1.Standards for the Application of Hemodynamic Monitoring Technology in Critical Care
Hua ZHAO ; Hongmin ZHANG ; Xin DING ; Huan CHEN ; Jun DUAN ; Wei DU ; Bo TANG ; Yuankai ZHOU ; Dongkai LI ; Xinchen WANG ; Cui WANG ; Gaosheng ZHOU ; Xiaoting WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):73-85
With the rapid advancement of hemodynamic indices and monitoring technologies, their classification methods and application processes have become increasingly complex. Currently, no unified standard hasbeen established, making it difficult to fully meet the clinical requirements for hemodynamic management. To assist in hemodynamic monitoring assessment and therapeutic decision-making in critically ill patients, the Critical Hemodynamic Therapy Collaborative Group, in conjunction with the Critical Ultrasound Study Group, has jointly developed the Standard for the Application of Hemodynamic Monitoring Techniques in Critical Care. The first part of this standard systematically categorizes hemodynamic indicators into flow indicators, pressure and its derivative indicators, and tissue perfusion indicators, while elaborating on the clinical application of each. The second part establishes a standardized clinical implementation pathway for hemodynamic monitoring. It proposes a tiered monitoring strategy-comprising basic, advanced, indication-specific, and special scenario monitoring-tailored to different clinical settings. It emphasizes the central role of critical care ultrasound across all levels of monitoring and establishes hemodynamic assessment standards for organs such as the brain, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. This standard aims to provide a unified framework for clinical practice, teaching, training, and research in critical care medicine, thereby promoting standardized development within the discipline.
2.Transient Gastric Pressure Elevation Synergizing With Impaired Esophagogastric Junction Barrier Function Plays a Pivotal Role in the Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Xin HUANG ; Yuzhu CHEN ; Xiaolin JI ; Lingling ZHU ; Tianzhuang LI ; Zhiwei XIA ; Zhijie XU ; Ying GE ; Kun WANG ; Liping DUAN
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2026;32(1):71-85
Background/Aims:
The pathophysiology of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (RGERD), which differs from proton pump inhibitor dependent gastroesophageal reflux disease (DGERD), remains incompletely elucidated. This study aims to compare esophageal motility patterns, transdiaphragmatic pressure gradients (TPG), and reflux profiles between RGERD and DGERD patients, and to delineate dynamic pressure gradient-esophagogastric junction (EGJ) interactions in these patients.
Methods:
In this retrospective study, 274 patients who underwent 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring and high-resolution manometry, along with an assessment of proton pump inhibitor responsiveness, were classified as RGERD (32.5%), DGERD (54.4%), or non-GERD (13.1%). Clinical characteristics, TPG, esophageal motility, and reflux metrics were compared between RGERD and DGERD patients. Subgroup analysis excluding hiatal hernia (HH) was conducted to investigate the pathophysiology of RGERD.
Results:
The RGERD group exhibited a significantly higher proportion of chest pain compared to the DGERD group. Regarding reflux profiles, RGERD patients without HH (RGERDHH- group) experienced increased weakly acidic reflux (P < 0.001) and prolonged bolus exposure (P = 0.006) compared to their counterparts (DGERDHH- group). Mechanistically, the RGERDHH- group showed reduced lower esophageal sphincter basal pressure (P = 0.010) and EGJ contractile integral (P = 0.005). Notably, following a wet-swallow, the RGERDHH- group experienced the significant elevation in gastric pressure and TPG. Correlation analyses revealed weakly acidic reflux and bolus exposure were positively correlated with gastric pressure variation, and inversely correlated with lower esophageal sphincter basal pressure.
Conclusions
Transient gastric pressure elevation and compromised EGJ barrier function drive weakly acidic reflux and esophageal bolus exposure. This pressure gradient-barrier mismatch underpins the refractoriness of RGERD.
