1.The Ferroptosis-inducing Compounds in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Xin-Die WANG ; Da-Li FENG ; Xiang CUI ; Su ZHOU ; Peng-Fei ZHANG ; Zhi-Qiang GAO ; Li-Li ZOU ; Jun WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):804-819
Ferroptosis, a programmed cell death modality discovered and defined in the last decade, is primarily induced by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. At present, it has been found that ferroptosis is involved in various physiological functions such as immune regulation, growth and development, aging, and tumor suppression. Especially its role in tumor biology has attracted extensive attention and research. Breast cancer is one of the most common female tumors, characterized by high heterogeneity and complex genetic background. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a special type of breast cancer, which lacks conventional breast cancer treatment targets and is prone to drug resistance to existing chemotherapy drugs and has a low cure rate after progression and metastasis. There is an urgent need to find new targets or develop new drugs. With the increase of studies on promoting ferroptosis in breast cancer, it has gradually attracted attention as a treatment strategy for breast cancer. Some studies have found that certain compounds and natural products can act on TNBC, promote their ferroptosis, inhibit cancer cells proliferation, enhance sensitivity to radiotherapy, and improve resistance to chemotherapy drugs. To promote the study of ferroptosis in TNBC, this article summarized and reviewed the compounds and natural products that induce ferroptosis in TNBC and their mechanisms of action. We started with the exploration of the pathways of ferroptosis, with particular attention to the System Xc--cystine-GPX4 pathway and iron metabolism. Then, a series of compounds, including sulfasalazine (SAS), metformin, and statins, were described in terms of how they interact with cells to deplete glutathione (GSH), thereby inhibiting the activity of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and preventing the production of lipid peroxidases. The disruption of the cellular defense against oxidative stress ultimately results in the death of TNBC cells. We have also our focus to the realm of natural products, exploring the therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine extracts for TNBC. These herbal extracts exhibit multi-target effects and good safety, and have shown promising capabilities in inducing ferroptosis in TNBC cells. We believe that further exploration and characterization of these natural compounds could lead to the development of a new generation of cancer therapeutics. In addition to traditional chemotherapy, we discussed the role of drug delivery systems in enhancing the efficacy and reducing the toxicity of ferroptosis inducers. Nanoparticles such as exosomes and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can improve the solubility and bioavailability of these compounds, thereby expanding their therapeutic potential while minimizing systemic side effects. Although preclinical data on ferroptosis inducers are relatively robust, their translation into clinical practice remains in its early stages. We also emphasize the urgent need for more in-depth and comprehensive research to understand the complex mechanisms of ferroptosis in TNBC. This is crucial for the rational design and development of clinical trials, as well as for leveraging ferroptosis to improve patient outcomes. Hoping the above summarize and review could provide references for the research and development of lead compounds for the treatment for TNBC.
2.Molecular Mechanism of Treating Different Diseases with Same Treatment of Gypenoside L Affecting Oxidative Damage HUVEC and OVCAR-3 Through EGFR/STAT3/Glycolytic Pathway
Ying YANG ; Jiao ZHAO ; Xiaofei SUN ; Jiaxin WANG ; Peng CUI ; Nan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):125-134
ObjectiveWith the epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription(STAT3)/Hexokinase 2(HK2) signaling pathway in atherosclerosis (AS) and ovarian cancer (OC) as the entry point, this paper discusses the molecular mechanism of Gypenoside L (Gyp-L) treating AS and OC with different diseases, provides a new perspective and theoretical basis for TCM treating AS and OC with EGFR-STAT3-HK2 pathway, and enriches the scientific connotation of the theory of "cytoskeleton in the heart". MethodsCCK-8 was used to detect the proliferation of HUVEC and OVCAR-3 cells, in order to determine the intervention concentration for subsequent experiments. The colorimetric method was used to detect the NO content in HUVEC and the contents of pyruvate and LDH in two cell lines. Cell cloning experiments and scratch experiments reflect the proliferation and migration ability of OVCAR-3 cells. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of relevant proteins. Furthermore, two cell models overexpressing EGFR were constructed and co treated with Gyp-L. HUVEC cells were divided into control, ox-LDL, OE-NC, OE-EGFR, OE-NC+Gyp-L, and OE-EGFR+Gyp-L group. OVCAR-3 cells were divided into control, OE-NC, OE-EGFR , OE-NC+Gyp-L, and OE-EGFR+Gyp-L group. The colorimetric method was used to detect the NO content in HUVEC and the contents of pyruvate and LDH in two cell lines. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of EGFR-STAT3-HK2 pathway related proteins. Cell cloning experiments and scratch experiments reflect the proliferation and migration ability of OVCAR-3 cells. ResultsGyp-L can significantly reduce the NO content of HUVEC and the pyruvate and LDH content of two cell lines (P<0.05); Inhibit the proliferation and migration ability of OVCAR-3 cells; Reduce the expression levels of EGFR/STAT3/HK2 pathway related proteins in HUVEC and OVCAR-3 cell lines (P<0.05), and inhibit the glycolysis pathway. ConclusionGyp-L can inhibit glycolysis in HUVEC and OVCAR-3 cells through the EGFR/STAT3/HK2 pathway,thereby suppressing the occurrence and development of AS and OC.
3.Molecular Mechanism of Treating Different Diseases with Same Treatment of Gypenoside L Affecting Oxidative Damage HUVEC and OVCAR-3 Through EGFR/STAT3/Glycolytic Pathway
Ying YANG ; Jiao ZHAO ; Xiaofei SUN ; Jiaxin WANG ; Peng CUI ; Nan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):125-134
ObjectiveWith the epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription(STAT3)/Hexokinase 2(HK2) signaling pathway in atherosclerosis (AS) and ovarian cancer (OC) as the entry point, this paper discusses the molecular mechanism of Gypenoside L (Gyp-L) treating AS and OC with different diseases, provides a new perspective and theoretical basis for TCM treating AS and OC with EGFR-STAT3-HK2 pathway, and enriches the scientific connotation of the theory of "cytoskeleton in the heart". MethodsCCK-8 was used to detect the proliferation of HUVEC and OVCAR-3 cells, in order to determine the intervention concentration for subsequent experiments. The colorimetric method was used to detect the NO content in HUVEC and the contents of pyruvate and LDH in two cell lines. Cell cloning experiments and scratch experiments reflect the proliferation and migration ability of OVCAR-3 cells. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of relevant proteins. Furthermore, two cell models overexpressing EGFR were constructed and co treated with Gyp-L. HUVEC cells were divided into control, ox-LDL, OE-NC, OE-EGFR, OE-NC+Gyp-L, and OE-EGFR+Gyp-L group. OVCAR-3 cells were divided into control, OE-NC, OE-EGFR , OE-NC+Gyp-L, and OE-EGFR+Gyp-L group. The colorimetric method was used to detect the NO content in HUVEC and the contents of pyruvate and LDH in two cell lines. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of EGFR-STAT3-HK2 pathway related proteins. Cell cloning experiments and scratch experiments reflect the proliferation and migration ability of OVCAR-3 cells. ResultsGyp-L can significantly reduce the NO content of HUVEC and the pyruvate and LDH content of two cell lines (P<0.05); Inhibit the proliferation and migration ability of OVCAR-3 cells; Reduce the expression levels of EGFR/STAT3/HK2 pathway related proteins in HUVEC and OVCAR-3 cell lines (P<0.05), and inhibit the glycolysis pathway. ConclusionGyp-L can inhibit glycolysis in HUVEC and OVCAR-3 cells through the EGFR/STAT3/HK2 pathway,thereby suppressing the occurrence and development of AS and OC.
4.Analysis of changes in visual function before and after small incision lenticule extraction in patients with different degrees of myopia
Meiluo ZHANG ; Chunyu TIAN ; Liexi JIA ; Qinghua YANG ; Hongtao ZHANG ; Hui CUI ; Mengyu PENG ; Ruihua WEI
International Eye Science 2025;25(6):980-985
AIM: To analyze the changes in binocular visual function before and after small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)in patients with different degrees of myopia.METHODS:A prospective non-randomized controlled study was conducted. A total of 94 patients(188 eyes)who visited the refractive outpatient department of the ophthalmology department of the General Hospital of the PLA from June 2022 to June 2023 and voluntarily chose SMILE were consecutively included. They were grouped according to the degree of myopia, including 24 cases(48 eyes)in the low myopia group(-3.00 D
5.Radiation environment monitoring and radiation safety management suggestions for typical zircon-titanium ore processing enterprises in Guangxi Province, China
Chen LIN ; Mingfa XU ; Ying ZHANG ; Lun CUI ; Wenbin PENG ; Yichao WU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(2):283-292
Objective To provide technical support for the formulation of scientific and reasonable supervision measures for enterprises engaged in the exploitation and utilization of ores with associated radionuclides in Guangxi Province, China. Methods A radionuclide analysis was performed on solid materials generated during production processes such as zirconium-titanium ore dressing and processing in multiple enterprises in Guangxi Province. The radiation levels of effluents was measured. Measurement and analysis were performed on the environmental air radon concentration levels and environmental γ-radiation dose rates at the factory boundaries of these enterprises and the surrounding environmental protection targets. Results The air absorption dose rate of γ radiation, the concentrations of radon and its daughters, and the radiation levels of surface water and aerosols at the factory boundaries and in the surrounding environment were all at normal levels. The specific activities of nuclides 238U, 232Th, and 226Ra in the raw ore, zirconium products, rutile products, and monazite products within the factory area were relatively high. The γ radiation air absorption dose rates in the corresponding workshops were also relatively high, with the zirconium-rutile workshop being the area with the highest values. Materials such as zirconium products, rutile, and monazite all showed a certain amount of radon exhalation. Conclusion The radiation level of tailings met the criteria of monitoring exemption, and the enterprises did not generate radioactive solid waste. Attention should be paid to the personal dose of the staff in areas with high radiation dose rates.
6.Assessment of perioperative pulmonary fluid volume using remote dielectric sensing (ReDSTM) non-invasive lung fluid measurement technology in transcatheter tricuspid valve-in-valve implantation: The first case report
Yuliang LONG ; Yuan ZHANG ; Xiaochun ZHANG ; Peng WANG ; Xiaotong CUI ; Wenzhi PAN ; Daxin ZHOU ; Junbo GE
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(04):571-574
One of its primary surgical treatments of tricuspid regurgitation is tricuspid valve biological valve replacement. Catheter tricuspid valve-in-valve implantation is a novel interventional alternative for biological valve failure. The non-invasive lung fluid measuring device remote dielectric sensing (ReDSTM) has been increasingly incorporated into clinical practice as a means of monitoring chronic heart failure in recent years. This report describes the process and outcomes of the first instance of perioperative lung fluid volume evaluation following transcatheter tricuspid valve implantation utilizing ReDSTM technology. The patient has a short-term, substantial increase in postoperative lung fluid volume as compared to baseline.
