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.Efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment in young patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis: comparison with medical treatment alone
Yuxiang ZHANG ; Xi ZHANG ; Lili HUANG ; Yidan WANG ; Yun LUO ; Yun XU ; Jingwei LI
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;33(6):435-441
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment (EVT) in young patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (sICAS).Methods:Young patients with sICAS admitted to the Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University, Medical School from January 2020 to July 2024 were included retrospectively. According to the therapeutic modalities, they were divided into a best medical treatment (BMT) group and an EVT group. The efficacy outcome was any stroke recurrence or death within 30 days and 1 year. The safety outcome was symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) within 30 days and restenosis within 1 year.Results:A total of 113 patients were enrolled, including 85 males (75.2%), with a median age of 43 (interquartile range, 37-48) years; 44 patients (38.9%) received EVT, and 69 (61.1%) received BMT. Among the 44 patients who underwent EVT, 8 (18.2%) underwent balloon angioplasty and 36 (81.8%) underwent stenting. There was no significant difference in the incidence of stroke recurrence or death within 30 days (2.9% vs. 2.3%) and sICH incidence (0% vs. 2.3%) between the BMT group and the EVT group. However, the 1-year stroke recurrence or death rate in the EVT group was significantly lower than that in the BMT group (18.8% vs. 4.5%; P=0.029). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that EVT was independently associated with a lower incidence of stroke recurrence or death within 1 year (hazard ratio 0.225, 95% confidence interval 0.051-0.996; P<0.05). The median age of the balloon angioplasty group was significantly lower than that of the stenting group (33.5 years vs. 46 years; P=0.007), while there were no significant differences in other demographic and baseline data. There was no significant difference in all efficacy and safety outcome between the balloon angioplasty group and the stenting group. Conclusions:For young patients with sICAS who have an unsatisfactory response to drug treatment, EVT can reduce the risk of stroke recurrence or death within 1 year without increasing the risk of sICH. The safety and efficacy of balloon angioplasty and stenting are similar.
4.Literature study on acupuncture acupoint prescription for prevention and treatment of urinary retention
Ruonan LIANG ; Yidan XU ; Yingdong WANG ; Qiang XI ; Jiwen QIU ; Xinju LI ; Chao CHEN ; Yi YU ; Zheng ZHU ; Kaiyuan DENG ; Yi GUO ; Mingxing ZHANG
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(1):69-74
Acute urinary retention(AUR)occurs frequently among astronauts on orbit.The current treatment is complex and easy to damage the urethra,which seriously affects the life and work of astronauts.In contrast,acupuncture,a traditional Chinese remedy,has shown promising results in managing urinary retention.However,the specific acupoints that could potentially prevent AUR remain uncertain due to the unique physiological conditions experienced by individuals in space compared to those on Earth.To address this gap,our research delved into the mechanisms of AUR and acupuncture within both traditional Chinese medicine and modern medical practices.We conducted a thorough literature review from Pubmed,Web of Science,CNKI,Wanfang database,VIP database and Chinese Medical Code database.A hierarchical evidence-scoring approach was utilized to analyze the included literatures,thus devised acupuncture protocols for the treatment of AUR.The outcomes of our study aim to establish a foundation for the application of acupuncture in managing AUR.
5.Literature research on acupoint prescriptions for acupuncture and moxibustion in the prevention of aerospace depression syndrome
Kaiyuan DENG ; Yawen TAO ; Yingdong WANG ; Yidan XU ; Qiang XI ; Jiwen QIU ; Xinju LI ; Ruonan LIANG ; Yi YU ; Hao LIU ; Peng ZHOU ; Mingxing ZHANG ; Yi GUO
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(4):305-311
Under the influence of long-term space flights and the confined space environment,it is very easy to induce space depression syndrome,mainly manifested as decreased emotional stability,sleep disorders,mental fatigue,etc.,which seriously affect the living conditions and working abilities of astronauts.The current treatment methods mainly focus on psychological support and drug intervention.Acupuncture has a good effect in treating depression.Therefore,starting from the TCM pathogenesis and modern medical pathogenesis of aerospace depression syndrome,we conducted literature retrieval from databases such as the Chinese Medical Classic,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang,VIP,PubMed,and Web of science.For the included literature,we adopted the stratified evidence scoring method and combined the TCM mechanism and modern medical mechanism of the effect of acupuncture.A prescription for acupuncture points was constructed to provide a basis for selecting acupuncture points for the prevention of aerospace depression syndrome through acupuncture.
