1.Exploring Effect of Buchong Tiaojing Prescription on Ferroptosis in Ovarian Tissue of Rat Model of Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Its Mechanism from Perspective of NLRP3 Inflammasome
Yixuan WANG ; Zuang LI ; Yunling ZHENG ; Yucheng LI ; Songping LUO ; Ling ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):40-48
ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic mechanism of Buchong Tiaojing prescription for rats with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) from the perspectives of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and ferroptosis. MethodsA total of 48 female SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, low, medium, and high dose groups of Buchong Tiaojing prescription, and an MCC950 group, with eight rats in each group. Except the normal group, all the other groups were injected subcutaneously on the back of the neck with D-galactose to prepare the DOR rat model. From the 15th day of modeling, the rats in the low, medium, and high dose groups of Buchong Tiaojing prescription were subjected to gavage daily at doses of 14.4, 28.8, 57.6 g·kg-1, respectively. Rats in the MCC950 group were injected intraperitoneally with MCC950 at a dose of 10 mg·kg-1, once every other day. The interventions of all the groups lasted for 4 weeks. The estrous cycle of the rats was observed with vaginal exfoliated cell smear. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe the development of follicles and corpus luteum in the ovary. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the levels of serum sex hormones and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot assay were performed to detect the mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3 inflammasome, acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and oxidative stress kits were used to detect ovarian superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. ResultsDuring the experiment, one rat died in the high dose group of Buchong Tiaojing prescription, and a total of 47 rats were finally included in the index tests and statistics. Compared with those in the normal group, rats in the model group had significantly disturbed estrous cycles, increased number of atretic follicles, and significant disorder of serum sex hormones. The mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3 inflammasome, ACSL4, and TFR1 in ovarian tissue was up-regulated (P<0.01), while that of GPX4 was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). The SOD content in the ovary was decreased significantly, while the MDA level was increased (P<0.01). After drug intervention, the estrous cycle of rats was basically resumed, and the follicles at all levels were more structurally intact and significantly increased in number. Additionally, the levels of serum sex hormones and IL-1β were significantly improved. The mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3 inflammasome, ACSL4, and TFR1 were down-regulated, while that of GPX4 was significantly up-regulated, and the ovarian oxidative stress was alleviated (P<0.05, P<0.01), especially in the high dose group of Buchong Tiaojing prescription and the MCC950 group. ConclusionInflammatory injury and ferroptosis occur in the ovaries of DOR rats, and the Buchong Tiaojing prescription is able to inhibit ovarian NLRP3 inflammasome, alleviate the degree of ovarian ferroptosis, and improve ovarian reserve.
2.Cloning, subcellular localization and expression analysis of SmIAA7 gene from Salvia miltiorrhiza
Yu-ying HUANG ; Ying CHEN ; Bao-wei WANG ; Fan-yuan GUAN ; Yu-yan ZHENG ; Jing FAN ; Jin-ling WANG ; Xiu-hua HU ; Xiao-hui WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):514-525
The auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (Aux/IAA) gene family is an important regulator for plant growth hormone signaling, involved in plant growth, development, as well as response to environmental stresses. In the present study, we identified
3.Randomized Controlled Trail of Ganlu Qingwen Prescription for Treatment of Community-acquired Pneumonia
Xiangpeng LI ; Fengsen LI ; Ling WANG ; Zheng LI ; Dan XU ; Jiangtao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):225-236
ObjectiveTo explore the regulatory effect of Ganluqingwen prescription on inflammation and immunity by observing the clinical efficacy of Ganluqingwen prescription in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), so as to provide a clinical basis for the treatment of CAP by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted by selecting patients who were diagnosed with CAP and identified as wind-heat attacking lungs in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Hospital of TCM from January 2024 to May 2024 and assigning the patients to a control group (treated by western medicine treatment) or an experimental group (treated by Ganluqingwen prescription combined with western medicine). The data of the enrolled patients before treatment, for three-day treatment, for seven-day treatment, and for 14-day treatment were collected, including basic information, medical history, pneumonia severity index (PSI) classification, and distribution and difference of laboratory and imaging information indexes. The peripheral blood specimens were collected from the patients. and the changes of inflammatory factors in peripheral blood were detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reagent