Background/Aims: Biliary tract cancer (BTC) frequently harbors KRAS mutations, which are associated with resistance to traditional treatment and a poor prognosis. Synthetic lethality (SL) strategy may provide other targets of KRAS. Therefore, we aim to identify and validate potential therapeutic targets of KRAS for the treatment of BTC via SL. Methods: The dependency (DepMap) projects were used to predict the synthetic lethal gene of KRAS. FDA-approved anticancer drug library was applied to screen potential drugs effective against KRAS-mutant BTC. Furthermore, the synthetic lethal effects or corresponding mechanisms of potential genes and drugs on BTC were investigated using KRAS-mutant and KRAS-wild type BTC cell lines, patient-derived xenografts (PDX), and KRAS oncogene-driven tumor models, as well as other KRAS-mutant cancer cell lines. Results: Initially, we discovered that the loss of GATA2 reduced the viability of KRAS-mutant but not KRAS-wild-type BTC. Subsequently, the drug library screened out disulfiram, which primarily exerts a synthetic lethal effect by inhibiting interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in KRAS-mutant BTC. Mechanistically, GATA2 specifically enhanced the transcription of IL-1β to promote NF-κB signaling in KRAS-mutant BTC. IL-1β inhibition phenocopied GATA2 deficiency, leading to reduced KRAS-mutant BTC viability. These synthetically lethal effects were confirmed using PDX, a KRAS oncogene-driven tumor model, as well as in other KRAS-mutant cancer cell lines. Conclusions In summary, these results indicate that inhibiting GATA2/IL1β could be a therapeutic strategy in KRAS-mutant BTC and potentially other cancers.

To address the constrains imposed by insufficient hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and high glutathione (GSH) expression in tumor cells on the efficacy of chemodynamic therapy (CDT), zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) loaded with disulfiram (DSF) and 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (3-AT) was synthesized via a one-pot approach. Subsequently, hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified cupric peroxide (CuO2) was in-situ grown on its surface through biomineralization to construct a multifunctional copper-based nanozyme ADZCH (3-AT/DSF@ZIF-8@CuO2-HA). This nanoplatform disrupts the intratumoral H2O2 homeostasis, depletes GSH, and synchronously delivers DSF and Cu2+ via cascade catalysis, thereby enhancing CDT and sensitizing tumors to DSF-based chemotherapy. The results of physicochemical characterization indicated that ADZCH presented a uniform core-shell structure with favorable dispersibility. Its particle size and Zeta potential were 196.5 nm and −19.5 mV, respectively. It possessed a microporous structure with a specific surface area of 81.8600 m2/g, and demonstrated efficient loading capacity for DSF and 3-AT, achieving drug loading efficiencies of 5.91% and 45.07%, respectively. Moreover, ADZCH can continuously and slowly release drugs in an acidic environment and maintain good stability under diverse physiological conditions. In vitro functional assays verified that ADZCH catalytically generated H2O2 and hydroxyl radicals while concurrently depleting GSH in a concentration- and incubation time-dependent manner. Cellular uptake experiments showed that HA modification significantly improved the uptake of nanoparticles by 4T1 cells. Cytotoxicity tests showed that 80 μg/mL ADZCH had a significant cytotoxic effect on 4T1 cells but no significant toxicity on L929 cells. DCFH-DA probe detection indicated that ADZCH could significantly induce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, thereby enhancing CDT efficacy. Live/dead staining experiments showed that ADZCH efficiently induced apoptosis, with the proportion of dead cells reaching 94.74%, demonstrating its promising potential for anti-tumor applications.This study provides new research ideas and experimental basis for overcoming the tumor microenvironment barrier and enhancing the anti-tumor effect of CDT combined with chemotherapy.

