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.Application and regulatory challenges of organoid technology in medical field
Weilu CHENG ; Zehua WANG ; Yidan ZHANG ; Yinghui LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(1):202-210
BACKGROUND:3D organoids have characteristics that resemble physiological tissues and to some extent mimic organ function,making them excellent models for applications ranging from basic development/stem cell research to personalized medicine. OBJECTIVE:To review and discuss the types of diseases and application areas such as tumor modeling that organoids can be applied to,as well as their regulatory status and challenges. METHODS:With"organoid,stem cell,disease model,3D printing technology,medical field"as Chinese and English search terms,we searched PubMed,Elsevier,WanFang,and CNKI databases to summarize and analyze organoid products at home and abroad,summarize the application of organoid technology in the medical field,and prospect the future development of organoid products in the medical field. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Organoids can break the limitations of traditional cell and animal models,avoid the ethical problems existing in clinical research,and have a high similarity to the source organ,a more similar performance to the physiology and pathology of human systems,and genetic stability,which has great advantages in current research.Organoids have been applied in the following fields:efficacy evaluation studies(preclinical models),including intestinal organoids,kidney organoids,liver organoids,gallbladder organoids,lung organoids,brain organoids,heart organoids,skin organoids,and reproductive system organoids;research on infectious diseases;cancer research and precision therapy;regenerative medicine;immune organoids.Although the United States,the European Union and China do not have perfect regulatory provisions,they are trying to promote the formulation of organoid regulatory laws and regulations.In China,although no organoid medical device products have been listed for the time being,its related regenerative medicine products have made breakthroughs.
4.Comparison of different intensity exercises to improve autophagy in diabetic rats by inhibiting renal phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway
Hongyan ZHOU ; Yidan ZHANG ; Wei JI ; Xia LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(11):2310-2318
BACKGROUND:Type 2 diabetes mellitus impairs renal function,and studies have shown that exercise interventions can protect the kidneys.Irisin can protect renal function in diabetic nephropathy patients by restoring autophagy through inhibition of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)signaling pathway. OBJECTIVE:To explore whether exercise can restore autophagy and ameliorate renal injury by inhibiting over-activation of the renal PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway,as well as to analyze the differences in the effects of different modalities of exercise. METHODS:Six-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank control group(normal rats)and a diabetic group,and then the diabetic group was randomly divided into a diabetic model group,a moderate-intensity continuous exercise group,and a high-intensity intermittent exercise group after successful modeling using high-fat,high-sugar feeding plus intraperitoneal administration of low-dose 1%streptozotocin(30 mg/kg).The two exercise groups were subjected to 8 weeks of exercise intervention with different exercise intensities.The fasting blood glucose concentration was detected by glucose oxidase method,glycated hemoglobin levels was measured using a kit,serum insulin concentration was detected by Elisa method,and insulin resistance index was calculated.Gene expression of PI3K,AKT,mTOR,Beclin-1,podocin,and nephrin was detected by RT-PCR.Protein expression of mTOR and autophagy marker proteins LC3-1,LC3-2,and Beclin-1 was detected by western blot RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels were highly significantly increased,insulin resistance levels were significantly increased,and insulin levels were significantly decreased in type 2 diabetic rats.Both exercises resulted in highly significant decreases in fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels,significant decreases in insulin resistance levels and significant increases in insulin levels in type 2 diabetic rats.Insulin levels were significantly higher in the high-intensity intermittent exercise group compared with the moderate-intensity continuous exercise group.The expression of podocin and nephrind genes was significantly reduced in type 2 diabetic rats and two different forms of exercise significantly the gene expression.There was a further trend toward an increase in gene expression of podocyte-associated proteins in the moderate-intensity continuous exercise group compared with the high-intensity intermittent exercise group,but there was no significant difference.The mRNA and protein expression of PI3K,AKT and mTORC1 in kidney tissues of type 2 diabetic rats were significantly increased,and the expression of autophagy marker proteins Beclin-1 and LC3-2 and LC3-2/LC3-1 were significantly decreased.Both different forms of exercise significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression of PI3K,AKT,and mTORC1,and significantly increased the autophagy marker proteins Beclin-1,LC3-2,and LC3-2/LC3-1 in renal tissues.Compared with the moderate-intensity continuous exercise group,there was a trend toward further decreases in mRNA expression of PI3K,AKT,and mTORC1 and protein expression of mTOR,and a trend toward further elevation of Beclin-1,LC3-2,and LC3-2/LC3-1 in the high-intensity intermittent exercise group,but only Beclin-1 showed a significant difference between groups.In summary,renal podocyte injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus with suppressed autophagy is closely related to aberrant activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 signaling pathway.Both moderate-intensity continuous exercise and high-intensity intermittent exercise can protect the diabetic kidney,reduce podocyte damage,and restore renal podocyte autophagy,which may be achieved by inhibiting the excessive activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.High-intensity intermittent exercise shows a trend toward more favorable restoration of autophagy compared with moderate-intensity continuous exercise,but with a slight decrease in podocyte protein expression.
5.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.
6.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.
7.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.
8.Inhibitory Effect of Curcumin and Its Derivatives on TGF-β Induced Fibrosis of LX-2 Cells
Yidan SHAO ; Tingting SHI ; Yanmei ZHAO ; Xi ZOU ; Jianjun XI ; Jing ZHANG ; Xiaojie JIANG ; Rangxiao ZHUANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(13):1750-1757
OBJECTIVE
To study the inhibitory effect and mechanism of curcumin and its derivatives A and B on TGF-β induced LX-2 cell fibrosis.
METHODS
Established the liver fibrosis model of LX-2 cells induced by TGF-β(10 ng·mL−1).The effects on cell proliferation were detected by CCK-8. The effects on cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The effects on fibrosis related factors(Collagen I, Collagen Ⅳ, Fibronectin, Vimentin, α-SMA, PDGFRβ, TGFβR1, TGFβR2, MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1 and TIMP2) protein expression and gene transcription levels were detected by Western blotting and q-PCR.
RESULTS
The curcumin and its derivative A and B had the inhibition effects on normal LX-2 cells, and the IC25 values were 15.7, 2.6, 10.2 μmol·L−1, respectively. Compared to the model group, the curcumin(15.7 μmol·L−1) and its derivative A(2.6 μmol·L−1) and B(10.2 μmol·L−1) had the significant inhibition effects on cell proliferation of the TGF-β induced LX-2 cells(P<0.05). The cell apoptosis rate of curcumin derivative B group was higher than the model group(P<0.05). Collagen I, Fibronectin, Vimentin, α-SMA, TGFβR1 and TIMP-1 protein expression levels in curcumin group were lower, while the protein expression level of MMP-9 was higher(P<0.05). The protein expression levels of Collagen I, Collagen IV, Fibronectin, Vimentin, α-SMA, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in curcumin derivative A group were lower, while the protein expression level of MMP-2 was higher(P<0.05). The protein expression levels of Collagen I, Collagen IV, Fibronectin, Vimentin, α-SMA, PDGFRβ, TGFβR1, TGFβR2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in curcumin derivative B group were lower, while the protein expression level of MMP-2 was higher(P<0.05). The gene transcription levels of Collagen I, Fibronectin, α-SMA and TIMP-1 in curcumin group were lower(P<0.05). The gene transcription levels of Collagen I, Fibronectin and α-SMA in curcumin derivative A and B groups were lower(P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Curcumin and its derivatives A and B inhibit the abnormal activation and proliferation of TGF-β-induced LX-2 cells, inhibit the excessive secretion and accumulation of its extracellular matrix components, and promote its degradation, thus playing an anti-fibrotic effect in vitro, especially the curcumin derivative B.
9.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.
10.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.


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