous gavage (when the mice reached 20 months of age), tissue samples were collected. Hepatic TG levels were measured using assay kits; liver histology and lipid deposition were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and oil red O staining; reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); Cu2+, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured by colorimetry; mRNA and protein expression of genes related to cuproptosis and oxidative stress pathways were analyzed by Real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Wes automated protein expression system. ResultsCompared with 12MCON, the 15MCON group showed significantly increased hepatic TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA levels (P<0.01), decreased SOD (P<0.01), hepatocyte swelling, and disordered arrangement. The mRNA and protein levels of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1), dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD), pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit-β (PDHB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) were significantly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with 15MCON group, the 15MHFD and 20MCON groups exhibited further increases in TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA (P<0.01), reduced SOD (P<0.01), and aggravated hepatocyte swelling and disorder. There were increased lipid droplets with mild vacuolization in the 15MHFD group, and no significant lipid deposition was observed in the 20MCON group. FDX1, DLAT, HSP70, DLD, PDHB, Nrf2, and PPARγ mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with 20MCON group, the model group demonstrated markedly elevated TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA (P<0.01), reduced SOD (P<0.01), severe hepatic steatosis, and upregulated expression of FDX1, DLAT, HSP70, DLD, PDHB, Nrf2, and PPARγ mRNA and proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). All abnormalities were significantly reversed after Liangyi Paste treatment. ConclusionLiangyi paste can ameliorate hepatic lipid deposition in naturally aged mice with a high-fat diet by modulating the cuproptosis/oxidative stress pathway.
2.Application of mass spectrometry imaging in the diagnosis and molecular mechanism of liver cancer
Qianxue YU ; Yongsheng HU ; Yanqiu HUANG ; Xiaofei CHEN ; Gao LI ; Yue LIU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(7):329-334
Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is an emerging molecular imaging technique that combines high spatial resolution and the ability to acquire molecular information. This technology can directly obtain spatial distribution maps of metabolites, proteins, lipids and other molecules in tumor tissues, reveal the abnormal molecular changes during the occurrence and development of liver cancer, and make up for the deficiency of information at the molecular level in traditional imaging (such as CT, MRI). In liver cancer research, MSI has demonstrated unique advantages and application potential in early diagnosis and screening, precise classification, tumor heterogeneity analysis, and exploration of molecular mechanisms. The principle characteristics of MSI technology and its latest progress in the early diagnosis, classification and molecular mechanism research of liver cancer were reviewed, and the current challenges and future development directions were discussed, which aimed to provide a new perspective and theoretical basis for an in-depth understanding of the pathological mechanism of liver cancer and promoted its precise diagnosis and treatment.
3.Expert consensus on non-surgical treatment for acute lateral ankle sprain (version 2025)
Hui CHE ; Wenge DING ; Shiming FENG ; Xueping GU ; Qinwei GUO ; Jianchao GUI ; Yinghui HUA ; Yuefeng HAO ; Qinglin HAN ; Bo HU ; Xiaojun LIANG ; Guoping LI ; Yunxia LI ; Qi LI ; Yanlin LI ; Xin MA ; Jun MA ; Xudong MIAO ; Jianzhong QIN ; Xiaodong QIN ; Xu SUN ; Kefu SUN ; Weidong SONG ; Dai SHI ; Zhongmin SHI ; Youlun TAO ; Xu WANG ; Youhua WANG ; Liheng WANG ; Anli WANG ; Aiguo WANG ; Weidong WU ; Yajun XU ; Weidong XU ; Renjie XU ; Yongsheng XU ; Tengbo YU ; Lianqi YAN ; Xiaodong YUAN ; Yuan ZHU ; Mingzhu ZHANG ; Hongtao ZHANG ; Xintao ZHANG ; Xiaofei ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(6):517-529
Acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS) is one of the most common sport injuries, with high incidence, recurrence and disability rates. Currently, exercise rehabilitation-based non-surgical treatment is the primary management approach for ALAS. However, there remain improper practices such as excessive immobilization or uncontrolled activity, which contribute to recurrent sprains and chronic ankle instability, significantly impairing patients′ athletic function and quality of life. To standardize the non-surgical management of ALAS, improve the cure rates, and reduce the recurrence and disability rates, Chinese Sports Rehabilitation Medicine Training Project of Chinese Medical Association, Foot and Ankle Basics and Orthopedics Group, Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and Sports Medicine Branch of Jiangsu Medical Association organized relevant experts to formulate Expert consensus on non-surgical treatment for acute lateral ankle sprain ( version 2025), following the principles of scientific vigor, practicality, and innovation. Thirteen recommendations were proposed for standardized treatment protocols across different healing phases, aiming to provide references for standard management of ALAS and improve the therapeutic outcomes.
