1.Role and Mechanism of Cucurbitacin B in Suppressing Proliferation of Breast Cancer 4T1 Cells via Inducing Ferroptosis
Yidan RUAN ; Huizhong ZHANG ; Huating HUANG ; Pingzhi ZHANG ; Aina YAO ; Yongqiang ZHANG ; Xiaohan XU ; Shiman LI ; Jian NI ; Xiaoxu DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):91-97
ObjectiveTo explore the role of cucurbitacin B (CuB) in inducing ferroptosis in 4T1 cells and its mechanism. MethodsThe effects of CuB(0.2, 0.4, 0.8 μmol·L-1)on the proliferation ability of 4T1 cells in vitro were detected using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The clonogenic ability of 4T1 cells was detected by the plate cloning assay, and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in 4T1 cells were detected by the use of a kit. The mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in 4T1 cells were detected by flow cytometry, and the mitochondrial ultrastructure of 4T1 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The western blot was used to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related protein p53 in 4T1 cells, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SCL7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4), transferrin receptor protein 1 (TFR1), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1). ResultsCompared with that in the blank group, the survival rate of 4T1 cells in CuB groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the number of cell clones in CuB groups was significantly reduced (P<0.01). In addition, compared with that in the blank group, the leakage of LDH in cells in CuB groups was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells in CuB groups decreased significantly (P<0.01). Cellular ROS levels were significantly elevated in CuB groups (P<0.01). The mitochondria of cells in CuB groups were obviously wrinkled, and the mitochondrial cristae were reduced or even disappeared. Compared with that in the blank group, the protein expression of p53, ACSL4, and TFR1 were significantly up-regulated in CuB groups (P<0.05), and that of SLC7A11, GPX4, and FTH1 were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). ConclusionCuB may inhibit SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression by up-regulating the expression of p53, which in turn regulates the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway axis and accelerates the generation of lipid peroxidation substrate by up-regulating the expression of ACSL4. It up-regulates TFR1 expression to promote cellular uptake of Fe3+ and down-regulates the expression of FTH1 to reduce the ability of iron storage, resulting in an elevated free Fe2+ level. It catalyzes the Fenton reaction, generates excess ROS, imbalances the antioxidant system and iron metabolism, and then induces ferroptosis in 4T1 cells.
2.Role and Mechanism of Cucurbitacin B in Suppressing Proliferation of Breast Cancer 4T1 Cells via Inducing Ferroptosis
Yidan RUAN ; Huizhong ZHANG ; Huating HUANG ; Pingzhi ZHANG ; Aina YAO ; Yongqiang ZHANG ; Xiaohan XU ; Shiman LI ; Jian NI ; Xiaoxu DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):91-97
ObjectiveTo explore the role of cucurbitacin B (CuB) in inducing ferroptosis in 4T1 cells and its mechanism. MethodsThe effects of CuB(0.2, 0.4, 0.8 μmol·L-1)on the proliferation ability of 4T1 cells in vitro were detected using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The clonogenic ability of 4T1 cells was detected by the plate cloning assay, and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in 4T1 cells were detected by the use of a kit. The mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in 4T1 cells were detected by flow cytometry, and the mitochondrial ultrastructure of 4T1 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The western blot was used to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related protein p53 in 4T1 cells, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SCL7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4), transferrin receptor protein 1 (TFR1), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1). ResultsCompared with that in the blank group, the survival rate of 4T1 cells in CuB groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the number of cell clones in CuB groups was significantly reduced (P<0.01). In addition, compared with that in the blank group, the leakage of LDH in cells in CuB groups was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells in CuB groups decreased significantly (P<0.01). Cellular ROS levels were significantly elevated in CuB groups (P<0.01). The mitochondria of cells in CuB groups were obviously wrinkled, and the mitochondrial cristae were reduced or even disappeared. Compared with that in the blank group, the protein expression of p53, ACSL4, and TFR1 were significantly up-regulated in CuB groups (P<0.05), and that of SLC7A11, GPX4, and FTH1 were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). ConclusionCuB may inhibit SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression by up-regulating the expression of p53, which in turn regulates the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway axis and accelerates the generation of lipid peroxidation substrate by up-regulating the expression of ACSL4. It up-regulates TFR1 expression to promote cellular uptake of Fe3+ and down-regulates the expression of FTH1 to reduce the ability of iron storage, resulting in an elevated free Fe2+ level. It catalyzes the Fenton reaction, generates excess ROS, imbalances the antioxidant system and iron metabolism, and then induces ferroptosis in 4T1 cells.
