1.Notoginsenoside R1 modulates mitophagy in human cardiomyocytes viathe Pink1/Parkin pathway after hypoxia/reoxygenation
Xiaoman XIONG ; Huan WU ; Shanglin LU ; Yong WANG ; Yuhua ZHENG ; Yi XIANG ; Haiyan ZHOU ; Xingde LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):53-59
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) ameliorates hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced injury in AC16 human cardiomyocyte cell lines through the regulation of mitophagy. MethodsCommon genes linked to hypoxia/reoxygenation injury and mitophagy were identified by intersecting data from GeneCards and MitoCarta databases. AC16 cell viability was assessed via CCK-8 assay under varying NGR1 concentrations (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 μmol/L). AC16 cells were divided into the following groups: control group (Control), model group (H/R), and treatment groups (H/R + NGR1 at 100, 200 and 300 μmol/L). Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was measured using 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) staining. Transcriptional levels of mitophagy-related genes (Parkin, Pink1, P62) were quantified by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Protein expression of mitophagy-related markers (Parkin, Pink1, P62, and LC3BⅡ) was evaluated via Western blot analysis. Mitochondrial ultrastructure was visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). ResultsCompared to the control group, cell viability in the H/R group significantly decreased (P<0.01). Treatment with NGR1 at concentrations above 100 μmol/L significantly enhanced the cell viability of AC16 cells compared to the H/R group (P<0.01). H/R induced a significant decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.01), which was restored by NGR1 treatment (P<0.01). The mRNA levels of Parkin, Pink1, and P62 in the H/R group were upregulated compared to the control group (P<0.05), while NGR1 intervention downregulated their expression (P<0.05). Protein expression levels of Parkin, Pink1, and LC3BⅡ in the H/R group significantly increased, while P62 expression decreased compared to the control group (P<0.01). In contrast, different doses of NGR1 treatment significantly reduced the expression of Parkin, Pink1, and LC3BⅡ while increasing P62 expression (P<0.05). TEM revealed that the mitochondrial structure in the H/R group was severely disrupted, with fragmented and disorganized cristae, which was alleviated by NGR1. ConclusionNGR1 ameliorates H/R-induced AC16 cell injury, and its mechanism may be associated with modulating the Pink1/Parkin pathway to suppress excessive mitophagy.
2.Elevated SLC3A2 Expression Promotes the Progression of Gliomas and Enhances Ferroptosis Resistance through the AKT/NRF2/GPX4 Axis
Yuqian ZHENG ; Shaolong ZHOU ; Yiran TAO ; Zimin SHI ; Xiang LI ; Xudong FU ; Jian MA ; Weihua HU ; Wulong LIANG ; Xinjun WANG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(1):71-94
Purpose:
The aim of this study is to determine the impact of solute carrier family 3 member 2 (SLC3A2) on the malignant phenotype of gliomas and its role in regulating ferroptosis sensitivity.
Materials and Methods:
The malignant phenotype of glioma was assessed by cell proliferation assay, colony formation assay, EdU assay, wound healing, and Transwell experiments. We further validated the impact of reduced SLC3A2 expression on the sensitivity to ferroptosis in glioma cells through Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, flow cytometry, western blotting, and transmission electron microscopy. Western blot was used to explore how SLC3A2 affects glioma sensitivity to ferroptosis through the AKT/NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) axis. By establishing a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model in BALB/c-nude mice, we investigated the growth of tumors following the knockout of SLC3A2 in glioma cells.
Results:
Downregulation of SLC3A2 suppressed the malignant phenotype of glioma by blocking the cell cycle and epithelial-mesenchymal transition processes. On the other hand, loss of SLC3A2 not only downregulated SLC7A11 but also prevented the activation of the AKT/NRF2/GPX4 axis. These lead to increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides, ultimately enhancing the susceptibility of glioma to ferroptosis.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that SLC3A2 is an oncogene in gliomas, promoting their occurrence and development. It plays a critical role in ferroptosis resistance through the AKT/NRF2/GPX4 axis.
3.Research progress on regulation of antitumor immune function of γδ T cells by active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine
Binrui WANG ; Zheng CHANG ; Meijing QIN ; Limei ZHAO ; Juanmei MO ; Xiang LU ; Chunhua LU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1773-1777
γδ T cells possess both innate and adaptive immune characteristics. Their antigen recognition is independent of major histocompatibility complex presentation, and they can directly recognize abnormal tumor metabolism, showing unique application potential in tumors with low immune infiltration. This paper systematically sorts out the biological characteristics and antitumor immune functions of γδ T cells, and mainly reviews the relevant mechanisms by which active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine regulate γδ T cells to exert antitumor immune functions. Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide and Astragalus polysaccharide can enhance the antitumor immune function of γδ T cells by promoting the expression of various cytokines, regulating intestinal flora and alleviating immunosuppressive state. Quercetin and puerarin can strengthen γδ T cell-mediated tumor cell killing by regulating the proliferation of γδ T cells, the expression of cytotoxic effector molecules and related signaling pathways. Toosendanin can potentiate γδ T cell-induced tumor cell killing by down-regulating the expression of anti-apoptotic protein in tumor cells. Artesunate can boost γδ T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses by enhancing the effector function of γδ T cells and weakening tumor immune escape. Future research shall focus on exploring the synergistic effects and molecular mechanisms of the combined application of active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and γδ T cell immunotherapy, and identifying the key targets for γδ T cells to exert antitumor immune functions.
4.Research progress on regulation of antitumor immune function of γδ T cells by active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine
Binrui WANG ; Zheng CHANG ; Meijing QIN ; Limei ZHAO ; Juanmei MO ; Xiang LU ; Chunhua LU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1773-1777
γδ T cells possess both innate and adaptive immune characteristics. Their antigen recognition is independent of major histocompatibility complex presentation, and they can directly recognize abnormal tumor metabolism, showing unique application potential in tumors with low immune infiltration. This paper systematically sorts out the biological characteristics and antitumor immune functions of γδ T cells, and mainly reviews the relevant mechanisms by which active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine regulate γδ T cells to exert antitumor immune functions. Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide and Astragalus polysaccharide can enhance the antitumor immune function of γδ T cells by promoting the expression of various cytokines, regulating intestinal flora and alleviating immunosuppressive state. Quercetin and puerarin can strengthen γδ T cell-mediated tumor cell killing by regulating the proliferation of γδ T cells, the expression of cytotoxic effector molecules and related signaling pathways. Toosendanin can potentiate γδ T cell-induced tumor cell killing by down-regulating the expression of anti-apoptotic protein in tumor cells. Artesunate can boost γδ T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses by enhancing the effector function of γδ T cells and weakening tumor immune escape. Future research shall focus on exploring the synergistic effects and molecular mechanisms of the combined application of active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and γδ T cell immunotherapy, and identifying the key targets for γδ T cells to exert antitumor immune functions.
5.A new method for flow cytometry-based detection of ABO antigen expression levels
Yuyu ZHANG ; Xi LIU ; Junhua XIE ; Bin CAO ; Jiewei ZHENG ; Xinyi ZHU ; Zhongying WANG ; Dong XIANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(5):665-672
Objective: To design and establish a new method for flow cytometry-based detection of commonly observed highly expressed antigens on red blood cells, and to further evaluate the differences and distribution characteristics of antigen expression levels between ABO blood type homozygotes and heterozygotes in healthy individuals. Methods: Residual blood samples after donor blood type identification by Shanghai Blood Center in April 2024 were collected. Among them, samples of 19 homozygous and 19 heterozygous individuals of type A and type B were selected. Then the expression level of ABO antigen on red blood cells were detected using the new method established in this study and the traditional aldehyde fixed red blood cell method. Both methods were tested independently three times and the results were compared. Results: The mean values of the three detection results of the new method was (×10
/RBC): AA homozygous 3.3±0.5, AO heterozygous 2.8±0.3, BB homozygous 3.6±0.3, BO heterozygous 3.1±2.8. The mean values of the three detection results of the aldehyde fixation method were AA homozygous 5.9±0.9, AO heterozygous 5.0±1.4, BB homozygous 3.8±0.6, and BO heterozygous 3.3±0.4. The average antigen distribution of each genotype followed a normal distribution. Comparing the average antigen expression levels of homozygotes and heterozygotes, both methods showed that A/B homozygotes had higher antigen levels than heterozygotes, with AA being 1.17 to 1.18 times that of AO and BB being 1.15 to 1.16 times that of BO. Comparing the inter batch differences in the three test results of two methods, the new method showed no significant difference in the three test results for four genotypes (P>0.05). The aldehyde fixation method showed significant differences in the test results for all three genotypes (P<0.01) except for BB homozygotes (P>0.05). The reliability and reproducibility of the new method were better than those of the traditional aldehyde fixation method. Conclusion: The antigen expression level of ABO homozygotes is higher than that of heterozygotes, and the difference in antigen level between type A homozygotes and heterozygotes is slightly higher than that of type B. The new method is superior to traditional aldolization fixation methods.
6.The application of surgical robots in head and neck tumors.
Xiaoming HUANG ; Qingqing HE ; Dan WANG ; Jiqi YAN ; Yu WANG ; Xuekui LIU ; Chuanming ZHENG ; Yan XU ; Yanxia BAI ; Chao LI ; Ronghao SUN ; Xudong WANG ; Mingliang XIANG ; Yan WANG ; Xiang LU ; Lei TAO ; Ming SONG ; Qinlong LIANG ; Xiaomeng ZHANG ; Yuan HU ; Renhui CHEN ; Zhaohui LIU ; Faya LIANG ; Ping HAN
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(11):1001-1008
7.3D visualization-based classification of left intrahepatic vessels and its application in precision hepatectomy.
Jun ZHENG ; Zhihua WANG ; Xiaojun HU ; Xiang HE ; Yingfang FAN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(5):1047-1055
OBJECTIVES:
To establish a three-dimensional (3D) visualization-based classification of the left hepatic portal vein (LHPV) and left hepatic vein (LHV) systems using 3D reconstruction technology to facilitate precise segmental/subsegmental resection of left liver lesions.
METHODS:
Thin-slice contrast-enhanced CT datasets from 244 patients were reconstructed using MI-3DV Works software. The spatial anatomy (origins, branching patterns, and spatial relationships) of the LHPV and LHV branches was analyzed to determine their 3D classifications and segmental liver divisions for guiding surgical planning for anatomical left liver resections.
RESULTS:
The 3D models of the third- and fourth-order branches of the LHPV and LHV were successfully reconstructed for all the 244 patients. Two types of the LHPV system were identified, where the LHPV either had independent origins [242 cases (99.1%)] or had right anterior portal branches arising from the LHPV trunk [2 cases (0.9%)]. 3D classifications identified two types of the Segment II of the LHPV (based on branch number), 3 types of the Segment III (by spatial distribution of the branches), compact vs dispersed types of the left lateral lobe (determined by Segment II/III branches proximity), 3 types of the Segment IV (by branch number and origin), and 3 types the fourth hilar vessels (transverse branches of the left portal vein) for their supplied segments. The LHV system had two drainage types into the inferior vena cava, and the umbilical fissure veins were classified into 3 types by drainage patterns and distance to the venous roots. These classifications combined with liver segmentations allowed individualized surgical planning for segment-specific resections.
CONCLUSIONS
The 3D classification of the LHPV and LHV provides valuable clinical guidance for precise anatomical resections of left liver lesions using liver segments or subsegments as anatomical units to enhance surgical accuracy and improve the outcomes of hepatobiliary surgery.
Humans
;
Hepatectomy/methods*
;
Imaging, Three-Dimensional
;
Hepatic Veins/anatomy & histology*
;
Portal Vein/anatomy & histology*
;
Liver/surgery*
;
Liver Neoplasms/blood supply*
;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
;
Female
8.Niranthin ameliorates Crohn's disease-like enteritis in mice by inhibiting intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis and protecting intestinal barrier via modulating p38/JNK signaling.
Lu TAO ; Yue CHEN ; Linlin HUANG ; Wang ZHENG ; Xue SONG ; Ping XIANG ; Jianguo HU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(11):2483-2495
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the therapeutic effect of the natural compound niranthin on Crohn's disease-like colitis in mice and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.
METHODS:
In a mouse model of colitis induced by 2,4,6-trinitro-benzenesulfonic acid (TNBS), the therapeutic effect of niranthin was evaluated by observing the changes in body weight, disease activity index (DAI), and colon length of the mice. The levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-17A and IL-10) in the intestinal mucosal tissue were detected using ELISA and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). TUNEL staining and Western blotting were used to assess intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis and the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax. The expression levels of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and claudin-1) and the activation of the p38/JNK signaling pathway were investigated using Western blotting, and diprovocim intervention experiments were conducted to explore the molecular regulatory mechanism of niranthin.
RESULTS:
Niranthin treatment significantly increased body weight of TNBS-treated mice, lowered the DAI and histological inflammation scores, and increased colon length of the mice. The niranthin-treated mouse models showed obviously reduced protein and mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-1β, IL-17A, and TNF-α and upregulated expression of IL-10 in the colon tissue. TUNEL staining and Western blotting demonstrated that niranthin significantly inhibited intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis and activated the anti-apoptotic pathway in the mouse models. Niranthin treatment obviously upregulated the expression levels of ZO-1 and claudin-1 and downregulated the phosphorylation levels of p38 and JNK in the colon tissues of the mice. Diprovocim intervention obviously attenuated the inactivation of the p38/JNK signaling pathway induced by niranthin in the mouse models.
CONCLUSIONS
Niranthin ameliorates TNBS-induced Crohn's disease-like colitis in mice by inhibiting intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis and protecting the integrity of the intestinal barrier via regulating the activation of the p38/JNK signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Mice
;
Intestinal Mucosa/drug effects*
;
Crohn Disease/drug therapy*
;
MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects*
;
Epithelial Cells/drug effects*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism*
;
Male
9.Glutamine signaling specifically activates c-Myc and Mcl-1 to facilitate cancer cell proliferation and survival.
Meng WANG ; Fu-Shen GUO ; Dai-Sen HOU ; Hui-Lu ZHANG ; Xiang-Tian CHEN ; Yan-Xin SHEN ; Zi-Fan GUO ; Zhi-Fang ZHENG ; Yu-Peng HU ; Pei-Zhun DU ; Chen-Ji WANG ; Yan LIN ; Yi-Yuan YUAN ; Shi-Min ZHAO ; Wei XU
Protein & Cell 2025;16(11):968-984
Glutamine provides carbon and nitrogen to support the proliferation of cancer cells. However, the precise reason why cancer cells are particularly dependent on glutamine remains unclear. In this study, we report that glutamine modulates the tumor suppressor F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 7 (FBW7) to promote cancer cell proliferation and survival. Specifically, lysine 604 (K604) in the sixth of the 7 substrate-recruiting WD repeats of FBW7 undergoes glutaminylation (Gln-K604) by glutaminyl tRNA synthetase. Gln-K604 inhibits SCFFBW7-mediated degradation of c-Myc and Mcl-1, enhances glutamine utilization, and stimulates nucleotide and DNA biosynthesis through the activation of c-Myc. Additionally, Gln-K604 promotes resistance to apoptosis by activating Mcl-1. In contrast, SIRT1 deglutaminylates Gln-K604, thereby reversing its effects. Cancer cells lacking Gln-K604 exhibit overexpression of c-Myc and Mcl-1 and display resistance to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Silencing both c-MYC and MCL-1 in these cells sensitizes them to chemotherapy. These findings indicate that the glutamine-mediated signal via Gln-K604 is a key driver of cancer progression and suggest potential strategies for targeted cancer therapies based on varying Gln-K604 status.
Glutamine/metabolism*
;
Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc/genetics*
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Signal Transduction
;
Neoplasms/pathology*
;
F-Box-WD Repeat-Containing Protein 7/genetics*
;
Cell Survival
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Apoptosis
10.Comparison of 24 h Ambulatory Blood Pressure Control Among Hypertensive Patients in Communities in Different Time Periods and Analysis of Its Influencing Factors.
Xiang HUANG ; Hua-Jie YANG ; Yong-Jun ZHENG ; Yu-Ting LI ; Jie-Zhen FENG ; Hao-Xiang WANG ; Ling WANG
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(5):811-821
Objective To assess the blood pressure control and its influencing factors among hypertensive patients in communities in different time periods by 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring(24 h ABPM)and provide reference for optimizing the health management services for hypertension in communities. Methods A total of 765 hypertensive patients registered in the hypertension management project of national essential public health services in Sanxiang Town,Zhongshan City from October 2022 to September 2023 were identified as target subjects.The 24 h ABPM devices were distributed for blood pressure monitoring and a questionnaire survey was conducted to analyze the influencing factors of blood pressure control. Results Of all the participants,16.5% did not monitor blood pressure regularly,and 59.2% monitored blood pressure 1-2 times per week.The patients who were not on night shifts/staying up late had higher mean rates of achieving the target blood pressure and the circadian rhythm of blood pressure during 24 h,nighttime,and early morning than those who were on night shifts/staying up late(all P<0.05).The patients who never drank alcohol had higher rate of achieving the target blood pressure in early morning than those who drank alcohol(P=0.012).The average blood pressure during daytime,nighttime,and 24 h were different by sex(all P<0.05).The average blood pressure during nighttime was different by age and job types(all P<0.05).The average blood pressure during daytime,nighttime,and 24 h were different in patients with different body weight types(all P<0.05).The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that uncontrolled blood pressure during daytime was more likely to occur in male patients(OR=1.394,95%CI=1.045-1.858,P=0.024),and that during nighttime was more likely to be associated with male patients(OR=1.573,95%CI=1.088-2.275,P=0.016)and night shifts(OR=2.467,95%CI=1.198-5.077,P=0.014).It was difficult to achieve blood pressure control in early morning for the patients who drank alcohol for more than three times per week(OR=4.567,95%CI=1.629-12.807,P=0.004),woke up at night(OR=1.800,95%CI=1.125-2.878,P=0.014),and had night shifts(OR=1.579,95%CI=1.102-2.465,P=0.044).The patients on night shifts were more likely to have abnormal circadian rhythm of blood pressure(OR=1.753,95%CI:1.018-3.018,P=0.043). Conclusions The personal characteristics and lifestyle of hypertensive patients significantly affect the blood pressure control in different time periods(daytime,nighttime,and early morning)and the circadian rhythm of blood pressure.The family doctor team of community healthcare institutions can implement targeted and precise intervention measures for hypertensive patients according to the influencing factors of blood pressure control in different time periods,so as to achieve better management effects.
Humans
;
Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory
;
Hypertension/physiopathology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Circadian Rhythm
;
Blood Pressure
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
;
Adult
;
Aged
;
Time Factors

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