kits and flow-type multifactor microarrays to evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of Ganluqingwen prescription in CAP. ResultsCompared with those in the groups before treatment, the total scores of TCM syndromes significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.05). Compared with those in the control group after treatment, the total scores of TCM syndromes decreased more significantly in the experimental group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the experimental group displayed a significantly reduced number of days of fever in patients (P<0.05). Compared with those in the groups before treatment, the leukocyte, neutrophil counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin (IL)-6, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (Cr), creatine kinase (CK), and creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB) in both groups decreased (P<0.05) after treatment. Compared with that in the control group after treatment, the decrease of leukocyte, neutrophil counts, CRP, PCT, IL-6, ALT, AST, Cr, CK, and CK-MB was more pronounced in the experimental group (P<0.05). Compared with those in the group before treatment, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide increased in the experimental group for 3 d of treatment (P<0.05), and the standard alkali residual, actual alkali residual, standard bicarbonate concentration, and actual bicarbonate concentration increased in the experimental group for 7 d of treatment (P<0.05). Compared with that in the group before treatment, D-dimer decreased in the control group for 7 d of treatment (P<0.05). D-dimer and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) decreased in the experimental group for 3 d of treatment (P<0.05), and D-dimer, fibrinogen (FIB), and APTI significantly decreased in the group for 7 d of treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the group for 3 d of treatment, the experimental group for 7 d of treatment showed decreased FIB (P<0.05). Compared with those in the groups before treatment, the levels of inflammatory factors IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 were elevated in the peripheral blood of the two groups after treatment, and the levels of B lymphocyte chemoattractant (BLC), interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), CRP, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23p19 were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the control group after treatment, the experimental group exhibited more significant improvement in indexes above (P<0.01). ConclusionThe group treated by Ganluqingwen prescription combined with western medicine shows more significant effects on reducing total scores of TCM syndromes, lowering the ability of leukocyte and neutrophil counts, decreasing BLC, IP-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, MCP-1, CRP, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23p19 in the peripheral blood of the patients, and elevating levels of IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 than the group treated by western drugs alone.
4.Randomized Controlled Trail of Ganlu Qingwen Prescription for Treatment of Community-acquired Pneumonia
Xiangpeng LI ; Fengsen LI ; Ling WANG ; Zheng LI ; Dan XU ; Jiangtao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):225-236
ObjectiveTo explore the regulatory effect of Ganluqingwen prescription on inflammation and immunity by observing the clinical efficacy of Ganluqingwen prescription in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), so as to provide a clinical basis for the treatment of CAP by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted by selecting patients who were diagnosed with CAP and identified as wind-heat attacking lungs in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Hospital of TCM from January 2024 to May 2024 and assigning the patients to a control group (treated by western medicine treatment) or an experimental group (treated by Ganluqingwen prescription combined with western medicine). The data of the enrolled patients before treatment, for three-day treatment, for seven-day treatment, and for 14-day treatment were collected, including basic information, medical history, pneumonia severity index (PSI) classification, and distribution and difference of laboratory and imaging information indexes. The peripheral blood specimens were collected from the patients. and the changes of inflammatory factors in peripheral blood were detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reagent kits and flow-type multifactor microarrays to evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of Ganluqingwen prescription in CAP. ResultsCompared with those in the groups before treatment, the total scores of TCM syndromes significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.05). Compared with those in the control group after treatment, the total scores of TCM syndromes decreased more significantly in the experimental group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the experimental group displayed a significantly reduced number of days of fever in patients (P<0.05). Compared with those in the groups before treatment, the leukocyte, neutrophil counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin (IL)-6, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (Cr), creatine kinase (CK), and creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB) in both groups decreased (P<0.05) after treatment. Compared with that in the control group after treatment, the decrease of leukocyte, neutrophil counts, CRP, PCT, IL-6, ALT, AST, Cr, CK, and CK-MB was more pronounced in the experimental group (P<0.05). Compared with those in the group before treatment, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide increased in the experimental group for 3 d of treatment (P<0.05), and the standard alkali residual, actual alkali residual, standard bicarbonate concentration, and actual bicarbonate concentration increased in the experimental group for 7 d of treatment (P<0.05). Compared with that in the group before treatment, D-dimer decreased in the control group for 7 d of treatment (P<0.05). D-dimer and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) decreased in the experimental group for 3 d of treatment (P<0.05), and D-dimer, fibrinogen (FIB), and APTI significantly decreased in the group for 7 d of treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the group for 3 d of treatment, the experimental group for 7 d of treatment showed decreased FIB (P<0.05). Compared with those in the groups before treatment, the levels of inflammatory factors IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 were elevated in the peripheral blood of the two groups after treatment, and the levels of B lymphocyte chemoattractant (BLC), interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), CRP, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23p19 were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the control group after treatment, the experimental group exhibited more significant improvement in indexes above (P<0.01). ConclusionThe group treated by Ganluqingwen prescription combined with western medicine shows more significant effects on reducing total scores of TCM syndromes, lowering the ability of leukocyte and neutrophil counts, decreasing BLC, IP-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, MCP-1, CRP, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23p19 in the peripheral blood of the patients, and elevating levels of IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 than the group treated by western drugs alone.
5.Effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan on EMT and Expression of CSC Properties in 4T1 Cells by Regulating Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells
Lixiang ZHENG ; Ling HUANG ; Huiwen GUO ; Biyao GONG ; Xiaoying REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):1-10
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan drug-containing serum (LDP) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the expression of cancer stem cell (CSC) properties in 4T1 cells from triple-negative breast cancer by intervening myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). MethodsSPF-grade female SD rats were randomly divided into three groups, which were given 0.39, 1.94, 3.89 g·kg-1·d-1 suspension of Liuwei Dihuangwan for 7 days, respectively, to prepare low-, medium-, and high-dose LDPs. 4T1 cells were inoculated subcutaneously into the mammary glands of SPF-grade female Balb/c mice to construct a transplantation tumor model. Bone marrow cells were extracted from the tibia and femur and induced into MDSCs in vitro. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the viability of 4T1 cells and MDSCs. The number of MDSCs and the expressions of CSC surface markers CD44 and CD24 in 4T1 cells were detected by flow cytometry (FC). The migration, invasion, and proliferation of 4T1 cells were detected by cell scratch assay, Transwell invasion assay, and plate colony-forming assay, respectively. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the protein expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CXCL2), E-cadherin, and N-cadherin. The expression of EMT-related proteins E-cadherin and N-cadherin were detected by immunofluorescence (IF). ResultsCompared with the normal group, LDP showed no significant inhibitory effect on the cell viability of 4T1 cells, but it significantly reduced the viability and number of MDSCs and reduced the number of MDSCs, as well as the expression of TGF-β (P<0.05, P<0.01). The migration, invasion, and proliferation of 4T1 cells were increased after co-culture with MDSCs (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expressions of NF-κB, CXCL2, and N-cadherin and the proportion of CSC (CD44+CD24-) were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the expression of E-cadherin was decreased (P<0.05). After the intervention of MDSCs with LDP, followed by co-culture with 4T1 cells, the migration, invasion, and proliferation of 4T1 cells were obviously reduced (P<0.01). The expressions of NF-κB, CXCL2, and N-cadherin were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression of E-cadherin was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistical difference in the proportion of CSC (CD44+CD24-) in 4T1 cells. However, the proportion of CSC (CD44+CD24-) was decreased in the co-culture system of 4T1 cells and MDSCs with LDP intervention (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionLDP can reduce the viability and number of MDSCs and the expression of TGF-β, NF-κB, and CXCL2, reverse EMT, and reduce the characteristic expression of CSC to inhibit the migration, invasion, and proliferation of 4T1 cells.
