1.Effect of Feiyanning Granules on Inducing Ferroptosis in Lung Cancer Cells and Its Regulatory Function onNrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Xin LIU ; Wenjie WANG ; Zhenye XU ; Zhan ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):100-107
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the effect of Feiyanning granules on ferroptosis in lung cancer cells and its regulatory function within the nuclear transcription factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/mouse solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method was used to detect the effect of Feiyanning granule on the proliferation of A549 lung cancer cells. A549 lung cancer cells were categorized into a blank group, a ferroptosis inhibitor-1 (Fer-1) group (10 μmol·L-1), a Feiyanning granules (600 mg·L-1) group, and a Feiyanning granules + Fer-1 group. After 48 hours of intervention, the activity and morphology of the cells were observed. The CCK-8 method was employed to measure cell viability. Biochemical assays were carried out to measure the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and ferrous ions (Fe²⁺) in A549 cells. Western blot was utilized to evaluate the expression levels of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 proteins. A549 lung cancer cells were categorized into a blank group and a Feiyanning Granule group (600 mg·L-1), and mitochondrial morphology was examined via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). ResultsAfter the intervention of Feiyaning granules, the proliferation of A549 cells was significantly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner compared with that in the blank group (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the Feiyanning granules group exerted an significantly inhibitory effect on the viability of lung cancer cells (P<0.01). Compared with that in the Feiyanning granules group, the cell viability in the Feiyanning granules +Fer-1 group was obviously restored (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the Feiyanning Granule group showed a significant increase in the levels of ROS, MDA, and Fe²⁺ (P<0.01), a significant decrease in the GSH level (P<0.01), and facilitated ferroptosis. Compared with the blank group, the Feiyanning granules group showed significantly decreased expression of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 proteins and enhanced expression of Keap1 (P<0.01). Compared with those in the Feiyanning Granule group, the protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 increased significantly (P<0.01), and the expression of Keap1 decreased significantly in the Feiyanning granules + Fer-1 group (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the Feiyaning granules group exhibited reduced mitochondrial size and increased matrix electron density. ConclusionFeiyanning granules can induce ferroptosis in lung cancer cells, and its underlying mechanism might be associated with the inhibition of the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway.
2.Sialyltransferase ST3GAL1 promotes malignant progression in glioma.
Zihao ZHAO ; Wenjing ZHENG ; Lingling ZHANG ; Wenjie SONG ; Tao WANG
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(4):308-317
Objective To investigate the clinical relevance and diagnostic or prognostic value of ST3β-galactoside α-2, 3-sialyltransferase 1 (ST3GAL1) in glioma and to confirm its role in promoting malignant phenotypes. Methods Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we analyzed the correlation between ST3GAL1 expression levels in glioma and clinical parameters to evaluate its diagnostic and prognostic value. The impact of ST3GAL1 on malignant phenotypes of glioma cells-including proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and invasion was further validated through ST3GAL1 knockdown experiments. Results The expression level of ST3GAL1 was significantly higher in glioma tissues compared to healthy brain tissues and showed a strong correlation with clinical characteristics of glioma patients. Survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated that ST3GAL1 could serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for glioma. Knockdown of ST3GAL1 suppressed proliferation, invasion, and migration capabilities of glioma cell lines, and induced G1-phase cell cycle arrest. Conclusion ST3GAL1 promotes malignant phenotypes in glioma and plays a critical role in its malignant progression, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for glioma diagnosis and prognosis.
Humans
;
Sialyltransferases/metabolism*
;
Glioma/diagnosis*
;
Cell Proliferation/genetics*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Brain Neoplasms/enzymology*
;
beta-Galactoside alpha-2,3-Sialyltransferase
;
Disease Progression
;
Prognosis
;
Cell Movement/genetics*
;
Apoptosis/genetics*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
;
Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism*
;
Middle Aged
3.Chinese practice guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of ischemic-type biliary lesion after liver transplantation
Yingcai ZHANG ; Xiao FENG ; Zhengran LI ; Jie REN ; Jin WANG ; Fengping ZHENG ; Wenjie CHEN ; Qi ZHANG ; Xiao XU ; Yang YANG
Organ Transplantation 2024;15(5):661-670
Over the years of exploration and development, the surgical techniques and prognosis of liver transplantation in China have been significantly improved, resulting in a notable decrease in the prevalence of postoperative complications. However, ischemic-type biliary lesion remain a non-negligible issue. The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University formulated and published the "Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Ischemic-Type Biliary Lesions after Liver Transplantation in Mainland China" in 2015, which has now been updated into a guideline based on current conditions and literature reports. This guideline elaborates in detail on the definition, incidence, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention of high-risk factors, and treatment of ischemic-type biliary lesion, aiming to provide standardized and normative guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of ischemic-type biliary lesion after liver transplantation, thereby reducing the rate of re-transplantation and fatality, and to improve the overall quality of life of liver transplant recipients.