3.Analysis of scalp fungal communities in severe alopecia areata patients by ITS sequencing
Chunlan ZHANG ; Yilong LEI ; Ruixuan CHENG ; Dawei DUAN ; Xin DU ; Wenming ZHOU ; Dandan ZANG ; Feng WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):576-582
ObjectiveTo compare the differences in fungal community composition between lesional and non-lesional scalp areas in patients suffering from severe alopecia areata (AA), and compare these with healthy scalp areas in control subjects. Additionally, to preliminarily explore the changes in scalp fungal communities in severe AA patients and their potential underlying immunological mechanisms. MethodsA total of 20 severe AA patients and 18 healthy controls were enrolled. Skin swab samples were collected from lesional and non-lesional scalp areas of severe AA patients, as well as from the normal scalp of healthy controls. The fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified and analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. ResultsThe lesional scalp areas of severe AA patients exhibited higher α-diversity and species richness in fungal communities. Notably, the relative abundance of Ascomycota, along with genera such as Mycosphaerella, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Wallemia, significantly increased in the bald regions. In contrast, Acremonium and Schizophyllum were more predominant in the non-lesional areas of severe AA patients. ConclusionDistinct region-specific differences in scalp fungal microbiota in severe AA patients suggests that fungal dysbiosis may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata. These findings provide new insights into the disease characteristics of severe AA from the perspective of scalp microecology.
4.A method for quality control of Angelicae Dahuricae Radix derived from different plants based on UPLC characteristic fingerprints, chemometrics, and QAMS.
Tian-Hua DUAN ; Rong-Rong XU ; Rui LI ; Chu-Han ZHANG ; Xin-Guo WANG ; Wei FENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):1051-1062
The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography( UPLC) characteristic fingerprints of Angelica dahurica and A. dahurica var. formosana were established. The compounds corresponding to common peaks were identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry( UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). The results were combined with chemometrics and quantitative analysis of multi-components with a single-marker method(QAMS) to study the quality control of A. dahurica and A. dahurica var. formosana. The separation was performed on a Titank C_(18) column(2. 1 mm × 150 mm, 1. 8 μm)with a mobile phase of acetonitrile-0. 2% formic acid at a flow rate of 0. 3 m L·min~(-1). The column temperature was 35 ℃ and the injection volume was 1. 2 μL. Seven batches of A. dahurica and 11 batches of A. dahurica var. formosana were injected and analyzed. The UPLC characteristic fingerprints of A. dahurica and A. dahurica var. formosana were established according to the Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of Traditional Chinese Medicine( version 2012), and 19 and 20 characteristic peaks were matched respectively. The common peaks were identified by reference substance comparison and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Cluster analysis(CA), principal component analysis(PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA)were performed to analyze the chemical pattern recognition of A. dahurica and A. dahurica var. formosana. The results of CA and PCA could distinguish Angelicae Dahuricae Radix from different producing areas, and the differential quality markers of A. dahurica and A. dahurica var. formosana were obtained by OPLS-DA. With imperatorin as the internal reference, the relative correction factors of oxypeucedanin hydrate, byakangelicin, bergapten, isopimpinellin, oxypeucedanin, and isoimperatorin were 1. 310, 1. 069, 0. 729, 0. 633, 0. 753, and 1. 010, respectively. There was no significant difference between the QAMS and external standard method(ESM)results of each component, indicating that the QAMS established with imperatorin as the internal reference was accurate and reliable. The characteristic fingerprints, chemometrics, and QAMS established in this study can quickly and efficiently control the quality of A. dahurica and A. dahurica var. formosana.
Quality Control
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Angelica/chemistry*
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Chemometrics/methods*
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Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods*
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Principal Component Analysis
5.Research progress on natural small molecule compound inhibitors of NLRP3 inflammasome.
