1.General pattern of GSK3/Nrf2-regulated biological rhythms in organismal aging
Yilin CHEN ; Xiaobo JIANG ; Honglin QU ; Ruilian LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1257-1264
BACKGROUND:Disruption of biological rhythms(circadian rhythms)is a typical problem associated with aging.Maintaining the normal function of biological rhythms may be a promising anti-aging strategy.Expression of nuclear factor erthroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)is biologically regulated.The glycogen synthase kinase 3(GSK3)system represents a"regulatory valve"that controls subtle oscillations in Nrf2 levels.Circadian changes in the transcript levels of antioxidant genes can influence the response of organisms to oxidative stress.However,the specific molecular mechanism of GSK3/Nrf2 in regulating organismal aging is still puzzling. OBJECTIVE:To search for the general pattern of GSK3/Nrf2-regulated biological rhythms in organismal aging by reviewing the literature in this field. METHODS:The bibliographic method was used to search,review and screen the relevant literature using the keywords of"glycogen synthase kinase 3,nuclear factor erthroid 2-related factor 2,biorhythms and aging"to lay a theoretical foundation for the analysis of the whole paper.Comparative analysis method,through reading and analyzing the obtained literature,was performed to compare the similarities and differences between the literature,thereby providing reasonable theoretical support for the argument.Further comparative analysis of the literature was conducted to clarify the relationship between the relevant indicators as well as the ideas for analysis throughout the text. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:GSK3 can indirectly regulate Nrf2 expression through the regulation of rhythm genes.GSK3 and Nrf2 are components of anti-aging programs and are associated with biological rhythms.In addition,GSK3/Nrf2 is involved in several metabolic pathways,including those associated with age-related diseases(type 2 diabetes and cancer)and neurodegenerative diseases.
2.PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Ranran FENG ; Yilin GUO ; Meilin CHEN ; Ziying TIAN ; Yijun LIU ; Su JIANG ; Jieyu ZHOU ; Qingluan LIU ; Xiayu LI ; Wei XIONG ; Lei SHI ; Songqing FAN ; Guiyuan LI ; Wenling ZHANG
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2025;59(1):68-83
Background:
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear.
Methods:
We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP).
Results:
We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin.
Conclusions
PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.
3.Differences in HER2-0 and HER2-low Breast Cancer: Androgen Receptor and Programmed Death Ligand 1 as Predictive Factors
Xiaoqi ZHANG ; Ciqiu YANG ; Yitian CHEN ; Junsheng ZHANG ; Peiyong LI ; Na HUANG ; Yilin CHEN ; Minting LIANG ; Weiming LV ; Zhongyu YUAN ; Jie LI ; Kun WANG
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(1):23-36
Purpose:
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer has the potential to emerge as a distinct subtype. Several studies have compared the differences between HER2-low and HER2-0 breast cancers, but no consensus has been reached.Additionally, a biomarker to predict pathological complete response (pCR) rates in patients with HER2-low breast cancer remains to be identified.
Methods:
We collected data from 777 patients across three centers, stratifying them into HER2-low and HER2-0 groups. We compared differences in survival and pCR rates between the two groups and investigated potential biomarkers that could reliably predict pCR.
Results:
The study found that patients with HER2-0 breast cancer had higher pCR rates compared to patients with HER2-low tumors (289 patients [30.1%] vs. 475 patients [18.1%], p < 0.0001). Survival analysis showed no significant advantage for HER2-low tumors over HER2-0 breast cancers. Binary logistic analysis revealed that androgen receptor (AR) expression predicts poorer pCR rates in both the overall patient group and the HER2-0 breast cancer group (overall patients: odds ratio [OR], 0.479; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.250–0.917; p = 0.026 and HER2-0 patients: OR, 0.267; 95% CI, 0.080–0.892; p = 0.032). In contrast, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was associated with more favorable pCR rates in the overall patient group (OR, 3.199; 95% CI, 1.020–10.037; p = 0.046).
Conclusion
There is currently insufficient evidence to classify HER2-low breast cancer as a distinct subtype. Our study revealed that AR expression, along with negative PD-L1 expression, contributes to lower pCR rates.
4.Differences in HER2-0 and HER2-low Breast Cancer: Androgen Receptor and Programmed Death Ligand 1 as Predictive Factors
Xiaoqi ZHANG ; Ciqiu YANG ; Yitian CHEN ; Junsheng ZHANG ; Peiyong LI ; Na HUANG ; Yilin CHEN ; Minting LIANG ; Weiming LV ; Zhongyu YUAN ; Jie LI ; Kun WANG
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(1):23-36
Purpose:
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer has the potential to emerge as a distinct subtype. Several studies have compared the differences between HER2-low and HER2-0 breast cancers, but no consensus has been reached.Additionally, a biomarker to predict pathological complete response (pCR) rates in patients with HER2-low breast cancer remains to be identified.
Methods:
We collected data from 777 patients across three centers, stratifying them into HER2-low and HER2-0 groups. We compared differences in survival and pCR rates between the two groups and investigated potential biomarkers that could reliably predict pCR.
