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.Multicenter study on the detection of pathogens in primary infectious diseases of the spine using metagenomic next-generation sequencing technology
Zhaohui LI ; Qiang ZHANG ; Huafeng WANG ; Tengbo YU ; Yuelei WANG ; Jinlong MA ; Chuqiang YIN ; Feng SHEN ; Yidan XU ; Xiaofeng LIAN ; Ting WANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2024;62(12):1128-1135
Objective:To explore the role of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in the diagnosis of pathogens in primary infectious diseases of the spine (IDS) and to reveal its pathogen spectrum.Methods:This is a retrospective multi-center case series study. Clinical data of 380 patients with primary IDS who were treated at four medical centers in China from December 2019 to April 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 82 cases were from the Department of Spine Surgery at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 129 cases were from the Orthopedics Section Ⅱ (Bone Infection), Public Health Clinical Center Affiliated to Shandong University, 112 cases were from the Department of Spine Surgery, Fuzhou Second General Hospital, and 57 cases were from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People′s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. There were 238 males and 242 females, with an age of (61.4±13.1) years (range: 10 to 91 years). Specimens from the site of spinal infection were obtained for pathogen culture, pathological examination, and mNGS detection preoperatively or intraoperatively in all patients. The number, types, and positive rates of pathogens detected by the two methods were analyzed and compared using the Chi-square test.Results:Among the 380 patients, 320 had confirmed pathogenic bacteria, with the highest proportion being pyogenic bacterial infections, accounting for 76.9% (246/320). The most common pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus, accounting for 22.8% (73/320). Brucella accounted for 13.8% (44/320); Mycobacterium tuberculosis accounted for 6.3% (20/320). Fungal infections accounted for 3.4% (11/320), mainly Aspergillus and Candida. In addition, Mycoplasma was detected in 3 cases (0.9%) and Benacox body in 4 cases (1.2%). The pathogen spectrum constructed by mNGS covered 46 types of pathogens, higher than the 22 types detected by traditional methods. The positive rate of mNGS was 80.8% (308/381), significantly higher than the 27.9% (106/381) of traditional methods ( χ2=182.53, P<0.01). Conclusions:mNGS improves the positive rate of pathogen diagnosis in IDS, detecting a broader spectrum of pathogens, and serves as a valuable complement to traditional diagnostic methods. Combining both methods in the diagnosis of IDS can maximize detection rates, providing robust evidence for precise anti-infective treatment.
4.Tenecteplase versus alteplase in treatment of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: A randomized non-inferiority trial
Xingshan ZHAO ; Yidan ZHU ; Zheng ZHANG ; Guizhou TAO ; Haiyan XU ; Guanchang CHENG ; Wen GAO ; Liping MA ; Liping QI ; Xiaoyan YAN ; Haibo WANG ; Qingde XIA ; Yuwang YANG ; Wanke LI ; Juwen RONG ; Limei WANG ; Yutian DING ; Qiang GUO ; Wanjun DANG ; Chen YAO ; Qin YANG ; Runlin GAO ; Yangfeng WU ; Shubin QIAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(3):312-319
Background::A phase II trial on recombinant human tenecteplase tissue-type plasminogen activator (rhTNK-tPA) has previously shown its preliminary efficacy in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. This study was designed as a pivotal postmarketing trial to compare its efficacy and safety with rrecombinant human tissue-type plasminogen activator alteplase (rt-PA) in Chinese patients with STEMI.Methods::In this multicenter, randomized, open-label, non-inferiority trial, patients with acute STEMI were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive an intravenous bolus of 16 mg rhTNK-tPA or an intravenous bolus of 8 mg rt-PA followed by an infusion of 42 mg in 90 min. The primary endpoint was recanalization defined by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade 2 or 3. The secondary endpoint was clinically justified recanalization. Other endpoints included 30-day major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) and safety endpoints.Results::From July 2016 to September 2019, 767 eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive rhTNK-tPA ( n = 384) or rt-PA ( n = 383). Among them, 369 patients had coronary angiography data on TIMI flow, and 711 patients had data on clinically justified recanalization. Both used a –15% difference as the non-inferiority efficacy margin. In comparison to rt-PA, both the proportion of patients with TIMI grade 2 or 3 flow (78.3% [148/189] vs. 81.7% [147/180]; differences: –3.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: –11.5%, 4.8%) and clinically justified recanalization (85.4% [305/357] vs. 85.9% [304/354]; difference: –0.5%; 95% CI: –5.6%, 4.7%) in the rhTNK-tPA group were non-inferior. The occurrence of 30-day MACCEs (10.2% [39/384] vs. 11.0% [42/383]; hazard ratio: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.61, 1.50) did not differ significantly between groups. No safety outcomes significantly differed between groups. Conclusion::rhTNK-tPA was non-inferior to rt-PA in the effect of improving recanalization of the infarct-related artery, a validated surrogate of clinical outcomes, among Chinese patients with acute STEMI.Trial registration::www.ClinicalTrials.gov (No. NCT02835534).
5.Study on the Mechanism of the Flavonoids from the New
Liang GAO ; Yalin ZHANG ; Yuhan WU ; Jiahui SHAO ; Hui ZHANG ; Yidan SHAO ; Yaping XU ; Jianping JIANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(2):166-176
OBJECTIVE
To explore the mechanisms of the flavonoids from new "Zhe Eight Flavors" Quzhou Fructus Aurantii(PTFC) against hepatocellular carcinoma based on the prediction of network pharmacology and experimental verification.