Tian-Yuan ZHANG ; Xi-Yu CHEN ; Xin-Yu DUAN ; Qian-Ru ZHAO ; Lin MA ; Yi-Qi YAN ; Yu WANG ; Tao LIU ; Shao-Xia WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(3):644-657
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the research on NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome inhibitors in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The NLRP3 inflammasome is integral to the innate immune response, and its abnormal activation can lead to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokine, consequently facilitating the progression of various pathological conditions. Therefore, investigating the pharmacological inhibition pathway of the NLRP3 inflammasome represents a promising strategy for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has not approved drugs targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome for clinical use due to concerns regarding liver toxicity and gastrointestinal side effects associated with chemical small molecule inhibitors in clinical trials. Natural small molecule compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids are ubiquitously found in animals, plants, and other natural substances exhibiting pharmacological activities. Their abundant sources, intricate and diverse structures, high biocompatibility, minimal adverse reactions, and superior biochemical potency in comparison to synthetic compounds have attracted the attention of extensive scholars. Currently, certain natural small molecule compounds have been demonstrated to impede the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome via various action mechanisms, so they are viewed as the innovative, feasible, and minimally toxic therapeutic agents for inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the treatment of both acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. Hence, this study systematically examined the effects and potential mechanisms of natural small molecule compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicine on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes at their initiation, assembly, and activation stages. The objection is to furnish theoretical support and practical guidance for the effective clinical application of these natural small molecule inhibitors.
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism*
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Inflammasomes/metabolism*
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Inflammation/drug therapy*
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use*
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Humans
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Animals
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Disease Models, Animal
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Biological Products/therapeutic use*
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Drug Discovery
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods*
6.Mechanism of matrine against senescence in human umbilical vein endothelial cells based on network pharmacology and experimental verification.
Dian LIU ; Zi-Ping XIANG ; Ze-Sen DUAN ; Xin-Ying LIU ; Xing WANG ; Hui-Xin ZHANG ; Chao WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2260-2269
Utilizing network pharmacology, molecular docking, and cellular experimental validation, this study delved into the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of matrine in combating senescence. Databases were utilized to predict targets related to the anti-senescence effects of matrine, resulting in the identification of 81 intersecting targets for matrine in the treatment of senescence. A protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed, and key targets were screened based on degree values. Gene Ontology(GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the key targets to elucidate the critical pathways involved in the anti-senescence effects of matrine. Molecular docking was conducted between matrine and key targets. A senescence model was established using human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) induced with hydrogen peroxide(H_2O_2). Following treatment with varying concentrations of matrine(0.5, 1, and 2 mmol·L~(-1)), cell viability was assessed by using the CCK-8. SA-β-galactosidase staining was employed to observe the positive rate of senescent cells. Flow cytometry was utilized to measure the apoptosis rate. Real-time quantitative PCR(RT-PCR) was utilized to measure the mRNA expression of apoptosis-related cysteine peptidase 3(CASP3), albumin(ALB), glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK3B), CD44 molecule(CD44), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression of tumor protein p53(p53), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A(p21), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A(p16), and retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein(pRb) in the senescence signaling pathway, p38 protein kinase(p38), c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK), and extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK) in the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) pathway, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K) and protein kinase B(Akt) in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The experimental results revealed that matrine significantly increased the viability of HUVECs(P<0.05), decreased the positive rate of senescent cells and the apoptosis rate(P<0.05), and reduced the mRNA expression levels of CASP3, ALB, GSK3B, CD44, and TNF-α(P<0.05). It also inhibited the protein expression of p53, p21, p16 and pRb in the senescence signaling pathway(P<0.05), upregulated the protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt(P<0.05), and downregulated the protein expression of p-p38/p38, p-JNK/JNK, and p-ERK/ERK(P<0.05). Collectively, these findings suggest that matrine exerts an inhibitory effect on HUVECs senescence, and its mechanism involves the modulation of the senescence signaling pathway, MAPK pathway, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to suppress cell apoptosis and inflammation.
Humans
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Matrines
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Quinolizines/chemistry*
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Alkaloids/chemistry*
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Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/cytology*
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Cellular Senescence/drug effects*
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Network Pharmacology
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
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Cell Survival/drug effects*
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
7.Research of routine ultrasound examination combined with CTV angiography for lower extremity veins in assessing deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity after ischemic stroke
Tianying LIU ; Xin DUAN ; Gai ZHANG ; Wenli WANG
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(3):63-67
Objective:To analyze the effect of routine ultrasound examination combined with computed tomography venous(CTV)angiography for lower extremity veins in assessing deep vein thrombosis(DVT)of lower extremity after ischemic stroke.Methods:The clinical data of 132 patients with ischemic stroke,who admitted to XiDian Group Hospital from January 2020 to May 2023,were retrospectively analyzed.All selected patients were suspected as DVT in lower extremity,so they underwent digital subtraction angiography(DSA),routine ultrasound and CTV examination for lower extremity veins.The result of DSA examination was used as the gold standard.The diagnostic efficacy of routine ultrasound examination combined with CTV for the DVT of lower extremity after stroke was further analyzed.Results:The results of DSA examination confirmed that a total of 128 cases of 132 patients with suspected DVT were diagnosed as DVT in lower extremity.The routine ultrasound on lower extremity found out about 102 cases with DVT on lower extremity,and the consistency between the results of ultrasound diagnosis and the results of DSA diagnosis was general(Kappa=0.461,P=0.000).The CTV found out about 111 cases with DVT on lower extremity,and the consistency between the results of CTV diagnosis and the results of DSA diagnosis also was general(Kappa=0.605,P=0.000).The diagnostic result of the combination of routine ultrasound and CTV for DVT in lower extremity had better consistency with DSA result(Kappa=0.752,P=0.000).The diagnostic accuracy(93.33%),sensitivity(94.53%)and negative predictive value(73.08%)of ultrasound combined with CTV were significantly higher than those of single diagnosis,and the differences of them were statistically significant(x2=10.727,12.463,6.313,P<0.05).Conclusion:The diagnosis of the routine ultrasound examination combined with CTV for DVT of lower extremity after ischemic stroke can improve the accuracy and diagnostic efficacy of clinical diagnosis,which is contribute to the assessment of patients'disease conditions.
8.Mechanosensory activation of Piezo1 via cupping therapy: Harnessing neural networks to modulate AMPK pathway for metabolic restoration in a mouse model of psoriasis.
Ruo-Fan XI ; Xin LIU ; Yi WANG ; Han-Zhi LU ; Shao-Jie YUAN ; Dong-Jie GUO ; Jian-Yong ZHU ; Fu-Lun LI ; Yan-Juan DUAN
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(6):721-732
OBJECTIVE:
Psoriasis, a common chronic inflammatory skin condition with genetic underpinnings, is traditionally managed with cupping therapy. Although used historically, the precise mechanical effects and therapeutic mechanisms of cupping in psoriasis remain largely unexamined. This study aimed to evaluate cupping therapy's efficacy for psoriasis and investigate its role in modulating inflammatory responses and cellular metabolism.
METHODS:
Psoriasis was induced in mice using topical imiquimod (IMQ). The effects of cupping on psoriatic lesions were assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score, histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining. polymerase chain reaction sequencing (RNA-seq) and Western blotting were conducted to examine changes in mRNA expression and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway.
RESULTS:
Cupping therapy significantly reduced inflammation, epidermal thickness, and inflammatory cell infiltration in mice with IMQ-induced psoriasis. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence showed lower expression of inflammatory markers and a shift in T-cell populations. RNA-seq and Western blotting indicated that cupping upregulated Piezo1 and activated the AMPK pathway, improving energy metabolism in psoriatic skin.
CONCLUSION
Cupping therapy reduces epidermal hyperproliferation and inflammation in psoriasis, rebalancing the local immune microenvironment. Mechanistically, cupping promotes calcium influx via Piezo1, activates AMPK signaling, and supports metabolic homeostasis, suggesting therapeutic potential for psoriasis. Please cite this article as: Xi RF, Liu X, Wang Y, Lu HZ, Yuan SJ, Guo DJ, Zhu JY, Li FL, Duan YJ. Mechanosensory activation of Piezo1 via cupping therapy: Harnessing neural networks to modulate AMPK pathway for metabolic restoration in a mouse model of psoriasis. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(6):721-732.
