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.Current status of anticoccidial drug resistance in China
Yidan BAI ; Wenting LI ; Wanxin LUO ; Yuxin YU ; Dongfang LI ; Junlong ZHAO ; Lan HE
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(2):217-222
Avian coccidiosis, an acute parasitic disease that mainly harms chicks, is widely prevalent across the world, which poses a serious threat to poultry industry. Because of the single prophylactic formulations, veterinary clinical treatment of coccidiosis mainly relies on chemically synthesized agents, polyether ionophores and Chinese herbal medicines. The introduction of novel anticoccidial drugs is slow for a long period of time, and there is an increasing problem of anticoccidial drug resistance following long-term use, which has become an urgent problem to be solved in poultry industry. This review summarizes the levels of anticoccidial drug resistance across China from 2018 to 2023, and analyzes the resistance to various anticoccidial agents in coccidia. It is indicated that the overall prevalence of anticoccidial drug resistance is high in coccidia, and development of novel anticoccidial agents and products with reduced antibiotics use and alternatives of antibiotics is of an urgent need.
4.Effect of aconite decoction on the activity and polarization of mouse RAW264.7 macrophages
Mingcong SHAO ; Hubo CHEN ; Yidan ZHANG ; Ziyan LI ; Lina WANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(7):329-334
Objective To investigate the effects of Aconite decoction (AD) on the viability and polarization of murine RAW264.7 macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interleukin-4 (IL-4). Methods Cytotoxicity of AD was assessed by the CCK-8 assay. RAW264.7 cells were polarized toward M1 phenotype by LPS or M2 phenotype by IL-4, followed by treatment with varying concentrations of AD. Macrophage polarization was analyzed by flow cytometry. Quantitative PCR was performed to measure mRNA expression of polarization-associated markers (IL-6, iNOS, Arg1, and Ym1). ELISA was used to quantify secreted cytokines (TNF-α and IL-10)in the supernatant. Results At non-toxic concentrations, IL-6 and iNOS mRNA levels in LPS-stimulated cells were significantly upregulated while Arg1 and Ym1 expression in IL-4-treated groups were downregulated by AD. Concurrently, TNF-α secretion in LPS-induced M1 polarization was enhanced but IL-10 production in IL-4-induced M2 polarization was suppressed by AD. Conclusion AD could promote macrophage proliferation and viability, augments LPS-driven M1 polarization, and inhibit IL-4-mediated M2 polarization, which provided experimental evidence for the potential application of AD in tumor immunotherapy.
5.Analysis of pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness, willingness, uptake patterns, barriers and needs among MSM students and its influencing factors
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(1):55-59
Objective:
To explore the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness, willingness, uptake patterns, barriers and needs among Chinese student men who have sex with men (MSM), so as to provide relevant evidence for targeted interventions with PrEP.
Methods:
A proportional sampling method was used to conduct a cross sectional survey of MSM aged 16 years and older residing in 21 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in mainland China between October 20 and December 20, 2021, to collect information on demographic and sexual behavioral characteristics, and 923 students of them were selected as the subjects of this study. The chi-square test and Fisher s test were used for univariate analysis, followed by multivariate Logistic regression to analyze the influencing factors of PrEP awareness and uptake.
Results:
According to the cascade analysis method, the awareness, willingness, uptake and adherence rates of PrEP among the student MSM were obtained as 88.95%, 67.36%, 13.20% and 45.21 %, respectively. HIV testing more than once in the last 3 months, and all of them were aware of the HIV test results of their sexual partners, and those with high frequency of condom use had a higher rate of awareness ( OR =2.32, 1.79, 1.69, P <0.05). Willingness rates were higher for those from the pilot city, using substances, and HIV testing more than once in the last 3 months ( OR =2.13, 1.65, 1.69, P <0.05). Higher rates of uptake were found among those from high risk and pilot areas, presence of commercial sex, substance use, and high literacy ( OR =5.60, 3.54,2.81, 1.92, 4.54, P <0.05). Adherence rates were higher among those who used one pill per day or both ( OR =12.77, 13.26, P <0.05). The barriers and needs faced by student MSM were primarily personal concerns about medication side effects, preventative effects, and confidence in sexual behavioral styles, and the high cost of medication and related service costs.