4.Mechanism of Yangxin Dingji Capsules in Preventing Ventricular Arrhythmia Based on TAK1/MKK3/p38 MAPK Pathway
Mian LI ; Zheng ZHANG ; Xinyue LI ; Xue TIAN ; Wenlu ZHENG ; Jinwei WU ; Gang LIU ; Wenjie LIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(20):86-95
ObjectiveTo explore the protective effect and mechanism of Yangxin Dingji capsules on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced ventricular arrhythmia in SD rat cardiomyocytes based on the transforming growth factor-β activated kinase 1 (TAK1)-mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MKK3)-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway. MethodFifty male SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a propranolol group, a low-dose Chinese medicine group, and a high-dose Chinese medicine group. The ventricular arrhythmia model was constructed using the ISO "6+1" method. The propranolol group received propranolol at 0.015 g·kg-1·d-1. The Chinese medicine groups received Yangxin Dingji capsules at doses of 0.5、 2 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively. The normal and model groups were given an equal volume of 0.9% NaCl solution. Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes in SD rats were recorded using the BL-420F biological function experimental system. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the heart. Serum levels of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression of IL-1β and TNF-α was assessed using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression was detected using immunofluorescence. Protein expression levels of TAK1, phosphorylated TAK1 (p-TAK1), MKK3, phosphorylated MKK3 (p-MKK3), p38 MAPK, phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), phosphorylated NF-κB (p-NF-κB), IL-1β, and TNF-α were measured using Western blot or immunohistochemistry. ResultCompared with normal group, the model group showed significant ventricular arrhythmia in ECG, with an increased arrhythmia score (P<0.01). Pathological damage to myocardial tissue was evident, and serum levels of cTnI, CK-MB, IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 were elevated (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of IL-1β and TNF-α in myocardial tissue was also increased (P<0.01). ROS level and protein expression of p-TAK1, p-MKK3, p-p38 MAPK, and p-NF-κB were elevated in myocardial tissue (P<0.01). In the propranolol and Chinese medicine groups, the incidence of sustained ventricular tachycardia (SVT) and arrhythmia scores were significantly reduced compared to model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Pathological damage to cardiomyocytes was alleviated, and levels of myocardial injury markers and inflammatory factors in serum and myocardial tissue were decreased. The ROS level in myocardial tissue was also reduced (P<0.01), with a noticeable reduction in related molecules in the p38 MAPK pathway (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe expression of p38 MAPK pathway molecules was up-regulated in myocardial tissue of ISO-induced ventricular arrhythmia rats. Yangxin Dingji capsules may inhibit cardiac inflammation damage by regulating the expression of related molecules in the p38 MAPK pathway, thereby exerting a protective effect on myocardial cells, with TAK1 being a potential target.
5.Mechanism of Sanhuang Ointment in Treatment of Haemorrhoids Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Wenjie LI ; Qian YU ; Yi ZHENG ; Yiliu YANG ; Xinyue ZHANG ; Guangzhe LI ; Mingming YAN
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(12):1591-1603
OBJECTIVE
To predict the core ingredients, targets and signaling pathways of Sanhuang ointment in the treatment of haemorrhoids based on network pharmacology, and preliminarily discuss the mechanism of action preliminarily by means of molecular docking and experimental verification.
METHODS
Active ingredients, targets and haemorrhoid related targets of Sanhuang ointment were obtained through literature research and database screening. Association networks were constructed and core targets were screened by Cytoscape, and gene function analysis and pathway enrichment analysis were conducted. Autodock Vina was used for molecular docking verification, and the regulatory effects of Sanhuang ointment on core targets were verified by ELISA and immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS
The 77 active ingredients and 61 potential targets of Sanhuang ointment for treating haemorrhoids were collected. KEGG showed that Sanhuang ointment could regulate calcium signaling pathways, neuroactive ligand receptor interactions, cGMP-PKG pathway, etc. Affect 6 core targets of CGRP, NK-1R, TRPV1, VEGF, IL-6 and TNF-α. Molecular docking showed that Sanhuang ointment had a good affinity with target protein, and animal experiments verified that Sanhuang ointment could inhibit the expression of IL-6, CGRP, substance P, and promote the expression of VEGF.
CONCLUSION
Sanhuang ointment may act on CGRP, NK-1R and other targets, regulate Calcium signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt pathways, and exert analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis to treat haemorrhoids.
