1.Role and Mechanism of Cucurbitacin B in Suppressing Proliferation of Breast Cancer 4T1 Cells via Inducing Ferroptosis
Yidan RUAN ; Huizhong ZHANG ; Huating HUANG ; Pingzhi ZHANG ; Aina YAO ; Yongqiang ZHANG ; Xiaohan XU ; Shiman LI ; Jian NI ; Xiaoxu DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):91-97
ObjectiveTo explore the role of cucurbitacin B (CuB) in inducing ferroptosis in 4T1 cells and its mechanism. MethodsThe effects of CuB(0.2, 0.4, 0.8 μmol·L-1)on the proliferation ability of 4T1 cells in vitro were detected using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The clonogenic ability of 4T1 cells was detected by the plate cloning assay, and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in 4T1 cells were detected by the use of a kit. The mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in 4T1 cells were detected by flow cytometry, and the mitochondrial ultrastructure of 4T1 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The western blot was used to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related protein p53 in 4T1 cells, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SCL7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4), transferrin receptor protein 1 (TFR1), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1). ResultsCompared with that in the blank group, the survival rate of 4T1 cells in CuB groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the number of cell clones in CuB groups was significantly reduced (P<0.01). In addition, compared with that in the blank group, the leakage of LDH in cells in CuB groups was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells in CuB groups decreased significantly (P<0.01). Cellular ROS levels were significantly elevated in CuB groups (P<0.01). The mitochondria of cells in CuB groups were obviously wrinkled, and the mitochondrial cristae were reduced or even disappeared. Compared with that in the blank group, the protein expression of p53, ACSL4, and TFR1 were significantly up-regulated in CuB groups (P<0.05), and that of SLC7A11, GPX4, and FTH1 were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). ConclusionCuB may inhibit SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression by up-regulating the expression of p53, which in turn regulates the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway axis and accelerates the generation of lipid peroxidation substrate by up-regulating the expression of ACSL4. It up-regulates TFR1 expression to promote cellular uptake of Fe3+ and down-regulates the expression of FTH1 to reduce the ability of iron storage, resulting in an elevated free Fe2+ level. It catalyzes the Fenton reaction, generates excess ROS, imbalances the antioxidant system and iron metabolism, and then induces ferroptosis in 4T1 cells.
2.Role and Mechanism of Cucurbitacin B in Suppressing Proliferation of Breast Cancer 4T1 Cells via Inducing Ferroptosis
Yidan RUAN ; Huizhong ZHANG ; Huating HUANG ; Pingzhi ZHANG ; Aina YAO ; Yongqiang ZHANG ; Xiaohan XU ; Shiman LI ; Jian NI ; Xiaoxu DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):91-97
ObjectiveTo explore the role of cucurbitacin B (CuB) in inducing ferroptosis in 4T1 cells and its mechanism. MethodsThe effects of CuB(0.2, 0.4, 0.8 μmol·L-1)on the proliferation ability of 4T1 cells in vitro were detected using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The clonogenic ability of 4T1 cells was detected by the plate cloning assay, and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in 4T1 cells were detected by the use of a kit. The mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in 4T1 cells were detected by flow cytometry, and the mitochondrial ultrastructure of 4T1 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The western blot was used to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related protein p53 in 4T1 cells, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SCL7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4), transferrin receptor protein 1 (TFR1), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1). ResultsCompared with that in the blank group, the survival rate of 4T1 cells in CuB groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the number of cell clones in CuB groups was significantly reduced (P<0.01). In addition, compared with that in the blank group, the leakage of LDH in cells in CuB groups was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells in CuB groups decreased significantly (P<0.01). Cellular ROS levels were significantly elevated in CuB groups (P<0.01). The mitochondria of cells in CuB groups were obviously wrinkled, and the mitochondrial cristae were reduced or even disappeared. Compared with that in the blank group, the protein expression of p53, ACSL4, and TFR1 were significantly up-regulated in CuB groups (P<0.05), and that of SLC7A11, GPX4, and FTH1 were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). ConclusionCuB may inhibit SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression by up-regulating the expression of p53, which in turn regulates the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway axis and accelerates the generation of lipid peroxidation substrate by up-regulating the expression of ACSL4. It up-regulates TFR1 expression to promote cellular uptake of Fe3+ and down-regulates the expression of FTH1 to reduce the ability of iron storage, resulting in an elevated free Fe2+ level. It catalyzes the Fenton reaction, generates excess ROS, imbalances the antioxidant system and iron metabolism, and then induces ferroptosis in 4T1 cells.
