Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, necessitating the development of advanced therapeutic strategies with enhanced efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. Among promising bioactive agents, lactoferrin (LF)—a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein abundantly found in mammalian milk and exocrine secretions—has garnered significant interest for its potent and multifaceted anti-cancer properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of LF’s role in oncology, encompassing its structural biology, diverse mechanisms of action, and groundbreaking advancements in its application through nano-engineering. LF exerts anti-tumor effects through multiple pathways, including extracellular action, intracellular action, and immune regulation. It demonstrates a remarkable affinity for cancer cell membranes, binding to overexpressed anionic components such as glycosaminoglycans and sialic acids, as well as to specific receptors including the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1). This selective binding facilitates targeted uptake. Upon internalization, LF orchestrates a direct assault by inducing cell-cycle arrest in phases such as G0/G1 or S phase through the modulation of key regulators including cyclins, CDKs, and p53. Furthermore, it promotes programmed cell death via apoptotic pathways, involving caspase activation and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins such as survivin. A more recently elucidated mechanism is the induction of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by overwhelming lipid peroxidation. Beyond direct cytotoxicity, LF acts as a potent immunomodulator. It enhances natural killer (NK) cell activity, modulates T-lymphocyte populations, and crucially reprograms tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from a pro-tumor M2 state to an anti-tumor M1 state, thereby reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The translation of LF’s potential has been significantly accelerated by nanotechnology. The inherent biocompatibility and natural tumor-targeting capabilities of LF make it an ideal platform for sophisticated drug-delivery systems. This review details various fabrication strategies for LF-based nanoparticles (NPs), including self-assembly, sol-in-oil emulsion, and electrostatic nanocomplexes, among others. Research demonstrates that nano-formulations not only protect LF from degradation but also enhance its bioactivity and anti-cancer potency. More importantly, LF NPs serve as versatile carriers for a wide array of therapeutic agents, including conventional chemotherapeutics, natural compounds, and imaging agents. These engineered systems enable synergistic therapy and facilitate site-specific delivery. Notably, the ability of LF to bind to receptors on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been leveraged to develop nano-systems for glioblastoma treatment. Other innovative designs utilize LF to modulate the TME—for instance, by alleviating tumor hypoxia to sensitize cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite compelling pre-clinical evidence, the clinical translation of LF and its nano-formulations remains nascent. While early-phase trials have established a favorable safety profile for recombinant human LF, larger Phase III studies have yielded mixed results, underscoring the complexity of its action in humans. Key challenges include enhancing drug targeting, optimizing loading efficiency, ensuring batch-to-batch reproducibility, and achieving deep tumor penetration. Future research must focus on the rational design of next-generation LF-NPs. This entails developing standardized manufacturing protocols, engineering “smart” stimuli-responsive systems for targeted drug release in the TME, and constructing multi-targeting platforms. A concerted interdisciplinary effort is paramount to bridge the gap between bench and bedside. In conclusion, LF, particularly in its nano-engineered forms, represents a highly promising and versatile agent in the oncological arsenal, holding immense potential for precise and effective cancer therapy.

Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, necessitating the development of advanced therapeutic strategies with enhanced efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. Among promising bioactive agents, lactoferrin (LF)—a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein abundantly found in mammalian milk and exocrine secretions—has garnered significant interest for its potent and multifaceted anti-cancer properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of LF’s role in oncology, encompassing its structural biology, diverse mechanisms of action, and groundbreaking advancements in its application through nano-engineering. LF exerts anti-tumor effects through multiple pathways, including extracellular action, intracellular action, and immune regulation. It demonstrates a remarkable affinity for cancer cell membranes, binding to overexpressed anionic components such as glycosaminoglycans and sialic acids, as well as to specific receptors including the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1). This selective binding facilitates targeted uptake. Upon internalization, LF orchestrates a direct assault by inducing cell-cycle arrest in phases such as G0/G1 or S phase through the modulation of key regulators including cyclins, CDKs, and p53. Furthermore, it promotes programmed cell death via apoptotic pathways, involving caspase activation and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins such as survivin. A more recently elucidated mechanism is the induction of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by overwhelming lipid peroxidation. Beyond direct cytotoxicity, LF acts as a potent immunomodulator. It enhances natural killer (NK) cell activity, modulates T-lymphocyte populations, and crucially reprograms tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from a pro-tumor M2 state to an anti-tumor M1 state, thereby reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The translation of LF’s potential has been significantly accelerated by nanotechnology. The inherent biocompatibility and natural tumor-targeting capabilities of LF make it an ideal platform for sophisticated drug-delivery systems. This review details various fabrication strategies for LF-based nanoparticles (NPs), including self-assembly, sol-in-oil emulsion, and electrostatic nanocomplexes, among others. Research demonstrates that nano-formulations not only protect LF from degradation but also enhance its bioactivity and anti-cancer potency. More importantly, LF NPs serve as versatile carriers for a wide array of therapeutic agents, including conventional chemotherapeutics, natural compounds, and imaging agents. These engineered systems enable synergistic therapy and facilitate site-specific delivery. Notably, the ability of LF to bind to receptors on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been leveraged to develop nano-systems for glioblastoma treatment. Other innovative designs utilize LF to modulate the TME—for instance, by alleviating tumor hypoxia to sensitize cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite compelling pre-clinical evidence, the clinical translation of LF and its nano-formulations remains nascent. While early-phase trials have established a favorable safety profile for recombinant human LF, larger Phase III studies have yielded mixed results, underscoring the complexity of its action in humans. Key challenges include enhancing drug targeting, optimizing loading efficiency, ensuring batch-to-batch reproducibility, and achieving deep tumor penetration. Future research must focus on the rational design of next-generation LF-NPs. This entails developing standardized manufacturing protocols, engineering “smart” stimuli-responsive systems for targeted drug release in the TME, and constructing multi-targeting platforms. A concerted interdisciplinary effort is paramount to bridge the gap between bench and bedside. In conclusion, LF, particularly in its nano-engineered forms, represents a highly promising and versatile agent in the oncological arsenal, holding immense potential for precise and effective cancer therapy.

ObjectiveAs a common lifestyle habit, alcohol consumption has a controversial association with the onset of Parkinson’s disease (PD). To demonstrate the correlation between alcohol consumption and PD and to identify associated genes, we integrated findings from clinical surveys, genomics, transcriptomics, and animal experiments. MethodsWe investigated the alcohol consumption rates (including both before and after disease onset) among 244 PD patients in China and 177 PD patients from the U.S. NHANES database. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for three alcohol-related traits and seven PD-related datasets from the MRC IEU OpenGWAS database. Transcriptomic data from the substantia nigra of PD patients were obtained from three GEO datasets (GSE7621, GSE20141, and GSE49036) to analyze RIT2 gene transcription. Finally, three groups of animal experiments (water/20% ethanol/20% liquor, with 4 C57BL/6J mice per group) were conducted to examine changes in brain RIT2 gene expression and transcriptomic profiles following alcohol consumption. ResultsThe alcohol consumption rates among PD patients in China and the U.S. (9%-18.87%) were significantly lower than the general population rates of 15%-45% in their respective regions (P<0.001), suggesting a possible negative association between alcohol consumption and PD. Subsequently, in 21 bidirectional MR analyses using 3 alcohol-related GWAS datasets and 7 PD-related GWAS datasets, the forward MR analyses (alcohol intake as exposure, PD as outcome) yielded 12 negative associations (OR_IVW<1) and 9 positive associations (OR_IVW>1). Among these, only two negative associations reached statistical significance: alcohol intake frequency (OR_IVW=0.75, 95% CI: 0.60-0.93, P=0.010) and alcohol consumption (OR_IVW=0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.83, P=0.026). The forward MR analysis (alcohol intake→PD) identified 235 SNPs, annotated to 316 genes, while the reverse MR analyses (PD→alcohol intake) identified 37 SNPs, annotated to 53 genes. Notably, only the RIT2 gene appeared in both the forward and reverse MR analyses (alcohol intake→PD: rs28597806, rs8083110; PD→alcohol intake: rs4588066). RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain (FPKM: 5.259±2.103), with low or no expression in peripheral tissues (FPKM: <1). Analysis of three human substantia nigra transcriptomic datasets revealed a decreasing trend in RIT2 gene expression in PD patients (GSE20141 array signal: 3.49±1.23 vs. 2.33±0.87, P=0.044). Animal experiments demonstrated that administration of 20% ethanol or 20% liquor (approximately 8% ethanol) stimulated a >2-fold upregulation of RIT2 gene expression in the mouse brain. Furthermore, transcriptomic sequencing revealed that the two alcohol-treated groups exhibited 96 (20% ethanol vs. water control) and 4 (20% liquor vs. water control) differentially expressed genes, respectively, indicating that low-dose alcohol consumption can achieve RIT2 upregulation while minimizing impact on other brain genes. In addition to its anti-infective effects, low-dose alcohol consumption primarily influences signaling pathways related to neurodegenerative diseases such as PD and Prion diseases. ConclusionAlcohol consumption is generally considered as a harmful lifestyle habit. However, some studies have also shown a lower risk of mortality among individuals who consume low doses of alcohol (100 g/week of ethanol) or drink occasionally. Currently, one of the research focuses on alcohol consumption is whether the human body can benefit from low-dose alcohol intake. This study provides new evidence supporting a negative association between alcohol consumption and PD, and for the first time, through MR analysis, identifies the RIT2 gene as a potential mediator of the effect of alcohol consumption on PD. RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain. Building upon existing evidence indicating downregulated RIT2 gene expression in PD pathogenesis, our experiments confirm that low-dose alcohol consumption can upregulate RIT2 expression in the brain. In brief, alcohol consumption may suppress the pathogenesis of PD by upregulating RIT2 expression in the substantia nigra. China is facing a serious problem of population aging. This study offers important insights for long-term PD prevention and treatment strategies, with the aim of benefiting more potential PD patients through lifestyle modifications, thereby improving the quality of life of the aging population and reducing the economic burden on healthcare.

