1.TGF-β1-engineered Biomimetic Platelet Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy of Ischemic Stroke
Li-Qi CHEN ; Tian-Fang KANG ; Guo-Jun HUANG ; Ting YIN ; Ai-Qing MA ; Lin-Tao CAI ; Hong PAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):697-710
ObjectivePost-ischemic acute inflammation and the subsequent persistent dysregulation of the immune microenvironment represent major pathological drivers that aggravate neuronal injury and severely restrict functional recovery following ischemic stroke. Although current reperfusion therapies partially restore blood flow, they fail to effectively modulate the secondary inflammatory cascade and oxidative stress, which remain critical barriers to neurological restoration. To address this challenge, this study aimed to engineer and systematically evaluate a biomimetic nanosystem composed of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-loaded platelet membrane-camouflaged lipid nanoparticles (PLP). This nanosystem was designed to achieve dual lesion-targeted delivery and immune microenvironment remodeling. By verifying its spatiotemporal accumulation, anti-inflammatory activity, and neuroprotective efficacy, we sought to establish an integrated therapeutic strategy that simultaneously enables lesion targeting, immune regulation, and functional recovery after ischemic injury. MethodsThe physicochemical properties of PLP, including hydrodynamic particle size, zeta potential, structural stability, and morphology, were characterized using dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The preservation of platelet membrane-derived adhesion and immunoregulatory proteins was confirmed by SDS-PAGE through comparative analysis of protein band profiles between PLP and native platelet membranes. The in vitro biological activities of PLP were evaluated using two complementary cellular models. LPS-induced M1-polarized RAW264.7 macrophages were employed to assess inflammatory modulation, while oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced BV2 microglial cells and SH-SY5Y neuronal cells were utilized to investigate neuroinflammatory regulation and neuronal protection. For in vivo validation, a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse model was established to mimic ischemia-reperfusion injury. The spatiotemporal biodistribution and lesion-targeting capability of the PLP were monitored through live fluorescence imaging. Therapeutic efficacy was comprehensively evaluated by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunofluorescence analysis, body weight monitoring, and neurological severity score (NSS) assessment. ResultsPLP nanoparticles displayed a uniform spherical morphology, nanoscale particle size distribution, and stable negative surface charge, indicating favorable colloidal stability and circulation potential. SDS-PAGE results confirmed the effective retention of key platelet membrane proteins associated with endothelial adhesion, immune evasion, and inflammatory regulation, demonstrating the successful biomimetic construction. Optimal therapeutic concentrations were determined in OGD/R-induced BV2 cells, where PLP exhibited excellent cytocompatibility and anti-inflammatory activity.In vitro experiments demonstrated that PLP significantly inhibited the polarization of RAW264.7 macrophages toward the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and markedly reduced neuronal apoptosis under ischemia-reperfusion conditions. In vivo fluorescence imaging revealed that PLP rapidly accumulated in the ischemic brain hemisphere and maintained prolonged retention for up to 7 d, suggesting enhanced lesion-specific targeting and sustained drug release. Compared with control group, PLP treatment significantly reduced cerebral infarct volume, attenuated reactive astrogliosis, improved weight recovery, and accelerated neurological functional restoration, as reflected by significantly improved NSS scores. ConclusionThis study establishes a multifunctional biomimetic nanoplatform that integrates platelet membrane-mediated active targeting with the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and neuroprotective properties of TGF-β1. The PLP system enables rapid lesion homing and long-term retention while synergistically regulating the post-stroke inflammatory microenvironment by suppressing pro-inflammatory immune activation, reducing neuronal apoptosis, and limiting excessive astrocyte reactivity. Importantly, this study proposes a conceptually therapeutic paradigm that combines targeted delivery with immune microenvironment remodeling to achieve comprehensive neurovascular protection. These findings provide strong experimental evidence supporting the translational potential of biomimetic nanotherapeutics as next-generation precision interventions for ischemic stroke.