3.Current status of anticoccidial drug resistance in China
Yidan BAI ; Wenting LI ; Wanxin LUO ; Yuxin YU ; Dongfang LI ; Junlong ZHAO ; Lan HE
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(2):217-222
Avian coccidiosis, an acute parasitic disease that mainly harms chicks, is widely prevalent across the world, which poses a serious threat to poultry industry. Because of the single prophylactic formulations, veterinary clinical treatment of coccidiosis mainly relies on chemically synthesized agents, polyether ionophores and Chinese herbal medicines. The introduction of novel anticoccidial drugs is slow for a long period of time, and there is an increasing problem of anticoccidial drug resistance following long-term use, which has become an urgent problem to be solved in poultry industry. This review summarizes the levels of anticoccidial drug resistance across China from 2018 to 2023, and analyzes the resistance to various anticoccidial agents in coccidia. It is indicated that the overall prevalence of anticoccidial drug resistance is high in coccidia, and development of novel anticoccidial agents and products with reduced antibiotics use and alternatives of antibiotics is of an urgent need.
4.Effect of aconite decoction on the activity and polarization of mouse RAW264.7 macrophages
Mingcong SHAO ; Hubo CHEN ; Yidan ZHANG ; Ziyan LI ; Lina WANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(7):329-334
Objective To investigate the effects of Aconite decoction (AD) on the viability and polarization of murine RAW264.7 macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interleukin-4 (IL-4). Methods Cytotoxicity of AD was assessed by the CCK-8 assay. RAW264.7 cells were polarized toward M1 phenotype by LPS or M2 phenotype by IL-4, followed by treatment with varying concentrations of AD. Macrophage polarization was analyzed by flow cytometry. Quantitative PCR was performed to measure mRNA expression of polarization-associated markers (IL-6, iNOS, Arg1, and Ym1). ELISA was used to quantify secreted cytokines (TNF-α and IL-10)in the supernatant. Results At non-toxic concentrations, IL-6 and iNOS mRNA levels in LPS-stimulated cells were significantly upregulated while Arg1 and Ym1 expression in IL-4-treated groups were downregulated by AD. Concurrently, TNF-α secretion in LPS-induced M1 polarization was enhanced but IL-10 production in IL-4-induced M2 polarization was suppressed by AD. Conclusion AD could promote macrophage proliferation and viability, augments LPS-driven M1 polarization, and inhibit IL-4-mediated M2 polarization, which provided experimental evidence for the potential application of AD in tumor immunotherapy.
5.Analysis of pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness, willingness, uptake patterns, barriers and needs among MSM students and its influencing factors
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(1):55-59
Objective:
To explore the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness, willingness, uptake patterns, barriers and needs among Chinese student men who have sex with men (MSM), so as to provide relevant evidence for targeted interventions with PrEP.
Methods:
A proportional sampling method was used to conduct a cross sectional survey of MSM aged 16 years and older residing in 21 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in mainland China between October 20 and December 20, 2021, to collect information on demographic and sexual behavioral characteristics, and 923 students of them were selected as the subjects of this study. The chi-square test and Fisher s test were used for univariate analysis, followed by multivariate Logistic regression to analyze the influencing factors of PrEP awareness and uptake.
Results:
According to the cascade analysis method, the awareness, willingness, uptake and adherence rates of PrEP among the student MSM were obtained as 88.95%, 67.36%, 13.20% and 45.21 %, respectively. HIV testing more than once in the last 3 months, and all of them were aware of the HIV test results of their sexual partners, and those with high frequency of condom use had a higher rate of awareness ( OR =2.32, 1.79, 1.69, P <0.05). Willingness rates were higher for those from the pilot city, using substances, and HIV testing more than once in the last 3 months ( OR =2.13, 1.65, 1.69, P <0.05). Higher rates of uptake were found among those from high risk and pilot areas, presence of commercial sex, substance use, and high literacy ( OR =5.60, 3.54,2.81, 1.92, 4.54, P <0.05). Adherence rates were higher among those who used one pill per day or both ( OR =12.77, 13.26, P <0.05). The barriers and needs faced by student MSM were primarily personal concerns about medication side effects, preventative effects, and confidence in sexual behavioral styles, and the high cost of medication and related service costs.
Conclusions
The student MSM population in China is characterized by high awareness, low willingness, low uptake, and low adherence to PrEP. Targeted interventions should be considered and tailored by the departments to facilitate PrEP promotion among student MSM.
6.Analysis of Research Status on Performance Assessment of Tertiary Public Hospitals Based on VOSviewer
Li WEI ; Huihui CHEN ; Jiahong XIA ; Yi-Xiang PENG ; Dong XU ; Ming ZHANG ; Ning DING ; Yidan ZHANG ; Wen CHEN ; Chang'e XIONG
Chinese Hospital Management 2024;44(9):1-4
Objective To analyze the current research status and hotspot issues of performance assessment in tertia-ry public hospitals in China,providing reference for subsequent research and practice.Methods Using"performance assessment of tertiary public hospitals"as the main keyword,a total of 520 articles were retrieved from the CNKI ac-ademic journal database from January 30,2019,to January 30,2024.After further screening of literature based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria,a total of 364 eligible articles were obtained.Visual analysis was conducted using the VOSviewer tool.Results The number of publications increased annually from 2019 to 2021,with a decline ob-served in 2022-2023."Chinese Journal of Health"published the most articles on performance assessment in tertiary public hospitals.Research institutions mainly focused on universities,health administrative departments,and hospi-tals.The hotspot clusters of research included performance assessment,public hospitals,target management,high-quality development,tertiary hospitals,and operational efficiency.Conclusion Performance assessment in tertia-ry public hospitals has received widespread attention,with rich connotations and obvious guiding effects,but further research is needed to deepen and explore related topics.
7.SWOT Analysis on the Sustainable Development of Internal Medicine Specialties under the Background of Performance Evaluation in Tertiary Public Hospital
Yidan ZHANG ; Yu HU ; Yixiang PENG ; Ming ZHANG ; Li WEI ; Ning DING ; Wen CHEN ; Dong XU
Chinese Hospital Management 2024;44(9):9-12
The performance evaluation of tertiary public hospitals aims to strengthen functional positioning,and the weight of indicators such as the proportion of surgery is relatively high in the evaluation indicators.In this con-text,some tertiary comprehensive hospitals with a high proportion of internal medicine business are facing significant challenges in sustained development.It comprehensively reviews the impact of performance evaluation indicators on the direction of internal medicine specialties,and uses SWOT analysis tools to condense the sustainable develop-ment path of tertiary public hospitals.This includes growth strategies(improving the ability to treat difficult and criti-cal diseases,undertaking scientific and educational tasks),transformational strategies(technological innovation,price approval),multiple business strategies(adjusting outpatient and inpatient structures,building specialized disease centers,etc.),and defensive strategies(reasonable diagnosis and treatment,clinical pathways),inorder to provide reference for hospital managers.
