1.Mechanism of Shenqi Dihuangtang in Blocking Renal Fibrosis Injury in Diabetic Kidney Disease Mediated by Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition Through Inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Axis
Liangjing LIU ; Haolan LIU ; Xiaoling MAO ; Min YU ; Weitong YAN ; Chao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):32-45
ObjectiveThis paper aims to study the potential active compound components and action mechanism of Shenqi Dihuangtang in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) through network pharmacology and in vivo experimental verification. MethodsUltra-high-performance liquid chromatography-Q-exactive orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) technology was used to clarify the main active chemical components of Shenqi Dihuangtang, and it was combined with network pharmacology methods such as gene ontology (GO) functional annotations and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genome (KEGG) to predict the potential action mechanism of Shenqi Dihuangtang in treating DKD. Subsequently, the DKD model of db/db male mice was established, and the mice were randomly divided into model group, low-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group (6.10 g·kg-1), medium-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group (12.19 g·kg-1), high-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group (24.38 g·kg-1), and daplizin group (1.25 mg·kg-1). During the same period, C57BL/6J male mice were selected into normal group and received drug intervention for 8 weeks, respectively. During this period, the body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) of the mice were dynamically monitored, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were performed at the end of dosing. The levels of serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), albumin (ALB), and total protein (TP) were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer, and 24-hour urine protein was measured by a urine protein quantitative kit. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), periodic-acid Schiff (PAS), and Masson staining were employed to observe the renal histopathology. The expression of nephrotic protein Nephrin was observed by immunohistochemistry. Western blot was used to detect the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins such as TGF-β1, Smad2/3, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), neural-cadherin (N-Cadherin), and snail protein. ResultsUPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS identified 384 active compounds in the aqueous extract of Shenqi Dihuangtang. According to oral bioavailability≥30% and the five drug-like principles, 44 key active ingredients were screened out, and 169 intersection targets highly correlated with DKD were matched. Among them, there was a significant interaction relationship between tumor necrosis factor(TNF), interleukin(IL)-6, protein kinase B(Akt)1, Caspase-3, Jun proto-oncogene (JUN), hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α), B cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), matrix metallopeptidase-9(MMP-9), IL-1β, and TGF-β1. GO functional annotations were significantly enriched in cellular components such as membrane rafts, membrane microdomains, and collagen-containing extracellular matrix, molecular functions such as DNA-binding transcription factor binding, R-Smad binding, and Smad protein binding, as well as biological processes such as reactions to lipopolysaccharides(LPS), reactions to bacteria-derived molecules, and wound healing. The KEGG pathway was significantly enriched in lipids and atherosclerosis, TGF-β signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, etc. In vivo experimental results showed that the high-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group could significantly reduce FBG levels in db/db mice (P<0.01), improve OGTT (P<0.01) and ITT (P<0.01) levels, reduce SCr (P<0.01), BUN (P<0.01), UA (P<0.01) and 24-hour BUN (P<0.01), and increase ALB (P<0.01) and TP (P<0.01) levels. Pathological staining confirmed that the high-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group could significantly reduce the glomerular mesangial matrix area and collagen deposition (P<0.01) and upregulate the positive expression rate of Nephrin (P<0.01). Western blot results showed that the high-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group significantly downregulated the expression of TGF-β1 (P<0.01) and Smad2/3 (P<0.01) signal molecules and inhibited the protein levels of α-SMA (P<0.01), N-Cadherin (P<0.01), and Snail (P<0.01). ConclusionShenqi Dihuangtang can inhibit the TGF-β1/Smad signaling axis and block the renal EMT process, thereby improving DKD renal fibrosis damage. Further analysis of its key active components and clinical transformation pathways is needed in the future.
2.Role of naringenin in the prevention and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis and its molecular mechanism
Changwen LIN ; Qiuyi REN ; Mengjie ZHENG ; Huan YAN ; Jia LI ; Jiaxin FENG ; Haiying LIN ; Faming SHU ; Xiaoling ZHOU ; Dewen MAO ; Fuli LONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1419-1425
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease mediated by T lymphocytes, and it can progress to liver cirrhosis or even liver failure without timely intervention. As a natural flavonoid compound, naringenin (NAR) shows a potential value in the prevention and treatment of AIH through multiple mechanisms such as remodeling immune homeostasis, targeted inhibition of inflammatory pathways, antioxidation, regulating hepatocyte metabolism and apoptosis, improving mitochondrial function, and regulating intestinal flora. However, the clinical translation and application of NAR is limited by issues such as low bioavailability and insufficient efficiency of liver-targeted delivery. This article systematically reviews the mechanism of action of NAR in the prevention and treatment of AIH, explores the potential signaling pathways involved in this process, and analyzes existing challenges in its translation and application and future research directions, so as to provide a reference for further research on NAR and its application in the prevention and treatment of AIH.
3.Investigation of Specific Antibody Levels of Autoimmune Gastritis and Analysis of Influencing Factors in A Community Population in Xinjiang
Huan LIU ; Xiaoling HUANG ; AI HEMAIJIANG KURBANJIANG ; Yan FENG ; Weidong LIU ; Shenglong XUE ; Zequan XIAO ; AINI ABDUREIM ; Xinwen GUO ; Maosen JIANG ; Feng GAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(4):1042-1050
To investigate the positivity rates of specific antibodies, including parietal cell antibody (PCA) and anti-inner factor antibody (IFA), in a community population in Xinjiang for autoimmune gastritis (AIG), determine the prevalence of AIG, and analyze the correlations of PCA and IFA with clinical characteristics, pepsinogen (PG), gastrin 17 (G17), and A cross-sectional survey was conducted using stratified random cluster sampling in community populations across 10 regions of Xinjiang from January 2022 to December 2023. General information was collected via a self-designed questionnaire, and fasting venous blood samples were obtained to measure laboratory parameters including PCA, IFA, PG Ⅰ, PG Ⅱ, PG Ⅰ/PG Ⅱ ratio, and G17. The positivity rates of PCA and IFA and the prevalence of AIG were calculated. Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships of PCA and IFA with PG Ⅰ, PG Ⅱ, PG Ⅰ/PG Ⅱ ratio, and G17. The diagnostic efficacy of PCA and IFA for atrophic gastritis was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing PCA and IFA positivity. A total of 2018 community participants were included, comprising 972 males (48.17%) and 1046 females (51.83%), with a mean age of 42±19 years. The predominant ethnic groups were Han (42.22%) and Kazakh (33.10%). Hp-Ab positivity was observed in 1244 cases (61.65%). Serological criteria for atrophic gastritis were met in 56 cases (2.78%). PCA positivity was found in 253 cases (12.54%), IFA positivity in 30 cases (1.49%), and dual positivity in 11 cases (0.55%). A total of 617 participants (30.57%) voluntarily underwent endoscopic examination, among whom 7 cases (1.13%) were histopathologically confirmed as AIG. Positivity rates for PCA and IFA varied among ethnic groups, with the highest rates observed in the Kirgiz population (23.53% and 5.88%, respectively). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that PCA was negatively correlated with the PG Ⅰ/PG Ⅱ ratio ( The positivity rate of PCA is relatively high in the community population in Xinjiang and varies across different ethnic groups, whereas the positivity rate of IFA is lower than that of PCA. Age, history of alcohol consumption, history of allergies, and history of thyroid disease are associated with PCA positivity, while no correlation was found between Hp-Ab and PCA or IFA. The prevalence of histopathologically confirmed AIG among participants undergoing endoscopic examination is 1.13%.
4.Cost-utility analysis of iguratimod combined with methotrexate for active rheumatoid arthritis patients with failed monotherapy
Xiaoling GONG ; Jianzhou YAN ; Xinyue DONG ; Yongquan LAI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(16):2131-2137
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-utility of iguratimod combined with methotrexate in the treatment of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who failed monotherapy with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs).METHODS A cost-utility analysis was performed. A Markov model was constructed from the perspective of China’s healthcare system with a cycle length of 6 months to simulate the costs and health outcomes [quality-adjusted life years (QALYs)] of iguratimod combined with methotrexate versus different combined csDMARDs regimens over a 30-year time horizon. Efficacy and safety data were synthesized from randomized controlled trials via network meta-analysis. Cost parameters were derived from the Menet Database, published literature and other sources. The discount rate was set at 4.5%, and the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was twice China’s per capita gross domestic product in 2025 (199 330.00 yuan/QALY). One-way sensitivity analysis, probabilistic sensitivity analysis and scenario analysis were conducted to verify the robustness of the results.RESULTS Compared with methotrexate+sulfasalazine and sulfasalazine+leflunomide, iguratimod+methotrexate was a dominant regimen. Compared with methotrexate+leflunomide, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of iguratimod+methotrexate was 60 577.10 yuan/QALY, which was lower than the WTP threshold. Sensitivity analyses and scenario analysis confirmed favorable robustness of the above findings.CONCLUSIONS From the perspective of China’s healthcare system, iguratimod+methotrexate is cost-effective for active RA patients failing csDMARD monotherapy, in comparison with methotrexate+leflunomide, methotrexate+sulfasalazine and sulfasalazine+leflunomide regimens.