Objective To evaluate the dissolution effects of pediatric ammonium urate stones in solutions with different pH values, so as to provide reference for the clinical treatment of this type of stones. Methods Eight pure ammonium urate stones(ammonium urate content ≥90%)of similar size and mass(median mass 4.6 g)were obtained from 8 children(＜14 years)undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy at the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The stones were placed in sodium chloride solutions with pH values of 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, and 8.5 and artificial urine with pH values of 4. 6, 5.0, 7.0, and 8.5 at a constant temperature of 37 ℃. The mass of the stones was recorded before placement and at 24, 48, and 72 h after placement. The dissolution rates of the stones were calculated. Results The pediatric ammonium urate stones could be dissolved in sodium chloride solution, and the total dissolution rate was the highest(94.6%)after 72 hours when the pH value was 6.0. The total dissolution rate of ammonium urate stones in artificial urine after 72 hours were all over 50%, and the total dissolution rate was the highest(79.7%)when the pH value was 4.6. Conclusion Pediatric ammonium urate stones are soluble in sodium chloride solution and artificial urine, and the total dissolution rate is higher in acidic environment.

Objective To explore the association between occupational exposure to cesium and sex hormone levels in male workers. Methods A total of 988 male workers involved in assembly work at an electric vehicle assembly plant in Guangdong Province were recruited via purposive sampling. Blood samples of the workers were collected, and blood cesium-133 (Cs-133) levels were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Serum levels of estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin were measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to explore the associations between blood Cs-133 and the six sex hormones in the male workers. Results The median blood Cs-133 level was 2.23 μg/L, with a detection rate of 100.0%. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that blood Cs-133 levels were negatively associated with serum estradiol levels (P<0.05), after adjusting for covariates including age, length of service, educational level, marital status, body mass index (BMI), annual household income, alcohol consumption, and smoking. There was no significant interaction between blood Cs-133 levels and age, smoking, alcohol consumption, or BMI in relation to serum estradiol (all P>0.05). Conclusion Occupational exposure to Cs-133 is negatively associated with serum estradiol levels in the male workers of electric vehicle assembly industry, suggesting that occupational cesium exposure may influence male sex hormone profiles.

Abstract Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic disorder syndrome caused by purine metabolism dysregulation, and its prevalence increases year by year. The development and progression of HUA are accompanied by significant alterations in the composition of intestinal microbiota, making probiotics a potential and safe method to reduce serum uric acid. Probiotics ameliorate HUA through three pathways: competing with intestinal epithelial cells for purine absorption to decrease uric acid synthesis, inhibiting xanthine oxidase activity through modulation of inflammatory cytokines to reduce the conversion of purine to uric acid, as well as restoring and maintaining an orderly state of the gut microbiota to facilitate normal uric acid excretion. This article reviews the role of probiotics in ameliorating HUA, so as to provide the reference for the application of probiotics in the prevention and intervention of HUA.