Results:
The study found that patients with HER2-0 breast cancer had higher pCR rates compared to patients with HER2-low tumors (289 patients [30.1%] vs. 475 patients [18.1%], p < 0.0001). Survival analysis showed no significant advantage for HER2-low tumors over HER2-0 breast cancers. Binary logistic analysis revealed that androgen receptor (AR) expression predicts poorer pCR rates in both the overall patient group and the HER2-0 breast cancer group (overall patients: odds ratio [OR], 0.479; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.250–0.917; p = 0.026 and HER2-0 patients: OR, 0.267; 95% CI, 0.080–0.892; p = 0.032). In contrast, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was associated with more favorable pCR rates in the overall patient group (OR, 3.199; 95% CI, 1.020–10.037; p = 0.046).
Conclusion
There is currently insufficient evidence to classify HER2-low breast cancer as a distinct subtype. Our study revealed that AR expression, along with negative PD-L1 expression, contributes to lower pCR rates.
5.PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Ranran FENG ; Yilin GUO ; Meilin CHEN ; Ziying TIAN ; Yijun LIU ; Su JIANG ; Jieyu ZHOU ; Qingluan LIU ; Xiayu LI ; Wei XIONG ; Lei SHI ; Songqing FAN ; Guiyuan LI ; Wenling ZHANG
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2025;59(1):68-83
Background:
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear.
Methods:
We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP).
Results:
We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin.
Conclusions
PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.
6.Differences in HER2-0 and HER2-low Breast Cancer: Androgen Receptor and Programmed Death Ligand 1 as Predictive Factors
Xiaoqi ZHANG ; Ciqiu YANG ; Yitian CHEN ; Junsheng ZHANG ; Peiyong LI ; Na HUANG ; Yilin CHEN ; Minting LIANG ; Weiming LV ; Zhongyu YUAN ; Jie LI ; Kun WANG
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(1):23-36
Purpose:
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer has the potential to emerge as a distinct subtype. Several studies have compared the differences between HER2-low and HER2-0 breast cancers, but no consensus has been reached.Additionally, a biomarker to predict pathological complete response (pCR) rates in patients with HER2-low breast cancer remains to be identified.
Methods:
We collected data from 777 patients across three centers, stratifying them into HER2-low and HER2-0 groups. We compared differences in survival and pCR rates between the two groups and investigated potential biomarkers that could reliably predict pCR.
Results:
The study found that patients with HER2-0 breast cancer had higher pCR rates compared to patients with HER2-low tumors (289 patients [30.1%] vs. 475 patients [18.1%], p < 0.0001). Survival analysis showed no significant advantage for HER2-low tumors over HER2-0 breast cancers. Binary logistic analysis revealed that androgen receptor (AR) expression predicts poorer pCR rates in both the overall patient group and the HER2-0 breast cancer group (overall patients: odds ratio [OR], 0.479; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.250–0.917; p = 0.026 and HER2-0 patients: OR, 0.267; 95% CI, 0.080–0.892; p = 0.032). In contrast, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was associated with more favorable pCR rates in the overall patient group (OR, 3.199; 95% CI, 1.020–10.037; p = 0.046).
Conclusion
There is currently insufficient evidence to classify HER2-low breast cancer as a distinct subtype. Our study revealed that AR expression, along with negative PD-L1 expression, contributes to lower pCR rates.
7.PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Ranran FENG ; Yilin GUO ; Meilin CHEN ; Ziying TIAN ; Yijun LIU ; Su JIANG ; Jieyu ZHOU ; Qingluan LIU ; Xiayu LI ; Wei XIONG ; Lei SHI ; Songqing FAN ; Guiyuan LI ; Wenling ZHANG
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2025;59(1):68-83
Background:
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear.
Methods:
We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP).
Results:
We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin.
Conclusions
PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.
8.Analysis of Animal Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Based on Clinical Characteristics of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Xiangning HUANG ; Weiyi LEI ; Yifan SHI ; Tingyi HE ; Nianqing CHEN ; Yilin XU ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):211-219
Based on the etiology and clinical diagnostic criteria of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), identification and typing of treatment from the perspective of traditional Chinese and western medicine, the criteria for evaluating the clinical compatibility of traditional Chinese and western medicine in animal models of T2DM were set up. The literature was reviewed to sort out and analyze the existing commonly used modeling methods, summarize the mechanism, compare the advantages and disadvantages, and calculate the consistency between the animal model and the clinical symptoms, syndromes, and indicators from the perspective of traditional Chinese and western medicine. The authors found that spontaneous animal models and high-fat diets combined with multiple low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) induction models were more in line with modern medical pathogenesis of T2DM. However, it fails to form some special syndromes required for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research. In addition, there are many methods of combining the etiology and pathogenesis of TCM, which can be divided into three categories: intervention carried out by drug administration, behavioral stimulation, or environmental changes according to TCM, or use of hormones according to clinical evidence and combination of the two methods mentioned above. All of them can successfully establish different types of animal models. However, different methods of establishing syndrome models have their own advantages and disadvantages, and there is no unified standard for the stability and evaluation of syndrome models. As for the clinical consistency criteria of traditional Chinese and western medicine established in this paper, the animal model with 100% consistency has not been calculated due to the conditions of incomplete symptoms and syndromes described in the studies and different selection indicators. Consequently, the establishment of a simple, easy-to-use, and affordable T2DM animal model with both traditional Chinese and western medicine disease characteristics and the improvement of the Chinese and western medicine evaluation system for different evidence types are of great significance for the future development of TCM research on T2DM.
