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.Progress on the application of artificial intelligence in histological evaluation of inflammatory bowel disease
Yue SHEN ; Ziru ZHOU ; Jing SUN ; Zhongxia CHEN ; Yuejie XU ; Qiang ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(6):475-478
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, nonspecific inflammatory disease of the intestine. In recent years, the treatment goals for IBD have evolved from symptom control and endoscopic remission to histological remission, which is associated with significantly better prognoses. Current parameters for histological evaluation include the Nancy histological index (NHI), Geboes score (GS), Robarts histological index (RHI), and global histological activity score (GHAS). However, the evaluation of clinical histological remission remains limited by the lack of standardized criteria and poor reproducibility, hindering its widespread application. With the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, AI tools have been increasingly applied in histological evaluation of IBD and can be integrated with endoscopic and multi-omics approaches. This article reviews the current applications, research progress, and associated challenges of AI in the histological evaluation of IBD.
3.Mechanism of sodium valproate in inhibiting ferroptosis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/Sirtuin 1 axis.
Qingsong GU ; Jianqiao LI ; Yuhu CHEN ; Linhui WANG ; Yiheng LI ; Ziru WANG ; Yicong WANG ; Min YANG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(2):215-223
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effects of sodium valproate (VPA) in inhibiting Erastin-induced ferroptosis in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and its underlying mechanisms.
METHODS:
BMSCs were isolated from bone marrow of 8-week-old Spragur Dawley rats and identified [cell surface antigens CD90, CD44, and CD45 were analyzed by flow cytometry, and osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation abilities were assessed by alizarin red S (ARS) and oil red O staining, respectively]. Cells of passage 3 were used for the Erastin-induced ferroptosis model, with different concentrations of VPA for intervention. The optimal drug concentration was determined using the cell counting kit 8 assay. The experiment was divided into 4 groups: group A, cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium for 24 hours; group B, cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium containing optimal concentration Erastin for 24 hours; group C, cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium containing optimal concentration Erastin and VPA for 24 hours; group D, cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium containing optimal concentration Erastin and VPA, and 8 μmol/L EX527 for 24 hours. The mitochondrial state of the cells was evaluated, including the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Osteogenic capacity was assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and ARS staining. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expressions of osteogenic-related proteins [Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteopontin (OPN)], ferroptosis-related proteins [glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)], and pathway-related proteins [adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)].
RESULTS:
The cultured cells were identified as BMSCs. VPA inhibited Erastin-induced ferroptosis and the decline of osteogenic ability in BMSCs, acting through the activation of the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway. VPA significantly reduced the levels of ROS and MDA in Erastin-treated BMSCs and significantly increased GSH levels. Additionally, the expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins (GPX4, FTH1, and SLC7A11) significantly decreased. VPA also upregulated the expressions of osteogenic-related proteins (RUNX2 and OPN), enhanced mineralization and osteogenic differentiation, and increased the expressions of pathway-related proteins (AMPK and SIRT1). These effects could be reversed by the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527.