3.Downregulation of SRSF6 Inhibits the Macrophage Inflammatory Response by Regulating the Alternative Splicing of MyD88
Yu FU ; Lu-Yao ZHANG ; Bo CHENG ; Wei-Ye SHI ; Ni LI ; Ying-Ze WANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2024;40(11):1563-1573
Serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 6 (SRSF6) is a member of the serine and arginine-rich (SR) protein family,and it plays a crucial regulatory role in RNA splicing.Dysregulation of SRSF6 ex-pression or function can lead to aberrant alternative splicing of certain genes,and contribute to the devel-opment and progression of inflammatory diseases,including tumors,diabetes,and pleural fibrosis.How-ever,the role of SRSF6 in inflammation remains unclear.In this study,we found that the expression of inflammatory factors,including tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),was induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) .Concurrently,both the levels of SRSF6 mRNA and protein ex-pression significantly increased with prolonged LPS stimulation (P<0.05) .Furthermore,we investigated the change of SRSF6 expression on the expression of inflammatory factors.The results showed that upreg-ulation of SRSF6 enhanced the expression of LPS-induced inflammatory factors (P<0.05),while down-regulation of SRSF6 inhibited their expression (P<0.05) .Additionally,the activation of the nuclear fac-tor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways was suppressed by SRSF6 knockdown (P<0.05),indicating that SRSF6 is involved in regulating inflammatory responses in macrophages.Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) is a key adaptor protein in the TLR4 signaling pathway,with its splicing isoforms MyD88-L and MyD88-S exerting pro-inflammatory and anti-inflamma-tory effects,respectively.Analysis of RNA-binding protein database and RNA immunoprecipitation showed that SRSF6 binds to MyD88 mRNA.Splicing analysis indicated that downregulation of SRSF6 promoted the expression of the anti-inflammatory MyD88-S mRNA isoform (P<0.01) .Moreover,knock-down of MyD88-S could rescue the expression of inflammatory factors suppressed by SRSF6 downregula-tion.These findings suggest that SRSF6 regulates MyD88 alternative splicing in macrophages,thereby af-fecting the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways and the expression of inflammatory factors.This study provides a foundation for further elucidating the role of SRSF6 in inflammatory diseases.