9.Analysis of Animal Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Based on Clinical Characteristics of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Xiangning HUANG ; Weiyi LEI ; Yifan SHI ; Tingyi HE ; Nianqing CHEN ; Yilin XU ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):211-219
Based on the etiology and clinical diagnostic criteria of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), identification and typing of treatment from the perspective of traditional Chinese and western medicine, the criteria for evaluating the clinical compatibility of traditional Chinese and western medicine in animal models of T2DM were set up. The literature was reviewed to sort out and analyze the existing commonly used modeling methods, summarize the mechanism, compare the advantages and disadvantages, and calculate the consistency between the animal model and the clinical symptoms, syndromes, and indicators from the perspective of traditional Chinese and western medicine. The authors found that spontaneous animal models and high-fat diets combined with multiple low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) induction models were more in line with modern medical pathogenesis of T2DM. However, it fails to form some special syndromes required for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research. In addition, there are many methods of combining the etiology and pathogenesis of TCM, which can be divided into three categories: intervention carried out by drug administration, behavioral stimulation, or environmental changes according to TCM, or use of hormones according to clinical evidence and combination of the two methods mentioned above. All of them can successfully establish different types of animal models. However, different methods of establishing syndrome models have their own advantages and disadvantages, and there is no unified standard for the stability and evaluation of syndrome models. As for the clinical consistency criteria of traditional Chinese and western medicine established in this paper, the animal model with 100% consistency has not been calculated due to the conditions of incomplete symptoms and syndromes described in the studies and different selection indicators. Consequently, the establishment of a simple, easy-to-use, and affordable T2DM animal model with both traditional Chinese and western medicine disease characteristics and the improvement of the Chinese and western medicine evaluation system for different evidence types are of great significance for the future development of TCM research on T2DM.
10.Ancient and Modern Literature Analysis and Key Information Textual Research of Famous Classical Formula Qingzao Jiufeitang
Shuyue FAN ; Xuanyu CHEN ; Yilin ZHAO ; Shaoyuan LIU ; Xueyong HOU ; Luna YU ; Jiyao ZHANG ; Yansong ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):168-178
Qingzao Jiufeitang is a famous classical formula for treating lung injury caused by warm and dryness, included in the Catalogue of Ancient Famous Classical Formulas(The First Batch). By systematically organizing ancient and modern literature on this formula, this study analyzed and verified the origin, medicinal composition, original plants and processing, dosage and decoction method, efficacy and application of this formula. According to the research, Qingzao Jiufeitang was first recorded in Yimen Falyu in the Qing dynasty, and its creation was mainly inspired by the Ming dynasty physician MIAO Xiyong's idea of the moisturizing drugs with sweet flavour and cold nature. Based on the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as the Chinese Pharmacopoeia) and the textual research results of modern scholars on traditional Chinese herbal medicines, the botanical sources and processing methods of the herbs in this formula are basically clarified. Among them, Mori Folium, Gypsum Fibrosum, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Sesami Semen Nigrum, Asini Corii Colla, Ophiopogonis Radix and Eriobotryae Folium are consistent with the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The primary source of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, family Leguminosae, while the primary source of Armeniacae Semen Amarum is the dried mature seeds of Prunus armeniaca, family Rosaceae. It is recommended to use Gypsum Ustum, stir-fried Sesami Semen Nigrum, stir-fried Armeniacae Semen Amarum, Asini Corii Colla bead, and honey-fried Eriobotryae Folium, and the rest of the raw products. According to the conversion of ancient and modern doses, the recommended dosages are 11.19 g for Mori Folium, 9.33 g for Gypsum Fibrosum, 3.73 g for Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 2.61 g for Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 3.73 g for Sesami Semen Nigrum, 4.48 g for Ophiopogonis Radix, 2.61 g for Armeniacae Semen Amarum, 3.73 g for Eriobotryae Folium. The decoction method is to add 300 mL of water, decoct it down to 180 mL, remove the residue, and then add 2.98 g of Asini Corii Colla into the decoction. Take it warm after meals, two to three times a day. Qingzao Jiufeitang has the effects of clearing dryness and moistening the lungs, nourishing Yin and invigorating Qi. In ancient times, it was mainly used to treat stagnation and depression of various Qi, as well as paralysis, asthma and vomiting. In modern clinical practice, it is mostly used to treat diseases in respiratory system, otolaryngology, skin system and digestive system caused by warm-dry impairing lung, deficiency of both Qi and Yin. The above research results can provide a reference for the later development of Qingzao Jiufeitang.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail