1.ZIP4 promotes glycolysis in cholangiocarcinoma cells by enhancing H3K4me3 modification and activating MYCN transcription
Jiwen WANG ; Cheng ZHANG ; Dexiang ZHANG ; Xiaoling NI ; Kun FAN ; Houbao LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(3):410-420
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To explore the mechanism by which zinc-regulated transporters, iron-regulated transporter-likeprotein 4 (ZIP4) regulates glycolysis and its impact on tumor progression in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), providing a theoretical basis for targeted therapy of CCA. Methods ZIP4 expression in CCA was analyzed using the GEPIA database. Immuno-histochemistry (IHC) was used to detect ZIP4 expression in 20 paired CCA and adjacent non-tumor tissues. Stable ZIP4-overexpressing CCA cell lines (ZIP4-OE) were established. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to screen differentially expressed genes and pathways in ZIP-OE CCA cells. ZIP4, N-myc proto-oncogene protein (MYCN), and histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2E (KMT2E) were knocked down using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). The expression of glycolysis-related gene (glucose transporter 1 [Glut1], hexokinase 2 [HK2], and lactate dehydrogenase A [LDHA]) was measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Glycolytic activity was assessed by measuring the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR). Cell proliferation was evaluated using colony formation assays, and cell migration was assessed using Transwell assays. A xenograft mouse model was constructed to examine CCA tumor growth. Protein levels of ZIP4, KMT2E, H3K4me3 (tri-methylation of lysine 4 on histone H3), and MYCN were detected by Western blotting. Results GEPIA database analysis and IHC results confirmed significantly higher ZIP4 expression levels in CCA tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the ZIP4-OE group exhibited a significantly increased ECAR, along with significantly enhanced proliferation and migration abilities (P<0.01). Conversely, knockdown of ZIP4 suppressed CCA cells proliferation and migration. GEPIA analysis indicated that ZIP4 upregulates the transcription of oncogene MYCN, as well as glycolysis-related genes. Knockdown of MYCN abolished the ZIP4 overexpression-induced upregulation of Glut1, HK2, and LDHA gene transcription, reduced glycolysis, and significantly inhibited CCA cell proliferation and migration (P<0.05). Mechanistic studies demonstrated that ZIP4 increases H3K4me3 level via KMT2E, leading to MYCN transcription. Knockdown of KMT2E in CCA cells suppressed the ZIP4 overexpression-induced enhancement in H3K4me3 modification, resulting in MYCN downregulation and significantly reduced CCA cells proliferation and migration (P<0.05). Conclusions ZIP4 upregulates H3K4me3 modification through KMT2E, which recruits transcription factors to activate the transcription of MYCN. This subsequently enhances cellular glycolysis and promotes the proliferation and migration of CCA cells.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.Targeting effect and anti-tumor mechanism of folic acid-modified crebanine nanoparticles combined with ultra-sound irradiation on M109 cells in vitro and in vivo
Hailiang ZHANG ; Xiaoyu ZHAO ; Jiahua MEI ; Rui PAN ; Junze TANG ; Kun YU ; Rui XUE ; Xiaofei LI ; Xin CHENG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(14):1730-1736
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			OBJECTIVE To investigate the targeting effect of folic acid-modified crebanine nanoparticles (FA-Cre@PEG- PLGA NPs, hereinafter referred to as “NPs”) combined with ultrasound irradiation on M109 cells in vitro and in vivo after administration, and explore the anti-tumor mechanism. METHODS CCK-8 assay was used to detect the inhibitory effect of NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation on the proliferation of M109 cells, and the best ultrasound time was selected. Using human lung cancer A549 cells as a control, the targeting of NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation to M109 cells was evaluated by free folic acid blocking assay and cell uptake assay. The effects of NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation on the migration, invasion, apoptosis, cell cycle and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of M109 cells were detected by cell scratch test, Transwell chamber test and flow cytometry at 1 h after 958401536@qq.com administration; the changes of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were observed by fluorescence inverted microscope. A mouse subcutaneous tumor model of M109 cells was constructed, and the in vivo tumor targeting of NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation was investigated by small animal in vivo imaging technology. RESULTS NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation could significantly inhibit the proliferation of M109 cells, and the optimal ultrasound time was 1 h after administration. The free folic acid could antagonize the inhibitory effect of NPs on the proliferation of M109 cells, and combined with ultrasound irradiation could partially reverse this antagonism. Compared with A549 cells, the uptake rate of NPs in M109 cells was significantly higher (P<0.01), and ultrasound irradiation could promote cellular uptake. NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation could inhibit the migration and invasion of M109 cells and block the cell cycle in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases. Compared with control group, the apoptosis rate of M109 cells and ROS level were increased significantly (P<0.01), while the MMP decreased significantly (P<0.01) in the different concentration (100, 200, 300 μg/mL) groups of M109 cells. Compared with the mice in non-ultrasound group, the fluorescence intensity and tumor-targeting index of the tumor site in the 0 h ultrasound group were significantly enhanced (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation have a strong targeting effect on M109 cells in vitro and in vivo, the anti-tumor mechanism includes inhibiting cell migration and invasion, blocking cell cycle, and inducing apoptosis.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.Effect of Folic Acid-modified Crebanine Polyethylene Glycol-polylactic Acid Hydroxyacetic Acid Copolymer Nanoparticles Combined with Ultrasonic Irradiation on Subcutaneous Tumor Growth of Liver Cancer in Mice
Rui PAN ; Junze TANG ; Hailiang ZHANG ; Kun YU ; Xiaoyu ZHAO ; Xin CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):217-225
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of folic acid-modified crebanine polyethylene glycol-polylactic acid hydroxyacetic acid copolymer(PEG-PLGA) nanoparticles(FA-Cre@PEG-PLGA NPs, hereinafter referred to as NPs) combined with ultrasonic irradiation on subcutaneous tumor of liver cancer in Kunming(KM) mice. MethodsEighty-four healthy male KM mice were utilized to establish a subcutaneous tumor model of mouse hepatocellular carcinoma with H22 cells, then mice were randomly divided into model group, placebo group, hydroxycamptothecin group(8 mg∙kg-1), low, medium and high dose crebanine raw material groups(2, 2.5, 3 mg∙kg-1, hereinafter referred to as the low, medium and high dose crebanine groups, respectively), low, medium and high dose NPs groups(2, 2.5, 3 mg∙kg-1), and low, medium and high dose NPs combined with ultrasonic irradiation groups(2, 2.5, 3 mg∙kg-1, hereinafter referred to as the low, medium and high dose combination groups, respectively). The corresponding doses of drugs were administered via tail vein injection, the model group received no treatment, while the placebo group was injected with an equivalent amount of normal saline. Dosing was conducted for a total of 10 times on alternate days. The body mass of the mice was monitored, and parameters such as body mass change rate, thymus index, spleen index, tumor volume, tumor weight, relative tumor growth rate(T/C), and tumor inhibition rate(TGI) were calculated. Pathological changes in liver and kidney tissues as well as the tumor were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. Additionally, the levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), blood urea nitrogen(BUN) and creatinine(CREA) in serum of mice were detected by biochemical method. Furthermore, the effect of ultrasound on the distribution of NPs in subcutaneous tumors of mouse hepatocellular carcinoma was observed by in vivo imaging technique. ResultsAmong different treatment methods, the combination of NPs and ultrasound irradiation had the best therapeutic effect. Compared with the model group, the body mass growth rates of mice in the medium and high combination groups decreased, while the thymus index and spleen index increased, but there was no statistically significant difference in serum AST, ALT, BUN and CREA levels, indicating that NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation had little effect on the normal physiological state of the body, oth groups had TGI>40% and T/C<60%, indicating a clear anti-tumor effect. Pathological analysis showed that compared with the NPs groups, the combination groups exhibited varying degrees of necrosis in tumor cells, accompanied by less damage to the liver and kidneys. In vivo imaging of small animals showed that compared with the high dose NPs group, the high dose combination group had stronger tumor targeting ability(P<0.01). ConclusionNPs combined with ultrasonic irradiation can not only effectively targeted the drug to the tumor site, inhibit the subcutaneous tumor growth of mouse liver cancer, but also decrease damage to liver and kidney tissues. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
		                				4.Three 2,3-diketoquinoxaline alkaloids with hepatoprotective activity from Heterosmilax yunnanensis 
		                			
		                			Rong-rong DU ; Xin-yi GUO ; Wen-jie QIN ; Hua SUN ; Xiu-mei DUAN ; Xiang YUAN ; Ya-nan YANG ; Kun LI ; Pei-cheng ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(2):413-417
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			 Three 2,3-diketoquinoxaline alkaloids were isolated from 
		                        		
		                        	
5.Research progress of bionic intramedullary nail of proximal femur based on "lever-fulcrum balance and reconstruction" theory in the treatment of senile intertrochanteric femoral fractures
Changjun HE ; Kun ZHANG ; Congming ZHANG ; Cheng REN ; Deyin LIU ; Yibo XU ; Na YANG ; Teng MA
International Journal of Surgery 2024;51(3):207-211
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Femoral intertrochanteric fracture is one of the common types of fractures in the elderly. With the general improvement of medical and living standards, the number of elderly people is increasing, and the problem of osteoporosis has also become relatively prominent. Therefore, low violence can usually cause fractures in this area of the elderly, which has a significant negative impact on the quality of life of elderly patients. With the further development of medical technology and internal fixation materials, the emergence of proximal femoral nail antirotation(PFNA) has greatly improved the treatment effect of femoral intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients. However, with the increasing number of patients treated, internal fixation failures have gradually been reported. In recent years, proximal femoral biomimetic intramedullary nail(PFBN) has been reported to have good clinical efficacy. Therefore, this article mainly elaborates on the theoretical basis, design characteristics, biomechanics, and clinical efficacy research of PFBN, providing more reference for the clinical treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients in the future.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Clinical efficacy of CalliSpheres drug-loaded microspheres versus blank microspheres in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer by transarterial chemoembolization
Ruiwen CHENG ; Ruobing HAO ; Ping LI ; Kun ZHANG ; Liping DENG ; Yaheng CAO ; Lin SU ; Hongrong SHEN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(1):32-37
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To analyze and compare the clinical efficacy of CalliSpheres drug-eluting micro-spheres and blank microspheres in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer by bronchial arterial chemoembolization.Methods Fifty patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who had failed or relapsed after radiotherapy,chemotherapy,targeting and immunotherapy were collected and treated with super-selective bronchial artery chemoembolization.A retrospective analysis was conducted to compare the tumor response rate and survival between CalliSpheres drug-eluting and blank microspheres.Results The PR,ORR and DCR in the drug-eluted microsphere group were higher than those in the blank microsphere group,and there was a statistical difference in DCR between the two groups 1 month after surgery(χ2 = 4.08,P = 0.04).PD in the drug-eluted microsphere group was lower than that in the blank microsphere group.The CEA,CYF and SCC in the drug-eluted microsphere group after surgery were lower than those in the blank microsphere group,and the CEA,CYF and SCC in the two groups after surgery were lower than those before surgery,and there were statistical differences in CEA and CYF 1 month after surgery between the two groups.The PFS and OS in drug-eluted microsphere group were higher than those in blank microsphere group.Conclusion CalliSpheres drug-eluting microspheres could improve the effective rate of tumor treatment and prolong the survival time more effectively than the blank micro-spheres via arterial chemoembolization,providing reliable clinical practice basis for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Clinical value of focused ultrasound ablation surgery in the treatment of abdominal wall endometriosis
Kun DING ; Yanjun KANG ; Lei ZHAO ; Changmei SANG ; Hanying CHENG ; Shuping ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2024;59(3):192-199
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective:To explore the effectiveness and safety of focused ultrasound ablation surgery (FUAS) for abdominal wall endometriosis.Methods:From November 2019 to October 2022, a total of 34 patients with abdominal wall endometriosis who underwent FUAS were collected, and their clinical features, imaging features, intraoperative treatment and side effects after treatment were analyzed retrospectively, and the improvement of symptoms and re-intervention were followed up.Results:(1) Characteristics of clinical data: the average age of 34 patients with abdominal wall endometriosis was (32.8±3.8) years old. The largest diameter of the lesion was 48 mm, and the median lesion diameter was 24 mm. Thirty cases (88%, 30/34) had moderate to severe periodic pain in abdominal incision before FUAS. All patients were diagnosed by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, including 19 cases (56%, 19/34) of superficial type, 8 cases (24%, 8/34) of intermediate type and 7 cases (21%, 7/34) of deep type. (2) FUAS treatment parameters: ablation was completed with average operation time of (64±18) minutes, average sonication time was (385±108) s, (103±11) W of average power, (38 819±16 309) J of average total energy, the average treatment area volume of (3.11±1.42) cm 3, and (377.79±106.34) s/h of average treatment intensity. (3) Efficiency: the pain of patients after FUAS was significantly relieved, and the pain scores of patients after 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after FUAS were significantly decreased ( Z=-4.66, -5.13, -5.11 and -4.91, all P<0.01). One year after FUAS, the near relief and effective pain relief rate was 74% (25/34), and the clinical effective rate was 85% (29/34). Five patients recurred after one year, including 3 patients who underwent abdominal wall endometriosis lesion resection and 2 patients who received drug treatment. One month after FUAS, the size of the lesion did not change significantly compared with that before FUAS ( P>0.05), and the size of the lesion decreased significantly after FUAS at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year ( Z=-2.15, -2.67 and -3.41, all P<0.05). It has no difference in pain relief among different types ( P>0.05), but has significant difference in focus reduction among three types ( P<0.01). (4) Safety: there were 34 cases (100%, 34/34) of skin burning sensation, 19 cases (56%, 19/34) of pain in the treatment area and 2 cases (6%, 2/34) of hematuria. All patients got better after corresponding treatments. Conclusion:FUAS is safe and effective for the treatment of abdominal wall endometriosis, which has clinical application value.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.MRI study of the relationship between the cerebral small vessel disease total burden and imaging markers and degree of middle cerebral artery stenosis