5.Horticultural Therapy Combined with Intradermal Needling for Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder of Liver Depression Transforming into Fire Syndrome Under Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Psychological Therapy:Clinical Observation of 60 Cases
Wanyun ZHANG ; Jiayi YAN ; Qingyi QIU ; Yumei PENG ; Xiaoling ZHONG ; Jinwen ZHANG ; Rundong TANG ; Miao WU ; Dan HU ; Guang SU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):50-58
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effectiveness of horticultural therapy involving the planting of Chinese medicinal herbs (mint and lily potted plants) combined with intradermal needling therapy for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) of liver depression transforming into fire syndrome under transcranial magnetic stimulation and basic psychological therapy, and to explore the possible mechanisms of action. MethodsA total of 180 patients with GAD of liver depression transforming into fire syndrome were randomly divided into three groups, horticultural therapy group, intradermal needling group, and horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group, with 60 patients in each. All groups received basic treatment including basic psychological therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation. The horticultural therapy group received horticultural therapy in addition to the basic treatment; the intradermal needling group received intradermal needling therapy once a week for 8 weeks in addition to the basic treatment; the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group received both horticultural therapy and intradermal needling therapy, following the same procedures and duration. Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores were assessed at baseline and after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of treatment. Serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) were measured before treatment and after 8 weeks of treatment. Motor-evoked potential (MEP) baseline levels were recorded before treatment, and MEP amplitude ratios were compared after 1 week and 8 weeks of treatment. Clinical effectiveness and safety were evaluated after 8 weeks of treatment. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between serum ACTH and CORT levels, MEP amplitude, and anxiety. ResultsIn the horticultural therapy group and intradermal needling group, HAMA, SAS and PSQI scores after 4, 6, and 8 weeks treatment were lower than baseline scores (P<0.05). In the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group, these scores showed a significant decline starting after 2 weeks treatment and continuing through 8 weeks after treatment (P<0.05). The HAMA, SAS, and PSQI scores in the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group were significantly lower than those in the other two groups after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks treatment (P<0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, serum CORT and ACTH levels in the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group were significantly lower than baseline levels (P<0.05) and were also lower than those in the horticultural therapy group and intradermal needling group at the same time point (P<0.01). When comparing the level after 8 weeks treatment to that after 1 week treatment, under PAS10 stimulation, the MEP amplitude ratio in the intradermal needling group decreased at 30 minutes, while in the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group, the MEP amplitude ratio decreased at all time points (P<0.05 or P<0.001); under PAS25 stimulation, the MEP amplitude ratio in the horticultural therapy group increased at 20 minutes, and in the intradermal needle group at 10 minutes (P<0.05). In the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group, the MEP amplitude ratio increased significantly at all time points after treatment (P<0.001). The cure rate in the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group (74.14%, 43/58) was significantly higher than that in the horticultural therapy group (30.00%, 18/60) and the intradermal needling group (48.28%, 28/58, P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that serum ACTH and CORT levels were positively correlated with HAMA scores (r = 0.488, P<0.01; r = 0.428, P<0.01). Following PAS10 intervention, the MEP amplitude ratio was positively correlated with HAMA scores (r = 0.458, P<0.01), whereas after PAS25 intervention, the MEP amplitude ratio was negatively correlated with HAMA scores (r = -0.562, P<0.01). ConclusionHorticultural therapy combined with intradermal needling treatment, under transcranial magnetic stimulation and basic psychological therapy, demonstrates significant clinical effectiveness in patients with GAD of liver depression transforming into fire syndrome. Its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the reduction of cortical excitability.