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Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal condition characterized by reduced bone mass and strength, leading to increased fragility. Buqi-Tongluo (BQTL) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has yet to be fully evaluated for its potential in treating bone diseases such as osteoporosis. To investigate the mechanism by which BQTL decoction inhibits osteoclast differentiation in vitro and validate these findings through in vivo experiments. We employed MTS assays to assess the potential proliferative or toxic effects of BQTL on bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) at various concentrations. TRAcP experiments were conducted to examine BQTL's impact on osteoclast differentiation. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were utilized to evaluate the relative expression levels of osteoclast-specific genes and proteins under BQTL stimulation. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed using an osteoporosis model to further validate the in vitro findings. This study revealed that BQTL suppressed receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast resorption activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner without observable cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effects of BQTL on osteoclast formation and function were attributed to the downregulation of NFATc1 and c-fos activity, primarily through attenuation of the MAPK, NF-κB, and Calcineurin signaling pathways. BQTL's inhibitory capacity was further examined in vivo using an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model, demonstrating a strong protective effect against bone loss. BQTL may serve as an effective therapeutic TCM for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the alleviation of bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency and related conditions.
Animals ; NFATC Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Ovariectomy ; Osteoclasts/metabolism* ; Female ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Osteoporosis/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Bone Resorption/genetics* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Humans ; RANK Ligand/metabolism* ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Transcription Factors

ObjectiveTo observe the antidepressant effect of Chaihu Shugansan combined with ferulic acid on the rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress （CUMS） and explore the mechanism from the histomorphology of frontal cortex， expression of key molecules in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF）/tyrosine kinase receptor B （TrkB） signaling pathway， and changes in monoamine neurotransmitter levels. MethodsSixty adult male SD rats were randomized into six groups （n=10）： blank control， depression model， Chaihu Shugansan （3.3 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， ferulic acid （50 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）， Chaihu Shugansan （3.3 g·kg^-1·d^-1） + ferulic acid （50 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）， and fluoxetine （2.1 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）. Rats in other groups except the blank control group were subjected to a mild chronic unpredictable stress stimulus every day. Seven stimuli were used， including fasting with free access to water for 24 h， water deprivation with free access to food for 24 h， wetting the bedding with water in the cage， restraint for 3 h， tail clamping for 1 min， swimming in ice water at 4 ℃， and day and night reversal. Each stimulus was used 1 to 3 times， and the modeling lasted for a total of 21 days. At the same time of stimulation， rats in each medication group were treated with corresponding agents by gavage， while those in the blank control group and the depression model group received equal volumes of normal saline by gavage. The open field test， sucrose preference test， and forced swimming test were conducted before and after modeling. The rats were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of 3% pentobarbital sodium， and the frontal cortex was isolated on ice. The mRNA and protein levels of BDNF， TrkB， and cyclic adenosine monophosphate-responsive element-binding protein （CREB） in the frontal cortex were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot， respectively. The levels of monoamine neurotransmitters 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT）， dopamine （DA）， and norepinephrine （NE） in the frontal cortex were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Light microscopy was employed to observe the histopathological changes in the frontal cortex. ResultsCompared with the blank control group， the depression model group showed reduced body mass （P<0.05， P<0.01）， decreased number of crossings and rearings in the open field test and sucrose preference （P<0.01）， prolonged time of immobility in the forced swimming test （P<0.01）， reduced neuronal cells， increased necrotic cells， and darkening cell staining in the frontal cortex， down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of BDNF， TrkB， CREB， and lowered levels of 5-HT， NE， and DA in the frontal cortex （P<0.01）. Compared with the depression model group， each intervention group showed improved general state， increased body mass （P<0.05）， increased number of crossings （P<0.05）， shortened immobility time in the forced swimming test （P<0.01）， increased neuronal cells， reduced necrotic cells， and lightened cellular staining in the frontal cortex， up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of BDNF， TrkB and CREB， and elevated levels of 5-HT， NE， and DA in the frontal cortex （P<0.01）. Moreover， the Chaihu Shugansan + ferulic acid group outperformed the Chaihu Shugansan group and the ferulic acid group in increasing the body mass and the 5-HT content in the frontal cortex （P<0.05）. The combination group outperformed the Chaihu Shugansan group regarding the number of rearings and up-regulation in the mRNA level of BDNF in the frontal cortex （P<0.05）， and it was superior to the ferulic acid group in terms of shortening the immobility time in the forced swimming test， up-regulating the mRNA levels of BDNF， TrkB， and CREB and the protein levels of BDNF and CREB in the frontal cortex， and increasing the DA content in the frontal cortex （P<0.05）. ConclusionChaihu Shugansan combined with ferulic acid can exert antidepressant effect on the rat model of CUMS by regulating the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway and monoamine neurotransmitter content in the frontal cortex. Moreover， the antidepressant effect of Chaihu Shugansan combined with ferulic acid was more significant than that of Chaihu Shugansan and ferulic acid used alone.