6.Comparison of the impact of orthodontic treatment on pulp volume in adolescents and adults
Man JIANG ; Huanzhuo ZHAO ; Jianxia LI ; Tianci ZHANG ; Wenjie XU ; Xiang LI ; Leilei ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2024;59(2):149-156
Objective:To compare the impact of orthodontic treatment on pulp volume in adolescents and adults.Methods:Cone-beam CT data of 62 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment at the Department of Orthodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, from January 2019 to March 2022 were collected. Patients were divided into two age groups (31 patients in each group): adolescent group (aged 13-17, 17 males and 14 females) and adult group (aged 21-25, 12 males and 19 females). Pre-and post-treatment reconstructions of the pulp and dental tissues of upper first molars (UM1) and lower central incisors (L1) were performed. Measurements included pulp volume for UM1 (UM1 P) and L1 (L1 P), pulp chamber volume (UM1 PC) and root canal volume (UM1 RC) for UM1, root length for L1 (L1 RL), and mesiobuccal root length for UM1 (UM1 RL), as well as chamber heights at specific landmarks [the lengths from the central fossa fusion site to the roof of the pulp chamber (H1), the floor of the pulp chamber (H2), the nearest point of root divergence as well as crown-root bifurcation (H3), the farthest point of root divergence (H4), and the pulp chamber height (H5)] in UM1. Changes in these indices were calculated and analyzed using paired and independent sample t-tests for within-group and between-group differences, respectively. Pearson correlation was used to assess potential associations among H5, root length, and pulp volume changes. Results:Before and after orthodontic treatment, no significant difference was observed in the adult group for L1 P ( t=-0.03, P=0.975), while significant differences were noted for UM1 P, UM1 PC, and UM1 RC ( t=9.98, P<0.001; t=9.04, P<0.001; t=6.69, P<0.001). In the adolescent group, significant differences were found for both L1 P and UM1 P ( t=2.25, P=0.029; t=6.30, P<0.001). After orthodontic treatment, the absolute value changes of UM1 P, UM1 PC, and L1 P in the adolescent group were (19.75±9.58), (15.07±7.65) and (1.89±6.29) mm 3, respectively, and in the adult group were (13.33±9.41), (9.16±7.05) and (0.02±4.66) mm 3, respectively ( t=3.77, P<0.001; t=4.48, P<0.001; t=2.34, P=0.048). There was no significant absolute difference in the amount of UM1 RC between the two groups after orthodontic treatment ( t=0.86, P=0.391). Before and after orthodontic treatment, the absolute value changes of L1 RL, H1 and H5 in the adolescent group were (0.54±0.41), (0.38±0.27) and (0.71±0.33) mm, respectively, and the absolute value changes in the adult group were (0.78±0.62), (0.26±0.20) and (0.57±0.28) mm, respectively ( t=-2.43, P=0.017; t=2.96, P=0.004; t=2.57, P=0.011). Whereas no significant differences were observed for UM1 RL, H2, H3, and H4 ( t=-0.85, P=0.400; t=0.43, P=0.669; t=-0.50, P=0.619; t=1.46, P=0.148). Additionally, significant correlations were found between changes in H5 and UM1 RL with UM1 P ( r=0.35, P<0.001; r=0.19, P=0.030), but not between Changes in L1 RL and L1 P ( r=0.11, P>0.05). Conclusions:The effect of orthodontic treatment on pulp volume in adolescents and adults were different.
7.Aphasia in Right Hemiparesis and Pain in Left Waist:A Deceiving Case in Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Yining FU ; Jingmin ZHOU ; Feng LI ; Shangzhi HUANG ; Yining WANG ; Xia HONG ; Ke LYU ; Yaping LIU ; Ling LENG ; Wenjie ZHENG ; Zhengqing QIU ; Yicheng ZHU ; Yuehong ZHENG ; Yuexin CHEN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2024;3(2):224-231
The Ehlers-Danlos syndrome(EDS)is a rare inherent connective tissue disorder.The prev-alence of EDS in the population is estimated at one out of ten thousand to one out of a hundred thousand.The vascular EDS(vEDS)are rare among the subtypes but are the worst in prognosis.The article reports a case of vEDS admitted to the hospital.The patient was a young man complaining of a sudden onset of aphasia in right hemiparalysis and severe left abdominal pain for unknown reasons.The diagnosis was made after the genetic testing.The patient suffered from vEDS.Then,the multi-disciplinary team(MDT)made a treatment plan tailored to this young patient.The complexity in classification and delusive presentations of the EDS make the correct diagnosis very challenging.This article hopes to report this case and to share the experiences to the bet-ter understanding of this disease.