Objective To explore the levels of Kruppel like factor 5(KLF5)and Dickkopf related protein 1(DKK1)in the serum of patients with primary liver cancer and analyze their diagnostic value.Methods A to-tal of 98 patients with primary liver cancer diagnosed in the hospital from March 2021 to March 2024 were in-cluded as the experimental group,and they were divided into early group(40 cases)and late group(58 cases)according to the severity of the disease.Meantime,101 patients with benign liver disease admitted to the hos-pital during the same period time were selected as the control group,and 100 healthy individuals who under-went the physical examination during the same period were selected as the healthy group.Serum samples were obtained from the groups and general clinical data were collected and organized.Enzyme linked immunosor-bent assay was applied to detect the levels of KLF5 and DKK1,and the differences and changes in serum KLF5 and DKK1 levels among the groups were analyzed.Multivariate Logistic regression was applied to ana-lyze the influencing factors of occurrence of primary liver cancer.Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the efficacy of serum KLF5 and DKK1 levels in the diagnosis of primary liver cancer.Results The levels of alpha fetoprotein(AFP),carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),KLF5 and DKK1 in the ex-perimental group were significantly higher than those in control group and healthy group(P＜0.05).The lev-els of serum KLF5 and DKK1 were obviously different in patients with primary liver cancer with or without lymph node metastasis(P＜0.05).The levels of serum KLF5 and DKK1 in late group were higher than those in early group(P＜0.05).AFP,CEA,KLF5 and DKK1 levels were independent risk factors for primary liver cancer(P＜0.05).The area under the curve of the combined diagnosis of serum KLF5 and serum DKK1 was 0.928,with specificity of 93.10％,which was better than that of the individual diagnosis(Z combination-DKK1=2.186,Z combination-KLF5=3.386,P=0.029,P=0.001).Conclusion The levels of KLF5 and DKK1 in the serum of patients with primary liver cancer are obviously elevated and change with changes in the condition of dis-ease.The combined detection of KLF5 and DKK1 is of great significance for the diagnosis of primary liver cancer.

Objective:To characterize and compare the polysaccharide components of Panax japonicus with its common counterfeits (Dysosma versipellis, Lycopus lucidus and Dysosma pleiantha); To provide a scientific basis for the quality evaluation of polysaccharides of Panax japonicu.Methods:Crude polysaccharides were extracted using water and subsequently precipitated with ethanol. Three batches of total polysaccharides from Panax japonicus, Dysosma versipellis, Lycopus lucidus and Dysosma pleiantha were prepared using the savage deproteinization method. The molecular weight distribution, functional group characteristics and monosaccharide composition of each batch were analyzed using high performance gel filtration chromatography (HPGFC), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and derivatization of 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolinone with high performance liquid chromatography (PMP-HPLC). Using DEAE column chromatography purification and specific enzymolysis, combined with high performance thin layer chromatography and carbohydrate gel electrophoresis, the saccharide profiles of polysaccharides of Panax japonicus and its counterfeits were analyzed and compared.Results:The molecular weight distribution of total polysaccharides from three batches of Panax japonicus exhibited high similarity, with a concentrated distribution ranging from 2.05×10 4 - 1.87×10 3 Da. However, the molecular weight distribution of total polysaccharides from Dysosma versipellis was scattered in regions 5.08×10 6-6.47×10 5 Da and 6.47×10 5-2.05×10 4 Da, while Lycopus lucidus and Dysosma pleiantha was scattered in regions 6.47×10 5-2.05×10 4 Da and 2.05×10 4-1.87×10 3 Da; the infrared spectra of all samples exhibited similarity, indicating that the sugar chains of each polysaccharide were predominantly linked by α-glycosidic bonds, with no significant differences was observed. In terms of monosaccharide composition, the polysaccharides from Panax japonicus, Dysosma versipellis and Dysosma pleiantha were mainly composed of glucose, galactose, arabinose, galacturonic acid, rhamnose and mannose. In contrast, the polysaccharides from Lycopus lucidus were distinct, primarily consisting of galactose and glucose; glycosidic linkage analysis revealed that the polysaccharides purified by DEAE column chromatography from Panax japonicus and its counterfeits were resistant to hydrolysis by β- galactosidase, but could be hydrolyzed by α-amylase and pectinase (except for Lycopus lucidus). The oligosaccharides produced by α-amylase hydrolysis of three batches of Panax japonicus polysaccharides were similar, showing clear differences from those of the counterfeits. The results of pectinase hydrolysis were correlated with the content of uronic acids. Conclusions:The total polysaccharides from Panax japonicus, Dysosma versipellis, Lycopus lucidus and Dysosma pleiantha exhibit significant differences in their molecular weight distributions. The monosaccharide composition of Lycopus lucidus polysaccharides is notably distinct, making it easily distinguishable from other species; purification using DEAE column chromatography, combined with HPTLC and polysaccharide analysis using carbohydrate gel electrophoresis (PACE), effectively differentiates the polysaccharides of Panax japonicus from its counterfeits. This approach provides a valuable reference for the quality analysis of polysaccharides in TCM. Additionally, it lays a foundation for the development and utilization of Panax japonicus polysaccharides.

Objective To evaluate the practical application of the Media Fill Test(MFT)in assessing aseptic compounding competency of personnel in Pharmacy Intravenous Admixture Services(PIVAS).Methods A multicenter controlled study was conducted across six tertiary hospitals(center ①-⑥)in China.Participants were divided into an inexperienced group(Group A,n=118)and an experienced group(Group B,n=118),each performing five MFT operations.Positive controls validated medium efficacy.Contamination rates and pass rates were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.Results Valid samples included 584 for Group A and 588 for Group B.The sample pass rate was 66.78%(390/584)in Group A and 91.67%(539/588)in Group B,while personnel pass rates were 46.15%(54/117)and 80.51%(95/118),respectively,with significant intergroup differences(both P<0.01).All centers except Center ⑥ showed significantly higher pass rates in Group B(all P<0.05).Conclusion MFT effectively differentiates technical proficiency levels and is suitable for training evaluation of novice PIVAS staff.

Aim To study the diastolic effect and mechanism of farrerol on isolated pulmonary arteries of C57BL/6J mice.Methods After anesthesia,mouse lung tissue was quickly removed and placed into the 4 ℃ K-H buffer,pulmonary arteries were isolated under the microscope and cut into 2 mm long vascular rings for spare use.(1)The effect of farrerol on the resting tension of isolated mouse pulmonary arteries:in the resting state,the active mouse pul-monary artery rings were treated with different concentrations of farrerol(10-6,3×10-6,10-5,3×10-5 and 10-4 mol/L).(2)Farrerol relaxed mouse pulmonary artery experiment:pulmonary arteries were contracted using phenylephrine(PE,1 μmol/L)or KCl(60 mmol/L),and when the contraction reached the platform,different concentrations of farrerol(10-6,3×10-6,10-5,3×10-5 and 10-4 mol/L)was added.(3)Farrerol inhibited pulmonary artery contraction experi-ment:under conditions with or without the addition of farrerol,pulmonary arteries were contracted using different concen-trations of PE(10-9,3×10-9,10-8,3 × 10-8,10-7,3×10-7 and 10-6 mol/L)or KCl(20,30,40,60,80 and 120 mmol/L),and the pulmonary artery muscle tension was recorded.(4)Calcium free and recalcification experiments:under conditions with or without the addition of farrerol,the changes of isolated mouse pulmonary artery tension were meas-ured in the state of calcium free or recalcification { 2.5 mmol/L[Ca2+]ex }.(5)The relationship between farrerol in-duced relaxation of isolated mouse pulmonary arteries and potassium ion channels:firstly,60 mmol/L KCl solution was used to contract the mouse pulmonary arteries until the platform.Then,3 mmol/L aminopyridine(4-AP),2 mmol/L tet-raethylammonium(TEA),30 μmol/L BaCl2,and 10 μmol/L glibenclamide(Gli)were added and treated for 15 min.Subsequently,the pulmonary arteries were relaxed using a concentration gradient of farrerol.Results Farrerol had no significant effect on the mouse pulmonary arteries in the resting state,but had a concentration-dependent relaxing effect on the mouse pulmonary arteries pre-contracted with PE and KCl.While the pretreatment of 3×10-5 mol/L farrerol could sig-nificantly reduce the maximum contraction of mouse pulmonary arteries induced by PE and KCl(P＜0.01),as well as sig-nificantly reduce the contraction of mouse pulmonary arteries induced by KCl under calcium free or recalcification conditions(P＜0.01).Addition of the voltage-dependent potassium ion channel blocker 4-AP significantly reduced the maximum diastolic rate of mouse pulmonary arteries induced by farrerol(P＜0.01),while addition of the high conductivity calcium activated potassium ion channel blocker TEA,inward rectifying potassium ion channel blocker BaCl2,or ATP sensitive po-tassium ion channel blocker Gli had no significant effect on the vasodilation effect of farrerol(P＞0.05).Conclusion Farrerol has a relaxing effect on isolated mouse pulmonary arteries,and its mechanism may be related to open voltage-de-pendent potassium ion channels.