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.Expression profile of mRNA sequencing for plasma exosomes among patients with latent tuberculosis infection and active tuberculosis
GAO Jin ; DU Xiaokang ; XIANG Haiyan ; FAN Chaoming ; CAI Chengsong ; PAN Feng
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(1):70-73, 77
Objective:
To analyse the expression of differential mRNA in the plasma exosomes in patients with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active tuberculosis (ATB) using high-throughput sequencing, so as to provide insights into differential diagnosis of LTBI and ATB.
Methods:
The plasma samples were collected from the patients treated at The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, including 16 cases of LTBI and 21 cases of ATB. The exosomes were extracted by Invitrogen extracellular extracts purification kit, and the size and morphology of exosomes were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The exosomes were identified by Western blotting. Total RNA was extracted from plasma exosomes using high-throughput sequencing, differential expression mRNA was identified, and gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed. Two differential mRNAs with the highest differential expression fold were selected, and five patients with ATB and three patients with LTBI were recruited for verification using real-time quantitative PCR.
Results:
The sequencing results of plasma exosomes showed that compared with ATB patients, 2 875 differentially expressed mRNAs were detected in exosomes of LTBI patients, of which 1 002 mRNAs were up-regulated and 1 873 mRNAs were down-regulated. The most significant differentially expressed downregulated and upregulated mRNA were M6PR and RGPD5, respectively. GO analysis and KEGG pathway analysis showed that differential mRNAs were enriched in protein serine kinase activity, rRNA binding molecular function, human cytomegalovirus infection, pancreatic cancer, endometrial cancer, insulin signaling pathway and FoxO signaling pathway. The real-time quantitative PCR showed that the expression of differential mRNA was consistent with sequencing. Compared with ATB patients, the relative expression level of M6PR in plasma exosomes in LTBI patients (0.954±0.212) was downregulated compared with that of ATB patients (2.168±0.226), while the relative expression level of RGPD5 (2.126±0.200) was upregulated compared with that of ATB patients (0.588±0.129) (both P<0.05).
Conclusions
There is a difference in mRNA expression of plasma exosomes between patients with LTBI and ATB. M6PR and RGPD5 may become markers for distinguishing plasma exosomes between LTBI and ATB.
3.A national questionnaire survey on endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in China
Xing WANG ; Bing HU ; Yiling LI ; Zhijie FENG ; Yanjing GAO ; Zhining FAN ; Feng JI ; Bingrong LIU ; Jinhai WANG ; Wenhui ZHANG ; Tong DANG ; Hong XU ; Derun KONG ; Lili YUAN ; Liangbi XU ; Shengjuan HU ; Liangzhi WEN ; Ping YAO ; Yunxiao LIANG ; Xiaodong ZHOU ; Huiling XIANG ; Xiaowei LIU ; Xiaoquan HUANG ; Yinglei MIAO ; Xiaoliang ZHU ; De'an TIAN ; Feihu BAI ; Jitao SONG ; Ligang CHEN ; Yingcai MA ; Yifei HUANG ; Bin WU ; Xiaolong QI
Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy 2024;41(1):43-51
Objective:To investigate the current status of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in China, and to provide supporting data and reference for the development of endoscopic treatment.Methods:In this study, initiated by the Liver Health Consortium in China (CHESS), a questionnaire was designed and distributed online to investigate the basic condition of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in 2022 in China. Questions included annual number and indication of endoscopic procedures, adherence to guideline for preventing esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB), management and timing of emergent EGVB, management of gastric and isolated varices, and improvement of endoscopic treatment. Proportions of hospitals concerning therapeutic choices to all participant hospitals were calculated. Guideline adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals were compared by using Chi-square test.Results:A total of 836 hospitals from 31 provinces (anotomous regions and municipalities) participated in the survey. According to the survey, the control of acute EGVB (49.3%, 412/836) and the prevention of recurrent bleeding (38.3%, 320/836) were major indications of endoscopic treatment. For primary [non-selective β-blocker (NSBB) or endoscopic therapies] and secondary prophylaxis (NSBB and endoscopic therapies) of EGVB, adherence to domestic guideline was 72.5% (606/836) and 39.2% (328/836), respectively. There were significant differences in the adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals in primary prophylaxis of EGVB [71.0% (495/697) VS 79.9% (111/139), χ2=4.11, P=0.033] and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB [41.6% (290/697) VS 27.3% (38/139), χ2=9.31, P=0.002]. A total of 78.2% (654/836) hospitals preferred endoscopic therapies treating acute EGVB, and endoscopic therapy was more likely to be the first choice for treating acute EGVB in tertiary hospitals (82.6%, 576/697) than secondary hospitals [56.1% (78/139), χ2=46.33, P<0.001]. The optimal timing was usually within 12 hours (48.5%, 317/654) and 12-24 hours (36.9%, 241/654) after the bleeding. Regarding the management of gastroesophageal varices type 2 and isolated gastric varices type 1, most hospitals used cyanoacrylate injection in combination with sclerotherapy [48.2% (403/836) and 29.9% (250/836), respectively], but substantial proportions of hospitals preferred clip-assisted therapies [12.4% (104/836) and 26.4% (221/836), respectively]. Improving the skills of endoscopic doctors (84.2%, 704/836), and enhancing the precision of pre-procedure evaluation and quality of multidisciplinary team (78.9%, 660/836) were considered urgent needs in the development of endoscopic treatment. Conclusion:A variety of endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension are implemented nationwide. Participant hospitals are active to perform emergent endoscopy for acute EGVB, but are inadequate in following recommendations regarding primary and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB. Moreover, the selection of endoscopic procedures for gastric varices differs greatly among hospitals.
