1.Expression of SLC7A11 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues and its preliminary study on mediating tumor cell metabolism
Huakun ZHANG ; Mengfei SUN ; Qi SUN ; Ziru ZHOU ; Jie YU ; Yunzhao CHEN ; Xiaobin CUI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):270-276
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and clinical prognosis, and to determine its effects on ESCC cell growth, migration, and other biological activities. MethodsSLC7A11 protein expression was measured in 310 ESCC tissues and 259 adjacent normal tissues using immunohistochemistry to statistically assess the association of SLC7A11 with clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis in ESCC patients. The expression of SLC7A11 in ESCC cell lines was suppressed through siRNA-mediated knockdown. The specific effects of SLC7A11 knockdown on proliferation and migration were evaluated using CCK-8, clonogenic assay, and Transwell assays. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), lactic acid and pyruvate assays were used to measure ESCC metabolism. ResultsSLC7A11 protein expression was localized predominantly in the cytoplasm of ESCC tissues. Significantly higher SLC7A11 expression levels were observed in ESCC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues (P<0.001). High SLC7A11 expression was associated with poorer differentiation in patients (P<0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated significantly shorter overall survival in patients with high SLC7A11 expression compared to those with low expression (P<0.05). CCK-8 and colony formation assays demonstrated that the knockdown of SLC7A11 expression significantly suppressed the proliferative capacity of tumor cells (P<0.001). Furthermore, Transwell assays revealed a marked decline in tumor cell migration capacity following SLC7A11 suppression (P<0.001). Critically, SLC7A11 knockdown also reduced intracellular levels of ATP, lactate, and pyruvate, demonstrating that SLC7A11 modulated metabolic activity in ESCC cells(P<0.001). ConclusionThe expression level of SLC7A11 is relatively high in ESCC and is strongly associated with poor prognosis. Silencing SLC7A11 significantly inhibits esophageal cancer cell growth and migration. SLC7A11 has the ability to regulate glucose, lactic acid and ATP metabolism levels in ESCC, thereby affecting the metabolic microenvironment of ESCC.
2.Identification and drug sensitivity analysis of key molecular markers in mesenchymal cell-derived osteosarcoma
Haojun ZHANG ; Hongyi LI ; Hui ZHANG ; Haoran CHEN ; Lizhong ZHANG ; Jie GENG ; Chuandong HOU ; Qi YU ; Peifeng HE ; Jinpeng JIA ; Xuechun LU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(7):1448-1456
BACKGROUND:Osteosarcoma has a complex pathogenesis and a poor prognosis.While advancements in medical technology have led to some improvements in the 5-year survival rate,substantial progress in its treatment has not yet been achieved. OBJECTIVE:To screen key molecular markers in osteosarcoma,analyze their relationship with osteosarcoma treatment drugs,and explore the potential disease mechanisms of osteosarcoma at the molecular level. METHODS:GSE99671 and GSE284259(miRNA)datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database.Differential gene expression analysis and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis(WGCNA)on GSE99671 were performed.Functional enrichment analysis was conducted using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes separately for the differentially expressed genes and the module genes with the highest positive correlation to the disease.The intersection of these module genes and differentially expressed genes was taken as key genes.A Protein-Protein Interaction network was constructed,and correlation analysis on the key genes was performed using CytoScape software,and hub genes were identified.Hub genes were externally validated using the GSE28425 dataset and text validation was conducted.The drug sensitivity of hub genes was analyzed using the CellMiner database,with a threshold of absolute value of correlation coefficient|R|>0.3 and P<0.05. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Differential gene expression analysis identified 529 differentially expressed genes,comprising 177 upregulated and 352 downregulated genes.WGCNA analysis yielded a total of 592 genes with the highest correlation to osteosarcoma.(2)Gene Ontology enrichment results indicated that the development of osteosarcoma may be associated with extracellular matrix,bone cell differentiation and development,human immune regulation,and collagen synthesis and degradation.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment results showed the involvement of pathways such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,focal adhesion signaling pathway,and immune response in the onset of osteosarcoma.(3)The intersection analysis revealed a total of 59 key genes.Through Protein-Protein Interaction network analysis,8 hub genes were selected,which were LUM,PLOD1,PLOD2,MMP14,COL11A1,THBS2,LEPRE1,and TGFB1,all of which were upregulated.(4)External validation revealed significantly downregulated miRNAs that regulate the hub genes,with hsa-miR-144-3p and hsa-miR-150-5p showing the most significant downregulation.Text validation results demonstrated that the expression of hub genes was consistent with previous research.(5)Drug sensitivity analysis indicated a negative correlation between the activity of methotrexate,6-mercaptopurine,and pazopanib with the mRNA expression of PLOD1,PLOD2,and MMP14.Moreover,zoledronic acid and lapatinib showed a positive correlation with the mRNA expression of PLOD1,LUM,MMP14,PLOD2,and TGFB1.This suggests that zoledronic acid and lapatinib may be potential therapeutic drugs for osteosarcoma,but further validation is required through additional basic experiments and clinical studies.
