1.Facial and tongue features in traditional Chinese medicine for coronary artery stenosis warning and their association chain with cardiac biomarkers
Yu Wang ; Pengcheng Ding ; Zhentao Li ; Jiyu Zhang ; Liping Tu ; Jijie Xu ; Jiatuo Xu
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(2):184-196
Objective:
To explore whether digital facial and tongue diagnostic technologies can support the assessment of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients for coronary artery stenosis severity, and examine potential associations between digital tongue diagnosis features and myocardial biomarkers.
Methods:
The TFDA-1 face and tongue diagnosis instrument and the TDAS analysis system were used to perform intelligent visual examination and analysis of the facial and tongue in CHD patients who attended the Department of Cardiology at Shanghai Baoshan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine between October 2, 2023 and July 31, 2024. Variables were screened using principal component analysis (PCA) and multicollinearity analysis to construct four machine learning models, including random forest, LightGBM, decision tree, and naive Bayes, for the early prediction of coronary artery stenosis severity. Model performance metrics, including sensitivity, specificity, precision, F1 score, accuracy, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), were evaluated. Visual analyses were performed using the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) interpreter and decision curve analysis. For patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a conceptual model linking cardiac biomarkers and tongue diagnosis was constructed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), and its validity was assessed.
Results:
A total of 459 CHD patients were enrolled and assigned to a PCI group and a non-PCI group (which comprised two subgroups: mild stenosis or less group, moderate stenosis or greater group). For sublingual vein (SV) features, the PCI group had lower SV-a and SV-b than the other groups (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). For tongue surface features, the PCI group had significantly higher tongue body (TB)-L, TB-a, and TB-b (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, and P < 0.001, respectively), as well as higher tongue coating (TC)-a and TC-b (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). Age, SV-a, SV-b, creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), CK, TC-a, lip-L, and lip-b were incorporated in the machine learning models. The random forest model performed best, with an AUC of 0.924, an F1 score of 0.839, precision of 0.807, accuracy of 0.864, sensitivity of 0.873, and specificity of 0.839. Decision curve analysis indicated that both LightGBM and random forest had clinical utility. PLS-SEM confirmed the pathway relationships: myocardial biomarkers → TB and myocardial biomarkers → TC (coefficient = – 0.238, t = 2.239, P = 0.025, and coefficient = – 0.270, t = 2.522, P = 0.012, respectively).
Conclusion
This study developed a noninvasive early warning model for coronary artery stenosis in patients with CHD. It applied PLS-SEM to investigate the association between post-PCI cardiac biomarkers and tongue diagnosis, and validated the proposed association chain. These findings suggest that intelligent traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) visual diagnosis integrated with modern digital technology may support CHD risk assessment and comprehensive health management.
2.Effect of Kangxian Yixin Prescription on Cardiac Function and Myocardial Fibroblasts in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Rats
Chuiyi ZENG ; Zhentao WANG ; Huichao ZHANG ; Hongbo CHANG ; Bing WANG ; Suting GU ; Shujuan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):86-98
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Kangxian Yixin prescription regulates the circular RNA 0006719 (circ0006719)/microRNA 6852-5p (miR-6852-5p)/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad axis to ameliorate myocardial fibrosis in rats with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ)-induced activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). MethodsA DCM rat model was established by administration of furazolidone. The rats were divided into normal group, model group, captopril (CAP, 10.1 mg·kg-1·d-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription groups (0.9, 1.8, 3.6 g·kg-1·d-1), with 15 rats in each group. After modeling, the treatment groups received corresponding drug solutions by gavage, whereas the normal and model groups received an equal volume of normal saline for 60 consecutive days. Echocardiography was used to measure left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and Masson staining were used to observe myocardial ultrastructure, pathological changes, and collagen deposition. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the protein expression of collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 (Col1A1) and collagen type Ⅲ(Col Ⅲ) in myocardial tissue. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), Western blot, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to detect the expression and localization of circ0006719, miR-6852-5p, fibrosis-related molecules, and TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related molecules in myocardial tissue and CFs. CFs from neonatal rats were isolated and cultured in vitro. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to determine the optimal concentration of Kangxian Yixin prescription for subsequent intervention. An Ang Ⅱ-induced CF activation model was established, and the cells were divided into normal group, Ang Ⅱ group, Ang Ⅱ+CAP group, Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group, and Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription+miR-6852-5p inhibitor group. CF viability and fibrosis-related molecular expression were detected. RNA immunoprecipitation (RNA IP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to verify the targeting relationship between circ0006719 and miR-6852-5p. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased LVESD and LVEDD, significantly decreased LVEF and LVFS, aggravated myocardial ultrastructural and histopathological injury, and significantly increased collagen volume fraction (CVF) in myocardial tissue (P<0.01). The expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, Col ⅢmRNA, and Col1A1, Col Ⅲ, TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad4 proteins in myocardial tissue was significantly upregulated, whereas miR-6852-5p expression and Smad7 protein expression were significantly downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the CAP group and the high- and medium-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription groups showed varying degrees of improvement in cardiac function, myocardial fibrosis, circ0006719/miR-6852-5p expression, and TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related indicators, with more pronounced improvements in the CAP group and the high-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In in vitro experiments, 2.0 g·L-1 was determined as the optimal concentration of Kangxian Yixin prescription for subsequent intervention. Compared with the normal group, the Ang Ⅱ group showed significantly increased CF viability, significantly upregulated expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) mRNA, and Col1A1, α-SMA, TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad4 proteins in CFs, and significantly downregulated miR-6852-5p expression and Smad7 protein expression (P<0.01). Compared with the Ang Ⅱ group, the Ang Ⅱ+CAP group and the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group showed markedly decreased CF viability and fibrosis-related mRNA and protein expression, markedly increased miR-6852-5p expression, and markedly attenuated TGF-β1/Smad pathway activation (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group, the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription+miR-6852-5p inhibitor group showed significantly increased CF viability (P<0.01), markedly increased expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, and Col1A1, TGF-β1, and Smad4 proteins in CFs, and markedly decreased miR-6852-5p expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). RNA IP and dual-luciferase reporter assays showed a targeting binding relationship between circ0006719 and miR-6852-5p (P<0.01). ConclusionKangxian Yixin prescription may alleviate myocardial collagen deposition and myocardial fibrosis, improve cardiac function in DCM rats, and inhibit Ang Ⅱ-induced abnormal activation of CFs. Its mechanism may be associated with downregulation of circ0006719, restoration of miR-6852-5p expression, and inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.
3.Effect of Kangxian Yixin Prescription on Cardiac Function and Myocardial Fibroblasts in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Rats
Chuiyi ZENG ; Zhentao WANG ; Huichao ZHANG ; Hongbo CHANG ; Bing WANG ; Suting GU ; Shujuan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):86-98
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Kangxian Yixin prescription regulates the circular RNA 0006719 (circ0006719)/microRNA 6852-5p (miR-6852-5p)/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad axis to ameliorate myocardial fibrosis in rats with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ)-induced activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). MethodsA DCM rat model was established by administration of furazolidone. The rats were divided into normal group, model group, captopril (CAP, 10.1 mg·kg-1·d-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription groups (0.9, 1.8, 3.6 g·kg-1·d-1), with 15 rats in each group. After modeling, the treatment groups received corresponding drug solutions by gavage, whereas the normal and model groups received an equal volume of normal saline for 60 consecutive days. Echocardiography was used to measure left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and Masson staining were used to observe myocardial ultrastructure, pathological changes, and collagen deposition. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the protein expression of collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 (Col1A1) and collagen type Ⅲ(Col Ⅲ) in myocardial tissue. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), Western blot, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to detect the expression and localization of circ0006719, miR-6852-5p, fibrosis-related molecules, and TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related molecules in myocardial tissue and CFs. CFs from neonatal rats were isolated and cultured in vitro. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to determine the optimal concentration of Kangxian Yixin prescription for subsequent intervention. An Ang Ⅱ-induced CF activation model was established, and the cells were divided into normal group, Ang Ⅱ group, Ang Ⅱ+CAP group, Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group, and Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription+miR-6852-5p inhibitor group. CF viability and fibrosis-related molecular expression were detected. RNA immunoprecipitation (RNA IP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to verify the targeting relationship between circ0006719 and miR-6852-5p. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased LVESD and LVEDD, significantly decreased LVEF and LVFS, aggravated myocardial ultrastructural and histopathological injury, and significantly increased collagen volume fraction (CVF) in myocardial tissue (P<0.01). The expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, Col ⅢmRNA, and Col1A1, Col Ⅲ, TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad4 proteins in myocardial tissue was significantly upregulated, whereas miR-6852-5p expression and Smad7 protein expression were significantly downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the CAP group and the high- and medium-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription groups showed varying degrees of improvement in cardiac function, myocardial fibrosis, circ0006719/miR-6852-5p expression, and TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related indicators, with more pronounced improvements in the CAP group and the high-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In in vitro experiments, 2.0 g·L-1 was determined as the optimal concentration of Kangxian Yixin prescription for subsequent intervention. Compared with the normal group, the Ang Ⅱ group showed significantly increased CF viability, significantly upregulated expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) mRNA, and Col1A1, α-SMA, TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad4 proteins in CFs, and significantly downregulated miR-6852-5p expression and Smad7 protein expression (P<0.01). Compared with the Ang Ⅱ group, the Ang Ⅱ+CAP group and the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group showed markedly decreased CF viability and fibrosis-related mRNA and protein expression, markedly increased miR-6852-5p expression, and markedly attenuated TGF-β1/Smad pathway activation (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group, the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription+miR-6852-5p inhibitor group showed significantly increased CF viability (P<0.01), markedly increased expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, and Col1A1, TGF-β1, and Smad4 proteins in CFs, and markedly decreased miR-6852-5p expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). RNA IP and dual-luciferase reporter assays showed a targeting binding relationship between circ0006719 and miR-6852-5p (P<0.01). ConclusionKangxian Yixin prescription may alleviate myocardial collagen deposition and myocardial fibrosis, improve cardiac function in DCM rats, and inhibit Ang Ⅱ-induced abnormal activation of CFs. Its mechanism may be associated with downregulation of circ0006719, restoration of miR-6852-5p expression, and inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.
4.Protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases.
Jiannan WANG ; Lijun DAI ; Zhentao ZHANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(21):2753-2768
Neurodegenerative diseases constitute a group of chronic disorders characterized by the progressive loss of neurons. Major neurodegenerative conditions include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Pathologically, these diseases are marked by the accumulation of aggregates formed by pathological proteins such as amyloid-β, tau, α-synuclein, and TAR DNA-binding protein 43. These proteins assemble into amyloid fibrils that undergo prion-like propagation and dissemination, ultimately inducing neurodegeneration. Understanding the biology of these protein aggregates is fundamental to elucidating the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying the aggregation and transmission of pathological proteins, the processes through which these protein aggregates trigger neurodegeneration, and the interactions between different pathological proteins. We also provide an overview of the current diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies targeting pathological protein aggregates.
Humans
;
Neurodegenerative Diseases/metabolism*
;
alpha-Synuclein/metabolism*
;
Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism*
;
tau Proteins/metabolism*
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Protein Aggregation, Pathological/metabolism*
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DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism*
;
Animals
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Protein Aggregates/physiology*
5.Effective measurement radius of underwater γ spectrometer
Kai ZHANG ; Yifang YANG ; Haijun WANG ; Zhentao WANG ; Zhiyu TANG
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(7):751-755
Objective To study the shielding effect of water body on γ spectrometer during underwater measurements.Methods A mathematical model of water immersion was constructed for the 3-inch(ф76.2 mm×76.2 mm)lanthanum bromide detector.The totipotent peak count rate of 10 typical γ characteristic energies under different radius water sphere conditions was calculated by MCNP software,and the relationship was established.Results The effective radii of γ photons of different energies based on the 3-inch lanthanum bromide detector was obtained.The relation of energy and effective radius was established,and the effective radius of Tl-208@2614keV was 102.99 cm.Conclusion The quantitative relationship between photons of different energies of a typical 3-inch lanthanum bromide detector and effective radius had been established theoretically,which provides a theoretical basis for measuring and analyzing radioactive water body by γ spectrometer.