CONCLUSION
VPA inhibits ferroptosis in BMSCs through the AMPK/SIRT1 axis and promotes osteogenesis.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism*
;
Ferroptosis/drug effects*
;
Animals
;
Valproic Acid/pharmacology*
;
Rats
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Sirtuin 1/metabolism*
;
Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
;
Cells, Cultured
;
AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism*
;
Osteogenesis/drug effects*
;
Piperazines/pharmacology*
;
Bone Marrow Cells/cytology*
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
4.Trends of Esophageal Cancer Epidemiologic Characteris-tics and Life Years Lost in Linzhou City of Henan Province from 2010 to 2019
Qiang WANG ; Fuqiang QIN ; Xiaohong WANG ; Zhicai LIU ; Kai HOU ; Xiaodong YU ; Li WANG ; Chang LIU ; Ziru HAO ; Shuzheng LIU ; Qiong CHEN ; Yin LIU
China Cancer 2025;34(5):341-347
[Purpose]To analyze the trends in incidence,mortality and potential life loss of esophageal cancer in Linzhou City of Henan Province from 2010 to 2019.[Methods]The data of esophageal cancer incidence and mortality from 2010 to 2019 were collected from Linzhou cancer registries.The crude incidence and mortality rates,age-standardized rates(ASR)by sex and age group,the potential years of life lost(PYLL),average potential years of life lost(APYLL),and potential years of life lost rate(PYLLR)were calculated.The average annual percentage change(AAPC)from 2010 to 2019 were analyzed with Joinpoint software.[Results]From 2010 to 2019,there were a total of 8 447 newly diagnosed cases and 6 475 deaths of esophageal cancer in Linzhou.The ASR incidence and ASR mortality of esophageal cancer in the total population,males,females all showed significant downward trends,with AAPCs of-3.97%,-4.35%,-3.29%and-3.78%,-2.68%,-4.95%,respectively(all P<0.05).The crude incidence and mortality rates in all age groups also showed significant downward trends.The AAPCs of incidence rate for the age groups of 0~49,50~59,60~69,and ≥70 years old were-9.92%,-8.27%,-1.41%,and-3.86%,respectively(all P<0.05),and the AAPCs of mortality rate were-950%,-12.36%,-2.61%,and-2.98%,respectively(all P<0.05).From 2010 to 2019,the total PYLL caused by esophageal cancer was 60 880 person years,APYLL was 13.73 person years,and PYLLR was 5.77‰.The PYLL,APYLL,and the PYLLR of the total population and those stratified by sex all showed a decreasing trend(all P<0.05).[Con-clusion]From 2010 to 2019,the incidence,mortality and potential life loss of esophageal cancer in Linzhou City all decreased,and the long-term effect and screening programs is significant.How-ever,the risk of esophageal cancer among men and the elderly is still relatively high,indicating that more targeted prevention and control strategies should be developed.
5.Trends of Incidence and Mortality of Malignant Tumors in Linzhou City of Henan Province from 2010 to 2019
Junwu JING ; Fuqiang QIN ; Qiang WANG ; Xiaohong WANG ; Zhicai LIU ; Kai HOU ; Xiaodong YU ; Li WANG ; Chang LIU ; Ziru HAO ; Shuzheng LIU ; Qiong CHEN ; Yin LIU
China Cancer 2025;34(5):348-354
[Purpose]To analyze the trends of incidence and mortality of malignant tumors in Linzhou City of Henan Province from 2010 to 2019.[Methods]The incidence and mortality data of malignant tumors of Linzhou cancer registration areas from 2010 to 2019 were collected and evaluated for data quality.The crude incidence/mortality rates and age-standardized incidence/mortality rates by Chinese standard population(ASIRC/ASMRC)were calculated by sex,age and can-cer type.Joinpoint software was used to calculate the average annual percentage change(AAPC)to analyze the trends from 2010 to 2019.[Results]From 2010 to 2019,the crude incidence of malig-nant tumors in Linzhou City showed an upward trend,with an AAPC of 2.09%(95%CI:0.58%~3.63%),while the ASIRC tended to be stable.The incidence of malignant tumors showed a signifi-cant upward trend in the 15~29 and 60~69 age groups,and a significant downward trend in the 70~79 age group.From 2010 to 2019,the ASIRC of esophageal cancer and stomach cancer in both men and women showed a significant downward trend,while that of lung cancer and prostate cancer increased in men,and the incidences of thyroid cancer,uterus cancer,cervical cancer,lung cancer and breast cancer increased significantly in women.From 2010 to 2019,the crude mortality of malignant tumors in Linzhou showed a significant upward trend,with an AAPC of 1.18%(95%CI:0.88%~1.48%),while ASMRC showed a significant downward trend,with an AAPC of-1.63%(95%CI:-1.86%~-1.40%).The mortality increased in the group aged 80 and above,while the other age groups remained in a downward or stable state.From 2010 to 2019,the ASMRC of stomach cancer and esophageal cancer in both men and women showed a down-ward trend,while those of prostate cancer,and malignant tumors of the lip,oral cavity and pha-ryngeal in men increased,and that of ovarian cancer in women increased significantly.[Conclu-sion]The disease burden of malignant tumors in Linzhou City is still heavy.The incidence of common cancer types such as thyroid cancer,prostate cancer and lung cancer shows a significant-ly increasing trends from 2010 to 2019.