3.Intervention effect analysis of TPMT and NUDT15 genotyping on the tolerability of azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine therapy in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease
Youyou LUO ; Qi CHENG ; Youhong FANG ; Jindan YU ; Luojia XU ; Yu YU ; Jie CHEN
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(6):630-636
Objective:To investigate the impact of pre-treatment TPMT and NUDT15 genotyping on medication selection, tolerability and discontinuation rates of azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine therapy in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 181 children with IBD who were scheduled for azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine therapy at the Department of Gastroenterology, Children′s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine between January 2010 and January 2023. Among them, 168 children who received treatment were divided into a genotyped group and non-genotyped group based on pre-treatment TPMT and NUDT15 genotyping. The incidence of drug-related adverse reactions was compared between the two groups. The impact of genotyping on medication selection and discontinuation rates was analyzed. Chi-square test or Fisher exact test were used for intergroup comparisons. Logistic regression analysis was used to control the confounding factors. Firth Logistic regression analysis was applied for data with complete separation. The probability of discontinuation was assessed using survival analysis with Cox proportional hazards modeling.Results:Among the 181 children with IBD, 13 did not receive azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine due to genetic variants, while the remaining 168 underwent the therapy (154 cases of Crohn′s disease and 14 cases ulcerative colitis; 108 males and 60 females). Excluding the 13 untreated cases, 77 children underwent TPMT and NUDT15 genotyping were assigned to the genotyped group, and the remaining 91 to the non-genotyped group. Adverse reactions included myelosupression (26 cases,15.5%), hepatotoxicity (18 cases,10.7%), gastrointestinal disturbance (25 cases,14.9%), alopecia (12 cases,7.1%), fever (3 cases,1.8%), rash (2 cases,1.2%), and pancreatitis (1 case,0.6%). The incidence of overall adverse reactions was significantly higher in the non-genotyped group compared to that of the genotyped group (40.7% (37/91) vs. 26.0% (20/77), P<0.05). Specifically, the non-genotyped group had a higher rate of gastrointestinal reactions compared to the genotyped group (24.2% (22/91) vs. 3.3% (3/77), P<0.01). Cox regression analysis revealed that non-genotyped group had a higher risk of treatment discontinuation due to the adverse reactions ( HR=1.47, 95% CI 0.65-3.30). Conclusion:Pre-treatment genotyping of TPMT and NUDT15 variants can help guide the selection of clinical drugs, reduce the incidence of drug-related adverse reactions and enhance tolerability of azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine therapy in IBD children.
4.Association Between Triglyceride-glucose Index and Risk of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Young and Middle-aged Adults
Zheng WU ; Qi QI ; Xinyu WU ; Jie YU ; Bo YANG ; Xuechao ZHANG ; Quanle HAN ; Nan WANG ; Shouling WU ; Kangbo LI
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(3):277-283
Objectives:To investigate the association between the triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index and risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)in young and middle-aged(<60 years)adults.Methods:From June 2006 to October 2007,47 675 employees of Kailuan Group with no liver disease were selected as the study objects.Based on the TyG index quartile,participants were divided into Q1 group(TyG index≤8.08,n=11 924),Q2 group(8.08
5.Construction of an early child development index system in China using a Delphi method
Jia-qi SHI ; Yu-jie CUI ; Jia-ning XU ; Fei-fei LI ; Guo-hong LI ; Fan JIANG
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(5):35-41
Objective:This study aims to construct a monitoring index system for early child development(ECD)that is consistent with China's actual situation,to scientifically and systematically evaluate the level of ECD and service capacity in various regions.Methods:The study was predicated on the theoretical foundation of the Nutrition Care Framework(NCF).Indicators were initially selected through a literature review and focus group interviews.The evaluation indicators were then determined through two rounds of expert consultation utilising the Delphi method.The Priority Sequence Diagram Method(PSDM)was subsequently implemented to determine indicator weights.Results:The final framework encompasses six first-level indicators(good health,adequate nutrition,responsive caregiving,opportunities for learning,security and safety,and demand and investment),12 second-level indicators,and 31 third-level indicators.Conclusion:The ECD index system constructed in this study integrates macro,meso,and micro levels,emphasises cross-sectoral collaboration and attention to child caregivers,and incorporates equity indicators to measure regional disparities.The research outcomes provide a reference for quantitatively assessing the level of ECD and service capacity across various regions in China.By leveraging mechanisms for cross-sectoral collaboration and goal-oriented approaches,the study provides a framework for the allocation of resources to key areas,thus laying the foundation for the sustained implementation and resource assurance of the child-priority development strategy.