Xinbo XING ; Xueyang WANG ; Jinhao LYU ; Qi DUAN ; Caohui DUAN ; Xiangbing BIAN ; Kun CHENG ; Mingliang YANG ; Tingyang ZHANG ; Chenglin TIAN ; Xin LOU
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2024;58(1):34-40
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective:To investigate the relationship between the cerebral small vascular disease (CSVD) total burden and the imaging markers and the degree of unilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis.Methods:The study was a cross-sectional study. Clinical and imaging data of patients with chronic unilateral MCA stenosis who underwent multimodal MRI from October 2015 to January 2019 in the First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 261 patients were included, 187 males and 74 females. According to the degree of MCA stenosis, the patients were divided into 102 cases in severe stenosis-occlusion group (stenosis degree ≥70%) and 159 cases in mild-moderate stenosis group (stenosis degree <70%). CSVD imaging marker scores (including white matter hyperintensity, perivascular space, cerebral microbleed, and lacune of presumed vascular origin) were assessed according to the ?standards for reporting vascular changes on neuroimaging 1 in the 2 groups, and the CSVD total burden score was calculated. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the indicators between the two groups, and the CSVD total burden score and imaging marker scores were ultimately included in a multifactorial binary logistic regression to assess the association of CSVD imaging markers with severe stenosis-occlusion of the MCA after adjusting for vascular risk factors (age, gender, drinking, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease). Results:There were significant differences in the CSVD total burden, centrum semiovale perivascular space and lacune of presumed vascular origin score between the mild-to-moderate stenosis group and the severe stenosis-occlusion group (all P<0.05), and none of the differences in the remaining imaging marker scores were statistically significant (all P>0.05). Multivariate binary logistics regression analysis showed CSVD total burden score ( OR=1.300, 95% CI 1.047-1.613, P=0.017), centrum semiovale perivascular space score ( OR=2.099, 95% CI 1.540-2.860, P<0.001) and lacune of presumed vascular origin score ( OR=2.609, 95% CI 1.294-5.261, P=0.007) were independent associated with severe stenosis-occlusion of MCA. Conclusion:The higher CSVD total burden score, centrum semiovale perivascular space score and lacune of presumed vascular origin score are associated with severe stenosis-occlusion of MCA.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Study on the Anti-Inflammatory and Antifungal Effects of Taste-Masked Lithospermum Safflower Emulsion
Wenbo YUAN ; Hongyao ZHONG ; Xinyi CHENG ; Kun WEI ; Ying YAO
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(8):812-822
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			OBJECTIVE To explore the anti-inflammatory and antifungal action mechanism of taste-masked Lithospermum Saf-flower emulsion in vivo and in vitro.METHODS In vitro,the anti-inflammatory effect was detected by MTT assay,qPCR and ELISA.The anti-fungal effect of the product was investigated by broth dilution experiment,bactericidal kinetics,germ tube inhibition and XTT reduction test.In vivo,the effect was evaluated and the mechanism was investigated on the skin disease model of Candida al-bicans in mice.RESULTS Lithospermum in taste-masked Lithospermum Safflower emulsion had a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells,and Safflower inhibited the production of IL-6 induced by LPS in a dose-dependent manner.Litho-spermum significantly inhibited the activity of Candida albicans,and its bactericidal mode is time-and concentration-dependent;Lithospermum significantly reduced the formation of Candida albicans germ tubes and destroyed its biofilm;Safflower had no direct kill-ing effect on Candida albicans,was not able to inhibit its biofilm formation,but significantly reduced the hyphal growth of Candida al-bicans and increased its ROS level.CONCLUSION The combination of Lithospermum and Safflower in the taste-masked Lithosper-mum Safflower emulsion can work synergistically to reduce inflammatory damage and treat Candida albicans infection of the skin.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Biomechanical Evaluation of 2 Endoscopic Spine Surgery Methods for Treating Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Finite Element Study
Yang ZOU ; Shuo JI ; Hui Wen YANG ; Tao MA ; Yue Kun FANG ; Zhi Cheng WANG ; Miao Miao LIU ; Ping Hui ZHOU ; Zheng Qi BAO ; Chang Chun ZHANG ; Yu Chen YE
Neurospine 2024;21(1):273-285
		                        		
		                        			 Objective:
		                        			This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines. 
		                        		
		                        			Methods:
		                        			Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud. 
		                        		
		                        			Results:
		                        			In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model. 
		                        		
		                        			Conclusion
		                        			In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
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