4.Experience summary of robot-assisted laparoscopic transplant nephrectomy
Qiming ZHANG ; Zebo CHEN ; Yu TIAN ; Dameng PAN ; Lei LIU ; Hongxian ZHANG ; Lei ZHAO ; Shudong ZHANG ; Lulin MA ; Xiaofei HOU
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(4):666-669
Objective:To review and summarize the experience of robot-assisted laparoscopic trans-plant nephrectomy,share the surgical steps and technical key points,and provide a reference for clinical practice.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the perioperative data of 5 patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy at Peking University Third Hospital from August 2023 to December 2024.The surgical steps and key points were summarized.The continuous variables were described by medians(ranges).Results:A total of 5 patients were included in the analysis,of whom 2 were male and 3 were female.The median age of the patients was 37(31-68)years.The me-dian time from kidney transplantation to donor nephrectomy was 10(3-22)years.The indications for donor nephrectomy included recurrent hematuria,abdominal pain,malignant tumor of the transplanted kidney,and recurrent infection with hydronephrosis of the transplanted kidney.The excised transplanted kidneys from all the 5 patients had a single renal artery and a single renal vein.The median operation time was 212(145-351)min,the median blood loss was 300(20-500)mL,and the median post-operative hospital stay was 7(4-25)days.Only 1 patient experienced intraoperative complications,who experienced an external iliac artery injury during the operation and underwent suture repair.No pa-tient died during the perioperative period.Postoperative pathological results showed that 3 patients had end-stage non-functional kidneys,1 patient had BK virus-associated urothelial carcinoma,and 1 patient had chronic pyelonephritis with renal parenchymal atrophy.Conclusion:Robot-assisted laparoscopic transplant nephrectomy as a new surgical approach is feasible and safe.Compared with traditional open transplant nephrectomy,its advantage lies in the ability to directly observe and prioritize the management of the renal pedicle of the transplanted kidney,while completely freeing and removing the transplanted kidney outside the renal capsule.With the continuous accumulation of experience,this surgical technique is expected to become a powerful alternative to traditional open transplant nephrectomy.
5.Radionuclide Drug Conjugates:China's 15-Year Research and Development Process and Latest Policy Support
Dan LIU ; Xiuqi LI ; Shupeng LIU ; Xiaofei WU ; Mengyang YU ; Hongyun WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(4):847-854
Radionuclide drug conjugates(RDC)represent the culmination of interdisciplinary integra-tion.By virtue of their precise targeting capability,high diagnostic sensitivity,and remarkable therapeutic effi-cacy in tumor diagnosis and treatment,RDC has emerged as promising theranostic agents with immense applica-tion potential.This article systematically reviews the progress in RDC development in China from 2009 to 2024,encompassing an overview of RDC,its structure and classification,trends in clinical research,advances in clinical trials,and national policy support.The aim is to provide valuable insights for researchers in related fields,thereby facilitating further development and application of RDC-based therapeutics.
6.Precise intraepiphyseal wedge osteotomy for the treatment of congenital hypertrophic epiphysis at distal phalanx of the thumb in children
Xiaoming GUO ; Xiaofei TIAN ; Chunbo YU
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(7):674-681
Objective:To explore the clinical effect of precise intraepiphyseal wedge osteotomy for the treatment of congenital hypertrophic epiphysis of the distal phalanx of the thumbs in children.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of children with congenital hypertrophic epiphysis deformity of the distal phalanx of the thumb treated by precisely located intraepiphyseal wedge osteotomy in Dongguan Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital from January 2020 to January 2023. Preoperative X-ray films all showed asymmetric thickening of the secondary ossification centers, presenting as triangular, elliptical, unequal trapezoidal, and bipartite epiphyseal fusion shapes respectively. During the operation, precise localization was performed, and wedge osteotomy was conducted at 1.5 mm from the articular surface. The osteotomy angle and volume were adjusted according to the morphology of the hypertrophic epiphysis and the comprehensive condition of the distal and proximal phalanges, with axial over-correction of approximately 10° for fixation. Six months after surgery, the ulnar deviation angle of the distal phalanx with the interphalangeal joint of the thumb, the maximum passive flexion angle, and the thickness of the distal epiphyseal plate on X-ray were followed up. Statistical analysis was conducted using paired t-tests before and after surgery, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 32 children with 34 thumbs were included, aged from 6 months to 8 years