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.Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome with Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on the Core Pathogenesis Evolution of "Constraint,Heat,Deficiency,Stasis,and Toxin"
Zhichao RUAN ; Jiangteng LIU ; Hua ZHANG ; Weijun HUANG ; Qiang FU ; Shidong WANG ; Jinxi ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(7):680-684
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a rich theoretical foundation and clinical experience for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome(CKM), demonstrating unique advantage. Building on previous work in managing diabetes, its complications, and chronic kidney disease, our team has proposed a five-phase evolution theory of "constraint, heat, deficiency, stasis, and toxin" as the core pathogenesis. These phases correspond to the pathological progression of constraint of phlegm-dampness, constraint transforming into heat, heat damaging qi and yin, stasis accumulated in the collateral vessels, and toxin induced by deficiency and stasis. In the prevention and treatment of CKM by TCM, it is emphasized to integrate the concept of "treating disease before it arises" with constitution theory, and incorporate the "2-5-8" prevention and treatment strategy, which combines prevention with treatment, tailors interventions to different phases, and employs comprehensive treatment modalities. Our goal is to leverage TCM's holistic advantages in preventing and treating CKM. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Terms Related to The Study of Biomacromolecular Condensates
Ke RUAN ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Dan LI ; Pi-Long LI ; Yi LIN ; Zheng WANG ; Yun-Yu SHI ; Ming-Jie ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Cong LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1027-1035
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Effects of Shujin Jiannao Formula (舒筋健脑方) on Neural Repair and PI3K-Akt-mTOR Pathway of Brain Tissue in Cerebral Palsy Model Rats
Ruiqin YU ; Yanjun MO ; Houjun ZHANG ; Gang LIU ; Zhuoluo ZHOU ; Zechen RUAN ; Lin XU ; Xiaohong MU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):1038-1045
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms of Shujin Jiannao Formula (舒筋健脑方) for cerebral palsy. MethodsThirty 7-day-old SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, and Shujin Jiannao Formula group, with 10 rats in each group. The model group and Shujin Jiannao Formula group established a cerebral palsy model by the classic Rice-Vannucci method. After successful modeling, rats in Shujin Jiannao Formula group were given Shujin Jiannao Formula 16 g/(kg·d) by gavage, while the normal group and model group were given normal saline 10 ml/(kg·d) by gavage once a day. After one week of intervention, the rats' body weight was measured, and Zea-Longa scores, the righting reflex test, and the hindlimb suspension test were conducted for assessment; hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe pathological changes in brain tissue, and the number of Nissl-positive neurons was counted; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure levels of inflammatory cytokines in the brain tissue, specifically interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression levels of neurofilament protein 200 (NF200) and myelin basic protein (MBP) in brain tissue; Western Blot analysis was conducted to determine the protein levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt/PKB/Rac), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in brain tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, rats in the model group showed significantly higher Zea-Longa scores and lower scores in the hindlimb suspension test (P<0.01); pathological findings revealed loose structure in the cerebral cortex, hippocampal atrophy, and neuronal damage in brain tissue. Levels of IL-1β and TNF-α elevated, and the number of Nissl-stained positive neurons in the cortex and hippocampal CA1 region reduced, and immunofluorescence intensity of NF200 and MBP, as well as protein expression levels of PI3K and mTOR, significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in Shujin Jiannao Formula group showed decreased Zea-Longa scores and increased hindlimb suspension test scores (P<0.05); pathological damage in brain tissue alleviated, levels of IL-1β and TNF-α reduced, the number of Nissl-stained positive neurons in the cortex and hippocampal CA1 region increased, and the immunofluorescence intensity of NF200 and MBP, as well as the protein levels of PI3K and mTOR, significantly elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences among the groups in body weight, body-turning time, or AKT protein levels in brain tissue (P>0.05). ConclusionShujin Jiannao Formula can improve the neurological function of rats with cerebral palsy, exert neurorestorative effects, and its mechanism of action may be related to the reduction of inflammatory response in brain tissue and the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Clinical Pharmacist Training Progress of Pharmaceutical Affairs Committee of Chinese Hospital Association
Xiao RUAN ; Xuelian YAN ; Bo ZHANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):797-804
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			 To describe the history, current status and development trend of clinical pharmacist training in China. The spring and autumn enrollment data of clinical pharmacists training base published by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Committee of Chinese Hospital Association in the past five years (2019—2023) were analyzed, including numbers of training personnel and training bases, types of professions, etc. In 2023, the enrollment of clinical pharmacist training plan was 4106, and 304 training bases were set up in China to enroll students. The Chinese Hospital Association set up 20 specialties, 1 general specialty and 12 half-year specialty specialties, and added 5 specialties of geriatric medicine, general medicine, hematology, psychiatry and emergency department. Popular one-year majors included anti-infection, anti-tumor, cardiovascular medicine, general medicine, respiratory medicine, and endocrinology. The scale of clinical pharmacist training in China continues to expand, and the number of trainees, the number of hospitals in the training bases and the types of specialties have increased significantly compared with those in 2019. The promulgation of relevant policies has promoted the training process, and the team of clinical pharmacists has continued to grow.
		                        		
		                        	
7.Mechanisms and research progress of circular RNAs in radon exposure-induced diseases
Jia ZHANG ; Xiaoliang LI ; Jianlei RUAN ; Jianxiang LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(2):303-308
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Radon, the only naturally occurring radioactive noble gas, is among the most common radioactive nuclides to which humans are exposed. Radon can induce various biological effects in the human body and is a risk factor for lung cancer. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable, tissue-specific, and abundantly expressed in body fluids. circRNAs can regulate gene expression and play an important role in the development of cancer. In this paper, we summarized the changes in the expression and function of circRNAs, highlighting the potential mechanisms of circRNAs in radon exposure-induced cancers. Our results provided theoretical support for the use of circRNAs as a biomarker of radon exposure-induced radiation damage, and offer a theoretical basis for the early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of radon exposure-induced diseases.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of ABO non-identical apheresis platelets with reduced plasma transfusion
Ronghua DIAO ; Qianying RUAN ; Lu BAI ; Hong ZHANG ; Zerong WANG ; Lei FU ; Shichun WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(7):909-914
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ABO non-identical platelets with reduced plasma (ABO-NPRP) transfusion in patients with hematological diseases. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 52 therapeutic doses of apheresis platelets with reduced plasma prepared at Chongqing Blood Center of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The transfusion efficacy (24 h CCI) and the transfusion adverse reactions of these apheresis platelets were also observed in 35 patients with hematological diseases in First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University. Comparisons were made with a control group consisting of patients who received only identical apheresis platelets during the same period. Meanwhile, the effect of ABO-NPRP on the subsequent platelet transfusion efficacy was observed. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in PDW, MPV, and PLCR before and after the preparation of apheresis platelets with reduced plasma (P>0.05), while the difference in platelet count was statistically significant [(2.86±0.34)×10
       per therapeutic dose vs (2.46±0.28)×10
       per therapeutic dose, P<0.001]; there was no statistically significant difference in the 24 h CCI transfusion efficacy between conventional identical apheresis platelets and ABO-NPRP, with transfusion efficacy rates of 76.60% and 78.85%, respectively (P>0.05); there was no statistically significant difference in platelet transfusion efficacy between the group with ABO-NPRP and the group without ABO-NPRP (completely identical transfusion group), with transfusion efficacy rates of 77.78% and 75.25%, respectively (P>0.05). Conclusion: ABO-NPRP transfusion is safe, effective, demonstrating comparable efficacy to conventional identical transfusion. It can serve as an important complementary strategy to optimize the utilization of blood resources.
    
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Triglyceride-glucose index and homocysteine in association with the risk of stroke in middle-aged and elderly diabetic populations
Xiaolin LIU ; Jin ZHANG ; Zhitao LI ; Xiaonan WANG ; Juzhong KE ; Kang WU ; Hua QIU ; Qingping LIU ; Jiahui SONG ; Jiaojiao GAO ; Yang LIU ; Qian XU ; Yi ZHOU ; Xiaonan RUAN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(6):515-520
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo investigate the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and the level of serum homocysteine (Hcy) in association with the incidence of stroke in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. MethodsBased on the chronic disease risk factor surveillance cohort in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, excluding those with stroke in baseline survey, T2DM patients who joined the cohort from January 2016 to October 2020 were selected as the research subjects. During the follow-up period, a total of 318 new-onset ischemic stroke patients were selected as the case group, and a total of 318 individuals matched by gender without stroke were selected as the control group. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to adjust for confounding factors and explore the serum TyG index and the Hcy biochemical indicator in association with the risk of stroke. ResultsThe Cox proportional hazards regression results showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of stroke in T2DM patients with 10 μmol·L⁻¹
		                        		
		                        	
10.Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of ABO non-identical apheresis platelets with reduced plasma transfusion
Ronghua DIAO ; Qianying RUAN ; Lu BAI ; Hong ZHANG ; Zerong WANG ; Lei FU ; Shichun WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(7):909-914
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ABO non-identical platelets with reduced plasma (ABO-NPRP) transfusion in patients with hematological diseases. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 52 therapeutic doses of apheresis platelets with reduced plasma prepared at Chongqing Blood Center of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The transfusion efficacy (24 h CCI) and the transfusion adverse reactions of these apheresis platelets were also observed in 35 patients with hematological diseases in First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University. Comparisons were made with a control group consisting of patients who received only identical apheresis platelets during the same period. Meanwhile, the effect of ABO-NPRP on the subsequent platelet transfusion efficacy was observed. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in PDW, MPV, and PLCR before and after the preparation of apheresis platelets with reduced plasma (P>0.05), while the difference in platelet count was statistically significant [(2.86±0.34)×10
       per therapeutic dose vs (2.46±0.28)×10
       per therapeutic dose, P<0.001]; there was no statistically significant difference in the 24 h CCI transfusion efficacy between conventional identical apheresis platelets and ABO-NPRP, with transfusion efficacy rates of 76.60% and 78.85%, respectively (P>0.05); there was no statistically significant difference in platelet transfusion efficacy between the group with ABO-NPRP and the group without ABO-NPRP (completely identical transfusion group), with transfusion efficacy rates of 77.78% and 75.25%, respectively (P>0.05). Conclusion: ABO-NPRP transfusion is safe, effective, demonstrating comparable efficacy to conventional identical transfusion. It can serve as an important complementary strategy to optimize the utilization of blood resources.
    
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
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