7.Effect of Gypenosides on MAFLD Mice and Its Molecular Mechanism Based on Classical/Non-classical Ferroptosis Pathways
Yu LIU ; Yupeng PEI ; Jiaxin WANG ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Xiaofei SUN ; Qun WANG ; Peng CUI ; Nan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):99-107
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of gypenosides (GPs) on liver lipid deposition in metabolism-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) mice and its mechanism based on classical/non-classical ferroptosis. MethodsEight male C57BL/6 mice in a blank group and 32 male apolipoprotein E gene knockout (ApoE-/-) mice were randomly divided into a model group, a low-dose GPs (GPs-L) group, a high-dose GPs (GPs-H) group, and a simvastatin (SV) group. Starting from the second week, mice in the blank group were given a maintenance diet, and the other four groups were fed a high-fat diet daily. After eight weeks of feeding, mice in the GPs-L and GPs-H groups were given GPs of 1.487 mg·kg-1·d-1 and 2.973 mg·kg-1·d-1, respectively, and mice in the SV group were given simvastatin of 2.275 mg·kg-1·d-1. Mice in the blank group and the model group were given saline of equal volume by gavage for four weeks. The content of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the serum of mice in each group was detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The level of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and TG in the mouse liver was measured by the kit. The change in liver tissue structure and lipid deposition was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and oil red O staining. The levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Fe2+ in serum, as well as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD(P)H] in the liver were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) in the liver of mice was observed by the immunohistochemical (IHC) method, and the expression of genes and proteins related to classical and non-classical ferroptosis pathways was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Wes automated protein expression analysis system. ResultsCompared with those in the blank group, the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, and AST in serum and TG and NEFA in the liver in the model group were significantly increased, and the level of HDL-C in serum was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The liver tissue structure changed, and there were fat vacuoles of different sizes and a large number of red lipid droplets, with obvious lipid deposition. The level of CoQ10 and GSH in serum and NADH in the liver were significantly decreased, while the level of MDA and Fe2+ in serum was significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of cystine/glutamate transporter (xCT/SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase (GPX4), p62, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and FSP1 were significantly decreased, and the mRNA and protein expressions of tumor antigen (p53), spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1 (SAT1), arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15), and Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein-1 (Keap1) were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the level of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, and AST in serum and TG and NEFA in the liver of mice in the GPs-L, GPs-H, and SV groups were decreased, while the level of HDL-C in serum was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The liver tissue structure and lipid deposition were improved. The levels of CoQ10 and GSH in serum and NADH in the liver were significantly increased, while the levels of MDA and Fe2+ in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of xCT, GPX4, p62, Nrf2, and FSP1 were significantly increased, while the mRNA and protein expressions of p53, SAT1, ALOX15, and Keap1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionGPs can interfere with liver lipid deposition in MAFLD mice through classical/non-classical ferroptosis pathways.
8.Effect of Gypenosides on MAFLD Mice and Its Molecular Mechanism Based on Classical/Non-classical Ferroptosis Pathways
Yu LIU ; Yupeng PEI ; Jiaxin WANG ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Xiaofei SUN ; Qun WANG ; Peng CUI ; Nan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):99-107
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of gypenosides (GPs) on liver lipid deposition in metabolism-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) mice and its mechanism based on classical/non-classical ferroptosis. MethodsEight male C57BL/6 mice in a blank group and 32 male apolipoprotein E gene knockout (ApoE-/-) mice were randomly divided into a model group, a low-dose GPs (GPs-L) group, a high-dose GPs (GPs-H) group, and a simvastatin (SV) group. Starting from the second week, mice in the blank group were given a maintenance diet, and the other four groups were fed a high-fat diet daily. After eight weeks of feeding, mice in the GPs-L and GPs-H groups were given GPs of 1.487 mg·kg-1·d-1 and 2.973 mg·kg-1·d-1, respectively, and mice in the SV group were given simvastatin of 2.275 mg·kg-1·d-1. Mice in the blank group and the model group were given saline of equal volume by gavage for four weeks. The content of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the serum of mice in each group was detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The level of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and TG in the mouse liver was measured by the kit. The change in liver tissue structure and lipid deposition was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and oil red O staining. The levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Fe2+ in serum, as well as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD(P)H] in the liver were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) in the liver of mice was observed by the immunohistochemical (IHC) method, and the expression of genes and proteins related to classical and non-classical ferroptosis pathways was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Wes automated protein expression analysis system. ResultsCompared with those in the blank group, the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, and AST in serum and TG and NEFA in the liver in the model group were significantly increased, and the level of HDL-C in serum was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The liver tissue structure changed, and there were fat vacuoles of different sizes and a large number of red lipid droplets, with obvious lipid deposition. The level of CoQ10 and GSH in serum and NADH in the liver were significantly decreased, while the level of MDA and Fe2+ in serum was significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of cystine/glutamate transporter (xCT/SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase (GPX4), p62, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and FSP1 were significantly decreased, and the mRNA and protein expressions of tumor antigen (p53), spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1 (SAT1), arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15), and Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein-1 (Keap1) were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the level of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, and AST in serum and TG and NEFA in the liver of mice in the GPs-L, GPs-H, and SV groups were decreased, while the level of HDL-C in serum was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The liver tissue structure and lipid deposition were improved. The levels of CoQ10 and GSH in serum and NADH in the liver were significantly increased, while the levels of MDA and Fe2+ in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of xCT, GPX4, p62, Nrf2, and FSP1 were significantly increased, while the mRNA and protein expressions of p53, SAT1, ALOX15, and Keap1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionGPs can interfere with liver lipid deposition in MAFLD mice through classical/non-classical ferroptosis pathways.
9.Radiation environment monitoring and evaluation at application sites of online elemental analyzers in cement enterprises
Lun CUI ; Wenbin PENG ; Ying ZHANG ; Hua YANG ; Huijun YU ; Qing CHANG ; Mingfa XU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(3):408-413
Objective To systematically evaluate the radiation impact of radioactive sources used in online elemental analyzers in cement enterprises on the surrounding environment, and to provide a scientific basis for radiation monitoring and safety management at the application sites of this type of radioactive sources. Methods A statistical analysis was conducted on 15 cement enterprises in Guangxi Province using online elemental analyzers with 252Cf as the radioactive source. On-site investigation of radiation safety management and on-site monitoring of radiation environment were performed, followed by an evaluation based on the collected data. Results Although the gamma radiation ambient dose equivalent rate and neutron ambient dose equivalent rate increased around the sites using online elemental analyzers with 252Cf as the radioactive source, they all met the requirements of the Radiological Health Protection Requirements for Instruments with Sealed Sources (GBZ 125—2009). Conclusion Under the current usage and management conditions, the application of this type of radioactive sources has controllable radiation impact on the surrounding environment, and will not pose a threat to public health and environmental safety. However, continuous strengthening of radiation safety management measures and regular radiation monitoring work are still needed to ensure the safe use of radioactive sources, further reducing potential radiation risks and providing strong guarantees for the safe application of radioactive sources in online elemental analyzers in cement enterprises.
10.Research progress of cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in glaucoma optic neuropathy
Hongda CUI ; Yu HUANG ; Xin XIA ; Jiangwei LI ; Qinghua PENG
International Eye Science 2025;25(10):1598-1603
Glaucoma is a multifactorial degenerative optic neuropathy, and its irreversible and blinding pathological characteristics mainly come from the damage to the optic nerve, namely glaucomatous optic neuropathy(GON). The difficulty in the treatment of GON lies in the early intervention, and currently there is no optic neuroprotective drug for the treatment of all types of GON. The death of retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)is the core pathological change caused by various pathogenic mechanisms of GON. Recent studies have found that the widespread second messenger cyclic adenosine 3', 5' -monophosphate(cAMP)and its downstream effector protein kinase A(PKA)signal cascade play an important role in the pathogenesis of GON. It can also inhibit the apoptosis of RGCs and play a protective and therapeutic role in glaucoma. Therefore, this article reviews the role of cAMP/PKA pathway in the pathophysiological development of GON, focusing on its effects on glaucoma intraocular pressure regulation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and optic nerve degeneration, in order to find a common central regulatory target for the optic nerve damage caused by different pathological mechanisms of GON and promote the further understanding and clinical treatment of this disease.

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