6.Effective measurement radius of underwater γ spectrometer
Kai ZHANG ; Yifang YANG ; Haijun WANG ; Zhentao WANG ; Zhiyu TANG
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(7):751-755
Objective To study the shielding effect of water body on γ spectrometer during underwater measurements.Methods A mathematical model of water immersion was constructed for the 3-inch(ф76.2 mm×76.2 mm)lanthanum bromide detector.The totipotent peak count rate of 10 typical γ characteristic energies under different radius water sphere conditions was calculated by MCNP software,and the relationship was established.Results The effective radii of γ photons of different energies based on the 3-inch lanthanum bromide detector was obtained.The relation of energy and effective radius was established,and the effective radius of Tl-208@2614keV was 102.99 cm.Conclusion The quantitative relationship between photons of different energies of a typical 3-inch lanthanum bromide detector and effective radius had been established theoretically,which provides a theoretical basis for measuring and analyzing radioactive water body by γ spectrometer.
7.Application experience of intraorbital margin drilling and midface lifting surgery combined with comprehensive blepharoplasty
Zhentao ZHOU ; Zhongxin SUN ; Hanxiao CHENG ; Fei ZHU ; Xifei QIAN ; Jufang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(9):945-950
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of infraorbital rim drilling midface lift combined with composite lower blepharoplasty.Methods:Retrospective analysis of clinical data from the patients who underwent combined midface lift and lower blepharoplasty at Department of Medical Cosmetic Center, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Westlake University School of Medical, between January 2022 and February 2024.The infraorbital rim drilling midface lift combined with lower blepharoplasty was performed via a subciliary incision approach. Through a subciliary incision, the herniated orbital fat was excised, followed by fixation of the orbital septum to the infraorbital rim periosteum. Drill holes were created at the medial and lateral infraorbital rim, and arcuate suspension of the midface was performed using 2-0 absorbable sutures (SXPP1A405). Postoperative follow-up assessed midface lifting outcomes and complication rates. The wrinkle severity rating scale (WSRS) was used to grade nasolabial folds pre- and postoperatively (5-point scale: higher scores indicating more pronounced folds). Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the Face-Q questionnaire, evaluating: (1) overall facial satisfaction, (2) satisfaction with surgical results, and (3) satisfaction with decision (scale 0-100; higher scores indicating greater satisfaction/less decisional regret). Descriptive statistical methods were employed for data analysis.Results:A total of 43 patients were enrolled, comprising 7 males and 36 females, with a mean age of (50.6±12.2) years (range: 32-73 years). Postoperative follow-up averaged (11.9±4.6)months. All patients demonstrated significant improvement in lower eyelid bags, tear trough deformity, midface elevation, and nasolabial folds. Surgical complications included: residual lower eyelid fat ( n=5), intermittent fixation point pain persisting >1 month ( n=4), mild residual tear trough deformity ( n=4), and hematoma ( n=1). Nasolabial fold WSRS scores decreased from ( 3.7±0.9 ) points to(2.9±0.6)points following surgery. In 38 patients, Face-Q scores demonstrated high satisfaction levels: appearance-related satisfaction scored (80.9 ± 10.3)points and satisfaction with decision scored (82.4 ± 8.9)points, indicating favorable patient-reported outcomes. Conclusion:The infraorbital rim drilling-assisted midface lift combined with comprehensive lower blepharoplasty effectively corrects midface ptosis while addressing lower eyelid bags. This technique provides reliable fixation points through drilling, resulting in stable and long-lasting lifting outcomes with high patient satisfaction.