4.Effects of decoction of Euphorbia fischeriana Steud.and jujuba against breast cancer of different molecular phenotypes via PI3k/Akt pathway
Liwei MA ; Hongyu YAO ; Zhe CHEN ; Shiyu NI ; Song CHEN ; Jing LI ; Jicheng LIU
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2024;34(3):27-35
Objective To explore the effect of decoction of Euphorbia fischeriana Steud.and jujuba(DEFSJ)against estrogen receptor(ER)negative(-)and ER positive(+)breast cancer via the PI3k/Akt pathway,and to provide a reference for the targeted treatment of breast cancer.Methods DEFSJ extract was prepared and analyzed using UHPLC-Triple Quad.DEFSJ containing serum(CS)was prepared via a serum pharmacology method.Different concentrations of DEFSJ-CS were applied to(ER-)MDA-MB-453 and(ER+)MCF-7 breast cancer cells in vitro for 48 h.The distribution of cells in different stages of the cellular cycle was evaluated using a Flow cytometer.DNA ladder assay was used to assess the degree of apoptosis,and the expression of PI3k/Akt pathway-related proteins was evaluated by Western blot assay.The expression of FoxO3a,FoxOla,and Bim mRNA was detected by Real-time quantitative PCR.Nuclear transposition of FoxO3a protein was analysed using a confocal laser microscopy.Results Five batches of DEFSJ extract were analyzed using UPLC,and the result showed that the preparation technology was feasible and the quality was controllable,ensuring the accuracy of the pharmacological experiment result.DEFSJ-CS blocked cells in the G2/M phase(P<0.05,P<0.01).Cells treated with DEFSJ-CS displayed the typical apoptotic ladder in the DNA ladder experiment.Compared with the negative control cells,the DEFSJ-CS group cells had decreased protein expression of p-PI3k,p-Akt,p-FoxO3a,and p-FoxO1a(P<0.05,P<0.01);increased protein expression of Bim(P<0.05);decreased mRNA expression of FoxO3a and FoxO1a(P<0.05,P<0.01);increased mRNA expression of Bim(P<0.05,P<0.01);and enhanced nuclear translocation of FoxO3a protein.The data showed that DEFSJ-CS had a stronger effect on(ER-)MDA-MB-453 cells than(ER+)MCF-7 cells.Conclusions The regulatory effect of DEFSJ extract on anti-breast cancer involves the PI3k/Akt pathway,and the effect varies with phenotypic differences.
5.The Preventive Effect of Levofloxacin Combined with G-CSF or Only G-CSF Supportive Therapy on Infection in Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Xin-Wei WANG ; Li-Ping YANG ; Qiong YAO ; Jie ZHAO ; Shao-Long HE ; Liang-Ming MA ; Jun-Ni WEI ; Wei-Wei TIAN
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(3):906-910
Objective:To investigate the role of levofloxacin combined with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(G-CSF)or only G-CSF supportive therapy in preventing infection in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(ASCT),and to analyze the length of hospital stay,hospitalization cost and post-transplant survival of the patients.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed in the patients with hematological malignancies who accepted ASCT at our hospital from January 2012 to July 2022,the febrile neutropenia,the incidence of bacterial infection and the use rate of intravenous antibiotics in the levofloxacin+G-CSF group and only G-CSF support group during ASCT were observed.The length of hospital stay,total cost during hospitalization and survival after 90 days of transplantation between the two groups were compared.Results:A total of 102 cases were included in this study,including 57 cases of multiple myeloma,36 cases of acute leukaemia,7 cases of lymphoma,3 cases of myelodysplastic syndrome,1 case of light chain amyloidosis,and 1 case of POEMS syndrome.47 patients received levofloxacin+G-CSF antibacterial prophylaxis,and 55 patients received G-CSF supportive therapy.In the levofloxacin+G-CSF group,40 cases(85.11%)developed febrile neutropenia,and 13 cases(27.66%)were confirmed as bacterial infection.In the G-CSF group,44 cases(80.00%)developed febrile neutropenia,and 16 cases(29.09%)were bacterial infection.There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of febrile neutropenia and bacterial infection between the two groups(x2=0.46,P=0.50;x2=0.03,P=0.87).The use rate of intravenous antibiotics in the levofloxacin+G-CSF group was 85.11%(40/47),which was not statistically different from 85.45%(47/55)in the G-CSF group(X2=0.04,P=0.84).The detection rates of levofloxacin-resistant bacteria in the levofloxacin+G-CSF group and G-CSF group were 8.57%(3/35)and 21.43%(6/28),respectively,with no statistical difference(x2=0.65,P>0.05).The median length and median cost of hospitalization in the levofloxacin+G-CSF group and G-CSF group were 25 d vs 22 d and 78 216.24 yuan vs 80 724.38 yuan,with no statistically significant differences(t=3.00,P=0.09;t=0.94,P=0.09).Within 90 days after transplantation,two cases(4.26%)died in the levofloxacin+G-CSF group and one case(1.82%)died in the G-CSF group,with no statistically significant difference between the two groups(x2=0.53,P=0.47).Conclusion:Application of levofloxacin+G-CSF showed no significant benefit compared to G-CSF support for the prevention of bacterial infections during ASCT.