6.Construction of a myocardial and skeletal muscle-specific Cyr61 gene knockout mouse model
Diyan XU ; Wenli ZHANG ; Yidan ZUO ; Zhen SU
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(6):720-726
Objective To construct a conditional knockout mice model of cysteine-rich angiogenesis inducer 61(Cyr61,also known as Ccn1)gene in myocardium and skeletal muscle regulated by CRE recombinant enzyme.Methods C57BL/6 mice were used to create CKmm-Cre+/-Cyr61flox/flox mice by using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.The successful construction of conditional knockout mice was confirmed by identifying the Cyr61flox/flox,3'LoxP and Cre enzyme sequences in mice.The knockout efficiency of Cyr61 was confirmed by Western blot.The skeletal mus-cle function of Cyr61 knockout mice was evaluated and following related indicators in the myocardium and skeletal muscle were detected by Western blot:Aging(p53,p21),inflammatory response(TNF-α,IL-18,IL-1β),fibrosis(vimentin,TGF-β,α-SMA,COL1).Results The mice were successfully bred and identified.In comparison with the control group,Cyr61 protein level showed a significant decrease in both myocardium and skeletal muscle in the experimental group(P<0.01).Compared with the control group,the experimental group mice showed increased skeletal muscle grip strength(P<0.05),enhanced maximum single contraction force(P<0.01),and increased average cross-sectional area of the anterior tibialis muscle(P<0.05).The expression level of p21,TNF-α,IL-18,IL-1β,TGF-β,and COL1 proteins in the myocardium and skeletal muscle of the experimental group was all lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions Myocardial and skeletal muscle-specific Cyr61 gene condi-tional knockout mice were successfully constructed based on Cre-LoxP technology and heritable trait could be passed stably.
7.Effect of body weight and length on carotid artery vascular stenosis induced by balloon strain in rats
Tianwang CHEN ; Jiawei LUO ; Yidan YUAN ; Yimin YANG ; Bo HUANG ; Shangfu XU ; Lisheng LI
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(8):1034-1040
Objective To investigate the effects of body weight and length of SD rats on the carotid artery balloon injury-induced vascular stenosis model in order to provide a reference for replicating an ideal vascular stenosis mod-el.Methods Male rats were divided into three groups based on body weight and length.The CONQUEROR? SC PTCA balloon catheter was employed,with a fixed balloon inflation volume of 0.2 mL to induce injury in the left common carotid artery,while the right side served as a control.As soon as surgery operation,one rat from each group was selected for Evans Blue dye verification.Fourteen days later,the injured and contra lateral common ca-rotid arteries from remaining rats were harvested for HE staining to check the extent of stenosis.Based on these find-ings,six rats within the optimal range of body weight and length were selected for further validation.Results Rats with body weights ranging from 280 to 380 g(corresponding body lengths of 21.0-26.5 cm)underwent balloon catheter injury,resulting in endothelial detachment and varying degrees of stenosis in the common carotid artery.In rats weighing 280-300 g(body lengths of 21.0-22.5 cm)had severe stenosis or occlusion of the common carotid artery with thrombosis.In rats weighing 320-340 g(body lengths of 23.0-24.5 cm),the internal and external elastic plates of the common carotid artery were ruptured and the vascular morphology was abnormal.Conversely,rats weighing 360-380 g(body lengths of 25.0-26.5 cm)did not show any ruptured elastic laminae or thrombus formation in the common carotid artery,and the extent of vascular stenos in rats with a body weight of 360 g was moderate and uniform.The results of the repeated validation experiments were consistent.Conclusions Rats with a body weight range of 360 g(corresponding body length of 25.0-26.5 cm)are suitable for development of an ideal vascular stenosis model.
8.Research progress on cellular senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype in pathogenesis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration
Yuchen LI ; Yidan XU ; Feng ZHAO ; Lixun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2024;40(3):233-238
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading irreversible causes of blindness in China. The pathogenesis of AMD is not fully understood at present. Under various stress conditions, cellular senescence is activated, characterized by telomere shortening, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, and the release of various senescence-related secretory phenotype factors. Senescence is implicated in the pathogenesis of AMD through multiple pathways, contributing to chronic inflammation and the onset and progression of AMD. Mechanisms such as oxidative stress, lipofuscin, β amyloid protein and the membrane attack complex have become hotspots of study in the pathogenesis of AMD. The cyclic guanosine phosphate - adenosine synthase - interferon stimulating factor synthase-stimulator of interferon gene pathway has emerged as a critical signaling pathway in the early development of AMD, providing direction for further research on AMD. Currently, senolytics, selective agents targeting the induction of senescent cell apoptosis, show significant potential in the treatment of AMD. The integration of new technologies with cellular senescence may offer a novel approach to AMD treatment, and intervening in the AMD treatment through anti-cellular senescence pathways holds promising prospects.
9.Path analysis for the high-quality development of public hospitals assisted by new quality productive forces
Ning DING ; Yu HU ; Yidan ZHANG ; Ming ZHANG ; Dong XU
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2024;40(9):651-656
Development of new quality productive forces is an inherent requirement and a crucial focus for promoting high-quality development of public hospitals. Based on Marxist productivity theory, this study elucidated the essence of new quality productive forces in the health field and its correlation with high-quality development of public hospitals. By integrating innovative developmental practices of public hospitals in China, the practical problems of new quality productive forces in promoting high-quality development of public hospitals from three aspects(production factors, production technology, and production relations) were analyzed. Furthermore, corresponding development paths were proposed, including focusing on key production factors and consolidating the talent foundation of new quality productive forces, focusing on core production technologies and accumulating advantageous momentum to promote high-quality development, and focus on new production relations and coordinate the upgrading and growth of the health industry, to provide references for accelerating the high-quality development of public hospitals.
10.Effect of high-fat diet on adipose tissues structure and inflammatory characteristics during pregnancy in mice
Xingyu LU ; Yidan XU ; Yiqin LIU ; Qianren ZHANG ; Yan DONG
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2024;44(8):981-990
Objective·To investigate the changes of adipose tissues in mice after high-fat diet before and during pregnancy and the potential effects on adipose tissues in their offspring.Methods·C57BL/6J female mice were randomly assigned to the normal diet(CON group,n=12)or the high-fat diet(HFD group,n=12)for 5 weeks.The two groups were further subdivided according to pregnancy:a normal diet non-pregnancy group(CON-UN group),a normal diet pregnancy group(CON-P group),a high-fat diet non-pregnancy group(HFD-UN group),and a high-fat diet pregnancy group(HFD-P group).The original diet was maintained during pregnancy and lactation.White adipose tissues(WAT)and brown adipose tissues(BAT)were collected from visceral and scapula of mice after 5 weeks of feeding or E18.5d.Offspring from both dietary groups were placed on a normal diet after weaning,and their adipose tissues were collected at the 11th week.H-E staining was used to observe the changes of adipocytes.Flow cytometry was employed to detect the proportions of CD4+T cells,CD8+T cells,total T cells,CD4+T/CD8+T and NK cells in WAT.RT-PCR was used to assess the expression of IL-6 and IL-1β mRNA in WAT.Results·After 5 weeks on a high-fat diet,the body weight of female mice in the HFD group was higher than that in the CON group(P<0.05).Both WAT and BAT weights were markedly increased in the HFD groups before and during pregnancy(both P<0.05).In the WAT from HFD-UN and HFD-P groups,the number of cells within the same visual field decreased,the size of adipose cells varied,the proportion of fat droplets increased and the cell volume expanded.The proportion of lipid drop area to total visual field in the HFD-UN group and HFD-P group was compared with the CON-UN group and CON-P group,respectively,and the difference was statistically significant(all P<0.05).BAT in the HFD-UN and HFD-P groups showed a relatively chaotic arrangement and varying adipocyte sizes,although cell volume remained unchanged.The proportions of CD8+T cells and total T cells in adipose tissues were elevated in the HFD-UN and HFD-P groups,accompanied by increased mRNA levels of IL-6 and IL-1β,respectively,compared with the CON-UN and CON-P groups,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).NK cells proportions decreased at reproductive age(HFD-UN group)but increased significantly during pregnancy(HFD-P group),showing a divergent trend.Despite a return to a normal diet after weaning,offspring from the high-fat diet group had significantly higher weight of body,WAT and BAT,compared to those of normal diet(all P<0.05),and the volume of WAT was significantly enlarged.Conclusion·A high-fat diet can induce the changes of adipocyte structure and immune cell ratio,and elevate inflammation levels in adipose tissues before and during pregnancy,which also impacts the adipose structure in offspring.Adipose tissue may be a new vector mediating the intergenerational transmission of obesity.

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