6.Effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan on EMT and Expression of CSC Properties in 4T1 Cells by Regulating Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells
Lixiang ZHENG ; Ling HUANG ; Huiwen GUO ; Biyao GONG ; Xiaoying REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):1-10
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan drug-containing serum (LDP) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the expression of cancer stem cell (CSC) properties in 4T1 cells from triple-negative breast cancer by intervening myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). MethodsSPF-grade female SD rats were randomly divided into three groups, which were given 0.39, 1.94, 3.89 g·kg-1·d-1 suspension of Liuwei Dihuangwan for 7 days, respectively, to prepare low-, medium-, and high-dose LDPs. 4T1 cells were inoculated subcutaneously into the mammary glands of SPF-grade female Balb/c mice to construct a transplantation tumor model. Bone marrow cells were extracted from the tibia and femur and induced into MDSCs in vitro. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the viability of 4T1 cells and MDSCs. The number of MDSCs and the expressions of CSC surface markers CD44 and CD24 in 4T1 cells were detected by flow cytometry (FC). The migration, invasion, and proliferation of 4T1 cells were detected by cell scratch assay, Transwell invasion assay, and plate colony-forming assay, respectively. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the protein expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CXCL2), E-cadherin, and N-cadherin. The expression of EMT-related proteins E-cadherin and N-cadherin were detected by immunofluorescence (IF). ResultsCompared with the normal group, LDP showed no significant inhibitory effect on the cell viability of 4T1 cells, but it significantly reduced the viability and number of MDSCs and reduced the number of MDSCs, as well as the expression of TGF-β (P<0.05, P<0.01). The migration, invasion, and proliferation of 4T1 cells were increased after co-culture with MDSCs (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expressions of NF-κB, CXCL2, and N-cadherin and the proportion of CSC (CD44+CD24-) were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the expression of E-cadherin was decreased (P<0.05). After the intervention of MDSCs with LDP, followed by co-culture with 4T1 cells, the migration, invasion, and proliferation of 4T1 cells were obviously reduced (P<0.01). The expressions of NF-κB, CXCL2, and N-cadherin were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression of E-cadherin was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistical difference in the proportion of CSC (CD44+CD24-) in 4T1 cells. However, the proportion of CSC (CD44+CD24-) was decreased in the co-culture system of 4T1 cells and MDSCs with LDP intervention (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionLDP can reduce the viability and number of MDSCs and the expression of TGF-β, NF-κB, and CXCL2, reverse EMT, and reduce the characteristic expression of CSC to inhibit the migration, invasion, and proliferation of 4T1 cells.
7.Mechanism of Aerobic Exercise in Delaying Brain Aging in Aging Mice by Regulating Tryptophan Metabolism
De-Man ZHANG ; Chang-Ling WEI ; Yuan-Ting ZHANG ; Yu JIN ; Xiao-Han HUANG ; Min-Yan ZHENG ; Xue LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1362-1372
ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism of aerobic exercise to improve hippocampal neuronal degeneration by regulating tryptophan metabolic pathway. Methods60 SPF-grade C57BL/6J male mice were divided into a young group (2 months old, n=30) and a senile group (12 months old, n=30), and each group was further divided into a control group (C/A group, n=15) and an exercise group (CE/AE group, n=15). An aerobic exercise program was used for 8 weeks. Learning memory ability was assessed by Y-maze, and anxiety-depression-like behavior was detected by absent field experiment. Hippocampal Trp levels were measured by GC-MS. Nissl staining was used to observe the number and morphology of hippocampal neurons, and electron microscopy was used to detect synaptic ultrastructure. ELISA was used to detect the levels of hippocampal Trp,5-HT, Kyn, KATs, KYNA, KMO, and QUIN; Western blot was used to analyze the activities of TPH2, IDO1, and TDO enzymes. ResultsGroup A mice showed significant decrease in learning and memory ability (P<0.05) and increase in anxiety and depressive behaviors (P<0.05); all of AE group showed significant improvement (P<0.05). Hippocampal Trp levels decreased in group A (P<0.05) and increased in AE group (P<0.05). Nidus vesicles were reduced and synaptic structures were degraded in group A (P<0.05), and both were significantly improved in group AE (P<0.05). The levels of Trp, 5-HT, KATs, and KYNA were decreased (P<0.05) and the levels of Kyn, KMO, and QUIN were increased (P<0.05) in group A. The activity of TPH2 was decreased (P<0.05), and the activities of IDO1 and TDO were increased (P<0.05). The AE group showed the opposite trend. ConclusionThe aging process significantly reduces the learning memory ability and increases the anxiety-depression-like behavior of mice, and leads to the reduction of the number of nidus vesicles and degenerative changes of synaptic structure in the hippocampus, whereas aerobic exercise not only effectively enhances the spatial learning memory ability and alleviates the anxiety-depression-like behavior of aging mice, but also improves the morphology and structure of neurons in hippocampal area, which may be achieved by the mechanism of regulating the tryptophan metabolic pathway.
8.Relationship between illness perception and fear of progression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the mediating role of social support
Yuhong CAI ; Ling XIAO ; Binxue XIA ; Ling ZHENG ; Hong XIONG
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(4):346-351
BackgroundFear of progression is one of the typical psychological consequences in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The level of fear of progression is affected by the illness perception status, and the link between social support and fear of progression is acknowledged, whereas the mechanism underlying the three remains unclear due to the lack of empirical research evidence and needs to be further studied. ObjectiveTo explore the mediating role of social support in the relationship between illness perception and fear of progression in COPD patients, and to provide references for effectively alleviating fear in COPD patients. MethodsA total of 435 COPD patients admitted to the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from March 9 to July 31, 2024 were selected as the study objects. The Chinese version of Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF), Chinese version of Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ) and Social Support Rate Scale (SSRS) were used for the evaluation. Pearson's coefficient was calculated to assess the correlation among above scales. Model 4 of the Process macro 3.4.1 for SPSS 25.0 was used to test the mediating effect of social support on the relationship between illness perception and fear of progression, with Bootstrapping used to evaluate the significance of mediating effect. ResultsA total of 412 patients (94.71%) completed this study.BIPQ score was positively correlated with FoP-Q-SF score (r=0.238, P<0.01), and negatively correlated with SSRS score in COPD patients (r=-0.260, P<0.01). FoP-Q-SF score was negatively correlated with SSRS score (r=-0.271, P<0.01). Social support mediated the relationship between illness perception and fear of progression, with an indirect effect value of 0.025 (95% CI: 0.009~0.041), accounting for 13.02% of the total effect. ConclusionIllness perception can affect the fear of progression in COPD patients both directly and indirectly through social support. [Funded by Nursing Research Project of Sichuan Province (number, H22010)]
9.Changes in the levels of miR-34a and miR-29b in lens epithelial cells of patients with age-related cataract and their clinical significance
Ling ZHENG ; Haibo JIANG ; Mengru LI ; Bo ZHOU
International Eye Science 2025;25(10):1704-1707
AIM: To investigate the changes of microRNA-34a(miR-34a)and microRNA-29b(miR-29b)levels in lens epithelial cells of age-related cataracts(ARC)patients and their clinical significance.METHODS: A total of 65 ARC patients(study group)and 53 cases of clear lens anterior capsulorhexis(control group)who visited our hospital from February 2023 to February 2024 were gathered. Pearson was applied to test the correlation between miR-34a and miR-29b. Multifactor Logistic regression was applied to determine the factors affecting the occurrence of ARC.RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the expression levels of miR-34a and miR-29b in lens epithelial cells of the research group showed a significant decrease trend(all P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between miR-34a and miR-29b in the lens epithelial cells of ARC patients(r=0.472, P<0.05). MiR-34a and miR-29b were influence factors for ARC(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The levels of miR-34a and miR-29b in lens epithelial cells of ARC patients are significantly reduced, which is associated with the occurrence of ARC.
10.The Relationship of Transcription Factor BRF1 Expression to Tumor and Cardiomyopathy
Li-Ling ZHENG ; Yong-Luan LIN ; Mei-Ling CHEN ; Zheng-Yan ZHONG ; Shuping ZHONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2241-2251
TFIIB-related factor 1 (BRF1) is an important transcription factor. It specifically regulates the transcription of RNA polymerase III-dependent genes (RNA Pol III genes). The products of these genes are some small non-coding RNAs, including transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and 5S ribosomal RNAs (5S rRNA). The transcription levels of tRNAs and 5S rRNA vary with changes in intracellular BRF1 amounts. tRNAs and 5S rRNA play a crucial role in determining protein synthesis. Studies have demonstrated that dysregulation of tRNAs and 5S rRNA is closely related to cell growth, proliferation, transformation, and even tumorigenesis. BRF1 is a key factor determining the generation of tRNAs and 5S rRNA. Increasing BRF1 expression enhances cell proliferation and transformation, promoting tumor development. In contrast, repressing BRF1 activity decreases the rates of cell proliferation and transformation, and inhibits tumor growth. High levels of BRF1 are found in the samples of patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, gastric carcinoma, lung cancer, prostate carcinoma, and other cancers. It indicates that high levels of BRF1 are closely related to the occurrence of human cancer and may be a common landmark of tumors. But there is discrepancy in the regulatory mechanisms and signaling pathways of BRF1 overexpression in different cancers. In general, high levels of BRF1 in patients suffering from cancer show short survival period and poor prognosis. However, there is one exception, namely breast cancer. Approximate 80% of cases of breast cancer are estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and 20% are ER-. The cases with high levels of BRF1 reveal longer survival period and better prognosis after they accepted the hormone treatment by Tamoxifen (Tam), compared to the cases with low level BRF1. It seems like a contradiction. Most of the cases with high levels of BRF1 belong to ER+ status. Tam has been used to treat ER+ cases of breast cancer after diagnosis and surgery. Thus, hormone therapy, such as Tam, is more effective on these patients. This is because, on one hand, that Tam competes with E2 (17β-estradiol) to bind to estrogen receptor α (ERα), but does not dissociate to occupy the receptors, blocking E2 binding to this receptor and inhibiting its biological effects. On other hand, Tam can inhibit the expression of BRF1, leading to a decline of intracellular BRF1 levels. Therefore, the actual levels of BRF1 are lower in the patients with ER+ breast cancer. It appears the prognosis of the high BRF1 expression cases better than that of the low BRF1 expression cases. Myocardial hypertrophy manifests magnification of cardiomyocyte volume rather than number increasing in the postnatal heart. Myocardial hypertrophy is a critical risk factor underlying cardiovascular diseases. No matter how myocardial hypertrophy occur, it will ultimately lead to myocardial dysfunction and heart failure. Hypertrophic growth of cardiomyocytes requires a large amount of protein synthesis to meet its needs of cardiomyocyte growth. Animal models and cell experiments have shown that myocardial hypertrophy stimulates a significant increase in BRF1 expression and transcription of tRNAs and 5S rRNA. Interestingly, elevated levels of BRF1 are found in the myocardium tissues of patients with myocardial hypertrophy. These studies demonstrate that BRF1 indeed plays a critical role in myocardial hypertrophy. In summary, high levels of BRF1 are found in patients suffering from different cancers and myocardial hypertrophy. It implies that BRF1 is a promising biological target of cancer and cardiomyopathy. BRF1 is expected to become a common biomarker for early diagnosis and prognostic observation of different human cancers. It is also an important biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiomyopathy. BRF1 not only holds an important position in the field of basic medical research but also has great prospects for translational medicine. In the present article, we summarize the progress on studies of BRF1 expressions in cancer and cardiomyopathy, proposes future research directions. It is a new research area. Here, we emphasize the significancy of BRF overexpression in the two huge diseases of human, cancer and cardiomyopathy to raise people's attention to this field.

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