6.Construction and application of"Internet+TCM nursing service"talent cultivation model in Zhejiang Province
Binlian YAO ; Min XU ; Menghua YE ; Xiaojie CHEN ; Fuying YE ; Yongjian WANG ; Juanying LIN ; Feilin NI ; Xiaolan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(8):980-986
Objective To construct an"Internet+TCM nursing service"talent cultivation model in Zhejiang Province and to evaluate its application effect.Methods Based on the literature review and expert panels,the"Internet+TCM nursing service"talent cultivation model was constructed in Zhejiang Province.A total of 63 trainees from 63 TCM and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine hospitals in the province were selected to carry out for 45 days of theoretical training and 9 days of clinical skills training.After the training,the training effect was evaluated by theoretical knowledge,TCM nursing skills,scenario simulation case assessment,trainees'satisfaction,as well as a survey on the results of practice.Results The constructed talent cultivation model contains course contents including theoretical learning,skill training and emergency home treatment management and corresponding assessment programs.Sixty-three trainees successfully completed the course with the theoretical score of(92.24±3.64),the skill score of(97.13±2.53),and the situational case score of(95.78±3.02).Fifty-five trainees(87.30%)were assessed as"excellent"and 8(12.70%)as"good".The trainees'satisfaction about the overall module design of the project was(4.93±0.23)and 415 cases of"Internet+TCM nursing service"were carried out.Conclusion The"Internet+TCM nursing service"talent cultivation model in Zhejiang Province has strong applicability and remarkable training effect,which can provide references for the implementation of"Internet+TCM nursing service"in other regions.
7.Research progress of cardiopulmonary exercise test in cardiopulmonary exercise evaluation of patients after PCI
Cheng-Yao MEI ; Jun NI ; Teng MA
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2024;33(3):340-344
Cardiopulmonary exercise test(CPET)is a test for comprehensive evaluation of motor function.It is used to evaluate respiratory,cardiovascular,skeletal and neurophysiological systems.In recent years,CPET has become an increasingly popular research field in percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),and the comprehensive function-al reserve of PCI patients is impaired at multiple levels to different degree.CPET can detect myocardial ischemia and reduction of cardiac output during exercise before ST segment change or chest pain,and can be combined with standard exercise variables(heart rate,blood pressure,ECG),cardiac imaging and invasive hemodynamic measure-ment during exercise,which can better make prediction and exercise guidance.This paper expounds the clinical ap-plication and prognosis evaluation of CPET in patients after PCI.
8.Current status of health economic evaluation on the effectiveness of influ-enza vaccination
Dan-Ni ZHU ; Yao-Gang WANG ; Xin-Yu ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(10):1319-1325
Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus,which poses a serious risk to human health.People are generally susceptible to influenza virus.There is an international consensus that influ-enza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent and control influenza.In China,influenza vaccination is a non-immunization programme vaccine that is vaccinated voluntarily and at one's own expense.In some regions,immuni-zation policies are implemented for priority groups.In recent years,a number of health economic evaluations on in-fluenza vaccination have been conducted both at home and abroad,especially for key and high-risk populations such as pregnant women,children,elderly people aged ≥60 years old,people suffering from one or more chronic disea-ses,and health care workers.This paper analyzed the current status of researches on health economic evaluation of influenza vaccination through collating relevant literatures published at home and abroad in recent years,so as to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of influenza vaccination strategies in China.