6.Expression of Rh family C glycoprotein in esophageal squamous carcinoma and its clinical significance
Ziru ZHOU ; Mengfei SUN ; Huakun ZHANG ; Shuyan SUN ; Qi SUN ; Feng LI ; Yunzhao CHEN ; Jie YU ; Yuwen CAO ; Xiaobin CUI
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(4):1019-1027
Objective:To discuss the expression of Rh family C glycoprotein(RHCG)in the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)tissue and its effect on the malignant biological behavior of ESCC cells,and to clarify the value of RHCG as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for the ESCC patients.Methods:A total of 143 ESCC tissue samples and 105 adjacent normal tissue samples were collected.Using immunohistochemical staining method,141 ESCC samples were divided into two groups:RHCG low expression group(immunohistochemistry score≤6)and RHCG high expression group(immunohistochemistry score>6).Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the RHCG protein expression in 143 ESCC tissues and 105 normal tissues,and the relationship between the clinicopathological characteristics of the ESCC patients was analyzed.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to evaluate the value of RHCG in diagnosis and prognosis of the ESCC patients;univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis were used to determine the independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of the ESCC patients.Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis(GEPIA2)database was used to analyze the expression of RHCG mRNA in various tumor tissues.The ESCC TE-1 cells were cultured and transfected in to 6-well cell culture plates with different Lipofectamine2000∶RHCG ratios;the cells in RHCG transfection group were transfected with weights of 2.0,2.5,and 3.0 μg for 24 and 48 h,respectively,and the cells in NC group transfected with empty vector as control.Western blotting method was used to detect the RHCG protein expression level in the TE-1 cells in various groups after transfection at different concentrations and verify the optimal transfection conditions;cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay was used to detect the proliferation activities of the TE-1 cells;plate clone formation assay was used to detect the colony formation numbers of the TE-1 cells;Transwell chamber assay was used to detect the numbers of migrating TE-1 cells.Results:Compared with adjacent normal tissue,the RHCG gene expression level in various cancer tissues including ESCC,glioblastoma multiforme,and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma was significantly decreased(P<0.05).RHCG protein was mainly located on the cell membrane of normal esophageal squamous epithelial cells;the RHCG protein expression intensity in ESCC tissues was lower than that in adjacent normal esophageal tissue(χ2=109.373,P<0.001),and the patients in RHCG low expression group had poorer differentiation than those in RHCG high expression group(P=0.041).The area under the curve(AUC)value of RHCG for diagnosing ESCC was 0.86,with sensitivity and specificity of 95.1%and 75.0%,respectively;the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis results showed that compared with high RHCG expression group,the patients in low RHCG expression group had shorter survival time and poorer prognosis[harard ratio(HR)=0.269,95%confidence interval(CI):0.113-0.639,P=0.020];the COX regression analysis results showed that low RHCG expression could serve as an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of ESCC[HR=4.569,95%CI=1.315-15.877,P=0.017)].The Western blotting results verified that the optimal transfection condition was 3.0 μg RHCG plasmid for 48 h,at which time RHCG overexpression was optimal and RHCG protein expression level was highest.The CCK-8 assay results showed that compared with control group,the proliferation activity in RHCG overexpression group was decreased on the 4th day after cell seeding(P<0.001).In the TE-1 cells,the colony formation number of the TE-1 cells in RHCG over-expression group was lower than that in control group(t=17.70,P<0.001).The Transwell chamber assay results showed that compared with control group,the number of migrating cells in RHCG over-expression group was decreased(t=23.74,P<0.001).Conclusion:RHCG expression is decreased in ESCC tissues and associated with poor prognosis in ESCC patients;overexpression of RHCG can inhibit the proliferation and migration of the TE-1 cells,providing a theoretical basis for RHCG as a novel diagnostic and prognostic marker and therapeutic target for ESCC.