8.Exploring Therapeutic Effect of Yuejuwan on Depressed Mice Based on Lipidomics
Zhentao ZHANG ; Dan SU ; Huizhen LI ; Yonggui SONG ; Huanhua XU ; Meixizi LAI ; Zhifu AI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):85-94
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Yuejuwan on lipid metabolism in serum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of depressed mice based on lipidomics, and to explore the potential pathways for improving lipid metabolism to prevent depression. MethodsSeven-week-old C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, Yuejuwan group(3.6 g·kg-1) and fluoxetine group(10 mg·kg-1), and chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS) was used to establish the depression model. After 3 weeks of modeling, each administration group was gavaged with the corresponding drug solution according to the dose, and mice in the blank and model groups were given an equal volume of deionised water by gavage, one time/d for 2 weeks. After administration, the antidepressant effect of Yuejuwan was evaluated by neurobehavioral indices such as sucrose preference test, open field test, tail suspension test and forced swimming test. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure contents of total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase(AST) and alanine aminotransferase(ALT) in mouse serum. Lipidomic analysis of mouse serum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus was performed based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS), and the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), ribosomal protein S6 kinase(S6K), phosphorylation(p)-mTOR, p-S6K in gastric tissues of mice was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group, mice in the model group exhibited significantly reduced sucrose preference rate and center movement time in the open field test(P<0.01), the immobility times in the tail suspension test and forced swimming test were significantly increased(P<0.01), and serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, AST and ALT were significantly elevated(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Yuejuwan group showed a significant increase in the sucrose preference rate and center movement time in the open field test(P<0.01), the immobility times in the tail suspension test and forced swimming test were significantly reduced(P<0.01), and the serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, AST and ALT were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Lipidomic analysis revealed that Yuejuwan had a significant effect on lipid metabolism in serum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of depressed mice, and The differential lipid metabolites were mainly enriched in the metabolic pathways of glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid signaling, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein biosynthesis, among which the glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway was the most significant. Western blot results showed that compared with the blank group, the relative expression levels of p-mTOR/mTOR and p-S6K/S6K in the gastric tissues of mice in the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, the relative expression levels of p-mTOR/mTOR and p-S6K/S6K in the gastric tissues of mice in the Yuejuwan group were significantly decreased(P<0.01). ConclusionThe intervention of Yuejuwan on lipid metabolism is one of the potential pathways for its antidepressant effect, which may be related to the regulation of mTOR/S6K signaling pathway upstream of lipid metabolism in the gastric tissues.
9.Research on the lnternal Mechanism of Collaborative Development and Governance among Tripartite System Based on Synergetic
Haoyue LI ; Lin WU ; Shijia WANG ; Min ZHANG ; Zhentao WANG ; Yongfa CHEN
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(4):24-29
The current transformation of the tripartite linkage of medical treatment has gradually shifted towards collaborative development and governance among medical care,medical insurance,and medicine,necessitating a clear understanding of the internal mechanisms underpinning this collaboration and governance to lay a theoretical foundation for practical exploration.Drawing on synergetics theory,it delves into the self-organizing characteristics of the collaborative development and governance among the tripartite system,grasping its fundamental operational laws.Through a questionnaire survey of the main functional departments in each field of the tripartite system to verify the rationality of the sequence parameters selected for the study.It ultimately identifies the order parameters as the value standard centered on health,the interest contract focused on public interest,new system for mobilizing resources nationwide,the innovative capacity of the pharmaceutical industry,and the rigorous accountability system.Furthermore,it systematically expounds on the self-organizing evolution process of the collaborative development and governance among the tripartite system,thereby revealing the inherent mechanisms of its collaborative development and governance.It proposes countermeasures and suggestions for establishing and improving diversified collaboration mechanisms,innovating monitoring and early warning mechanisms,and fostering positive feedback mechanisms,aiming to facilitate more scientific and efficient collaborative development and governance among the tripartite system.
10.Isthmin-1 drives pancreatic cancer invasion and metastasis through epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Xinyu ZHANG ; Zhichao XU ; Zhentao WANG ; Qing CHEN ; Dupeng QIN ; Dongming SU
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(6):747-757
To investigate the effect of isthmin-1 (ISM1) on the invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer and its underlying mechanism, this study analyzed the expression of ISM1 in pancreatic cancer patients and normal pancreatic tissues using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Western blot was employed to detect differences in ISM1 protein expression between pancreatic cancer cell lines (Aspc1, Bxpc3, PANC1, SW1990) and the pancreatic epithelial cell line (hPNE). Cell models with stable ISM1 overexpression and knockdown were constructed, and changes in cell migration and invasion capabilities were assessed via Transwell invasion assays and wound healing assays. Meanwhile, Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of key markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, TCGA and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were utilized to analyze pathways regulated downstream of ISM1 and the mechanisms promoting pancreatic cancer invasion and metastasis. Immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry (IP-MS) was used to screen for vimentin as an ISM1-binding protein, and the interaction between ISM1 and vimentin was verified by immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Bxpc3 cells overexpressing ISM1 were treated with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX) to detect vimentin protein stability. The results indicate that ISM1 promotes the EMT process by inhibiting vimentin degradation, thereby enhancing the invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. This study provides new experimental evidence for elucidating the mechanism of pancreatic cancer metastasis.

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