6.Mechanism of adipose mesenchymal stem cell exosomes inhibiting atopic dermatitis
Jia-qi BI ; Zhao WANG ; Bing-kun WANG ; Chun-yan SUN ; Ya SUN ; Xiao-tong CUI ; Xin PANG ; Xiao-yu WANG ; Jie-qiong WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1148-1157
Aim To study the mechanism of adipose mesenchymal stem cell exosomes(ASC-exo)inhibition of fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC)-induced atopic dermatitis(AD).Methods The mouse age,extrac-tion method,and the concentration of a solution of typeⅠ collagen enzyme and other conditions were compared to study the effects on the morphology and quantity of adipose mesenchymal stem cells(ASCs)after extrac-ted.FITC-induced mouse model in vivo was estab-lished and different doses of ASC-exo were given to measure ear thickness,ear weight and ear scratching times of mice.HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of ear tissue of mice.The non-toxicity of ASC-exo was detected.IgE,IL-5,IL-13 and other cytokines were detected by ELISA.The gene ex-pressions of TSLP,IL-33,occludin,Claudin-1(CLDN-1)and E-cadherin were detected by RT-qPCR.The protein expression was detected by immunohistochemis-try.Results An efficient method for extracting ASCs was established.Compared with the blank group,mice in the model group showed obvious AD symptoms.Compared with the model group,ASC-exo administra-tion group significantly reduced the number of ear scratches,epidermal thickening,inflammatory cell infil-tration and the secretion of Th2 cytokines IL-5 and IL-13.Meanwhile,ASC-exo administration group signifi-cantly increased the expression of structural proteins CLDN-1 and occludin in epithelial cells and decreased the expression of TSLP and IL-33.Conclusions ASC-exo can significantly improve Th2 skin inflamma-tion in AD mice,and its mechanism may be through in-creasing the expression of tight junction proteins and adhesion link protein in epithelial cells,repairing the skin barrier,and inhibiting the key promoters of allergy TSLP and IL-33.
7.Correlation between estrogen metabolism of intestinal flora and liver fibrosis based on fecal microbiota transplantation
Na PAN ; Xue-ping QI ; Hui-jie SHENG ; Xiao-yu LYU ; Lu-yao GAO ; Hao-yang CHEN ; Yan-yan YIN ; Jia-jia WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(8):1508-1516
Aim To study the correlation between es-trogen metabolism function of intestinal flora and liver fibrosis disease phenotype and differential intestinal bacteria by fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT).Methods C57BL/6J male mice were divided into normal group(Control-M),liver fibrosis Model group(Model),FMT-1 group(normal mice fecal microbiota transplantation from liver fibrosis mice),and FMT-2 group(liver fibrosis mice fecal microbiota transplanta-tion from female mice).The model group was induced by high fat and high glucose combined with low dose of CCl4 for 16 weeks.In the FMT group,the bacteria were destroyed by mixed antibacterial solution and then the corresponding fecal microbiota solution was given.The model group was established in the FMT-2 group and the model group at the same time.Liver function(ALT,AST)was detected by biochemical methods;liver inflammation(IL-1α,IL-6)was detected by ELISA;liver pathology was detected by HE and Mas-son methods;the expressions of α-SMA,collagen Ⅰ,estrogen receptor ERα,ERβ and GPER were detected by Western blot;estrogen metabolic enzymes β-glucu-ronidase and β-glucosidase in intestinal flora were de-tected by double antibody sandwich assay;gut microbi-ota was detected by 16S rDNA method;the correlation between estrogen metabolic enzymes,estrogen receptors and disease phenotypes and disease-related differential bacteria was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis.Results Liver function,inflammation and fibrosis in-dices were significantly higher in the model group than those in the control-M group and significantly lower in the FMT-2 group than in the model group;estrogen metabolic enzymes of the intestinal flora significantly increased in the model group compared to the control-M group and significantly decreased in the FMT-2 group compared to the model group;the model group showed a significant increase in ERβ and GPER and a significant decrease in ERα compared to the control-M group,while the FMT-2 group showed a significant de-crease in ERβ and GPER and a significant increase in ERα compared to the model group;the FMT-2 group increased the enterobacterial abundance and diversity reduced by modelling;estrogen metabolic enzymes,es-trogen receptor ERβ and GPER were all positively cor-related with the disease phenotype,while the opposite was true for ERα;estrogen metabolic enzymes were positively correlated with Allobaculum,Ruminococcus and Alistipes,and negatively correlated with Akkerman-sia,Lactobacillus and Prevotella.Conclusions Fecal microbiota transplantation in female mice can alleviate liver fibrosis in male mice,which is related to the im-provement of estrogen metabolism of intestinal flora.