Conclusions
The student MSM population in China is characterized by high awareness, low willingness, low uptake, and low adherence to PrEP. Targeted interventions should be considered and tailored by the departments to facilitate PrEP promotion among student MSM.
6.Current status and related factors of antiviral treatment among HIV infected men who have sex with men students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(12):1798-1801
Objective:
To investigate the current situation and related factors of antiretroviral therapy (ART) among HIV infected male students engaging in men who have sex with men (MSM), so as to provide the reference data for HIV prevention and treatment.
Methods:
In November 2021, 137 MSM students from 31 provincial administrative regions in China were recruited. An online survey was conducted to collect data on demographic characteristics, ART status, CD4 count, and HIV viral load before treatment. Logistic regression was used to analyze the factors related the effectiveness of ART in MSM.
Results:
Among the included research subjects, 14.6% had late detection of HIV,97.1% of participants were currently undergoing ART. Among those whose ART duration was less than 6 months, while 76.9% were undergoing ART. Logistic regression indicated that HIV infected students who received ART for more than 24 months ( OR =5.28, 95% CI =1.38-20.22) had a higher rate of successful HIV suppression. HIV infected students who reported physical sensory side effects ( OR =0.08, 95% CI =0.01-0.71) and cognitive side effects ( OR =0.28, 95% CI =0.09-0.90) were more likely to experience failure of ARI inhibition ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
There is still room for improvement in the efficacy of ART among MSM students. Strategies to improve treatment adherence must consider individual variances among HIV infected patients and the side effects of medications when designing treatment plans.
7.Analysis of potential categories of sexual behaviors among male students who have sex with men and the status of pre exposure prophylaxis use
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(7):974-977
Objective:
To analyze the use of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among male students who had sex with men (MSM) with different sexual behavior patterns using potential categories, so as to provide evidence for determining the use patterns of PrEP consistent with MSM.
Methods:
A questionnaire survey was conducted by proportional sampling method on MSM in 31 provincial administrative regions in mainland China from 20 October to 30 December 2021, a total of 1 040 students were selected for the study. Latent variable analyses were conducted on a total of seven sexual behavioral characteristics, including knowledge of sexual partner HIV infection, frequency of condom use, number of sexual partners, engaging in group sex, provision of commercial sex, use of sex aids, and history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the past year. And demographic characteristics were analyzed by Logistic regression analysis. The rates of PrEP awareness, willingness to use and usage rate in different sexual behavior risk groups were investigated.
Results:
Student MSM could be divided into two potential category groups:a lowrisk behavior group (82.4%) and a highrisk behavior group (17.6%). The PrEP usage rate (15.8%) was higher in the highrisk behavior group, and the difference was statistically significant compared to the lowrisk behavior group (7.2%) (χ2=13.43, P<0.05). Student MSM residing in the northeast, south, and northwest of China, in the pilot city, and with a sex role of "0.5" (possible acceptance and insertion of sexual behavior) were more likely to be in the highrisk behavior group (OR=3.13, 3.07, 3.87, 2.22, 1.66, P<0.05).
Conclusion
Student MSM in highrisk and lowrisk sexual differs in the behavior of PrEP, and targeted interventions should be implemented to promote the use of PrEP and reduce HIV infection in this population.
8.Optimization of honey processing technology of Phellinus igniarius by multi-index comprehensive score combined with analytic hierarchy process
Yidan HONG ; Wei WANG ; Liqiang ZHANG ; Yimei ZHANG ; Lihua LI ; Chengguo JU
China Pharmacy 2024;35(11):1309-1314
OBJECTIVE To optimize the honey processing technology of Phellinus igniarius. METHODS The key factors of honey processing technology of P. igniarius (honey-water ratio, the mass ratio of honey-water to P. igniarius, the frying temperature and the frying time) were investigated by orthogonal test combined with analytic hierarchy process to determine the optimal technological parameters, using the internal quality (the contents of ergosterol, protocatechuic aldehyde and protocatechuic acid) and appearance traits as evaluation indexes. RESULTS The optimal process of honey-roasting P. igniarius was to take raw P. igniarius (1 cm3 square block), add the appropriate amount of auxiliary materials (with 25 kg of refined honey and water for every 100 kg of P. igniarius), mix well, moisten for 2 h until the auxiliary materials were completely absorbed; put it in a frying container, fry at the frying temperature of 130-140 ℃ for 5 min; take it out, put it in an oven at 50 ℃ for 2 h; take it out, and let it cool. The RSD of the results of three validation experiments was 0.68%. CONCLUSIONS The optimized honey processing technology of P. igniarius is stable and feasible.