METHODS
From TCMSP, TCMID, ETCM, BATMAN-TCM and SwissTargetPrediction databases, the potential target proteins of PTFC, including naringin, narirutin and neohesperidin were collected. Based on the GeneCards, CTD, Disgenet, and OMIM databases, a set of target proteins for hepatocellular carcinoma was constructed. Taking the intersection of potential target proteins of PTFC and target proteins of hepatocellular carcinoma, key target proteins were obtained and a protein-protein interaction network was established. Besides, GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis on the core target proteins was performed and a Compounds-Targets-Pathways-Disease network was constructed. Through proliferation, cloning, wound healing, and migration experiments, the effects of PTFC on the viability of HepG2 liver cancer cells were analyzed. Using fluorescence probe staining the impacts of PTFC on the mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis of HepG2 were observed. Finally, the validation of the regulatory effect of PTFC on the key predicted target PRKCA were carried out through RT-qPCR.
RESULTS
Based on network pharmacology, a total of 217 potential target proteins for PTFC were screened, with 59 intersecting target proteins related to diseases, including ALB, ESR1, PRKCA, and others. GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the PTFC target proteins were involved in 193 biological processes and 13 cancer-related signaling pathways. Experimental results demonstrated that PTFC could impact the proliferation, cloning, wound healing, and migration abilities of liver cancer cells, leading to a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and promoting cell apoptosis. The results of RT-qPCR confirmed a significant downregulation of PRKCA expression by PTFC, validating the predictions made by network pharmacology analysis.
CONCLUSION
This study has revealed the potential molecular mechanism of PTFC treating hepatocellular carcinoma via the PRKCA target, laying the foundation for clinical application of PTFC.
6.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.
7.Construction and application of an information platform for performance appraisal of tertiary public hospitals based on real-time supervision
Ming ZHANG ; Jiahong XIA ; Jundong TONG ; Yidan ZHANG ; Dong XU
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2024;40(1):1-6
It is of great significance to construct an information platform for performance appraisal of tertiary public hospitals to realize real-time monitoring and intervention of appraisal indicators, which is conducive to the transmission of responsibility for index optimization to departments and medical groups, and to promote the fine management of hospitals and promote high-quality development.This paper introduced the practice and effect of building a performance appraisal information platform for tertiary public hospitals in four aspects: accurate data filling, timely dynamic monitoring, visual display and safety management since 2022. At the same time, suggestions were put forward for platform optimization from four aspects: data quality control, co-construction and sharing, promotion and application, and system integration, in order to provide reference for other hospitals.
8.Advancements in research on natural biomaterials promoting mesenchymal stem cell adipogenic differentiation
Yidan XU ; Yao YAO ; Jianhua GAO
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2024;40(5):576-581
Tissue engineering achieves tissue repair and regeneration through the utilization of three essential components: stem cells, scaffold materials, and growth factors. Inducing the adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and constructing engineered adipose tissue represent innovative strategies for addressing soft tissue defects within the field of plastic surgery. Natural biomaterials exhibit physicochemical properties resembling those of the extracellular matrix, thereby fostering the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. These natural biomaterials serve as suitable scaffold materials for tissue engineering applications. This review provided a comprehensive summary of the characteristics of various natural biomaterials, including decellularized matrix, extracellular matrix derivatives, filamentous proteins, alginate, chitosan, and bacterial cellulose. It further offered a review of research studies pertaining to their capacity to induce adipogenic differentiation in MSCs, thereby offering insights for the selection of materials in subsequent investigations.
9.Research on Difficulties and Strategies for the Use and Management of Medical Insurance Funds from the Perspective of Hospital
Ning DING ; Yidan ZHANG ; Jiahong XIA ; Ming ZHANG ; Dong XU
Chinese Hospital Management 2024;44(8):68-71
It provides a concise overview of the special rectification and daily supervision policies and measures of medical insurance since the establishment of the National Healthcare Security Administration,studies changes in medical insurance supervision fields,supervision methods,and supervision contents,and focuses on analyzing the impact of new changes in medical insurance supervision on the internal management of hospitals.Based on the practice of Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology,it introduces the hospital from the key areas,key departments and key mechanisms to actively respond to the above new changes in supervision,standardize the use of medical insurance fund internal management measures and their effectiveness.
10.Analysis of Research Status on Performance Assessment of Tertiary Public Hospitals Based on VOSviewer
Li WEI ; Huihui CHEN ; Jiahong XIA ; Yi-Xiang PENG ; Dong XU ; Ming ZHANG ; Ning DING ; Yidan ZHANG ; Wen CHEN ; Chang'e XIONG
Chinese Hospital Management 2024;44(9):1-4
Objective To analyze the current research status and hotspot issues of performance assessment in tertia-ry public hospitals in China,providing reference for subsequent research and practice.Methods Using"performance assessment of tertiary public hospitals"as the main keyword,a total of 520 articles were retrieved from the CNKI ac-ademic journal database from January 30,2019,to January 30,2024.After further screening of literature based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria,a total of 364 eligible articles were obtained.Visual analysis was conducted using the VOSviewer tool.Results The number of publications increased annually from 2019 to 2021,with a decline ob-served in 2022-2023."Chinese Journal of Health"published the most articles on performance assessment in tertiary public hospitals.Research institutions mainly focused on universities,health administrative departments,and hospi-tals.The hotspot clusters of research included performance assessment,public hospitals,target management,high-quality development,tertiary hospitals,and operational efficiency.Conclusion Performance assessment in tertia-ry public hospitals has received widespread attention,with rich connotations and obvious guiding effects,but further research is needed to deepen and explore related topics.


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