Objective To observe the effects of Shenfu Injection on ferroptosis-related factors and oxidative stress-related indexes in rat cardiomyocytes treated with isoproterenol;To explore its mechanism in treating chronic heart failure.Methods Isoproterenol was used to induce rat H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury.The cells were divided into normal group,model group,Shenfu Injection group and Ferrostatin-1 group,and treated with corresponding intervention.Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of cellular mitochondria,ferrous ion fluorescent probe was used to detect Fe2+content in cells,flow cytometry was used to detect intracellular contents of ROS and Lipid-ROS;colorimetry was used to detect the contents of MDA,GSH,SOD and GSH-Px in cells;Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4,FTH1,SLC7A11,p53,COX2 and Nrf2 in cells.Results Compared with the normal group,the survival rate of H9c2 cells in the model group was significantly reduced(P<0.01),with cell swelling and rupture,mitochondrial shrinkage,decreased quantity and disordered arrangement,more damaged mitochondria,the contents of Fe2+,ROS,Lipid-ROS and MDA in cells significantly increased(P<0.01),while the contents of GSH,SOD and GSH-Px significantly decreased(P<0.01),the expressions of p53,COX2 protein and mRNA significantly increased(P<0.01),the expressions of GPX4,FTH1,SLC7A11 and Nrf2 protein and mRNA significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the survival rates of H9c2 cells in Shenfu Injection group and Ferrostatin-1 group significantly increased(P<0.01),there was a larger number of normal mitochondria and a more complete structure,the contents of Fe2+,ROS,Lipid-ROS and MDA in cells were significantly decreased(P<0.01),while the contents of GSH,SOD and GSH-Px were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expressions of p53,COX2 protein and mRNA were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the expressions of GPX4,FTH1,SLC7A11 and Nrf2 protein and mRNA significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusion Shenfu Injection can reduce p53 expression,weaken its inhibitory effect on SLC7A11,thereby promoting GPX4 expression,inhibiting ferroptosis,reducing lipid peroxide accumulation,increasing cellular antioxidant capacity,and alleviating myocardial cell oxidative damage.

Objective: To compare the transcriptomic profiles between three distinct metabolic dysfunction⁃associat⁃mal murine model that more closely resembles human MASH progression . Methods: Forty 8 ⁃week⁃old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to either a control group fed normal chow diet ( NCD) or one of three MASH model groups receiving high⁃fat high⁃cholesterol diet (HFHCD) , choline⁃deficient high⁃fat diet (CDHFD) ,from three randomly selected mice per group were collected for mRNA sequencing ( mRNA⁃seq) analysis . Mean⁃bases . Overlap of functional profiles was analyzed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) profiles to compare the mouse transcriptome with that of human patients at different stages of the disease . Additionally , Pearson ′s correla⁃tion analysis was used to explore the correlation between gene expression of murine models and human MASH . Results: Seven commonly up⁃regulated genes (Col1a1 , Smoc2 , Col6a1 , Gpx3 , Col16a1 , Spp1 and Crtap) were de⁃ways involving steatosis , hepatocellular injury and fibrosis were detected in the three MASH models at the pathway level . HFHCD and MCD might share more common traits . In comparing gene expression and pathway profiles be⁃tween different murine models and patients with different stages of MASH , all three murine MASH models showed a closer resemblance to the human progressive stages of MASH . Notably , the transcriptomic features of the CDHFD model were more consistent with those of human MASH . Conclusion There are certain similarities and differences among the transcriptional profiles of the three MASH models . The MASH models are more similar to the advanced stage of MASH in human patients . Compared to the other two models , the CDHFD model ′ s transcriptome profile more closely resembles human MASH .