9.Optimization of honey processing technology of Phellinus igniarius by multi-index comprehensive score combined with analytic hierarchy process
Yidan HONG ; Wei WANG ; Liqiang ZHANG ; Yimei ZHANG ; Lihua LI ; Chengguo JU
China Pharmacy 2024;35(11):1309-1314
OBJECTIVE To optimize the honey processing technology of Phellinus igniarius. METHODS The key factors of honey processing technology of P. igniarius (honey-water ratio, the mass ratio of honey-water to P. igniarius, the frying temperature and the frying time) were investigated by orthogonal test combined with analytic hierarchy process to determine the optimal technological parameters, using the internal quality (the contents of ergosterol, protocatechuic aldehyde and protocatechuic acid) and appearance traits as evaluation indexes. RESULTS The optimal process of honey-roasting P. igniarius was to take raw P. igniarius (1 cm3 square block), add the appropriate amount of auxiliary materials (with 25 kg of refined honey and water for every 100 kg of P. igniarius), mix well, moisten for 2 h until the auxiliary materials were completely absorbed; put it in a frying container, fry at the frying temperature of 130-140 ℃ for 5 min; take it out, put it in an oven at 50 ℃ for 2 h; take it out, and let it cool. The RSD of the results of three validation experiments was 0.68%. CONCLUSIONS The optimized honey processing technology of P. igniarius is stable and feasible.
10.Mechanism of Polyphyllin Ⅱ in Induction of Ferroptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells
Huizhong ZHANG ; Jian NI ; Hulinyue PENG ; Yibo ZHANG ; Xiaohan XU ; Shiman LI ; Yidan RUAN ; Yongqiang ZHANG ; Pingzhi ZHANG ; Aina YAO ; Ying WANG ; Xiaoxu DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(17):105-112
ObjectiveTo investigate the induction of ferroptosis by polyphyllin Ⅱ (PPⅡ) in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and its underlying mechanism. MethodThe effect of PPⅡ (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, 9.0, 18.0 mg·L-1) on the in vitro proliferation of HepG2 cells was assessed using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Colony formation ability of HepG2 cells was evaluated through a colony formation assay. Cell migration ability was assessed via a scratch assay. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) content in HepG2 cells was measured using a kit. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in HepG2 cells were observed using a fluorescence inverted microscope. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and free Fe2+ content in HepG2 cells were detected using respective kits. The mitochondrial ultrastructure in HepG2 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression of ferroptosis-related proteins p53, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4), and transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1) in HepG2 cells was detected using Western blot. ResultCompared with the control group, the PPⅡ treatment groups showed significantly decreased survival rate of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01), significantly reduced number of cell colonies (P<0.01), significantly shortened scratch healing distance, inverse correlation of the migration distance with drug concentration (P<0.01), significantly increased LDH leakage in cells (P<0.01), significantly enhanced relative fluorescence intensity of intracellular ROS, and significantly increased accumulation of lipid peroxide MDA (P<0.01), decreased intracellular GSH content with increasing drug concentration (P<0.01), and significantly enhanced fluorescence intensity of FeRhoNox-1 in cells (P<0.01). Moreover, cells exhibited vacuolation, and mitochondria showed significant shrinkage with reduced or even disappeared cristae. Compared with the results in the control group, the expression of p53, ACSL4, and TFR1 proteins significantly increased, while the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins significantly decreased in the PPⅡ treatment groups (P<0.05). ConclusionIn summary, PPⅡ induces ferroptosis in HepG2 cells by regulating the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling axis, promoting ACSL4 expression and Fe3+ uptake, leading to an imbalance in the antioxidant system.


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