6.Correlation between blood lipid, body mass index and hyperuricemia in the elderly
Minrui XU ; Hong SHI ; Deren QIANG ; Xiaoling KONG ; Suyi SHI ; Jing ZONG ; Jiacheng YANG ; Yupiao YAN ; Xibing ZHANG ; Xufeng ZHOU ; Yingzi PAN ; Yuan TAO
Chinese Journal of Health Management 2025;19(10):800-808
Objective:To investigate the association of blood lipids and body mass index (BMI) with hyperuricemia (HUA) in the elderly.Methods:It was a cross-sectional study. A total of 114 391 elderly individuals received health examinations at primary healthcare institutions in Wujin District from January to December in 2022. The health examination included questionnaire survey, physical examination and laboratory examination. The multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) plots were used to analyze the association and dose-response relationship of blood lipid and BMI with HUA. The mediating effect model was used to explore the mediation effect of BMI on the association between blood lipid and HUA.Results:Among the 112 415 subjects, 18 506 (16.46%) were checked with HUA. After adjusting for relevant confounders, total cholesterol (TC) ( OR=1.20, 95% CI: 1.16-1.23), triglyceride (TG) ( OR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.44-1.49), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ( OR=0.74, 95% CI: 0.73-0.76), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ( OR=1.14, 95% CI: 1.12-1.15) and BMI ( OR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.39-1.44) were all associated with HUA (all P0.05). The RCS analysis revealed that TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C each exhibited a nonlinear dose-response relationship with HUA, the inflection points was 3.00 mmol/L, 1.57 mmol/L and 2.50 mmol/L, respectively (all P-nonlinear0.001). The results of interaction showed that there were additive interaction between high TC( S=1.27 , 95% CI: 1.17-1.37), high TG( S=1.32 , 95% CI: 1.25-1.40), high LDL-C( S=1.23 , 95% CI: 1.14-1.34) and overweight/obesity with HUA (all P0.05). The results of mediation effect analysis showed that the mediation effect of BMI on the association between blood lipids (HDL-C, LDL-C, TG and TC) and HUA, from high to low, were as follows: 22.5% (95% CI: 20.8%-24.2%), 13.9% (95% CI: 12.0%-16.2%), 13.5% (95% CI: 12.7%-14.4%) and-3.9% (95% CI:-6.6%--1.8%). Conclusion:The blood lipid levels and BMI are positively correlated with HUA in the elderly.
7.Imaging guided percutaneous microwave ablation for unresectable pancreatic cancer:A multicenter retrospective study
Shuilian TAN ; Jie ZHOU ; Ping LIANG ; Xiaoling YU ; Xin YE ; Gang DONG ; Xiang JING ; Guanghui HUANG ; Zhen WANG ; Mengfan PENG ; Yan ZHOU ; Jie YU ; Zhiyu HAN ; Fangyi LIU ; Hongjian GAO ; Yubo ZHANG ; Zhigang CHENG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(7):1109-1112
Objective To explore the feasibility and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for unresectable pancreatic cancer.Methods Totally 84 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for unresectable pancreatic cancer were enrolled,and the technical success rate,complete ablation rate,complication rate,pain relief rate and survival time,etc.were observed.Results The median age of 84 cases was 61.5 years.Totally 86 tumors,including 44.19%(38/86)at the head/neck and 55.81%(48/86)at the body/tail of pancreas were detected,and a total of 85 ablation sessions were performed with the median ablation energy applied per tumor of 9.90(1.08,21.60)kJ and the complete ablation rate of 42.86%(36/84).The technical success rate was 100%(85/85).Thirty-nine complication events occurred in 25 cases,no ablation-related death.Among 34 patients underwent ablation mainly for pain symptoms,the pain score decreased from(6.22±1.12)points before treatment to(1.94±1.64)points after treatment(P<0.001).During 6.8(3.3,12.9)months' follow-up,the mean survival time was(8.5±6.7)months,and all 47 patients died due to tumor progression.Conclusion Ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation was safe and feasible for unresectable pancreatic cancer.
8.Risk prediction model for ischemic stroke in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis patients based on high-resolution MRI and arterial spin labeling
Ling LI ; Qianqian WANG ; Min TANG ; Na ZHANG ; Yu WEN ; Xiaoling ZHANG ; Xiaoyan LEI ; Xuejiao YAN
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(5):726-731
Objective To develop a risk prediction model for ischemic stroke in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis(ICAS)patients based on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging(HR-MRI)and arterial spin labeling(ASL)imaging.Methods A total of 142 patients were included and divided into acute ischemic stroke(AIS)and transient ischemic attack(TIA)groups based on stroke occurrence.Clinical risk factors,plaque characteristics,and arterial transit artifact(ATA)presence on ASL images were compared between the two groups.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed,incorporating clinical risk factors,plaque characteristics,and double post labeling delay(PLD)ATA presence.The predictive value of different models was compared using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and DeLong tests.Results Hypertension,positive lumen remodeling,plaque enhance-ment rate,1.5 s-ATA presence,and 2.5 s-ATA presence were independent risk factors for AIS(P<0.05).The combination of HR-MRI and ASL imaging predicted AIS most effectively[area under the curve(AUC)=0.908;95% confidence interval(CI)0.862-0.954].No significant difference was found between the prediction performances of HR-MRI and ASL(95%CI-0.041-0.082,Z=0.659,P=0.509).Conclusion ASL is more convenient than HR-MRI for predicting ischemic stroke in ICAS patients.A model combining plaque characteristics and ATA presence effectively predicts AIS occurrence.
9.Safety experiment of Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection
Zhaoyun LIU ; Xiaojun LÜ ; Sen WU ; Ju ZHANG ; Pinghui WANG ; Yan LI ; Xiaoling XU ; Jiate SHEN ; Kaiyong HE
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(2):203-212
Objective:To explore the improvement of the quality standard of Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection and conduct safety tests including abnormal toxicity test,allergic reaction test,hemolysis and coagulation test.Methods:Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection from 3 different manufactures(A,B and C)were tested respectively through abnormal toxicity test and acute toxicity test in mice,active systemic anaphylaxis test in guinea pigs and hemolysis test in vitro.Five mice were used in each batch for abnormal toxicity test according to the abnormal toxicity test method in general notice of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 Volume Ⅳ(1141),and 50 mice were selected in each batch for acute toxicity test to determine the median lethal dose(LD50)or maximum tol-erable dose(MTD)of Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection,which were used to establish the method of abnormal toxicity experiment.The anaphylaxis of Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection was evaluated by active systemic anaphylaxis test in guinea pigs,which was used to establish the method of allergic test.The hemoly-sis test of Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection was studied by conventional tube method in vitro(macro-scopic observation)and improved hemolysis method in vitro(spectrophotometric method),which were used to establish the method of hemolysis and coagulation test.Results:① In manufacture A,the results of abnormal toxicity test were showed that LD50 was20.8 mL·kg-1and MTD was 16.5 mL·kg-1.No death or abnormal reac-tions were observed in mice tested for abnormal toxicity of 2 manufactures(B and C),and MTD was 50 and 40 mL·kg-1,respectively.②The no-observed-adverse-effect dose of Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injec-tion from 3 manufactures to guinea pig intravenous was 0.83 mL·kg-1,and no allergic reaction symptoms were observed when Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection was diluted 4 times to challenge the sensitized guinea pigs(equivalent to human clinical dosage).③Differences were observed in the hemolytic effects of Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection from 3 manufactures,but no obvious hemolytic reaction occurred when it was diluted 1.2 times(equivalent to 5%of the maximum clinical concentration).Conclusion:It is recommended to add abnormal toxicity test,allergic reaction test,hemolysis and coagulation test in the quality standard of Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection as safety test items to control the risk.The proposed method is diluting Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection by 5 times,4 times and 1.2 times to perform abnormal toxicity test,allergic reaction test,hemolysis test and coagulation test respectively.
10.Iron and siRNA co-encapsulated ferritin nanocages induce ferroptosis synergistically for cancer therapy.
Danni LIU ; Yaoqi WANG ; Qi SUN ; Dong MEI ; Xiaoling WANG ; Yan SU ; Jie ZHANG ; Ran HUO ; Yang TIAN ; Siyu LIU ; Shuang ZHANG ; Chunying CUI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):526-541
Ferroptosis has received great attention as an iron-dependent programmed cell death for efficient cancer therapy. However, with the accumulation of iron in tumor cells, the antioxidant system is activated by reducing glutathione (GSH) with glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), which critically limits the ferroptosis therapeutic effect. Herein, an iron and GPX4 silencing siRNA (siGPX4) co-encapsulated ferritin nanocage (HFn@Fe/siGPX4) was developed to enhance ferroptosis by disruption of redox homeostasis and inhibition of antioxidant enzyme synergistically. The siGPX4 were loaded into the nanocages by pre-incubated with iron, which could significantly improve the loading efficiency of the gene drugs when compared with the reported gene drug loading strategy by ferritin nanocages. And more iron was overloaded into the ferritin through the diffusion method. When HFn@Fe/siGPX4 was taken up by human breast cancer cell MCF-7 in a TfR1-mediated pathway, the excess iron ions in the drug delivery system could for one thing induce ferroptosis by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), for another promote siGPX4 escaping from the lysosome to exert gene silencing effect more effectively. Both the in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that HFn@Fe/siGPX4 could significantly inhibit tumor growth by synergistical ferroptosis. Thus, the developed HFn@Fe/siGPX4 afforded a combined ferroptosis strategy for ferroptosis-based antitumor as well as a novel and efficient gene drug delivery system.

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