OBJECTIVE To identify Bupleurum chinense pieces and its counterfeits based on the characteristic chromatogram and UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology.METHODS Thin layer chromatography was used to identify Bupleurum chinense and its counterfeits collected from different origins and different producing areas.Then,the chemical constituents of Bupleurum chinense and its counter-feits were compared according to the established HPLC characteristic chromatogram,and the representative differential markers of Bup-leurum chinense counterfeits were further identified by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology.RESULTS Thin layer chromatography showed that different original Bupleurum chinense pieces had saikosaponin A and saikosaponin D,which could be distinguished according to the intensity and position of fluorescent spots.There were 14 and 16 common peaks in the specific chromatogram of Bupleurum chinense and its vinegar-processed products respectively,and 6 components were identified.The chemical components of Bupleurum chinense pieces from different producing areas were similar,and the established method could better reflect the characteristics of Bupleurum chinense.Further comparison of the specific chromatogram of Bupleurum chinense and its counterfeits showed that the composition of B.marginatum Wall.was close to that of the authentic Bupleurum chinense.,B.bicaule Helm and B.longiradiatum Turcz.had their own characteristic peaks with high response values.The content of saponins in B.marginatum var.stenophyllum was significantly high-er.A total of 69 Bupleurum compounds were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS mainly triterpenoid saponins,followed by flavonoids,a few chromones,phenylpropanoids and alkynes.The results of cluster analysis showed that the interspecific differences of Bupleurum chinense were obvious,and different Bupleurum counterfeits had representative differential markers.CONCLUSION The established characteristic chromatogram and UPLC-Q-TOF/MS method can be used for the chemical identification of Bupleurum chinense and its counterfeits,which provide a basis for the comprehensive and rational development and utilization of Bupleurum resources.

Objective To explore the mechanism of Yizhu Wendan Decoction in treating eczema through GEO database combined with network pharmacology and experimental verification.Methods TCMSP,BATMAN-TCM and ETCM databases were used to screen the active components of Yizhu Wendan Decoction.Disease target information related to eczema was collected through GEO database.The drug-component-target network and PPI network were constructed by intersections of active component targets and disease targets.GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed using DAVID database.CCK-8 method was used to screen out the optimal intervention concentration of freeze-dried powder of Yizhu Wendan Decoction.HaCaT cells were divided into control group,model group,Yizhu Wendan Decoction low concentration group,Yizhu Wendan Decoction high concentration group,si-IL-17RA group,si-IL-17RA+Yizhu Wendan Decoction low concentration group,si-IL-17RA+Yizhu Wendan Decoction high concentration group,Dexamethasone group,si-IL-17RA+Dexamethasone group.Each group was given relevant intervention.The expressions of chemokines and inflammatory factors were detected by qPCR.EdU and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining were used to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis.Western blot was performed to detect the expressions of proteins related to apoptosis,skin barrier and IL-17 signaling pathway.Results By using databases,180 active components of Yizhu Wendan Decoction were obtained.Combined with GEO database microarrays related to eczema(GSE6012 and GSE57225),8 potential targets of Yizhu Wendan Decoction in the treatment of eczema were obtained.KEGG enrichment pathway mainly involved IL-17 signaling pathway,lipid and atherosclerotic,TNF signaling pathway,fluid shear stress and atherosclerotic,etc.When Yizhu Wendan Decoction freeze-dried powder concentration was 100 μg/mL,cell viability was the strongest.Yizhu Wendan Decoction could significantly inhibit the mRNA expressions of chemokines and inflammatory factors CCL17,CCL22,IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6,IFN-γ,and increase the mRNA expression of IL-4 in eczema.It promoted the proliferation of HaCaT cells,increased the protein expression of Bcl-2,and reduced the protein expressions of Bad and Cleaved Caspase-3,thus inhibiting HaCaT cells apoptosis;promoted the protein expressions of FLG and LOR,and reduced the expression of MMP9,MMP1,CCL2,FOSL1,IL-17RA proteins in IL-17 signaling pathway.Conclusion Yizhu Wendan Decoction can treat eczema with multiple components,multiple pathways and multiple targets,promote the proliferation of HaCaT cells,inhibit their apoptosis,and restore the skin barrier.Its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of IL-17 signaling pathway.