7.Trends of Esophageal Cancer Epidemiologic Characteris-tics and Life Years Lost in Linzhou City of Henan Province from 2010 to 2019
Qiang WANG ; Fuqiang QIN ; Xiaohong WANG ; Zhicai LIU ; Kai HOU ; Xiaodong YU ; Li WANG ; Chang LIU ; Ziru HAO ; Shuzheng LIU ; Qiong CHEN ; Yin LIU
China Cancer 2025;34(5):341-347
[Purpose]To analyze the trends in incidence,mortality and potential life loss of esophageal cancer in Linzhou City of Henan Province from 2010 to 2019.[Methods]The data of esophageal cancer incidence and mortality from 2010 to 2019 were collected from Linzhou cancer registries.The crude incidence and mortality rates,age-standardized rates(ASR)by sex and age group,the potential years of life lost(PYLL),average potential years of life lost(APYLL),and potential years of life lost rate(PYLLR)were calculated.The average annual percentage change(AAPC)from 2010 to 2019 were analyzed with Joinpoint software.[Results]From 2010 to 2019,there were a total of 8 447 newly diagnosed cases and 6 475 deaths of esophageal cancer in Linzhou.The ASR incidence and ASR mortality of esophageal cancer in the total population,males,females all showed significant downward trends,with AAPCs of-3.97%,-4.35%,-3.29%and-3.78%,-2.68%,-4.95%,respectively(all P<0.05).The crude incidence and mortality rates in all age groups also showed significant downward trends.The AAPCs of incidence rate for the age groups of 0~49,50~59,60~69,and ≥70 years old were-9.92%,-8.27%,-1.41%,and-3.86%,respectively(all P<0.05),and the AAPCs of mortality rate were-950%,-12.36%,-2.61%,and-2.98%,respectively(all P<0.05).From 2010 to 2019,the total PYLL caused by esophageal cancer was 60 880 person years,APYLL was 13.73 person years,and PYLLR was 5.77‰.The PYLL,APYLL,and the PYLLR of the total population and those stratified by sex all showed a decreasing trend(all P<0.05).[Con-clusion]From 2010 to 2019,the incidence,mortality and potential life loss of esophageal cancer in Linzhou City all decreased,and the long-term effect and screening programs is significant.How-ever,the risk of esophageal cancer among men and the elderly is still relatively high,indicating that more targeted prevention and control strategies should be developed.
8.Trends of Incidence and Mortality of Malignant Tumors in Linzhou City of Henan Province from 2010 to 2019
Junwu JING ; Fuqiang QIN ; Qiang WANG ; Xiaohong WANG ; Zhicai LIU ; Kai HOU ; Xiaodong YU ; Li WANG ; Chang LIU ; Ziru HAO ; Shuzheng LIU ; Qiong CHEN ; Yin LIU
China Cancer 2025;34(5):348-354
[Purpose]To analyze the trends of incidence and mortality of malignant tumors in Linzhou City of Henan Province from 2010 to 2019.[Methods]The incidence and mortality data of malignant tumors of Linzhou cancer registration areas from 2010 to 2019 were collected and evaluated for data quality.The crude incidence/mortality rates and age-standardized incidence/mortality rates by Chinese standard population(ASIRC/ASMRC)were calculated by sex,age and can-cer type.Joinpoint software was used to calculate the average annual percentage change(AAPC)to analyze the trends from 2010 to 2019.[Results]From 2010 to 2019,the crude incidence of malig-nant tumors in Linzhou City showed an upward trend,with an AAPC of 2.09%(95%CI:0.58%~3.63%),while the ASIRC tended to be stable.The incidence of malignant tumors showed a signifi-cant upward trend in the 15~29 and 60~69 age groups,and a significant downward trend in the 70~79 age group.From 2010 to 2019,the ASIRC of esophageal cancer and stomach cancer in both men and women showed a significant downward trend,while that of lung cancer and prostate cancer increased in men,and the incidences of thyroid cancer,uterus cancer,cervical cancer,lung cancer and breast cancer increased significantly in women.From 2010 to 2019,the crude mortality of malignant tumors in Linzhou showed a significant upward trend,with an AAPC of 1.18%(95%CI:0.88%~1.48%),while ASMRC showed a significant downward trend,with an AAPC of-1.63%(95%CI:-1.86%~-1.40%).The mortality increased in the group aged 80 and above,while the other age groups remained in a downward or stable state.From 2010 to 2019,the ASMRC of stomach cancer and esophageal cancer in both men and women showed a down-ward trend,while those of prostate cancer,and malignant tumors of the lip,oral cavity and pha-ryngeal in men increased,and that of ovarian cancer in women increased significantly.[Conclu-sion]The disease burden of malignant tumors in Linzhou City is still heavy.The incidence of common cancer types such as thyroid cancer,prostate cancer and lung cancer shows a significant-ly increasing trends from 2010 to 2019.
9.Progress on the application of artificial intelligence in histological evaluation of inflammatory bowel disease
Yue SHEN ; Ziru ZHOU ; Jing SUN ; Zhongxia CHEN ; Yuejie XU ; Qiang ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(6):475-478
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, nonspecific inflammatory disease of the intestine. In recent years, the treatment goals for IBD have evolved from symptom control and endoscopic remission to histological remission, which is associated with significantly better prognoses. Current parameters for histological evaluation include the Nancy histological index (NHI), Geboes score (GS), Robarts histological index (RHI), and global histological activity score (GHAS). However, the evaluation of clinical histological remission remains limited by the lack of standardized criteria and poor reproducibility, hindering its widespread application. With the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, AI tools have been increasingly applied in histological evaluation of IBD and can be integrated with endoscopic and multi-omics approaches. This article reviews the current applications, research progress, and associated challenges of AI in the histological evaluation of IBD.
10.Association Between Social Anxiety Symptoms and Brain Metabolism
Ziru ZHAO ; Guohua SHEN ; Taolin CHEN ; Hongsheng XIE ; Ruoqiu GAN ; Mei WANG ; Huaiqiang SUN ; Zhiyun JIA
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(5):1365-1372
Objective In this study,we investigated the correlation between the scores for different Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale(LSAS)subscale models and the metabolic activity in specific regions of the brain using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose(FDG)positron emission tomography/computed tomography(PET/CT)(18F-FDG PET),thereby improving the understanding of the neurobiological characteristics of social anxiety.Methods A total of 39 cognitively normal participants(29 men and 10 women,aged 30-63 years)were enrolled.All participants underwent LSAS assessment and brain 18F-FDG PET scanning.Correlations between metabolic activities in various brain regions and scores from the different LSAS subscales were analyzed accordingly.Results LSAS subscale scores were significantly correlated with metabolic activity in specific brain regions.In the Safren model,the score for the observation by others subscale was positively correlated with the left fusiform gyrus(P<0.001,false discovery rate[FDR]-corrected)and the left caudate tail(P<0.001,FDR-corrected),suggesting a close association between mood states related to observation by others and the metabolic activity in these regions.In the Baker model,the score for the eating and drinking subscale was negatively correlated with the right precuneus(P<0.001,FDR-corrected),while the score for the assertiveness subscale was positively correlated with the left caudate nucleus(P<0.001,FDR-corrected).These findings revealed the complex associative patterns between various mood and behavioral dimensions and metabolic activities in specific brain regions.Conclusion Social anxiety symptoms are closely associated with metabolic changes in specific brain regions,including the left insula,left caudate tail,and right precuneus.Moreover,different social situations activate distinct brain regions.Compared with individuals with social anxiety disorder,normal individuals exhibit involvement of fewer brain regions when experiencing social anxiety.These findings provide new experimental evidence for understanding the neural mechanisms underlying social anxiety.

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