old, with an average age of 2.1 years old. There were 27 thumbs accompanied by radial polydactyly, the main and accessory thumbs were clear, and the epiphysis of the distal phalanx of the main thumb was thickened. The lateral deviation angle of the distal phalanx of the thumb before surgery was (35.6±13.2)° (15.0°-67.0°), the maximum passive flexion range was (62.8±7.7)° (38.0°-80.0°), and the maximum thickness of the distal phalanx epiphysis in the X-ray was (3.7±0.9) mm (2.3-5.9 mm). All surgeries of all children were successfully completed, the wounds healed well without redness, swelling or infection. Patients were discharged smoothly. The average follow-up time after surgery was 13 month (rang from 6-22 months), with an average deviation angle of (7.6±5.6)° (1.8°-13.4°) in the distal phalanx with the interphalangeal joint, compared with before surgery, the difference was statistically significant ( t=10.36, P=0.012). Five thumbs had residual ulnar deviation after surgery, with an average deviation of (16.6±2.3)° (12.0°-20.0°), two cases had corrected positive radial deviation (15°, 18°), while the other cases had no significant ulnar deviation in the distal phalanx of the thumb. The average maximum angle of passive flexion of the distal thumb after surgery was (62.9±7.5)° (35.0°-80.0°), compared with before surgery, the difference was not statistically significant ( t=0.16, P=0.359). The average maximum thickness of the distal epiphyses on postoperative X-rays was (1.9±0.5) mm (1.2-3.1 mm), compared with before surgery, the difference was statistically significant ( t=17.04, P=0.012). The epiphyses were flat and round, and the growth lines were normal. Conclusion:Using precise intraepiphyseal wedge osteotomy, combined with postoperative fixation with mild overcorrection for the treatment of congenital hypertrophic epiphysis at distal phalanx of the thumb in children, can achieve satisfactory correction of deviation, significantly shorten and improve the morphology of the epiphysis without affecting the growth plate, and cause minimal impact on joint flexion activity.
7.The distribution pattern of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes and influencing factors for primary liver cancer: An analysis of 415 cases
Zhiyao SHI ; Xiaofei FAN ; Yu GAO ; Shaojian REN ; Shiyu WU ; Xixing WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(1):84-91
ObjectiveTo investigate the influencing factors for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes of primary liver cancer, and to provide a theoretical basis for the TCM syndrome differentiation and standardized treatment of liver cancer. MethodsTCM syndrome differentiation was performed for 415 patients who were admitted to Shanxi Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and were diagnosed with primary liver cancer based on pathological or clinical examinations from January 2019 to December 2023. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups, and the unordered polytomous logistic regression model was used to investigate the influencing factors for TCM syndromes of liver cancer. ResultsThe common initial symptoms of the 415 patients with primary liver cancer included pain in the liver area (31.81%), abdominal distension (25.30%), abdominal pain (15.18%), and weakness (13.98%), and the main clinical symptoms included poor appetite (70.84%), fatigue (69.16%), pain in the liver area (67.47%), poor sleep (59.04%), abdominal distension (53.01%), and constipation (52.53%). There were significant differences in TCM syndromes between patients with different sexes, courses of the disease, clinical stages, Child-Pugh classes, presence or absence of intrahepatic and extrahepatic metastasis, and presence or absence of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radiofrequency ablation (all P<0.05). The logistic regression analysis showed that male sex was a risk factor for damp-heat accumulation (odds ratio [OR]=2.036, P=0.048) and the syndrome of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency (OR=5.240, P<0.001); a course of disease of<1 year was a risk factor for damp-heat accumulation (OR=2.837, P=0.004) and syndrome of Qi stagnation and blood stasis (OR=2.317, P=0.021), but it was a protective factor against syndrome of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency (OR=0.385, P=0.005); Child-Pugh class A/B was a protective factor against liver-kidney Yin deficiency (OR=0.079, P<0.001); intrahepatic metastasis was a risk factor for liver-kidney Yin deficiency (OR=5.117, P=0.003) and syndrome of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency (OR=3.303, P=0.010); TACE was a protective factor against liver-kidney Yin deficiency (OR=0.171, P<0.001) and syndrome of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency (OR=0.138, P<0.001); radiofrequency ablation was a risk factor for damp-heat accumulation (OR=4.408, P<0.001) and liver-kidney Yin deficiency (OR=32.036, P<0.001). ConclusionSex, course of disease, Child-Pugh class, intrahepatic metastasis, TACE, and radiofrequency ablation are the main influencing factors for TCM syndromes of liver cancer.
