1.Mechanism of Ruyan Neixiao Cream in Promoting Ferroptosis in Breast Precancerous Lesion Cells by Regulating Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Haotian ZHANG ; Yebei QIU ; Ran SU ; Xianxin YAN ; Min MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):98-107
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Ruyan Neixiao cream (RUC) induces ferroptosis in breast precancerous lesion (BPL) cells, and to enrich the theoretical foundation for its use in the treatment of BPL. MethodsThe inhibition of cell proliferation by 1%, 2%, and 4% concentrations of Ruyanneixiao Cream transdermal solution (RUT) was assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and a colony formation assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using the DCFH-DA probe, and the levels of ferrous ions (Fe2+), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined using appropriate kits. Lipid peroxidation was detected with the C11-BODIPY581/591 fluorescent probe. The expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) proteins was analyzed by Western blot. The BPL rat model was constructed using 2,2′-bis(hydroxymethyl)butyric acid (DMBA) combined with estrogen and progesterone, and the rats were treated with RUC for external application. After the 12th cycle, the rats were euthanized, and histopathological changes in breast tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Fe2+ and MDA levels in breast tissue were measured using corresponding kits. The expression of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 proteins in BPL rat breast tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the matrix group, the cell viability of MCF-10AT cells in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner, with the 24-hour half inhibitory concentration (IC50) being 2.23%. Compared with the 4% RUT group, cell viability in the RUT + Fer-1 group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the colony formation rates of MCF-10AT cells in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, the cell colony formation rate of the RUT + Fer-1 group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the levels of ROS and Fe2+ in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), while GSH levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and MDA and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, ROS and Fe2+ levels in the RUT + Fer-1 group were significantly reduced (P<0.05), while GSH levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), and MDA and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the RUT + Fer-1 group were significantly increased (P<0.05). In the in vivo experiment, compared with the matrix group, the breast tissue histopathological status of the BPL rats in the RUC group was effectively improved, with less dilatation of the mammary ducts and more orderly duct arrangement. No pathological morphology indicative of invasive cancer was observed. Compared with the matrix group, Fe2+ and MDA levels in the mammary tissue of the RUC group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the mammary tissue of the RUC group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). ConclusionRUC may induce ferroptosis in BPL cells by inhibiting the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway, increasing Fe2+ accumulation, and promoting lipid peroxidation.
2.Horticultural Therapy Combined with Intradermal Needling for Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder of Liver Depression Transforming into Fire Syndrome Under Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Psychological Therapy:Clinical Observation of 60 Cases
Wanyun ZHANG ; Jiayi YAN ; Qingyi QIU ; Yumei PENG ; Xiaoling ZHONG ; Jinwen ZHANG ; Rundong TANG ; Miao WU ; Dan HU ; Guang SU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):50-58
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effectiveness of horticultural therapy involving the planting of Chinese medicinal herbs (mint and lily potted plants) combined with intradermal needling therapy for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) of liver depression transforming into fire syndrome under transcranial magnetic stimulation and basic psychological therapy, and to explore the possible mechanisms of action. MethodsA total of 180 patients with GAD of liver depression transforming into fire syndrome were randomly divided into three groups, horticultural therapy group, intradermal needling group, and horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group, with 60 patients in each. All groups received basic treatment including basic psychological therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation. The horticultural therapy group received horticultural therapy in addition to the basic treatment; the intradermal needling group received intradermal needling therapy once a week for 8 weeks in addition to the basic treatment; the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group received both horticultural therapy and intradermal needling therapy, following the same procedures and duration. Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores were assessed at baseline and after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of treatment. Serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) were measured before treatment and after 8 weeks of treatment. Motor-evoked potential (MEP) baseline levels were recorded before treatment, and MEP amplitude ratios were compared after 1 week and 8 weeks of treatment. Clinical effectiveness and safety were evaluated after 8 weeks of treatment. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between serum ACTH and CORT levels, MEP amplitude, and anxiety. ResultsIn the horticultural therapy group and intradermal needling group, HAMA, SAS and PSQI scores after 4, 6, and 8 weeks treatment were lower than baseline scores (P<0.05). In the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group, these scores showed a significant decline starting after 2 weeks treatment and continuing through 8 weeks after treatment (P<0.05). The HAMA, SAS, and PSQI scores in the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group were significantly lower than those in the other two groups after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks treatment (P<0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, serum CORT and ACTH levels in the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group were significantly lower than baseline levels (P<0.05) and were also lower than those in the horticultural therapy group and intradermal needling group at the same time point (P<0.01). When comparing the level after 8 weeks treatment to that after 1 week treatment, under PAS10 stimulation, the MEP amplitude ratio in the intradermal needling group decreased at 30 minutes, while in the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group, the MEP amplitude ratio decreased at all time points (P<0.05 or P<0.001); under PAS25 stimulation, the MEP amplitude ratio in the horticultural therapy group increased at 20 minutes, and in the intradermal needle group at 10 minutes (P<0.05). In the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group, the MEP amplitude ratio increased significantly at all time points after treatment (P<0.001). The cure rate in the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group (74.14%, 43/58) was significantly higher than that in the horticultural therapy group (30.00%, 18/60) and the intradermal needling group (48.28%, 28/58, P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that serum ACTH and CORT levels were positively correlated with HAMA scores (r = 0.488, P<0.01; r = 0.428, P<0.01). Following PAS10 intervention, the MEP amplitude ratio was positively correlated with HAMA scores (r = 0.458, P<0.01), whereas after PAS25 intervention, the MEP amplitude ratio was negatively correlated with HAMA scores (r = -0.562, P<0.01). ConclusionHorticultural therapy combined with intradermal needling treatment, under transcranial magnetic stimulation and basic psychological therapy, demonstrates significant clinical effectiveness in patients with GAD of liver depression transforming into fire syndrome. Its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the reduction of cortical excitability.
3.Availability and use of child safety seats among children aged 0-3 years
CHEN Bo ; WANG Xihui ; QIU Fengqian ; YU Yan ; GAO Shuna ; HE Lihua ; LI Weiyi ; JI Yunfang ; CHEN Weihua
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):21-25
Objective:
To investigate the availability and use of child safety seats among children aged 0-3 years, so as to provide the basis for improving riding safety for children.
Methods:
Parents of children aged 0-3 years in Huangpu District, Shanghai Municipality, were recruited using the stratified multistage random sampling method from May to July 2024. Demographic information, family travel patterns, the use of child safety seat and related health beliefs were collected using questionnaire surveys. Factors affecting the use of child safety seats were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
Totally 514 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective rate of 96.98%. The respondents included 122 fathers (23.74%) and 392 mothers (76.26%), with a median age of 34.00 (interquartile range, 5.00) years. There were 446 families equipping with child safety seats, accounting for 86.77%; and 169 families using child safety seats, accounting for 32.88%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the parents who had children aged >1-2 years (OR=0.597, 95%CI: 0.366-0.973), travelled 2-4 times per month (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.213-0.607) or once per month or less (OR=0.384, 95%CI: 0.202-0.729), and scored high in perceived barrier (OR=0.634, 95%CI: 0.486-0.827) were less likely to use child safety seats; the parents who had children with local household registration (OR=2.506, 95%CI: 1.356-4.633), travelled 5-<10 km (OR=1.887, 95%CI: 1.148-3.101) or ≥10 km (OR=2.319, 95%CI: 1.355-3.967), always wore seat belts (OR=2.342, 95%CI: 1.212-4.524), scored high in perceived susceptibility (OR=1.392, 95%CI: 1.091-1.778) and self-efficacy (OR=1.413, 95%CI: 1.156-1.727) were more likely to use child safety seats.
Conclusions
Equipping family cars with child safety seats and using them can prevent and reduce traffic injuries among children aged 0-3 years. It is recommended to strengthen publicity to promote the use of child safety seats.
4.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates NF-κB Signaling Pathway for Treatment of Obesity: A Review
Zijing WU ; Jixin LI ; Linjie QIU ; Yan REN ; Chacha ZOU ; Meijie LI ; Wenjie LI ; Jin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):310-318
Obesity is a chronic low-grade inflammation and a risk factor for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and malignant tumors, demonstrating an increasingly grim development situation. The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway is a key signaling pathway involved in the immune response and inflammatory response. In obese individuals, the expression of NF-κB is overactivated, which leads to abnormal inflammatory responses in the body. Therefore, it is expected to alleviate inflammation and treat obesity by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway, which has been proven effective by a large number of studies. The available studies on the NF-κB signaling pathway mostly focus on tumors, and there is no systematic review of the mechanism of this pathway in mediating obesity and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment. We reviewed the research progress in the pathological and physiological processes of obesity mediated by NF-κB signaling pathway and TCM treatment, aiming to give insights into the clinical treatment of obesity with TCM and provide reference targets and research directions for exploring the biological foundations and the development of new TCM preparations.
5.Trends in incidence and mortality of lung cancer in Huangpu District from 2002 to 2019
QIU Fengqian ; ZHAO Junfeng ; CHEN Weihua ; DU Juan ; JI Yunfang ; GAO Shuna ; MENG Jie ; HE Lihua ; CHEN Bo ; ZHANG Yan
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):143-147
Objective:
To investigate the trends in incidence and mortality of lung cancer in Huangpu District, Shanghai Municipality from 2002 to 2019, so as to provide the evidence for formulating lung cancer prevention and control measures.
Methods:
Data of lung cancer incidence and mortality among residents in Huangpu District from 2002 to 2019 were collected through the Shanghai Cancer Registration and Reporting Management System. The crude incidence and mortality of lung cancer was calculated, and standardized by the data from the Chinese Fifth National Population Census in 2000 (Chinese-standardized rate) and the Segi's world standard population in 1960 (world-standardized rate). The trends in incidence and mortality of lung cancer among residents by age and gender were evaluated using annual percent change (APC).
Results:
A total of 12 965 cases of lung cancer were reported in Huangpu District from 2002 to 2019, and the crude incidence rate was 80.66/105, the Chinese-standardized incidence rate was 34.54/105, and the world-standardized incidence rate was 31.30/105, all showing upward trends (APC=4.588%, 2.933% and 3.247%, all P<0.05). A total of 10 102 deaths of lung cancer were reported, and the crude mortality rate was 62.30/105, showing an upward trend (APC=0.959%, P<0.05); the Chinese-standardized mortality was 25.93/105, and the world-standardized mortality was 22.05/105, both showing downward trends (APC=-1.282% and -1.263%, both P<0.05). The crude incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer in males were higher than those in females (101.39/105 vs. 60.52/105, 85.45/105 vs. 39.87/105, both P<0.05). The crude incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer showed upward trends with age (both P<0.05), reaching their peaks in the age groups of 80-<85 years (341.37/105) and 85 years or above (355.97/105), respectively.
Conclusions
The incidence of lung cancer showed an upward trend, while the mortality showed a downward trend in Huangpu District from 2002 to 2019. Elderly men were the high-risk group for lung cancer incidence and mortality.
6.Mechanism of Ruyan Neixiao Cream in Promoting Ferroptosis in Breast Precancerous Lesion Cells by Regulating Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Haotian ZHANG ; Yebei QIU ; Ran SU ; Xianxin YAN ; Min MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):98-107
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Ruyan Neixiao cream (RUC) induces ferroptosis in breast precancerous lesion (BPL) cells, and to enrich the theoretical foundation for its use in the treatment of BPL. MethodsThe inhibition of cell proliferation by 1%, 2%, and 4% concentrations of Ruyanneixiao Cream transdermal solution (RUT) was assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and a colony formation assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using the DCFH-DA probe, and the levels of ferrous ions (Fe2+), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined using appropriate kits. Lipid peroxidation was detected with the C11-BODIPY581/591 fluorescent probe. The expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) proteins was analyzed by Western blot. The BPL rat model was constructed using 2,2′-bis(hydroxymethyl)butyric acid (DMBA) combined with estrogen and progesterone, and the rats were treated with RUC for external application. After the 12th cycle, the rats were euthanized, and histopathological changes in breast tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Fe2+ and MDA levels in breast tissue were measured using corresponding kits. The expression of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 proteins in BPL rat breast tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the matrix group, the cell viability of MCF-10AT cells in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner, with the 24-hour half inhibitory concentration (IC50) being 2.23%. Compared with the 4% RUT group, cell viability in the RUT + Fer-1 group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the colony formation rates of MCF-10AT cells in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, the cell colony formation rate of the RUT + Fer-1 group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the levels of ROS and Fe2+ in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), while GSH levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and MDA and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, ROS and Fe2+ levels in the RUT + Fer-1 group were significantly reduced (P<0.05), while GSH levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), and MDA and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the 1%, 2%, and 4% RUT groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the 4% RUT group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the RUT + Fer-1 group were significantly increased (P<0.05). In the in vivo experiment, compared with the matrix group, the breast tissue histopathological status of the BPL rats in the RUC group was effectively improved, with less dilatation of the mammary ducts and more orderly duct arrangement. No pathological morphology indicative of invasive cancer was observed. Compared with the matrix group, Fe2+ and MDA levels in the mammary tissue of the RUC group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the matrix group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the mammary tissue of the RUC group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). ConclusionRUC may induce ferroptosis in BPL cells by inhibiting the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway, increasing Fe2+ accumulation, and promoting lipid peroxidation.