9.Total Saponins in Paridis Rhizoma: A Review
Yibo ZHANG ; Huizhong ZHANG ; Jing FU ; Yidan RUAN ; Aina YAO ; Pingzhi ZHANG ; Xingbin YIN ; Changhai QU ; Jian NI ; Xiaoxu DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(1):232-243
Paridis Rhizoma possesses the functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, alleviating swelling and relieving pain, cooling the liver and calming the convulsion. Saponins are the main active components of Paridis Rhizoma. Studies have shown that total saponins in Paridis Rhizoma have obvious inhibitory effect on solid tumors such as breast cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, and liver cancer and non-solid tumors such as leukemia. The saponins may exert the anti-tumor effects by inhibiting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells, regulating cell cycle, inducing apoptotic and non-apoptotic death pathways, and regulating metabolism and tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, total saponins in Paridis Rhizoma showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, hemostatic, and uterus-contracting activities. At the same time, they may induce apoptosis of normal cells, inflammation and oxidative stress, and metabolic disorders. In recent years, the reports of liver injury, reproductive injury, gastrointestinal injury, hemolysis, and other adverse reactions caused by total saponins in Paridis Rhizoma have been increasing. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that there are significant differences in the metabolism of total saponins in Paridis Rhizoma administrated in different ways. Injection has a fast clearance rate, while oral administration may have hepatoenteric circulation. Meanwhile, due to the low solubility and activation of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) molecular pump, the prototype absorption, intestinal permeability, and recovery rate of total saponins in Paridis Rhizoma are poor, which affects the bioavailability. The bioavailability can be improved to some extent by preparing new dosage forms or new drug delivery systems with advanced technology. This paper reviews the pharmacological effect, pharmacokinetics, and adverse reactions of Rhizoma Paridis total saponins by searching the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, and Web of Science with ''Rhizoma Paridis total saponins'' as the keywords, hoping to provide references for the research, development, and clinical application of such components.
10.Signal mining and analysis of adverse events of oseltamivir,zanamivir and baloxavir marboxil
Tingting JIANG ; Ni ZHANG ; Hui SU ; Yanping LI ; Yao LIU
China Pharmacy 2024;35(6):739-743
OBJECTIVE To provide reference for safe drug use in clinic by mining the adverse drug events (ADE) of 3 kinds of anti-influenza A virus drugs (oseltamivir, zanamivir, baloxavir marboxil). METHODS The ADE data of oseltamivir, zanamivir and baloxavir marboxil were collected from the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) between the first quarter in 2004 and the third quarter in 2022, and mined by using reporting odds ratio (ROR) method. The designated medical events (DME) were estimated. The system organ class (SOC) in the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA, version 25.0) was used for the classification and statistics of drug ADE terminology. RESULTS A total of 12 636, 1 749 and 1 283 ADE reports were retrieved for oseltamivir, zanamivir and baloxavir marboxil, involving 26, 16 and 17 SOCs, respectively. Oseltamivir was strongly associated with sleep terror, abnormal behavior, hallucination and delirium. Zanamivir was implicated in abnormal behavior, delirium, incoherence, and altered state of consciousness with prominent signal intensity. Baloxavir marboxil was strongly associated with ischemic colitis, hemorrhagic cystitis, erythema multiforme and melaena. Erythema multiform was detected in the DME of three drugs with strong signals. CONCLUSIONS When clinically administering the three drugs, it is crucial to pay close attention to both common adverse reactions and those ADEs that are not explicitly mentioned in the drug instructions. For oseltamivir, clinicians should exercise caution due to the potential risk of acute kidney injury and fulminant hepatitis, necessitating regular monitoring of the patient’s liver and kidney function. When prescribing zanamivir, caution should be exercised due to ADEs related to the respiratory system, including acute respiratory distress syndrome and respiratory failure, necessitating close monitoring of the patient’s respiratory status. Similarly, for baloxavir marboxil, clinicians should be vigilant for potential ADEs such as erythema multiforme and rhabdomyolysis.

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