8.Oroxylin A induces apoptosis in Ishikawa cell line of endometrial cancer via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Huan-huan ZHAO ; Yu-qian JIAO ; Ruo-qi QIAO ; Xue BAI ; Na WANG ; Yun-jie TIAN ; Wen-ling FAN ; Li LI ; Su-wen SU ; Yan FU ; Hui ZHANG ; Hong-fang YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(3):555-560
Aim To investigate the effect of oroxylin A(OA)on apoptosis in Ishikawa cell line of endometrial cancer and the underlying mechanism through the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway.Methods Ishikawa cells were treated with different concentrations of OA(0,4,8,10,12,and 20 μmol·L-1)for 24 h-72 h,the cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay,apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry,and the protein ex-pression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax),PI3K/AKT,recombinant cytochrome P450 1B1(CYP1B1),and catechol-O-methyltransferase(COMT)were detected by Western blot technique.Results OA inhibited the prolifera-tion of Ishikawa cells in a concentration-and time-de-pendent manner.Compared with the blank control group,the expression of Bax protein increased signifi-cantly,while the expression of Bcl-2 protein decreased significantly with the increase of OA concentration.The expression of COMT protein increased significant-ly,while the expression of CYP1B1 protein decreased significantly.PI3K/AKT:IGF-1(PI3 K agonist)sup-plementation reversed the effect,the expression of COMT protein significantly decreased,and the expres-sion of CYP1B1 protein significantly increased.Con-clusions OA exerts anti-tumor effects in Ishikawa cells of endometrial cancer,which may be related to cell apoptosis mediated by the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
9.Epidemiological Analysis of Pathogens in Acute Respiratory Infections During the 2023-2024 Autumn-Winter Season in Beijing:A Case Series of 5556 Patients at Peking Union Medical College Hospital
Yan CAO ; Yu CHEN ; Jie YI ; Lingjun KONG ; Ziyi WANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Qi YU ; Yiwei LIU ; Maimaiti MULATIJIANG ; Chenglin YANG ; Yujie SUN ; Yingchun XU ; Qiwen YANG ; Juan DU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):680-686
Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of acute respiratory infections(ARIs)during the autumn-winter season in Beijing,providing evidence for the prevention,control,diagnosis,and treatment of ARIs.Methods A convenience sampling method was employed,enrolling patients who visited Peking Union Medical College Hospital(PUMCH)between September 2023 and February 2024 due to ARIs.Na-sopharyngeal swabs were collected,and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect six common respiratory pathogens[influenza A virus(FluA),influenza B virus(FluB),human rhinovirus(HRV),Myco-plasma pneumoniae(MP),respiratory syncytial virus(RSV),and adenovirus(ADV)],as well as SARS-CoV-2 infection.The distribution patterns of pathogen infections were analyzed.Results A total of 5556 eligible patients were included.The overall positivity rate for the six common respiratory pathogens was 63.7%,with sin-gle-pathogen positivity at 54.0%,dual-pathogen positivity at 8.9%,and triple or more pathogen positivity at 0.7%.The predominant pathogens detected were FluA(16.1%)and RSV(15.7%),followed by ADV(11.1%),MP(11.1%),HRV(10.0%),and FluB(10.0%).No significant difference in overall pathogen positivity was observed between genders.However,significant differences were found between autumn and winter(x2=34.617,P<0.001)and among pediatric,young/middle-aged,and elderly patients(x2=422.38,P<0.001).Specifically,MP(x2=8.647,P=0.003),FluA(x2=131.932,P<0.001),and HRV(x2=174.199,P<0.001)exhibited significantly higher positivity rates in autumn than in winter,whereas FluB was more prevalent in winter(x2=287.894,P<0.001).In pediatric patients,MP,RSV,HRV,and ADV positivity rates were significantly higher than in young/middle-aged and elderly patients(all P<0.001),whereas FluB was more common in young/middle-aged patients(both P<0.001).The positivity rates of the six common respiratory pathogens significantly declined during the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic period,exhibiting an asynchronous seasonal pattern.Conclusions The prevalence of respiratory pathogens in Beijing is associated with age and season.Tar-geted preventive measures should be implemented in different seasons and for key populations.
10.Research progress on protective effect of cannabidiol on central nervous system diseases
Pan-pan LI ; Bao-qi WANG ; Xiao-ming SHEN ; Jie ZHANG ; Yu-min XU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1818-1822
Cannabidiol(CBD),a natural,non-toxic,non-psy-choactive cannabinoid extracted from Cannabis sativa L,has a wide range of pharmacological activities,including anti-inflam-matory,antioxidant,immunomodulatory,analgesic,anti-tumor,anti-convulsant,anxiolytic effects.Recent studies have indica-ted that CBD may have potential neuroprotective effects in vari-ous models of central nervous system diseases.This paper re-views the experimental research progress of CBD in central nerv-ous system diseases and its possible neuroprotective mecha-nisms,aiming to provide references for its clinical application and new drug development.

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