4.The"depict"strategy for discovering new compounds in complex matrices:Lycibarbarspermidines as a case
Han CHEN ; Zhang ZHIXIN ; Feng ZHIYANG ; Zhai CHUANJIA ; Li XUEJIAO ; Shi YULIAN ; Li XIANG ; Li MIAO ; Wang YING ; Luo GAN ; Gao XIAOYAN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(3):416-426
The comprehensive detection and identification of active ingredients in complex matrices is a crucial challenge.Liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry(LC-HRMS)is the most prominent analytical platform for the exploration of novel active compounds from complex matrices.However,the LC-HRMS-based analysis workflow suffers from several bottleneck issues,such as trace content of target compounds,limited acquisition for fragment information,and uncertainty in interpreting relevant MS2 spectra.Lycibarbarspermidines are vital antioxidant active ingredients in Lycii Fructus,while the reported structures are merely focused on dicaffeoylspermidines due to their low content.To comprehensively detect the new structures of lycibarbarspermidine derivatives,a"depict"strategy was developed in this study.First,potential new lycibarbarspermidine derivatives were designed according to the biosynthetic pathway,and a comprehensive database was established,which enlarged the coverage of lycibarbarspermidine derivatives.Second,the polarity-oriented sample prep-aration of potential new compounds increased the concentration of the target compounds.Third,the construction of the molecular network based on the fragmentation pathway of lycibarbarspermidine derivatives broadened the comprehensiveness of identification.Finally,the weak response signals were captured by data-dependent scanning(DDA)followed by parallel reaction monitoring(PRM),and the efficiency of acquiring MS2 fragment ions of target compounds was significantly improved.Based on the integrated strategy above,210 lycibarbarspermidine derivatives were detected and identified from Lycii Fructus,and in particular,170 potential new compounds were structurally characterized.The integrated strategy improved the sensitivity of detection and the coverage of low-response components,and it is expected to be a promising pipeline for discovering new compounds.
5.Emerging role of Jumonji domain-containing protein D3 in inflammatory diseases
Li XIANG ; Chen RU-YI ; Shi JIN-JIN ; Li CHANG-YUN ; Liu YAN-JUN ; Gao CHANG ; Gao MING-RONG ; Zhang SHUN ; Lu JIAN-FEI ; Cao JIA-FENG ; Yang GUAN-JUN ; Chen JIONG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(9):1282-1300
Jumonji domain-containing protein D3(JMJD3)is a 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase that specif-ically removes transcriptional repression marks di-and tri-methylated groups from lysine 27 on histone 3(H3K27me2/3).The erasure of these marks leads to the activation of some associated genes,thereby influencing various biological processes,such as development,differentiation,and immune response.However,comprehensive descriptions regarding the relationship between JMJD3 and inflammation are lacking.Here,we provide a comprehensive overview of JMJD3,including its structure,functions,and involvement in inflammatory pathways.In addition,we summarize the evidence supporting JMJD3's role in several inflammatory diseases,as well as the potential therapeutic applications of JMJD3 inhibitors.Additionally,we also discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with investigating the functions of JMJD3 and developing targeted inhibitors and propose feasible solutions to provide valuable insights into the functional exploration and discovery of potential drugs targeting JMJD3 for inflammatory diseases.