2.Long-term prognosis of liver cirrhosis patients with spontaneous portosystemic shunt undergoing secondary endoscopic preventive therapy for type 1 isolated gastric variceal bleeding
Yuling ZHOU ; Lingling HE ; Jiali MA ; Ping LI ; Hongshan WEI ; Zhenglin AI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(7):1614-1622
ObjectiveTo observe the long-term survival outcomes and complications of liver cirrhosis patients with spontaneous portosystemic shunt and type 1 isolated gastric varices (IGV-1) bleeding after secondary endoscopic preventive therapy, and to investigate the independent influencing factors for long-term prognosis. MethodsA total of 70 liver cirrhosis patients with spontaneous portosystemic shunt and IGV-1 bleeding who were admitted to Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 5, 2015 to November 29, 2019 were enrolled as subjects, and related baseline data were collected, including age, sex, etiology, routine blood test results, liver function parameters, renal function parameters, coagulation parameters, Child-Pugh score, and the presence or absence of comorbidities such as cholestasis, hepatocellular carcinoma, thrombosis, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. All patients underwent secondary endoscopic preventive therapy for rebleeding and were followed up for 5 years. The primary endpoints were ectopic embolism rate and all-cause mortality rate, and the secondary endpoints were liver-related mortality and liver-related complications. The independent-samples t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the prognostic factors for 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival time, and the Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors for liver disease-related complications. ResultsThe incidence rate of ectopic embolism was 0% within 5 years of follow-up. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year all-cause mortality rates were 5.7%, 24.3%, and 32.9%, respectively. There were 2 cases of liver-related death in year 1, 8 cases in year 3, and 12 cases in year 5, resulting in a liver disease-related mortality rate of 17.14% (12/70). Compared with the survival group, the death group had significantly higher incidence rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (0.00% vs 17.39%, χ2=8.669, P=0.003) and ascites (38.30% vs 52.17%, χ2=7.272, P=0.026), and compared with the death group, the survival group had significantly lower 5-year incidence rates of rebleeding (10.64% vs 100.00%, χ2=51.383, P<0.001), ascites (8.51% vs 52.17%, χ2=21.574, P<0.001), and hepatic encephalopathy (0.00% vs 21.74%, χ2=12.029, P=0.002). The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that during the 1-year follow-up, comorbidity with hepatocellular carcinoma before surgery (hazard ratio [HR]=14.601, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.049 — 104.098, P=0.007) and PT (HR=1.662, 95%CI: 1.090 — 2.535, P=0.018) were independent risk factors for survival, and HGB level (HR=0.863, 95%CI: 0.747 — 0.998, P=0.046) was a protective factor for prolonged survival; during the long-term follow-up for 3 or 5 years, preoperative comorbidities with hepatocellular carcinoma (3 years: HR=40.174, 95%CI: 8.939 — 180.559, P<0.001; 5 years: HR=26.739, 95%CI: 6.993 — 102.243, P<0.001) and ascites (3 years: HR=3.638, 95%CI: 1.751 — 7.575, P=0.001; 5 years: HR=2.555, 95%CI: 1.419 — 4.598, P=0.002) were independent risk factors for mortality. The Logistic regression analysis showed that during the follow-up for 3 years, comorbidity with ascites before surgery (odds ratio [OR]=0.255, 95%CI: 0.102 — 0.636, P=0.003) was associated with a lower risk of rebleeding, while comorbidity with hepatocellular carcinoma before surgery (OR=16.231, 95%CI: 1.298 — 202.878, P=0.031) was an independent risk factor for rebleeding; prothrombin time was a protective factor against hepatic encephalopathy (OR=0.790, 95%CI: 0.648 — 0.964, P=0.020); during the follow-up for 5 years, aggravation of ascites after surgery (OR=5.578, 95%CI: 1.474 — 21.103, P=0.011) was an independent risk factor for rebleeding, and aggravation of ascites after surgery (OR=175.046, 95%CI: 14.306 — 2 141.909, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for the development of ascites in the future. ConclusionComorbidity with hepatocellular carcinoma before surgery and prothrombin time are independent risk factors for 1-year survival, whereas a high HGB level is a protective factor for increasing 1-year survival. Preoperative comorbidities with hepatocellular carcinoma and ascites are independent risk factors for the long-term prognosis of patients with spontaneous portosystemic shunt and IGV-1 bleeding and can significantly shorten survival time. Preoperative comorbidity with ascites can reduce the occurrence of rebleeding, while postoperative hepatocellular carcinoma and aggravation of ascites after surgery are independent risk factors for rebleeding; aggravation of ascites after surgery is an independent risk factor for the development of ascites in the future.
3.Constructing core outcome set for clinical research on traditional Chinese medicine treatment of post-stroke aphasia.
Ya-Nan MA ; Min-Jie XU ; Yu-Ai YANG ; Jian CHEN ; Qiao-Sheng REN ; Ying LI ; Jing-Ling CHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(1):238-253
According to the principle and current domestic and international construction processes of core outcome set(COS) and the characteristics of post-stroke aphasia, this study built COS with evidence-based support for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) treatment of post-stroke aphasia. Firstly, a comprehensive review was conducted on the articles about the TCM treatment of post-stroke aphasia that were published in the four major Chinese databases, three major English databases, and three clinical registration centers over the past five years. The articles were analyzed and summarized, on the basis of which the main part of the COS for clinical research on the TCM treatment of post-stroke aphasia was formed. Secondly, clinical doctors and related nursing personnel were interviewed, and important outcome indicators in the clinical diagnosis and treatment process were supplemented to form a pool of core outcome indicators. Two rounds of Delphi surveys were carried out to score the importance of the core outcome indicators in the pool. Finally, a consensus meeting of experts was held to establish the COS for clinical research on the TCM treatment of post-stroke aphasia. The final COS included a total of 268 studies [236 randomized controlled trials(RCTs), 21 Meta-analysis, and 11 clinical registration protocols] and 20 open questionnaire survey results. After two rounds of Delphi surveys, a total of 14 outcome indicators and their corresponding measurement tools were included in the expert consensus meeting. The final expert consensus meeting determined the COS for post-stroke aphasia, which included 9 indicator domains and 12 outcome indicators.
Humans
;
Aphasia/therapy*
;
Stroke/complications*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Treatment Outcome
4.Randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled, multicenter, equivalence clinical trial of Jiuwei Xifeng Granules(Os Draconis replaced by Ostreae Concha) for treating tic disorder in children.
Qiu-Han CAI ; Cheng-Liang ZHONG ; Si-Yuan HU ; Xin-Min LI ; Zhi-Chun XU ; Hui CHEN ; Ying HUA ; Jun-Hong WANG ; Ji-Hong TANG ; Bing-Xiang MA ; Xiu-Xia WANG ; Ai-Zhen WANG ; Meng-Qing WANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Chun WANG ; Yi-Qun TENG ; Yi-Hui SHAN ; Sheng-Xuan GUO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1699-1705
Jiuwei Xifeng Granules have become a Chinese patent medicine in the market. Because the formula contains Os Draconis, a top-level protected fossil of ancient organisms, the formula was to be improved by replacing Os Draconis with Ostreae Concha. To evaluate whether the improved formula has the same effectiveness and safety as the original formula, a randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled, equivalence clinical trial was conducted. This study enrolled 288 tic disorder(TD) of children and assigned them into two groups in 1∶1. The treatment group and control group took the modified formula and original formula, respectively. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks, and follow-up visits were conducted at weeks 2, 4, and 6. The primary efficacy endpoint was the difference in Yale global tic severity scale(YGTSS)-total tic severity(TTS) score from baseline after 6 weeks of treatment. The results showed that after 6 weeks of treatment, the declines in YGTSS-TSS score showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The difference in YGTSS-TSS score(treatment group-control group) and the 95%CI of the full analysis set(FAS) were-0.17[-1.42, 1.08] and those of per-protocol set(PPS) were 0.29[-0.97, 1.56], which were within the equivalence boundary [-3, 3]. The equivalence test was therefore concluded. The two groups showed no significant differences in the secondary efficacy endpoints of effective rate for TD, total score and factor scores of YGTSS, clinical global impressions-severity(CGI-S) score, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) response rate, or symptom disappearance rate, and thus a complete evidence chain with the primary outcome was formed. A total of 6 adverse reactions were reported, including 4(2.82%) cases in the treatment group and 2(1.41%) cases in the control group, which showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. No serious suspected unexpected adverse reactions were reported, and no laboratory test results indicated serious clinically significant abnormalities. The results support the replacement of Os Draconis by Ostreae Concha in the original formula, and the efficacy and safety of the modified formula are consistent with those of the original formula.
Adolescent
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Child
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Child, Preschool
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Female
;
Humans
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Male
;
Double-Blind Method
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Tic Disorders/drug therapy*
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Treatment Outcome
5.Diversity, Complexity, and Challenges of Viral Infectious Disease Data in the Big Data Era: A Comprehensive Review.
Yun MA ; Lu-Yao QIN ; Xiao DING ; Ai-Ping WU
Chinese Medical Sciences Journal 2025;40(1):29-44
Viral infectious diseases, characterized by their intricate nature and wide-ranging diversity, pose substantial challenges in the domain of data management. The vast volume of data generated by these diseases, spanning from the molecular mechanisms within cells to large-scale epidemiological patterns, has surpassed the capabilities of traditional analytical methods. In the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, there is an urgent necessity for the optimization of these analytical methods to more effectively handle and utilize the information. Despite the rapid accumulation of data associated with viral infections, the lack of a comprehensive framework for integrating, selecting, and analyzing these datasets has left numerous researchers uncertain about which data to select, how to access it, and how to utilize it most effectively in their research.This review endeavors to fill these gaps by exploring the multifaceted nature of viral infectious diseases and summarizing relevant data across multiple levels, from the molecular details of pathogens to broad epidemiological trends. The scope extends from the micro-scale to the macro-scale, encompassing pathogens, hosts, and vectors. In addition to data summarization, this review thoroughly investigates various dataset sources. It also traces the historical evolution of data collection in the field of viral infectious diseases, highlighting the progress achieved over time. Simultaneously, it evaluates the current limitations that impede data utilization.Furthermore, we propose strategies to surmount these challenges, focusing on the development and application of advanced computational techniques, AI-driven models, and enhanced data integration practices. By providing a comprehensive synthesis of existing knowledge, this review is designed to guide future research and contribute to more informed approaches in the surveillance, prevention, and control of viral infectious diseases, particularly within the context of the expanding big-data landscape.
Big Data
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Humans
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Virus Diseases/virology*
;
Artificial Intelligence
6.Glucocorticoid Discontinuation in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis under Background of Chinese Medicine: Challenges and Potentials Coexist.
Chuan-Hui YAO ; Chi ZHANG ; Meng-Ge SONG ; Cong-Min XIA ; Tian CHANG ; Xie-Li MA ; Wei-Xiang LIU ; Zi-Xia LIU ; Jia-Meng LIU ; Xiao-Po TANG ; Ying LIU ; Jian LIU ; Jiang-Yun PENG ; Dong-Yi HE ; Qing-Chun HUANG ; Ming-Li GAO ; Jian-Ping YU ; Wei LIU ; Jian-Yong ZHANG ; Yue-Lan ZHU ; Xiu-Juan HOU ; Hai-Dong WANG ; Yong-Fei FANG ; Yue WANG ; Yin SU ; Xin-Ping TIAN ; Ai-Ping LYU ; Xun GONG ; Quan JIANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(7):581-589
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the dynamic changes of glucocorticoid (GC) dose and the feasibility of GC discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under the background of Chinese medicine (CM).
METHODS:
This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 1,196 RA patients enrolled in the China Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry of Patients with Chinese Medicine (CERTAIN) from September 1, 2019 to December 4, 2023, who initiated GC therapy. Participants were divided into the Western medicine (WM) and integrative medicine (IM, combination of CM and WM) groups based on medication regimen. Follow-up was performed at least every 3 months to assess dynamic changes in GC dose. Changes in GC dose were analyzed by generalized estimator equation, the probability of GC discontinuation was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve, and predictors of GC discontinuation were analyzed by Cox regression. Patients with <12 months of follow-up were excluded for the sensitivity analysis.
RESULTS:
Among 1,196 patients (85.4% female; median age 56.4 years), 880 (73.6%) received IM. Over a median 12-month follow-up, 34.3% (410 cases) discontinued GC, with significantly higher rates in the IM group (40.8% vs. 16.1% in WM; P<0.05). GC dose declined progressively, with IM patients demonstrating faster reductions (median 3.75 mg vs. 5.00 mg in WM at 12 months; P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified age <60 years [P<0.001, hazard ratios (HR)=2.142, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.523-3.012], IM therapy (P=0.001, HR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.369-3.456), baseline GC dose ⩽7.5 mg (P=0.003, HR=1.637, 95% CI: 1.177-2.275), and absence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use (P=0.001, HR=2.546, 95% CI: 1.432-4.527) as significant predictors of GC discontinuation. Sensitivity analysis (545 cases) confirmed these findings.
CONCLUSIONS
RA patients receiving CM face difficulties in following guideline-recommended GC discontinuation protocols. IM can promote GC discontinuation and is a promising strategy to reduce GC dependency in RA management. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT05219214).