8.Research on Multi-Hospital District Homogenization Management based on Three-Level Public Hospital Performance Appraisal System
Ning DING ; Dong XU ; Ming ZHANG ; Shaoying ZENG ; Yidan ZHANG ; Li WEI ; Wen CHEN ; Yixiang PENG
Chinese Hospital Management 2024;44(9):19-22
Objective To analyze the problems existing in the homogenization management of multi-branch hospitals based on the annual performance assessment data,and provide reference for promoting the high-quality development of public hospital branch districts.Methods Based on the Performance Assessment Operation Manual of National Tertiary Public Hospitals(2022 edition),10 indicators including the proportion of discharged patients undergoing surgery and the proportion of fourth-level surgery were screened,and the functional positioning,quality and safety,revenue and expenditure structure,and cost control of 4 hospitals of a certain medical institution from 2022 to 2023 were descriptively analyzed.Results The CMI value and the proportion of discharged surgery in the main hospital were significantly better than those in the branch hospitals,and there was no significant difference in the medical quality indicators of the four hospitals,and the operation efficiency of the branch hospital with outstanding specialty characteristics was better than that of other hospitals.Conclusion Public hospitals pay more attention to the"big specialty,small comprehensive"mode in the layout of branch districts,pay more attention to the quality control management at the specialty level in medical quality management,and strengthen the benefit analysis of different hospitals in the same specialty in operation management.
9.Analysis of Research Status on Performance Assessment of Tertiary Public Hospitals Based on VOSviewer
Li WEI ; Huihui CHEN ; Jiahong XIA ; Yi-Xiang PENG ; Dong XU ; Ming ZHANG ; Ning DING ; Yidan ZHANG ; Wen CHEN ; Chang'e XIONG
Chinese Hospital Management 2024;44(9):1-4
Objective To analyze the current research status and hotspot issues of performance assessment in tertia-ry public hospitals in China,providing reference for subsequent research and practice.Methods Using"performance assessment of tertiary public hospitals"as the main keyword,a total of 520 articles were retrieved from the CNKI ac-ademic journal database from January 30,2019,to January 30,2024.After further screening of literature based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria,a total of 364 eligible articles were obtained.Visual analysis was conducted using the VOSviewer tool.Results The number of publications increased annually from 2019 to 2021,with a decline ob-served in 2022-2023."Chinese Journal of Health"published the most articles on performance assessment in tertiary public hospitals.Research institutions mainly focused on universities,health administrative departments,and hospi-tals.The hotspot clusters of research included performance assessment,public hospitals,target management,high-quality development,tertiary hospitals,and operational efficiency.Conclusion Performance assessment in tertia-ry public hospitals has received widespread attention,with rich connotations and obvious guiding effects,but further research is needed to deepen and explore related topics.
10.SWOT Analysis on the Sustainable Development of Internal Medicine Specialties under the Background of Performance Evaluation in Tertiary Public Hospital
Yidan ZHANG ; Yu HU ; Yixiang PENG ; Ming ZHANG ; Li WEI ; Ning DING ; Wen CHEN ; Dong XU
Chinese Hospital Management 2024;44(9):9-12
The performance evaluation of tertiary public hospitals aims to strengthen functional positioning,and the weight of indicators such as the proportion of surgery is relatively high in the evaluation indicators.In this con-text,some tertiary comprehensive hospitals with a high proportion of internal medicine business are facing significant challenges in sustained development.It comprehensively reviews the impact of performance evaluation indicators on the direction of internal medicine specialties,and uses SWOT analysis tools to condense the sustainable develop-ment path of tertiary public hospitals.This includes growth strategies(improving the ability to treat difficult and criti-cal diseases,undertaking scientific and educational tasks),transformational strategies(technological innovation,price approval),multiple business strategies(adjusting outpatient and inpatient structures,building specialized disease centers,etc.),and defensive strategies(reasonable diagnosis and treatment,clinical pathways),inorder to provide reference for hospital managers.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail