1.Study on the apoptosis-inducing effect of esculetin on acute myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells via regulating the AKT/SKP2/MTH1 pathway
Weihua SONG ; Fuying CHU ; Wei XIE ; Jinliang CHEN ; Ping ZHAO ; Hong QIU ; Jian TAO ; Xiang CHEN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):36-41
OBJECTIVE To investigate the apoptosis-inducing effect of esculetin (Esc) on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) HL-60 cells by regulating the protein kinase B (AKT)/S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2)/MutT homolog 1 (MTH1) pathway. METHODS AML HL-60 cells were randomly divided into control group (routine culture), Esc low-concentration group (L-Esc group, 25 μmol/L Esc), Esc medium-concentration group (M-Esc group, 50 μmol/L Esc), Esc high-concentration group (H-Esc group, 100 μmol/L Esc), and high-concentration of Esc+ SC79 (AKT agonist) group (100 μmol/L Esc+5 μmol/L SC79). Cell proliferation in each group was detected by MTT assay and colony formation assay. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells was measured by using the CM-H2DCFDA fluorescent probe. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot assay was performed to detect the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins [B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cleaved caspase-3], AKT/SKP2/MTH1 pathway-related proteins (p-AKT, AKT, SKP2, MTH1), along with the upstream and downstream proteins of AKT phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1 (P21) and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (P27). RESULTS Compared with control group, the cell viability, colony number, and the phosphorylation levels of AKT and PI3K proteins as well as protein expressions of SKP2, MTH1 and Bcl-2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while ROS level, apoptosis rate, and the expression levels of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, P21 and P27 proteins were significantly increased (P<0.05). Moreover, the effects of Esc exhibited concentration-dependence (P<0.05). Compared with H-Esc group, above indexes of high-concentration of Esc+ SC79 group were reversed significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Esc may promote massive ROS production and induce activation of apoptosis in HL-60 cells by inhibiting the AKT/SKP2/MTH1 pathway, thus inhibiting the proliferation of HL-60 cells.
2.Clinical Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Childhood Simple Obesity: Insights from Expert Consensus
Qi ZHANG ; Yingke LIU ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Guichen NI ; Heyin XIAO ; Junhong WANG ; Liqun WU ; Zhanfeng YAN ; Kundi WANG ; Jiajia CHEN ; Hong ZHENG ; Xinying GAO ; Liya WEI ; Qiang HE ; Qian ZHAO ; Huimin SU ; Zhaolan LIU ; Dafeng LONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):238-245
Childhood simple obesity has become a significant public health issue in China. Modern medicine primarily relies on lifestyle interventions and often suffers from poor long-term compliance, while pharmacological options are limited and associated with potential adverse effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history in the prevention and management of this condition, demonstrating eight distinct advantages, including systematic theoretical foundation, diversified therapeutic approaches, definite therapeutic efficacy, high safety profile, good patient compliance, comprehensive intervention strategies, emphasis on prevention, and stepwise treatment protocols. Additionally, TCM is characterized by six distinctive features: the use of natural medicinal substances, non-invasive external therapies, integration of medicinal dietetics, simple exercise regimens, precise syndrome differentiation, and diverse dosage forms. By combining internal and external treatments, TCM facilitates individualized regimen adjustment and holistic regulation, demonstrating remarkable effects in improving obesity-related metabolic indicators, regulating constitutional imbalance, and promoting healthy behaviors. However, challenges remain, such as inconsistent operational standards, insufficient high-quality clinical evidence, and a gap between basic research and clinical application. Future efforts should focus on accelerating the standardization of TCM diagnosis and treatment, conducting multicenter randomized controlled trials, and fostering interdisciplinary integration, so as to enhance the scientific validity and international recognition of TCM in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
3.The SMAD-Pathway Mediates HMGB1-Induced Proliferation and Metastatic Progression in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
De-De LIAN ; Xue Mei LI ; Yu-Xi JIA ; Ming-Wei ZHOU ; Xiang-Ru CHEN ; Yang-Yang TIAN ; Min LI ; Ming-Hui SUN ; Ye ZHAO ; Hong-Jun LI ; Qing-Ling ZHANG
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):51-58
Background:
High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin-binding protein involved in arthritis, ischemia, sepsis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, meningitis, and cancer. HMGB1 exhibits dual roles in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or oncoprotein depending on context.
Objective:
This research aimed to elucidate HMGB1’s functional significance in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
Methods:
We overexpressed HMGB1 in cSCC cell lines using recombinant adenovirus and examined its effects on cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration.
Results:
Immunohistochemical analysis revealed elevated HMGB1 expression levels in cSCC tissue relative to normal epidermis. To assess the influence of HMGB1, we employed recombinant adenoviruses expressing HMGB1 to transduce SCC cell lines (SCC12 and SCC13). Enhanced HMGB1 expression significantly promoted cellular proliferation and colony formation capacity.Notably, HMGB1 overexpression elevated the levels of proliferation regulators, including P63, SOX2, CDK4 and CDK6. Furthermore, HMGB1 overexpression substantially enhanced tumor invasiveness, accompanied by upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers. Mechanistically, overexpression of HMGB1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β signaling by increasing phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, the key mediators of EMT.
Conclusion
These data imply that HMGB1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor in cSCC.
4.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
5.Electroencephalographic assessment of the relationship between frontal alpha asymmetry and emotion dysregulation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Lei CHEN ; Li-Li ZHAO ; Xiao-Chen WU ; Hong-Yuan LI ; Wei-Wei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(12):1493-1499
Objective To explore the relationship between frontal alpha asymmetry(FAA)assessed by electroencephalogram(EEG)and emotion dysregulation(ED)in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD).Methods Children with ADHD admitted to Fuyang Women and Children's Hospital from September 2021 to December 2024 were prospectively enrolled(n=104).Based on the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist(CBCL),participants were classified into an ED group(sum of three subscales<180;n=41)and a non-ED group(sum≥180;n=63).Clinical data were collected,and the Chinese ADHD SNAP-IV parent version and the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale-Parent Report were used.FAA was measured by EEG.Correlations between FAA in different regions and CBCL score were analyzed,and the predictive value of FAA for ED was evaluated with multivariable logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves.Results Compared with the non-ED group,the ED group had a higher proportion of the predominantly inattentive ADHD subtype,higher SNAP-IV total score,higher Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale-Parent Report total score,and higher FP1/FP2-FAA and C3/C4-FAA(P<0.05).FP1/FP2-FAA and C3/C4-FAA were negatively correlated with CBCL score(P<0.05).The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that FP1/FP2-FAA and C3/C4-FAA were closely associated with ED in children with ADHD(P<0.05).The areas under the curve for predicting ED using FP1/FP2-FAA,C3/C4-FAA,and their combination were 0.827,0.685,and 0.917,respectively(P<0.05),and the combined prediction had a higher area under the curve than either single marker(P<0.05).The FP1/FP2 FAA value in hyperactive-impulsive ADHD was lower than in combined-type ADHD and predominantly inattentive ADHD(P<0.05).Conclusions FP1/FP2-FAA and C3/C4-FAA are reliable neural markers of emotion dysregulation in children with ADHD,and their combination shows superior predictive performance.ADHD subtypes show distinct patterns of FAA-functional impairment associations.
6.Establishment and validation of a predictive model for increased drainage volume after open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion
Yin HU ; Hai-long YU ; Hong-wen GU ; Kang-en HAN ; Shi-lei TANG ; Yuan-hang ZHAO ; Zhi-hao ZHANG ; Jun-chao LI ; Le XING ; Hong-wei WANG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(11):981-986
Objective To analyze the risk factors for increased drainage volume after open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF),and to establish a predictive model and then validate it.Methods The clinical data of 680 patients who underwent open TLIF at the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from January 2016 to December 2019 were collected and the patients were randomly divided into the training group(n=476)and the validation group(n=204).Taking the predictive factors screened out by LASSO regression analysis as independent variables,a multivariate Logistic regression predictive model was constructed.The model was internally validated through the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test,and calibration curve,and its clinical utility was assessed via decision curve analysis(DCA).Results LASSO regression analysis screened out four predictive variables:age,number of surgical segments,operative duration,and intraoperative blood loss.The multivariate Logistic regression predictive model demonstrated that age≥60 years,number of surgical segments≥4,operative duration≥2 hours,and intraoperative blood loss≥200 mL were independent influencing factors for the increased postoperative drainage volume in patients undergoing TLIF(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis revealed an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.816(95%CI:0.798 to 0.867)in the training group and 0.783(95%CI:0.685 to 0.823)in the validation group,indicating that the predictive model had good discriminatory ability.Additionally,the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and calibration curve indicated that the predictive model had a good degree of fit,and the predicted probability was basically consistent with the actual probability,demonstrating a good calibration.The DCA results confirmed that this predictive model could be applied in clinical practice.Conclusion The risk factors for increased drainage volume after open TLIF include age,number of surgical segments,operative duration,and intraoperative blood loss.The predictive model established based on these factors demonstrates good performance,and it can be applied in clinical guidance for the selection of drainage tube removal time after TLIF.
7.Fusion of Dual-targeting Peptides with MAP30 Promotes the Apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells
Yi-Xuan YANG ; Xin-Yi WANG ; Wei-Wei CHEN ; Li GAN ; Yu SUN ; Tong LIN ; Wei-Chun ZHAO ; Zhen-Hong ZHU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(2):260-272
Momordica antiviral protein 30 kD(MAP30)is a type Ⅰ ribosome-inactivating protein(RIP)with antibacterial,anti-HIV and antitumor activities but lacks the ability to target tumor cells.To in-crease its tumor-targeting ability,the arginine-glycine-aspartic(RGD)peptide and the epidermal growth factor receptor interference(EGFRi)peptide were fused with MAP30,which was named ELRL-MAP30.The efficiency of targeted therapy for triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)MDA-MB-231 cells,which lack the expression of estrogen receptor(ER),Progesterone receptor(PgR)and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2(HER2),is limited.In this study,we focus on exploring the effect and mecha-nism of ELRL-MAP30 on TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells.First,we discovered that ELRL-MAP30 significant-ly inhibited the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells and induced MDA-MB-231 cell apoptosis.Moreover,ELRL-MAP30 treatment resulted in a significant increase in Bax expression and a decrease in Bcl-2 expression.Furthermore,ELRL-MAP30 triggered apoptosis via the Fak/EGFR/Erk and Ilk/Akt signaling pathways.In addition,recombinant ELRL-MAP30 can inhibit chicken embryonic angiogenesis,and also inhibit the tube formation ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs),indica-ting its potential therapeutic effects on tumor angiogenesis.Collectively,these results indicate that ELRL-MAP30 has significant tumor-targeting properties in MDA-MB-231 cancer cells and reveals potential ther-apeutic effects on angiogenesis.These findings indicate the potential role of ELRL-MAP30 in the targeted treatment of the TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231.
8.Investigation of plague sources in the border port areas of Longchuan County, Yunnan Province in 2022
Zhengxiang LIU ; Yuqiong LI ; Mei HONG ; Wei LIANG ; Qiuxiang YANG ; Shilong YANG ; Cuicui ZHAO ; Zihou GAO ; Zongti SHAO
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(6):467-471
Objective:To investigate the host and vector composition of pestis and the epidemic situation of pestis among animals in the border port areas of Longchuan County, Yunnan Province.Methods:In September 2022, a survey was conducted on rodents and their surface parasitic fleas in the border port areas of Longchuan County, according to three habitat types: residential areas, agricultural areas, and forest-shrubbery areas. Samples of murine animals organs and their surface parasitic fleas were collected for isolation and identification of Yersinia pestis. Blood samples of plague indicating animals, such as murine animals, dogs and cats were collected, and serum plague F1 antibody was detected by indirect hemagglutination assay. Meanwhile, a retrospective investigation was conducted on the occurrence of self dead rats, sick rats, and suspected cases in the local area from 2018 to 2022 through interviews with farmers. Results:A total of 168 murine animals belonging to 3 orders, 5 families, 10 genera, and 11 species were captured in three habitats in Longchuan County. Among them, the capture rate in residential areas was 5.00% (30/600), with Rattus tanezumi and Suncus murinus as dominant species, with a composition ratio of 50.00% (15/30). The capture rate in agricultural areas was 9.67% (122/1 262), with Rattus tanezumi and Suncus murinus as dominant species, with a composition ratio of 50.82% (62/122) and 44.26% (54/122), respectively. The capture rate in the forest-shrubbery areas was 6.25% (16/256), with Hylomys suillus and Eothenomys eleusis as dominant species, with a composition ratio of 37.50% (6/16) and 31.25% (5/16), respectively. Among the captured murine animals, 20 individuals carried 52 parasitic fleas, belonging to 2 species of 2 genera and 2 families. The total flea infection rate was 11.90% (20/168), and the total flea index was 0.31 (52/168). The dominant specie was Xenopsylla cheopis (90.38%, 47/52). The flea infection rate in residential areas was 33.33% (10/30), and the flea index was 1.23 (37/30). The flea infection rate in agricultural areas was 7.38% (9/122), and the flea index was 0.11 (14/122). The flea infection rate in the forest-shrubbery areas was 6.25% (1/16), and the flea index was 0.06 (1/16). The samples of murine animals and their parasitic fleas obtained were isolated and cultured by Yersinia pestis, and the results were negative. A total of 144 serum samples from murine animals, dogs and cats were separated, and no F1 antibody against pestis was detected. According to interviews and investigations, no abnormal situations such as a large number of self dead rats, sick rats, and suspected cases were found from 2018 to 2022. Conclusions:No plague epidemic has been found in the border port areas of Longchuan County recently. The main host of plague, Rattus tanezumi, and the main vector, Xenopsylla cheopis, remain the dominant species in this area.
9.Improvement effect of isoquercitrin on anxiety rats through modulation of BDKRB2/PI3K/Akt pathway in hippocampus
De-di GUO ; Yi-wei ZHANG ; Xiang-jun WANG ; Xi-tai CHEN ; Huai-wei ZHAO ; Run-wei SONG ; Chang-lin WANG ; Chun-hong SONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1359-1367
Aim To explore the action mechanism of isoquercitrin(IQ)in ameliorating anxiety based on network pharmacology,cellular transcriptomics,molecu-lar docking and animal experiments.Methods The common targets of anxiety disorders and IQ were ob-tained by using relevant databases.The protein-protein interaction network,the biological function and signa-ling pathway enrichment analysis were conducted by u-sing the common targets.Primary hippocampal neurons were cultured in vitro,and corticosterone was added to induce neurons to establish a corticosterone injury mod-el.IQ treatment was added to the culture system,and transcriptomics was used to screen for differentially ex-pressed genes and enrich for differentially expressed pathways.Subsequently,the results were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).Possible targets and signaling pathways for IQ treatment on anxiety were speculated and screened u-sing network pharmacology,transcriptomics and molec-ular docking.The anxiety rat model was constructed,and the anxiety state of rats was evaluated after IQ in-tervention,and the protein expression level of hippo-campus was detected to verify the relevant mechanism.Results Network pharmacology,cellular transcrip-tome,and molecular docking analyses revealed that the key mechanism of IQ for anxiety may be related to the BDKRB2/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Animal exper-iments showed that IQ was effective in improving anxie-ty behaviour and learning memory ability in rats.IQ increased the movement distance and residence time in the central area of the open field,the time and number percentage of entries into the open arm in the elevated plus maze,and the spontaneous alternations score in the Y maze in rats,and significantly elevated protein expression of BDKRB2,PI3K,Akt and decreased pro-tein expression of NF-κB in the hippocampus.Conclu-sions Isoquercitrin can effectively treat anxiety,and the mechanism of action may be related to the regula-tion of BDKRB2/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in hip-pocampus.
10.Poly gala fallax Hemsl.improves diabetic kidney disease in rats via Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway
Si-chao WANG ; Qiu-hong LIU ; Shi-wei ZHAO ; Yu-qiong LEI ; Min-chao FENG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1186-1193
Aim To observe the interventional effects of Polygala fallax Hemsl.(PFH)on diabetic kidney disease(DKD)rats and the regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis.Methods Thirty-six SD rats were ran-domly divided into the control group,DKD group,fer-rostatin-1(Fer-1)group,PFH-L group,PFH-M group,and PFH-H group,with six rats in each group.Model-ing was induced by a one-time intraperitoneal injection of 35 mg·kg-1 streptozocin(STZ)in combination with high-sugar and high-fat feed.Ferrostatin-1(25μmol·kg-1)was injected intraperitoneally in Fer-1 group.The PFH-L,PFH-M,and PFH-H groups were gavaged with 50,100 and 200 mg·kg-1 of alcoholic extracts of PFH respectively,and the control and DKD groups were gavaged with an equal volume of distilled water once a day for eight weeks.At the end of drug administration,blood glucose,24h-UP,BUN and Scr levels were measured in each group of rats.HE stai-ning and Masson staining were used to observe renal histopathological changes.ELISA was employed to de-termine the levels of total iron,MDA and GSH activity.IHC was used to observe the expression of Nrf2,SLC7A11,and GPX4 in renal tissues.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of COL1A1,α-SMA,TGF-,FTH-1,TFR-1,Nrf2,SLC7A1 1,GPX4,in renal tissues.RT-qPCR was used to detect the ex-pression levels of Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4 mRNA in re-nal tissues.Results Compared with the control group,blood glucose,24h-UP,BUN,Scr increased(P<0.05);glomerular volume increased,tubular dilata-tion and collagen fiber deposition were obvious;total i-ron,MDA content increased and GSH activity de-creased(P<0.05);there was increased protein ex-pression of COL1A1,α-SMA,TGF-β,TFR-1 and de-creased protein expression of FTH-1(P<0.01);there was decreased mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4 in DKD group rats(P<0.01).Compared with the DKD group,blood glucose,24h-UP,BUN and Scr decreased(P<0.05);renal tissue le-sions were significantly reduced;total iron and MDA content decreased,and GSH activity increased(P<0.05);COL1A1,α-SMA,TGF-β,and TFR-1 protein expression decreased and FTH-1 protein expression in-creased(P<0.05,P<0.01);Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4 mRNA and protein expression increased in Fer-1 and PFH dose groups(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusions PFH attenuates renal histopathological injury in DKD rats,and the mechanism may be related to the regula-tion of the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway.


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