8.MiR-21-5p alleviates hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting ferroptosis through the STAT3/P53/SLC7A11 axis
Xiangui ZHOU ; Yuwei JIANG ; Xinxin LIU ; Kun YU ; Song QIN ; Xiaofei LIU ; Banghai FENG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(20):2474-2482
Objective To investigate whether microRNA-21-5p(miR-21)plays a protective role in hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury(HALI)by regulating ferroptosis through the STAT3/P53/SLC7A11 axis.Methods The interaction between STAT3 and P53 was analyzed by co-immunoprecipitation(Co-IP).Fifty 9-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normoxia(Control)group,HALI group,miR-21 overexpression(miR-21)group,STAT3 inhibitor(HY-13818)group,and ferrostatin-1(Fer-1)group.After the mice from the miR-21 group received miR-21-5p AAV6 or empty vector via tracheal catheter instillation,the animals were then monitored for 3 weeks.The HY-13818 group was intraperitoneally injected with HY-13818(10 mg/kg)3 times weekly for 2 weeks.The Fer-1 group received 0.8 mg/kg ferrostatin-1 via tail vein injection once daily for 2 consecutive days during modeling.The HALI model was established by exposure to>90%oxygen.After 48 h of hyperoxia,blood samples were collected via orbital sampling for RT-PCR analysis of miR-21 expression.Lung tissues were harvested for wet/dry weight ratio and assessment of histopathological changes via HE staining for lung injury score.Activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and contents of malondialdehyde(MDA),Fe2?,glutathione(GSH),and reactive oxygen species(ROS)were measured using photocolorimetry,spectrophotometry and fluorometry.Western blotting was used to evaluate the protein expression of STAT3,P53,SLC7A11,and GPX4.Results The results of Co-IP showed that STAT3 could bind to P53.The HALI group exhibited obviously destroyed alveolar structure,disordered arrangement,thickened interval,with a large number of infiltrated neutrophils and collapsed alveoli,and had significantly increased pathological score of lung injury and ratio of lung Wwet/Ddry weight when compared with the Control group(P<0.05).In the miR-21 group,HY-13818 group and Fer-1 group,the severity of lung injury was significantly reduced,and the pathological score of lung injury and the ratio of Wwet/Ddry weight were decreased(P<0.05)when compared with the HALI group.Compared with the control group,the contents of MDA,Fe2+and ROS were increased(P<0.05),the activity of SOD and content of GSH were declined(P<0.05),the protein levels of STAT3 and P53 were increased(P<0.05),and those of SLC7A11 and GPX4 were decreased(P<0.05)in the HALI group.Compared with the HALI group,decreased MDA and ROS levels(P<0.05),enhanced SOD activity,Fe2+and GSH levels(P<0.05),down-regulation of STAT3 and P53(P<0.05)and up-regulation of SLC7A11 and GPX4(P<0.05)were observed in the miR-21 group and HY-13818 group.Conclusion MiR-21 alleviates HALI,which may be related to its inhibition of ferroptosis through the STAT3/P53/SLC7A11 axis.