Animals
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Psoriasis/chemically induced*
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Mice
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AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Cupping Therapy/methods*
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Signal Transduction
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Imiquimod
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Ion Channels/genetics*
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Male
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Mechanotransduction, Cellular
9.Diverse Subtypes of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Evaluated by Novel PREVENT Associated with Different Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Metabolites.
Ye XIN ; Yu Cheng SUN ; Lin CHEN ; Feng Tao CUI ; Ying Ge DUAN ; Han Yun WANG ; Li CHEN ; Tian CHEN ; Pi Ye NIU ; Jun Xiang MA
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(10):1217-1229
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the association of various polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites with diverse subtypes of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
METHODS:
A novel predicting risk of cardiovascular disease EVENTs PREVENT equation was used to estimate the 10-year diverse subtypes of CVD risk, and their associations with PAH metabolites were analyzed using multiple logistic regression models, the weighted quantile sum (WQS) model, the quantile g-computation (qgcomp) model, and a stratified analysis of subgroups.
RESULTS:
For this study, six thousand seven hundred and forty-five participants were selected, and significant positive associations were observed between PAHs, naphthalene (NAP), and fluorene (FLU), and the risks of total CVD, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and heart failure (HF). NAP and FLU were the primary contributors to the effects of PAH mixtures, and their associations with total CVD, ASCVD, and HF risk were significant in younger participants (30 ≤ age < 50 years); however, the associations of phenanthrene (PHEN) with ASCVD, HF, coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke were dominant in aging participants (age ≥ 50 years). Notably, pyrene (PYR) was negatively associated with the risk of ASCVD, HF, CHD, and stroke. Similarly, negative associations of PYR with the four CVD subtypes were noticeable in aging participants.
CONCLUSION
Different PAHs metabolites had different impacts on each CVD subtype among different age groups. Notably, the protective effects of PYR on ASCVD, HF, CHD, and stroke were noticeable in aging individuals.
Humans
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Cardiovascular Diseases/chemically induced*
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Middle Aged
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Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/metabolism*
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Male
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Female
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Adult
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Aged
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Risk Factors
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China/epidemiology*
10.Molecular mechanisms of lung cancer induced by the insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin.
Yongshun DUAN ; Zifei WANG ; Mengxuan WU ; Shuo WANG ; Xin GUO ; Zhihua NI
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(10):3801-3816
The inappropriate utilisation of the agricultural insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) has the potential to result in residues that compromise food safety and human health. Respiratory exposure represents a major route of LCT contact in humans. Nevertheless, its deleterious effects on the respiratory system remain inadequately characterized. It is imperative to elucidate the potential relationship and mechanisms by which lung cancer, a significant malignant neoplasm of the respiratory system, is associated with exposure to LCT. The objective of this study is to utilise bioinformatics methodologies to screen and analyse the key target molecules affected by LCT in the occurrence of lung cancer, and their mechanisms of action. Specifically, network toxicology methods were employed to identify core targets of LCT-induced lung cancer. Subsequently, functional annotation to delineate associated cellular pathways, and finally, molecular docking to simulate binding modes between LCT and shared core targets. Core target screening identified 50 targets for large cell lung cancer, 54 for small cell lung cancer, 29 for lung squamous cell carcinoma, and 28 for lung adenocarcinoma, with EGFR, HSP90AA1, JUN, CCL2, MYC, CXCL8, and HSPA4 shared in all subtypes. Functional annotation revealed that LCT-triggered oncogenic pathways predominantly involved ubiquitination, chemotaxis, and tumor immune signaling. Molecular docking demonstrated spontaneous binding of LCT to core targets mediated by hydrogen bonds and π-cation interactions. These results establish a theoretical framework for evaluating LCT-associated risks of lung cancer and respiratory system damage.
Lung Neoplasms/metabolism*
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Pyrethrins/toxicity*
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Humans
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Insecticides/toxicity*
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Nitriles/toxicity*
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Molecular Docking Simulation

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