7.Right ventricular-pulmonary artery connection for palliative treatment of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect in children: A single-center retrospective study
Shuai ZHANG ; Jianrui MA ; Hailong QIU ; Xinjian YAN ; Wen XIE ; Qiushi REN ; Juemin YU ; Tianyu CHEN ; Yong ZHANG ; Xiaohua LI ; Furong LIU ; Shusheng WEN ; Jian ZHUANG ; Qiang GAO ; Jianzheng CEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(03):366-371
Objective To compare the benefits and drawbacks of primary patch expansion versus pericardial tube right ventricular-pulmonary artery connection in patients diagnosed with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA/VSD). Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with PA/VSD who underwent primary right ventricular-pulmonary artery connection surgery at our center between 2010 and 2020. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the type of right ventricular-pulmonary artery connection: a pericardial tube group and a patch expansion group. Clinical data and imaging findings were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 51 patients were included in the study, comprising 31 males and 20 females, with a median age of 12.57 (4.57, 49.67) months. The pericardial tube group included 19 patients with a median age of 17.17 (7.33, 49.67) months, while the patch expansion group consisted of 32 patients with a median age of 8.58 (3.57, 52.72) months. In both groups, the diameter of pulmonary artery, McGoon index, and Nakata index significantly increased after treatment (P<0.001). However, the pericardial tube group exhibited a longer extracorporeal circulation time (P<0.001). The reoperation rate was notably high, with 74.51% of patients requiring further surgical intervention, including 26 (81.25%) patients in the patch expansion group and 12 (63.16%) patients in the pericardial tube group. No statistical differences were observed in long-term cure rates or mortality between the two groups (P>0.005). Conclusion In patients with PA/VSD, both patch expansion and pericardial tube right ventricular-pulmonary artery connection serve as effective initial palliative treatment strategies that promote pulmonary vessel development and provide a favorable foundation for subsequent radical operations. However, compared to the pericardial tube approach, the patch expansion technique is simpler to perform and preserves some intrinsic potential for pulmonary artery development, making it the preferred procedure.
8.Synthesis and anti-tumor activity of ursolic acid-triazole derivatives
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):172-178
Ten ursolic acid derivatives were designed from the lead compound ursolic acid by introducing 1,2,3-triazole at C-3 and C-28. The target compounds were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR and 13C NMR. MTT assay was used to study the antitumor activity of these compounds in human cancer cells with high expression (MCF-7 and SGC-7901). The results showed that the antitumor activity of all compounds on MCF-7 and SGC-7901 tumor cells was significantly higher than that of ursolic acid. The compound
9.Biological function of tRNA-derived small RNA and its expression and clinical significance in liver diseases
Yinli LI ; Yan XU ; Zhiwei GUAN ; Lu MENG ; Yitong QU ; Jianli QIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(6):1227-1234
Liver diseases cannot be easily detected in the early stage, and although invasive diagnostic methods, such as liver biopsy, are relatively accurate, they tend to have a low degree of acceptance, which greatly limits the improvement in diagnosis and treatment techniques for liver diseases. Therefore, it is of great importance to search for new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. As an emerging biomarker for liquid biopsy, tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA) is abnormally expressed in various liver diseases including viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, liver injury, and liver cancer, and it can affect the development and progression of liver diseases by regulating the biological functions such as gene expression, epigenetic regulation, and protein translation. This article reviews the origin, classification, and biological function of tsRNA, as well as the research advances in tsRNA as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for liver diseases, so as to provide ideas for the early diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases.
10.Analysis of chemical components,prototype components migrating to the blood and metabolites of Sanhua decoction
Yanping LIU ; Ye CHEN ; Tao LU ; Juanmin TAO ; Yan QIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(14):1760-1764
OBJECTIVE To study the chemical components, components migrating to the blood and metabolites of Sanhua decoction in rats. METHODS Male Wistar rats were divided into administration group and blank group, with 6 rats in each group. The rats in the administration group were given 13.3 g/kg of Sanhua decoction lyophilized powder solution by gavage once a day in the morning and evening, and the rats in the blank group were given an equal volume of saline by gavage once a day in the morning and evening, both for 3 consecutive days. Plasma samples were collected from the two groups of rats after the last administration. The chemical components, prototype components migrating to the blood and metabolites of Sanhua decoction were analyzed by UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS technique. The structures were identified combined with the self-built natural product high- resolution mass spectrometry database and relevant literature. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Totally 69 compounds were identified from the lyophilized powder of Sanhua decoction, including 29 components from Rheum officinale, 16 components from Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, 22 components from Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, and 10 components from Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix. Among them, 3 components (citric acid, L-tyrosine, adenosine) were present in all 4 medicinal herbs. Another component (feruloylgluconic acid) still needed to be specifically attributed. A total of 43 prototype components migrating to the blood were identified, including flavonoids, phenols, anthraquinones, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids and triterpenoids. A total of 61 metabolites were identified, predominantly consisting of flavonoids, anthraquinones and phenylpropanoids. The metabolic pathways mainly involved phase Ⅰ metabolic reactions such as demethylation and phase Ⅱ metabolic reactions like sulfation and glucuronidation.


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