Adult
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Aged
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy*
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Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Retrospective Studies
7.Quality improvement of Compound Yuxingcao Tablets based on HPLC fingerprints and content determination
Guang-li AI ; Xin WANG ; Ji LI ; Ting-ting LI ; Xiao LUO ; Shuang-cheng MA
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(11):3548-3554
AIM To improve the quality of Compound Yuxingcao Tablets.METHODS The HPLC fingerprints were established,after which the contents of neochlorogenic acid,chlorogenic acid,cryptochlorogenic acid,forsythoside I,forsythoside A,quercitrin,3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid,4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid,baicalin,oroxyloside,wogonin and baicalein were determined.The analysis was performed on a 30 ℃ thermostatic Waters XBridge C18 column(250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.1%phosphoric acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelength was set at 327 nm.Subsequently,principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis were adopted.RESULTS There were 21 common peaks in the fingerprints for 22 batches of samples with the similarities of more than 0.85.Twelve constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(R20.999 8),whose average recoveries were 93.68%-101.16%with the RSDs of 0.95%-2.35%.Baicalin,wogonin and forsythoside A were taken as quality differential components.CONCLUSION This simple and accurate method can be used for the quality control of Compound Yuxingcao Tablets.
8.Expression of GPRC5D in newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma detected by flow cytometry and its prognostic value
Congqian JIN ; Fen YAN ; Ai MA ; Kailin XU ; Jieyun XIA
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(4):321-327
Objective:To investigate GPRC5D expression on myeloma cells in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients and evaluate its prognostic significance.Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 65 patients with NDMM treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from April 2023 to April 2024. The expression of GPRC5D on the surface of myeloma cells in all patients was detected with flow cytometry before induction therapy, and patients were stratified into high and low GPRC5D expression groups based on the median GPRC5D positivity rate. Clinical characteristics, immune status, treatment response after induction therapy, and prognosis were compared between the two groups.Results:The median positive rate of GPRC5D in the plasma cells of 65 patients with NDMM was 32.68%. Based on this threshold, patients were categorized into the high (33 cases, GPRC5D positive rate ≥ 32.68%) and low (32 cases, GPRC5D positive rate <32.68%) GPRC5D expression groups. Compared with the low GPRC5D expression group, the high GPRC5D expression group demonstrated a higher proportion of 1q21 gain (78.8% vs 43.8%, P=0.004), a higher incidence of immunoparesis involving ≥2 uninvolved immunoglobulins (87.9% vs 62.5%, P=0.018), and severe immunoparesis (59.4% vs 33.3%, P=0.046). Further, CD16 +CD56 + cell levels were lower in the high GPRC5D expression group [ (16.60±8.70) % vs (27.78±15.78) %, P=0.005]. No significant difference was observed in the overall response rate between the high and low GPRC5D expression groups (78.8% vs 93.8%, P=0.165). However, the high GPRC5D expression group exhibited a significantly lower rate of achieving very good partial remission or better (42.4% vs 78.2%, P=0.003) and a lower MRD negativity rate (30.0% vs 68.8%, P=0.002). Compared with the low GPRC5D expression group, patients with high expression demonstrated a significantly shorter median progression-free survival (11.2 months vs not reached, P=0.002), whereas the median overall survival was not reached in either group, with no statistically significant difference ( P=0.069) . Conclusions:The GPRC5D positivity rate in the plasma cells of patients with NDMM is associated with 1q21 gain and immune status. High GPRC5D expression at diagnosis may predict poor response to induction therapy and an unfavorable prognosis.
9.Dual-energy spectral CT quantitative indicators assist in the risk prediction of pneumoconiosis
Hui XING ; Turepu AISANJIANG· ; Yajun CHENG ; Ping DONG ; Shaoqun MA ; Jingxu XU ; Hong DOU ; Xueru AI
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(4):297-301
Objective:To explore the quantitative indexes of dual energy spectrum CT and related clinical data to establish a predictive model for predicting pneumoconiosis.Methods:In April 2024, the information of 203 pneumoconiosis patients diagnosed by the occupational disease appraisal expert group in the Third People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Occupational Disease Hospital of Xinjiang Autonomous Region) from January 2022 to December 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. Another 207 non-pneumoconiosis patients with dust exposure history were selected as control group. The measurement data between the two groups were compared using T test or Wilcoxon in dependent quality test, count date asing chi-square or Fishers test, the energy spectrum related indicators and clinical indicators of the patients were compared between groups, and potential factors for diagnosis of pneumoconiosis were screened through univariate analysis, and independent risk factors were further determined by multivariate logistic regression. Based on the results of regression analysis, the machine learning model was constructed, and the reciver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was drawn to evaluate the efficiency of the model, and the Area under cruve (AUC) value, sensitivity and specificity were calculated.Results:Smoking, lung tissue mass, silicon dioxide (SiO 2) equivalent total mass and SiO 2 equivalent concentration were the risk factors for pneumoconiosis ( P<0.05) . Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that smoking, lung tissue mass, total lung SiO 2 equivalent total volume and total lung SiO 2 equivalent total mass were independent predicators of the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis ( OR=0.53, 0.99, 1.13, 0.85, P<0.05) . Logistic regression machine learning was used to establish a predictive model, and the training set AUC was 0.74, and the verification set AUC was 0.72, indicating that the model had good accuracy and certain ability to diagnose pneumoconiosis. Conclusion:The machine learning prediction model established by the quantitative analysis index of dual energy spectrum CT and clinical related indexes has a good diagnostic performance for the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis.
10.Morin inhibits ubiquitination degradation of BCL-2 associated agonist of cell death and synergizes with BCL-2 inhibitor in gastric cancer cells.
Yi WANG ; Xiao-Yu SUN ; Fang-Qi MA ; Ming-Ming REN ; Ruo-Han ZHAO ; Meng-Meng QIN ; Xiao-Hong ZHU ; Yan XU ; Ni-da CAO ; Yuan-Yuan CHEN ; Tian-Geng DONG ; Yong-Fu PAN ; Ai-Guang ZHAO
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(3):320-332
OBJECTIVE:
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies seen in clinic and requires novel treatment options. Morin is a natural flavonoid extracted from the flower stalk of a highly valuable medicinal plant Prunella vulgaris L., which exhibits an anti-cancer effect in multiple types of tumors. However, the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of morin in treating GC remains elusive. The study aims to explore the therapeutic effect and underlying molecular mechanisms of morin in GC.
METHODS:
For in vitro experiments, the proliferation inhibition of morin was measured by cell counting kit-8 assay and colony formation assay in human GC cell line MKN45, human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line AGS, and human gastric epithelial cell line GES-1; for apoptosis analysis, microscopic photography, Western blotting, ubiquitination analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, flow cytometry, and RNA interference technology were employed. For in vivo studies, immunohistochemistry, biomedical analysis, and Western blotting were used to assess the efficacy and safety of morin in a xenograft mouse model of GC.
RESULTS:
Morin significantly inhibited the proliferation of GC cells MKN45 and AGS in a dose- and time-dependent manner, but did not inhibit human gastric epithelial cells GES-1. Only the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK was able to significantly reverse the inhibition of proliferation by morin in both GC cells, suggesting that apoptosis was the main type of cell death during the treatment. Morin induced intrinsic apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in GC cells, which mainly relied on B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) associated agonist of cell death (BAD) but not phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced protein 1. The upregulation of BAD by morin was due to blocking the ubiquitination degradation of BAD, rather than the transcription regulation and the phosphorylation of BAD. Furthermore, the combination of morin and BCL-2 inhibitor navitoclax (also known as ABT-737) produced a synergistic inhibitory effect in GC cells through amplifying apoptotic signals. In addition, morin treatment significantly suppressed the growth of GC in vivo by upregulating BAD and the subsequent activation of its downstream apoptosis pathway.
CONCLUSION
Morin suppressed GC by inducing apoptosis, which was mainly due to blocking the ubiquitination-based degradation of the pro-apoptotic protein BAD. The combination of morin and the BCL-2 inhibitor ABT-737 synergistically amplified apoptotic signals in GC cells, which may overcome the drug resistance of the BCL-2 inhibitor. These findings indicated that morin was a potent and promising agent for GC treatment. Please cite this article as: Wang Y, Sun XY, Ma FQ, Ren MM, Zhao RH, Qin MM, Zhu XH, Xu Y, Cao ND, Chen YY, Dong TG, Pan YF, Zhao AG. Morin inhibits ubiquitination degradation of BCL-2 associated agonist of cell death and synergizes with BCL-2 inhibitor in gastric cancer cells. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 320-332.
Humans
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Flavonoids/therapeutic use*
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Stomach Neoplasms/pathology*
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Animals
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism*
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Cell Line, Tumor
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Ubiquitination/drug effects*
;
Mice
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Drug Synergism
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Mice, Nude
;
Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
;
Flavones

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