9.Mechanism of resveratrol in treatment of sleep disorders in mice based on network pharmacology and experimental verification
Xi YU ; Xiaofei LYU ; Jian SUN ; Yuechun LU
International Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2025;48(2):174-181
Objective:To explore the mechanism of resveratrol in treatment of sleep disorders in mice based on network pharmacology and experimental verification.Methods:Resveratrol targets were obtained through traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform, Swiss Target Prediction and SuperPred databases. Targets related to sleep disorders were collected from the gene expression omnibus, GeneCards, DrugBank, OMIM, CTD and MalaCards databases. Cytoscape 3.8.0 software was used to identify the core targets of resveratrol in treatment of sleep disorders via protein-protein interaction analysis. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed, and AutoDockvina software was used to conduct molecular docking between the top five core targets and resveratrol. Thirty ICR female mice were selected and divided into a control group, a model group, and low-, medium- and high-dose (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) resveratrol groups according to the random number table method, with 6 mice in each group. Resveratrol was dissolved in 0.9% sodium chloride aqueous solution and 3% dimethyl sulfoxide. For mice in the low-, medium-, and high-dose resveratrol groups, 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg of resveratrol solution were intraperitoneally injected, respectively. The mice in the control group and the model group were intraperitoneally injected with 10 ml/kg of 0.9 % sodium chloride aqueous solution and 3 % dimethyl sulfoxide. Each group was injected once a day for 7 consecutive days. After 7 days of administration, a mouse sleep deprivation model was constructed using an improved multi platform water environment method. The spatial recognition and memory abilities of mice were tested using the Y-maze experiment, and the mRNA and protein relative expression levels of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) were detected using real-time reverse transcription-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Comparisons were made using t-test. Results:There were 47 common targets between resveratrol and sleep disorders, and the top five core targets were ESR1, Bcl-2, cytochrome P450, family 1, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 (CYP1A1), cytochrome P450, family 2, subfamily A, polypeptide 4 (CYP3A4) and cytochrome P450, family 1, subfamily B, polypeptide 1 (CYP1B1). GO enrichment analysis revealed that resveratrol in treatment of sleep disorders was mainly related to the regulation of unsaturated fatty acid metabolic processes, secondary metabolic processes, and responses to exogenous stimuli. KEGG pathway analysis showed that resveratrol acted mainly through pathways involving chemical carcinogenic-DNA adducts, cytochrome P450 metabolism of exogenous substances and estrogen signaling pathways. Molecular docking results indicated that resveratrol had strong binding affinity with ESR1, Bcl-2, CYP1A1, CYP3A4 and CYP1B1, with binding energies of ?31.92, ?27.72, ?34.44, ?34.02 and ?31.92 kJ/mol, respectively. In vivo experiments results demonstrated that the novel arm residence time in the low-, medium- and high-dose resveratrol groups [(52±5, 55±7, and 61±9) s] was higher than that in the model group [(45±4) s] ( P<0.05 or 0.01), and the percentage of spontaneous alternation [(53±4)%, (57±5)%, and (65±7)%] was higher than that in the model group [(47±3)%] ( P<0.05 or 0.01). The relative expression levels of ESR1 mRNA (0.42±0.10, 0.49±0.11, and 0.58±0.10) were higher than those in the model group (0.29±0.06) ( P<0.05 or 0.01). The relative expression levels of Bcl-2 mRNA (0.56±0.07, 0.65±0.10, and 0.77±0.11) were higher than those in the model group (0.44±0.08) ( P<0.05 or 0.01). Similarly, the relative expression levels of ESR1 protein (0.32±0.02, 0.50±0.02, and 0.62±0.02) were higher than those in the model group (0.24±0.01) ( P<0.05 or 0.01). The relative expression levels of Bcl-2 protein (0.45±0.08, 0.69±0.06, and 0.72±0.06) were higher than those in the model group (0.17±0.04) ( P<0.05 or 0.01). Conclusions:Resveratrol exerts therapeutic effects on sleep disorders by acting on ESR1 and Bcl-2.
10.Synergistic Activation of LEPR and ADRB2 Induced by Leptin Enhances Reactive Oxygen Specie Generation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Chang LIU ; Jing YU ; Yongjun DU ; Yu XIE ; Xiaofei SONG ; Chang LIU ; Yan YAN ; Yue WANG ; Junfang QIN
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(2):457-477
Purpose:
Leptin interacts not only with leptin receptor (LEPR) but also engages with other receptors. While the pro-oncogenic effects of the adrenergic receptor β2 (ADRB2) are well-established, the role of leptin in activating ADRB2 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains unclear.
Materials and Methods:
The pro-carcinogenic effects of LEPR were investigated using murine TNBC cell lines, 4T1 and EMT6, and a tumor-bearing mouse model. Expression levels of LEPR, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), and ADRB2 in TNBC cells and tumor tissues were analyzed via western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed using flow cytometry and MitoSox staining, while immunofluorescence double-staining confirmed the co-localization of LEPR and ADRB2.
Results:
LEPR activation promoted NOX4-derived ROS and mitochondrial ROS production, facilitating TNBC cell proliferation and migration, effects which were mitigated by the LEPR inhibitor Allo-aca. Co-expression of LEPR and ADRB2 was observed on cell membranes, and bioinformatics data revealed a positive correlation between the two receptors. Leptin activated both LEPR and ADRB2, enhancing intracellular ROS generation and promoting tumor progression, which was effectively countered by a specific ADRB2 inhibitor ICI118551. In vivo, leptin injection accelerated tumor growth and lung metastases without affecting appetite, while treatments with Allo-aca or ICI118551 mitigated these effects.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that leptin stimulates the growth and metastasis of TNBC through the activation of both LEPR and ADRB2, resulting in increased ROS production. These findings highlight LEPR and ADRB2 as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in TNBC.

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