1.Shenqi Yiliu Prescription Reverses Cisplatin Resistance in Ovarian Cancer Cells by Regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway-mediated Glycolysis
Lan MA ; Yuping YANG ; Min BAI ; Yongqiang DUAN ; Zhining ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):60-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Shenqi Yiliu prescription reverses cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cells by regulating the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway-mediated glycolysis. MethodsThe human ovarian cancer A2780 cell line was intervened with progressively increasing doses of cisplatin (1 g·L-1) to establish the cisplatin-resistant cell line A2780cisR, and the cell sensitivity to cisplatin was examined by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. High, medium, and low (39.9, 19.95, 9.98 g·kg-1) doses of Shenqi Yiliu prescription-containing sera were used to treat A2780cisR cells for 48 h. Glucose consumption and lactate production were measured by the cuvette assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to determine the activities of glucose transporter (GLUT), phosphofructokinase (PFK), and pyruvate kinase (PK). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to detect apoptosis. Western blot was employed to quantify the protein levels of phosphorylated (p)-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, hexokinase 2 (HK2), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), B-cell lymphoblastoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X-protein (Bax), and B-lymphoblastoma-2 gene-related promoter (Bad). Real-time PCR was conducted to determine the mRNA levels of HK2, PKM2, Bax, Bcl-2, and Bad. ResultsThe median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of cisplatin on A2780cisR cells was nearly 3 times that on A2780P cells. Compared with A2780P cells, A2780cisR cells showed increased glucose consumption, lactate production, GLUT, PFK, and PK activities, and mRNA and protein levels of p-PI3K, Akt, p-mTOR, HK2, PKM2, Bax (P<0.05), and decreased apoptosis rate and Bcl-2 expression (P<0.05). Compared with A2780cisR cells, medium- and high-dose Shenqi Yiliu prescription reduced the glucose consumption, lactate production, GLUT, PFK, and PK activities, and mRNA and protein levels of p-PI3K, Akt, p-mTOR, HK2, PKM2, Bax, and Bad (P<0.05), while increasing the apoptosis rate and Bcl-2 expression (P<0.05). ConclusionShenqi Yiliu prescription can inhibit glycolysis mediated by the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to promote apoptosis, thereby reversing cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cells.
2.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.
3.Exploration on the Mechanism of Shenqi Yiliu Prescription for Ovarian Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology,Molecular Docking and Experimental Validation
Lan MA ; Yuping YANG ; Min BAI ; Zhining ZHANG ; Yongqiang DUAN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(7):42-48
Objective To predict the molecular mechanism of Shenqi Yiliu Prescription for the treatment of ovarian cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology;To conduct experimental validation.Methods The active components and targets of Shenqi Yiliu Prescription were retrieved and screened through TCMSP database,and ovarian cancer disease targets were searched through GeneCards database.A protein-protein interaction network between drugs and disease was established using the STRING database,and GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed.Molecular docking between key active components and core targets was conducted.Ovarian cancer A2780 cells were intervened with Shenqi Yiliu Prescription low-,medium-and high-dosages containing serum.ELISA was used to detect TNF-α and IL-17 contents in cell supernatant;TUNEL staining was used to detect cell apoptosis;Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of p-PI3K,p-AKT,phosphorylated T218(MDM2),and tumor protein P53(P53);real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of PI3K,AKT,MDM2 and P53.Results Network pharmacology analysis showed that quercetin,β-sitosterol and kaempferol were the active components of Shenqi Yiliu Prescription to treat ovarian cancer,and TP53,AKT1 and TNF were the core targets.The molecular docking results showed that the key active components could bind well to the core targets.KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway may be the core pathway for Shenqi Yiliu Prescription to intervene in ovarian cancer.The cell experiment results showed that compared with the control group,the contents of TNF-α and IL-17 in cell supernatant decreased(P<0.05),the apoptosis rate increased(P<0.05),the expressions of p-PI3K,p-AKT,MDM2 protein and PI3K,AKT,MDM2 mRNA decreased(P<0.05),and the expressions of P53 protein and mRNA decreased(P<0.05)in each Shenqi Yiliu Prescription group.Moreover,the intervention effect of Shenqi Yiliu Prescription was dose-dependent.Conclusion Shenqi Yiliu Prescription can effectively inhibit the proliferation and promote apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells,and its possible mechanism maybe related to inhibition of the activation of AKT-MDM2-P53 signaling pathway and the reduction of IL-17 and TNF-α contents.
4.Bioinformatics-Based Study on the Effects of Ginseng Astragalus Tumor Suppressor Formula Combined with Cisplatin on Relevant Immune Genes and Immune Functions in Mice Modeling Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Lan MA ; Yuping YANG ; Xin FENG ; Yongqiang DUAN ; Zhining ZHANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(6):1721-1733
Objective This study was to investigate the effects of Ginseng Astragalus Tumor Suppressor Formula combined with cisplatin on relevant immune genes and immune functions in mice modeled with hepatocellular carcinoma based on bioinformatics research.Methods Gene expression profiles and clinical data of hepatocellular carcinoma patients were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases and screened for immune-expressed genes by taking intersections with immune-related genes downloaded from ImmPort database.Immune-related gene pair coefficients(IRGPI)were calculated to construct IRGP prognostic models.The optimal cut-off value of IRGPI for 1-year overall survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients was determined based on ROC curve analysis,and hepatocellular carcinoma patients were divided into high and low immune risk groups,and the survival status of patients in the two groups was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Log-Rank test.Then,we screened the active ingredients and gene targets of Ginseng Astragali Tumor Suppressor Formula for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by network pharmacology,and obtained the intersection genes between Ginseng Astragali Tumor Suppressor Formula and disease,and then extracted the intersection of hepatocellular carcinoma-related immune genes and the intersection genes between Ginseng Astragali Tumor Suppressor Formula and disease through the"VennDiagram"software,and verified it through the animal model.The effects of Astragalus tumor-suppressing formula combined with cisplatin on the immunity genes and immune functions in the tumor tissues of mice with hepatocellular carcinoma were verified in animal models.Results Among 2483 relevant immune genes,84 pairs of immune-related genes were significantly associated with OS in the experimental group(P<0.001),and among the patients categorized into high and low immune risk groups by cut-off value-0.258,the overall survival rate of the high immune risk group was significantly lower than that of the low immune risk group(P<0.001).Univariate Cox analysis showed that IRGP model risk values and clinical characteristics of tumor T-staging had an impact on prognosis.Multifactorial Cox analysis showed that IRGP model risk value and tumor T-stage could be used as independent prognostic factors.266 genes intersecting with hepatocellular carcinoma were screened by network pharmacology technique for Ginseng Astragalus Tumor Suppressor Formula,and further 8 genes were obtained by taking the intersection with 84 pairs of immune-related genes.The experimental results showed that compared with the model group,the tumor mass of mice in each treatment group decreased(P<0.05);the spleen index and thymus index of mice increased(P<0.05);the CD4+/CD8+ratio in serum and spleen tissues of mice decreased;ICAM1,FABP5,IGF2,CDK4,NR1,ADRB2,AR,NR3C2 in tumor tissue of mice mRNA expression were all decreased(P<0.05),and the therapeutic effect of the combined group was significant(P<0.01).Conclusion This study predicted the key immune genes related to hepatocellular carcinoma as well as the prognostic analysis of immune-related genes,and the experimental study verified that Ginseng and Astragalus Tumor Suppressor Formula could effectively reduce the expression of related immune genes in tumor tissues,and improve the proportion of related immune cells in the splenic tissues of mice with hepatocellular carcinoma model as well as improve the immune function of mice.
5.Exploration on the Mechanism of Shenqi Yiliu Prescription for Ovarian Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology,Molecular Docking and Experimental Validation
Lan MA ; Yuping YANG ; Min BAI ; Zhining ZHANG ; Yongqiang DUAN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(7):42-48
Objective To predict the molecular mechanism of Shenqi Yiliu Prescription for the treatment of ovarian cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology;To conduct experimental validation.Methods The active components and targets of Shenqi Yiliu Prescription were retrieved and screened through TCMSP database,and ovarian cancer disease targets were searched through GeneCards database.A protein-protein interaction network between drugs and disease was established using the STRING database,and GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed.Molecular docking between key active components and core targets was conducted.Ovarian cancer A2780 cells were intervened with Shenqi Yiliu Prescription low-,medium-and high-dosages containing serum.ELISA was used to detect TNF-α and IL-17 contents in cell supernatant;TUNEL staining was used to detect cell apoptosis;Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of p-PI3K,p-AKT,phosphorylated T218(MDM2),and tumor protein P53(P53);real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of PI3K,AKT,MDM2 and P53.Results Network pharmacology analysis showed that quercetin,β-sitosterol and kaempferol were the active components of Shenqi Yiliu Prescription to treat ovarian cancer,and TP53,AKT1 and TNF were the core targets.The molecular docking results showed that the key active components could bind well to the core targets.KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway may be the core pathway for Shenqi Yiliu Prescription to intervene in ovarian cancer.The cell experiment results showed that compared with the control group,the contents of TNF-α and IL-17 in cell supernatant decreased(P<0.05),the apoptosis rate increased(P<0.05),the expressions of p-PI3K,p-AKT,MDM2 protein and PI3K,AKT,MDM2 mRNA decreased(P<0.05),and the expressions of P53 protein and mRNA decreased(P<0.05)in each Shenqi Yiliu Prescription group.Moreover,the intervention effect of Shenqi Yiliu Prescription was dose-dependent.Conclusion Shenqi Yiliu Prescription can effectively inhibit the proliferation and promote apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells,and its possible mechanism maybe related to inhibition of the activation of AKT-MDM2-P53 signaling pathway and the reduction of IL-17 and TNF-α contents.
6.Identification of rice htd1 allelic mutant and its regulatory role in grain size.
Yuqi YANG ; Zhining ZHANG ; Jun LIU ; Luyao TANG ; Yiting WEI ; Wen NONG ; Lu YIN ; Sanfeng LI ; Penggen DUAN ; Yuexing WANG ; Yuchun RAO
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(7):2789-2802
Rice is the world's largest food crop, and its yield and quality are directly related to food security and human health. Grain size, as one of the important factors determining the rice yield, has been widely concerned by breeders and researchers for a long time. To decipher the regulatory mechanism of rice grain size, we obtained a multi-tiller, dwarf, and small-grain mutant htd1 by ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutation from the Japonica rice cultivar 'Zhonghua 11' ('ZH11'). Genetic analysis indicated that the phenotype of htd1 was controlled by a single recessive gene. Using the mutation site map (Mutmap) method, we identified the candidate gene OsHTD1, which encoded a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase involved in the biosynthesis of strigolactone (SL). The SL content in htd1 was significantly lower than that in 'ZH11'. Cytological analysis showed that the grain size of the mutant decreased due to the reductions in the length and width of glume cells. The function of htd1 was further verified by the CRISPR/cas9 gene editing technology. The plants with the gene knockout exhibited similar grain size to the mutant. In addition, gene expression analysis showed that the expression levels of multiple grain size-related genes in the mutant changed significantly, suggesting that HTD1 may interact with other genes regulating grain size. This study provides a new theoretical basis for research on the regulatory mechanism of rice grain size and potential genetic resources for breeding the rice cultivars with high yields.
Oryza/growth & development*
;
Mutation
;
Edible Grain/growth & development*
;
Alleles
;
Plant Proteins/genetics*
;
Dioxygenases/genetics*
;
Lactones/metabolism*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
;
Genes, Plant
;
Gene Editing
;
CRISPR-Cas Systems
;
Phenotype
7.Short-term efficacy and safety of sacituzumab govitecan in posterior-line therapy for advanced malignant tumors
Yang WANG ; Chaonan HUANGFU ; Zhining WANG
Cancer Research and Clinic 2025;37(3):186-189
Objective:To explore the efficacy and adverse reactions of sacituzumab govitecan (SG) in the posterior-line therapy for advanced malignant tumors.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 20 patients with advanced malignant tumors who were treated with SG after multiple lines of treatment in Nanjing BenQ Hospital From July to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The short-term efficacy and treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) were evaluated.Results:Among the 20 patients, there were 7 males and 13 females, the median age [ M ( Q1, Q3)] was 60.0 (53.8, 72.5) years old, the median line of previous anti-tumor regimens was 4.5 (3.3, 6.0) lines, and the median duration time of SG treatment was 52.5 (35.8, 72.5) days. After SG treatment, there were 3 cases (15.0%) with partial response, including breast cancer, vaginal squamous cell carcinoma and endometrial carcinoma, 10 cases (50.0%) with stable disease and 7 cases (35.0%) with progressive disease. The objective response rate was 15.0% (3/20), and the disease control rate was 65.0% (13/20). Two cases (10.0%) were discontinued due to intolerable adverse reactions. The incidence of TRAE was 75.0% (15/20), of which the incidence of ≥grade 3 TRAE was 10.0% (2/20), including neutropenic fever and ventricular arrhythmia. Conclusions:SG has a certain therapeutic effect and controllable safety in the posterior-line therapy for advanced malignant tumors.
8.Bioinformatics-Based Study on the Effects of Ginseng Astragalus Tumor Suppressor Formula Combined with Cisplatin on Relevant Immune Genes and Immune Functions in Mice Modeling Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Lan MA ; Yuping YANG ; Xin FENG ; Yongqiang DUAN ; Zhining ZHANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(6):1721-1733
Objective This study was to investigate the effects of Ginseng Astragalus Tumor Suppressor Formula combined with cisplatin on relevant immune genes and immune functions in mice modeled with hepatocellular carcinoma based on bioinformatics research.Methods Gene expression profiles and clinical data of hepatocellular carcinoma patients were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases and screened for immune-expressed genes by taking intersections with immune-related genes downloaded from ImmPort database.Immune-related gene pair coefficients(IRGPI)were calculated to construct IRGP prognostic models.The optimal cut-off value of IRGPI for 1-year overall survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients was determined based on ROC curve analysis,and hepatocellular carcinoma patients were divided into high and low immune risk groups,and the survival status of patients in the two groups was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Log-Rank test.Then,we screened the active ingredients and gene targets of Ginseng Astragali Tumor Suppressor Formula for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by network pharmacology,and obtained the intersection genes between Ginseng Astragali Tumor Suppressor Formula and disease,and then extracted the intersection of hepatocellular carcinoma-related immune genes and the intersection genes between Ginseng Astragali Tumor Suppressor Formula and disease through the"VennDiagram"software,and verified it through the animal model.The effects of Astragalus tumor-suppressing formula combined with cisplatin on the immunity genes and immune functions in the tumor tissues of mice with hepatocellular carcinoma were verified in animal models.Results Among 2483 relevant immune genes,84 pairs of immune-related genes were significantly associated with OS in the experimental group(P<0.001),and among the patients categorized into high and low immune risk groups by cut-off value-0.258,the overall survival rate of the high immune risk group was significantly lower than that of the low immune risk group(P<0.001).Univariate Cox analysis showed that IRGP model risk values and clinical characteristics of tumor T-staging had an impact on prognosis.Multifactorial Cox analysis showed that IRGP model risk value and tumor T-stage could be used as independent prognostic factors.266 genes intersecting with hepatocellular carcinoma were screened by network pharmacology technique for Ginseng Astragalus Tumor Suppressor Formula,and further 8 genes were obtained by taking the intersection with 84 pairs of immune-related genes.The experimental results showed that compared with the model group,the tumor mass of mice in each treatment group decreased(P<0.05);the spleen index and thymus index of mice increased(P<0.05);the CD4+/CD8+ratio in serum and spleen tissues of mice decreased;ICAM1,FABP5,IGF2,CDK4,NR1,ADRB2,AR,NR3C2 in tumor tissue of mice mRNA expression were all decreased(P<0.05),and the therapeutic effect of the combined group was significant(P<0.01).Conclusion This study predicted the key immune genes related to hepatocellular carcinoma as well as the prognostic analysis of immune-related genes,and the experimental study verified that Ginseng and Astragalus Tumor Suppressor Formula could effectively reduce the expression of related immune genes in tumor tissues,and improve the proportion of related immune cells in the splenic tissues of mice with hepatocellular carcinoma model as well as improve the immune function of mice.
9.Short-term efficacy and safety of sacituzumab govitecan in posterior-line therapy for advanced malignant tumors
Yang WANG ; Chaonan HUANGFU ; Zhining WANG
Cancer Research and Clinic 2025;37(3):186-189
Objective:To explore the efficacy and adverse reactions of sacituzumab govitecan (SG) in the posterior-line therapy for advanced malignant tumors.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 20 patients with advanced malignant tumors who were treated with SG after multiple lines of treatment in Nanjing BenQ Hospital From July to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The short-term efficacy and treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) were evaluated.Results:Among the 20 patients, there were 7 males and 13 females, the median age [ M ( Q1, Q3)] was 60.0 (53.8, 72.5) years old, the median line of previous anti-tumor regimens was 4.5 (3.3, 6.0) lines, and the median duration time of SG treatment was 52.5 (35.8, 72.5) days. After SG treatment, there were 3 cases (15.0%) with partial response, including breast cancer, vaginal squamous cell carcinoma and endometrial carcinoma, 10 cases (50.0%) with stable disease and 7 cases (35.0%) with progressive disease. The objective response rate was 15.0% (3/20), and the disease control rate was 65.0% (13/20). Two cases (10.0%) were discontinued due to intolerable adverse reactions. The incidence of TRAE was 75.0% (15/20), of which the incidence of ≥grade 3 TRAE was 10.0% (2/20), including neutropenic fever and ventricular arrhythmia. Conclusions:SG has a certain therapeutic effect and controllable safety in the posterior-line therapy for advanced malignant tumors.
10.Predictive value of serum apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 autoantibodies and growth differentiation factor 15 levels for post-surgical recurrence and metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer
Lei SHEN ; Zhining LIU ; Jinzhu YANG ; Qi SONG
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2024;28(12):72-76
Objective To analyze the serum levels of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 autoantibodies (APE1-AAbs) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) and their predictive value for postoperative recurrence and metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods Fifty-two patients with colorectal cancer were selected as observation group, and were divided into postoperative recurrence and metastasis group (


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