6.Knowledge-embedded spatio-temporal analysis for euploidy embryos identification in couples with chromosomal rearrangements
Fangying CHEN ; Xiang XIE ; Du CAI ; Pengxiang YAN ; Chenhui DING ; Yangxing WEN ; Yanwen XU ; Feng GAO ; Canquan ZHOU ; Guanbin LI ; Qingyun MAI
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(6):694-703
Background::The goal of the assisted reproductive treatment is to transfer one euploid blastocyst and to help infertile women giving birth one healthy neonate. Some algorithms have been used to assess the ploidy status of embryos derived from couples with normal chromosome, who subjected to preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) treatment. However, it is currently unknown whether artificial intelligence model can be used to assess the euploidy status of blastocyst derived from populations with chromosomal rearrangement.Methods::From February 2020 to May 2021, we collected the whole raw time-lapse videos at multiple focal planes from in vitro cultured embryos, the clinical information of couples, and the comprehensive chromosome screening results of those blastocysts that had received PGT treatment. Initially, we developed a novel deep learning model called the Attentive Multi-Focus Selection Network (AMSNet) to analyze time-lapse videos in real time and predict blastocyst formation. Building upon AMSNet, we integrated additional clinically predictive variables and created a second deep learning model, the Attentive Multi-Focus Video and Clinical Information Fusion Network (AMCFNet), to assess the euploidy status of embryos. The efficacy of the AMCFNet was further tested in embryos with parental chromosomal rearrangements. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the superiority of the model. Results::A total of 4112 embryos with complete time-lapse videos were enrolled for the blastocyst formation prediction task, and 1422 qualified blastocysts received PGT-A ( n = 589) or PGT for chromosomal structural rearrangement (PGT-SR, n = 833) were enrolled for the euploidy assessment task in this study. The AMSNet model using seven focal raw time-lapse videos has the best real-time accuracy. The real-time accuracy for AMSNet to predict blastocyst formation reached above 70% on the day 2 of embryo culture, and then increased to 80% on the day 4 of embryo culture. Combing with 4 clinical features of couples, the AUC of AMCFNet with 7 focal points increased to 0.729 in blastocysts derived from couples with chromosomal rearrangement. Conclusion::Integrating seven focal raw time-lapse images of embryos and parental clinical information, AMCFNet model have the capability of assessing euploidy status in blastocysts derived from couples with chromosomal rearrangement.
7.Analysis of Helicobacter pylori infection in the natural population of Sanya City
Shi-Mei HUANG ; Lian-Guo LAN ; Da-Ya ZHANG ; Run-Xiang CHEN ; Xiao-Dong ZHANG ; Chen CHEN ; Fan ZENG ; Da LI ; Xian-Feng HUANG ; Qi WANG ; Shi-Ju CHEN ; Lei GAO ; Jun-Tao ZENG ; Fei-Hu BAI
Modern Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment in Gastroenterology 2024;29(2):141-145
Objective To explore the current status of H.pylori infection in the natural population of Sanya City,analyze its influencing factors,and provide a reference basis for the prevention and control of H.pylori infection.Methods A total of 677 residents from four districts of Sanya City were selected by overall stratified random sampling method,and were subjected to urea 14C breath test and questionnaire survey to calculate the positive rate of H.pylori in the natural population and analyze the influencing factors of H.pylori infection.Results A total of 606 residents were included,and the number of H.pylori positive detections was 261,with a positive detection rate of 38.5%.Among them,different ethnicity,marital status,smoking,eating vegetables and fruits,and literacy level were associated with H.pylori infection(P<0.05);gender,age,BMI,alcohol consumption,drinking water source,betel quid chewing,and the number of cohabitants were not significantly associated with H.pylori infection(P>0.05).Family infection was an independent risk factor for H.pylori infection in the natural population of Sanya City,and Li ethnicity,frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables,and college and higher education level were independent protective factors for H.pylori infection in the natural population of Sanya City.Conclusion The rate of H.pylori infection in the natural population of Sanya City is lower than the national average.Consuming more fruits and vegetables and improving the awareness of hygiene protection are conducive to the prevention of H.pylori infection;and the promotion of the family and related members with the same examination and treatment is important to avoid aggregation of infection within the family.
8.Single-centre diagnosis, treatment and prognostic analysis of abdominal aortic endograft infection
Xuebin WANG ; Bin LIU ; Zhe ZHANG ; Hongzhi YU ; Zhiwen ZHANG ; Lishan LIAN ; Xiang GAO ; Hai FENG ; Xueming CHEN
International Journal of Surgery 2024;51(11):759-765
Objective:To summarise and analyse the experience in the diagnosis and management of abdominal aortic endograft infection in recent years.Methods:Retrospectively summarised and analysed the general data, clinical presentation, laboratory and imaging findings, causative organisms and treatment choices of 14 patients with abdominal aortic endograft infection treated in Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2018 to June 2024, and analysed the prognosis of the patients and the risk factors associated with prognosis.Results:Positive bacterial cultures were 10 out of 14 patients. One non-operatively treated patient died of infectious toxic shock. Thirteen surgically treated patients underwent axillary-bifemoral artery bypass, removal of the infected stent, and closure of the aortic stump. Four of the 13 cases had combined aortoenteric fistula, 3 cases underwent one-stage enterocutaneous fistula repair, 1 case only fistula drainage, 3 cases of gastrojejunal anastomosis, all of them underwent gastric or jejunal nutrient tube implantation. Two of the 13 patients had combined the infection foci spread to the renal artery openings. To save the kidney, intraoperative left kidney autologous renal transplantation was performed in 1 case, and autologous saphenous vein reconstruction from celiac trunk artery-left renal artery and superior mesenteric artery-right renal artery was performed in the other case. All 14 patients were retrospectively summarised and followed up in August 2024, with 5 deaths in the early postoperative period (< 3 months), 3 deaths in the mid- to long-term period (≥3 months), and 5 survivors, with a median follow-up time of 2 years (1-5 years) for surviving patients. Among the 13 operated patients, 4 cases were combined with aortoenteric fistula, and 3 cases died in the early postoperative period; 4 cases of abdominal aortic infection foci involving renal artery openings, 2 cases of early postoperative death; 4 cases with pleural effusion, 4 cases died in the early postoperative period; 2 cases of combined creatinine elevation, 2 cases of early postoperative death; 2 cases of postoperative infection of artificial blood vessels.Conclusions:Abdominal aortic endograft infection are aggressive. The risk of early death is increased in patients who are elderly, in poor general condition, with aortoenteric fistula or with pre-existing cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic and renal insufficiency, but surgery based on adequate anti-infective therapy remains an effective means of saving the patient′s life.
9.Prospect effect of music therapy on mental state and its application in manned spaceflight
Ziqing CAO ; Haibo QIN ; Yanlei WANG ; Feng LIU ; Xiang ZHANG ; Meiping GAO ; Bin WU
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2024;35(4):245-251
As China's manned space missions gradually develop towards long-term residence and deep space exploration,astronauts will face increasingly severe psychological challenges.As a psychological adjustment method involving multiple disciplines such as music,psychology,and medicine,music therapy has the advantages of being convenient to implement,cost-effective,and highly personalized.This paper integrates the concept of music therapy and explores the research progress of music therapy in regulating psychological states in aspects such as physiology,emotional regulation,cognitive ability,and interpersonal relationships.Combined with the mechanism of action of music therapy and the practical situation in the field of manned spaceflight,it aims at the future development trends and problems to be solved,to construct a music therapy system for astronauts during on-orbit flight and ground daily training.This will help astronauts achieve healthy physical and mental development and promote the completion of missions.
10.Clinical study of prone positioning in invasive respiratory support for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
Feng-Yun CHAI ; Shi TONG ; Mei HAN ; Xiao HU ; Chun-Xue ZHU ; Xiang-Yu GAO
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(6):619-624
Objective To assess the effectiveness and safety of prone positioning in the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome(NRDS)using invasive respiratory support.Methods A prospective study was conducted from June 2020 to September 2023 at Suining County People's Hospital,involving 77 preterm infants with gestational ages less than 35 weeks requiring invasive respiratory support for NRDS.The infants were randomly divided into a supine group(37 infants)and a prone group(40 infants).Infants in the prone group were ventilated in the prone position for 6 hours followed by 2 hours in the supine position,continuing in this cycle until weaning from the ventilator.The effectiveness and safety of the two approaches were compared.Results At 6 hours after enrollment,the prone group showed lower arterial blood carbon dioxide levels,inspired oxygen concentration,oxygenation index,rates of tracheal intubation bacterial colonization,and Neonatal Pain,Agitation and Sedation Scale scores compared to the supine group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of pH,arterial oxygen pressure,positive end-expiratory pressure,duration of mechanical ventilation,accidental extubation,ventilator-associated pneumonia,air leak syndrome,skin pressure sores,feeding intolerance,and grades II-IV intraventricular hemorrhage(P>0.05).Conclusions Compared to supine positioning,prone ventilation effectively improves oxygenation,increases comfort,and reduces tracheal intubation bacterial colonization in neonates requiring mechanical ventilation for NRDS,without significantly increasing adverse reactions.


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