8.Modified Banxia Xiexintang for Treatment of Simple Obesity in Children with Syndrome of Stomach Hyperactivity and Spleen Stagnation: A Randomized Controlled Study
Hong ZHENG ; Wenjie ZHAO ; Mingyue REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(15):107-113
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of modified Banxia Xiexintang in treating simple obesity in children with the syndrome of stomach hyperactivity and spleen stagnation. MethodA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted, in which 78 children with simple obesity due to stomach hyperactivity and spleen stagnation were randomized into an observation group (39 cases) and a control group (39 cases). On the basis of diet and exercise intervention, the observation group received modified Banxia Xiexintang and the control group received placebo. The two groups were compared in terms of the therapeutic effect regarding TCM symptoms, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, obesity, and visual analogue scale of appetite after 2 months of treatment, and the treatment safety was observed. ResultAfter treatment, the response rate in the observation group was 88.89% (32/36), which was higher than that (77.14%, 27/35) in the control group (Z=-2.301, P<0.05). After 2 months of treatment, the body weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and obesity decreased in both groups (P<0.05,P<0.01). The TCM symptom scores and visual analogue scale scores of appetite in the observation group declined (P<0.05). The control group showed decreased scores of TCM symptoms except gluttony and overeating (P<0.05), declined scores of desire to eat, hunger, and willingness to eat declined (P<0.05), and no significant change in the score of fullness before and after treatment. Compared with the control group, the observation group showed decreased total score of TCM symptoms, scores of primary and secondary TCM symptoms, body weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, obesity, and scores of desire to eat, hunger, and willingness to eat (P<0.05) and no significant difference in the score of fullness after treatment. No adverse reaction related to the drug application was observed during the treatment period. ConclusionModified Banxia Xiexintang can reduce the body weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and obesity, improve the body shape, alleviate the symptoms, and enhance the therapeutic effect and compliance of children with simple obesity, being safe in clinical application.
9.Efficacy of concurrent tumor treating fields and chemoradiation in patients with high-grade glioblastoma
Zixuan WANG ; Dan ZONG ; Huanfeng ZHU ; Xiao WANG ; Mingjun DING ; Wenjie GUO ; Jiajun ZHENG ; Xia HE
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2024;33(4):307-313
Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of tumor-treating fields (TTFields) and chemoradiation in patients with high-grade glioblastoma.Methods:Clinical data of 38 patients admitted to the Jiangsu Cancer Hospital from September 2021 to May 2023 who were diagnosed with high-grade glioblastoma (36 cases of World Health Organization grade Ⅳ and 2 cases of grade Ⅲ) were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received TTFields combined with concurrent chemoradiation after surgery. Response assessment in neuro-oncology (RANO) criteria was used to evaluate the glioma responses as tumor remission, stable or progression. Common terminology criteria for adverse events v5.0 and TTFields related skin adverse reaction (dAE) criteria were used to evaluate the adverse events. Treatment compliance was assessed by data on the NovoTTF-200A therapeutic device, calculated as a percentage of daily TTFields usage time. Survival analysis was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test.Results:The median duration of treatment with TTFields in 38 patients was 20 h (rang: 2.4-22.6 h), and the median treatment compliance was 83% (range: 10%-94%). After 42 days of TTFields combined with concurrent chemoradiation, 12 patients who underwent complete tumor resection were assessed as stable according to RANO criteria. Among the 26 patients who underwent partial tumor resection, 23 (88%) were evaluated as disease remission according to RANO criteria. The 7-, 10-, 13-month progression-free survival rate was 81.0%、64.0%、49.5%, repectively. The common adverse events included grade 1 (45%) and grade 2 (8%) dAE, without grade 3-4 dAE. Typical presentations included contact dermatitis, blisters, lesions or ulcers, and abscesses. The median follow-up time was 10.0 months (range: 1.6-21.3 months). At follow-up as of July 2023, 26 of the 38 patients were stable and 12 had disease progression (8 died).Conclusion:The preliminary results show that TTFields combined with chemoradiation is effective, safe and reliable treatment for high-grade glioblastoma.
10.Interpretation of the Chinese expert consensus on treatment of non-infectious uveitis with anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha monoclonal antibody
Xizi WANG ; Wenjie ZHENG ; Xiaomin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2024;40(1):20-26
As a new treatment option after conventional corticosteroids and immunomodulatory drugs, biologics have been widely used in the clinical management of non-infectious uveitis in many countries due to their approved efficacy and safety. Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha monoclonal antibody is the most commonly used one. However, the guidance on its standardized application is lacking. The Ocular Immunology Group of Immunology and Rheumatology Academy in Cross-Straits Medicine Exchange Association compiled the Chinese expert consensus on treatment of non-infectious uveitis with anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha monoclonal antibody. This evidence-based consensus is made according to the principle of consensus building and combines the clinical experience of the experts. Twelve recommendations are formatted on the application of Adalimumab and Infliximab. The interpretation of this consensus point will help improve the normative and effective application of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha monoclonal antibody in ophthalmologists, rheumatologists and immunologists.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail