ZIF-67-modified magnetic nanoparticles for extraction of phenoxy carboxylic acid herbicides.

Phenoxy carboxylic acid (PCA) herbicides are commonly used herbicides that can easily accumulate in soil, groundwater, crops, and vegetable surfaces. Thus, they pose a serious risk to human health. Accurate detection of trace amounts of PCAs in various matrixes is crucial. Herein, ZIF-67-modified magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs, ZIF-67@Fe3O4) were prepared by growing ZIF-67 on the surface of Fe3O4 MNPs. The introduction of ZIF-67 improved the dispersion of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in water and enhanced their extraction performance for PCAs. When an eluent consisting of ammonia water and acetonitrile (5% : 95%; v/v) was employed, 10 mg of ZIF-67@Fe3O4 displayed optimal extraction performance for PCAs in a 20 mL sample solution at a pH of 3. We achieved a limit of detection ranging from 0.014 µg L-1 to 0.056 µg L-1 for four types of PCA herbicides by using the newly developed method. Notably, the values were considerably lower than the maximum concentration levels of PCAs in drinking water set by the Environmental Protection Agency. The relative recovery rate of PCAs using ZIF-67@Fe3O4 ranged from 83.75% to 117.07% when applied to river water and apple samples. These results demonstrate the great potential of ZIF-67@Fe3O4 in determining the residues of organic pesticides in real samples.

On the Security of a PUF-Based Authentication and Key Exchange Protocol for IoT Devices.

Recently, Roy et al. proposed a physically unclonable function (PUF)-based authentication and key exchange protocol for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The PUF protocol is efficient, because it integrates both the Node-to-Node (N2N) authentication and the Node-to-Server (N2S) authentication into a standalone protocol. In this paper, we therefore examine the security of the PUF protocol under the assumption of an insider attack. Our cryptanalysis findings are the following. (1) A legitimate but malicious IoT node can monitor the secure communication among the server and any other IoT nodes in both N2N authentication and N2S authentication. (2) A legitimate but malicious IoT node is able to impersonate a target IoT node to cheat the server and any other IoT nodes in N2N authentication and the server in N2S authentication, respectively. (3) A legitimate but malicious IoT node can masquerade as the server to cheat any other target IoT nodes in both N2N authentication and N2S authentication. To the best of our knowledge, our work gives the first non-trivial concrete security analysis for the PUF protocol. In addition, we employ the automatic verification tool of security protocols, i.e., Scyther, to confirm the weaknesses found in the PUF protocol. We finally consider how to prevent weaknesses in the PUF protocol.

Study on the flocculation mechanism of a bioflocculant from Acinetobacter sp. TH40 combined with graphene oxide for the removal of metal ions from water.

In order to realize the simultaneous removal of nine metal ions from water, in this study, an excellent flocculant suitable for the simultaneous removal of multiple metal ions in water was developed by using the excellent flocculation properties of graphene oxide (GO) combined with biological flocculants. First, this study investigated the concentrations and pollution levels of nine metal pollutants in surface water and groundwater of a typical city in central China. The maximum concentrations of these nine metal ions were Al 0.29, Ni 0.0325, Ba 0.948, Fe 1.12, As 0.05, Cd 0.01, Zn 1.45, Mn 1.24, and Hg 0.16 (in mg/L). Second, the three-dimensional structure diagram of GO was established. Gaussian16W software and the pm6D3 semi-empirical method were used to analysis the structure and the vibration of GO. The B3LYP function and basis set DEF2SVP was used to calculate the single point energy. Third, with varying the flocculation time, it was found that the maximum flocculation efficiency could reach more than 80.00% under the optimal conditions, that is, with a metal ion mixture of 20 mg/L. The optimal dosage of GO was 15 mg/L. The optimal time for bioflocculation efficiency was 2.5 h, and the optimal concentration of bioflocculant was 3 mg/L. The optimal flocculation efficiency was 82.01% under the optimal conditions.

Xiaotan Sanjie decoction normalizes tumor permissive microenvironment in gastric cancer (Review).

Gastric cancer (GC) develops in a complex tissue environment, the tumor microenvironment (TME), which it relies on for persistent proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis. Non­malignant stromal cell types within the TME are regarded as a clinical meaningful target with the lower risk of resistance and tumor relapse. Studies have revealed that the Xiaotan Sanjie decoction, which is formulated on the basis of the theory of phlegm syndrome, a Traditional Chinese Medicine concept, modulates released factors such as transforming growth factor­ß from tumor cells, immune cells, cancer­associated fibroblasts, extracellular matrix, as well as vascular endothelial growth factor involved in the process of angiogenesis within the TME. Clinical studies have also shown that the Xiaotan Sanjie decoction is associated with favorable survival and quality of life. The present review aimed to interpret the hypothesis that Xiaotan Sanjie decoction has the ability to normalize the GC tumor cells by influencing functions of stromal cells within the TME. The possible association between phlegm syndrome and the TME in GC was discussed in the present review. Overall, Xiaotan Sanjie decoction may be suitable to be added to tumor cell­directed agents or emerging immunotherapies becoming a desirable modality in the management of GC and acquire improved outcomes for patients with GC.

Phase Change Material Enhanced Radiative Cooler for Temperature-Adaptive Thermal Regulation.

Passive radiative cooling (PRC), as an electricity-free and environmentally friendly cooling strategy, is highly desirable in improving the global energy landscape. Despite numerous efforts, most designs for PRC are so devoted to improving the cooling performance in the daytime that they neglect the triggered overcooling at night. Herein, we approached an effective design for temperature-adaptive thermal management through integrating PRC and temperature control of room-temperature phase change material. Compared with conventional radiative coolers, the developed phase change material-enhanced radiative cooler (PCMRC) can adjust its performance according to the temperature of day and night. The PCMRC achieved an average subambient temperature drop of ∼6.3 °C under direct sunlight and an average temperature rise of ∼2.1 °C above ambient temperature at night, as well as a reduced temperature difference between day and night. The temperature-adaptive PCMRC shows great promise for passive radiative cooling regulation, which can further extend the applications of passive radiative cooling.

Long non-coding RNA ncRuPAR regulates gastric cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis via phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling.

Objective: To determine the effect and mechanism of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) ncRuPAR (non-protein coding RNA, upstream of coagulation factor II thrombin receptor [F2R]/protease-activated receptor-1 [PAR-1]) in human gastric cancer. Methods: HGC-27-ncRuPAR overexpression and MGC-803-ncRuPAR-RNAi knockdown gastric cancer cell lines were established. We assessed the effect of ncRuPAR on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion using Cell Counting Kit 8, flow cytometry, scratch and transwell assays, respectively. Differentially expressed genes in HGC-27-ncRuPAR overexpression and HGC-27-empty vector cell lines were identified using Affymetrix GeneChip microarray analysis. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) of the microarray results was subsequently conducted to identify ncRuPAR-enriched pathways, followed by validation using real time-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). As one of the top enriched pathways, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway was further examined by western blotting to determine its role in ncRuPAR-mediated regulation of gastric cancer pathogenesis. Results: ncRuPAR inhibited human gastric cancer cell proliferation and induced G1/S phase arrest and apoptosis, but did not affect migration or invasion in vitro. Overexpression of ncRuPAR in vitro was found to inhibit its known target PAR-1, as well as PI3K/Akt signaling. The downstream targets of PI3K/Akt, cyclin D1 was downregulated, but there was no change in expression level of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Conclusions: We showed that lncRNA-ncRuPAR could inhibit tumor cell proliferation and promote apoptosis of human gastric cancer cells, potentially by inhibiting PAR-1, PI3K/Akt signaling, and cyclin D1. The results suggest a potential role for lncRNAs as key regulatory hubs in GC progression.

Research progress in targeted therapies for gastric cancer.

Patients with advanced gastric cancer experience rapid disease progression with limited survival, high mortality, and a lack of surgical options. Thus, radiochemotherapy or a combination of chemotherapeutics with targeted therapy is the mainstay of treatment. In comparison to the treatment of other malignant tumors, in gastric cancer, the development of molecularly targeted drugs has been relatively slow. Currently, there are two major classes of molecularly targeted drug regimens that have achieved a certain efficacy in clinical practice: anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy and anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) therapy. Trastuzumab has been approved as the standard of care for first-line treatment in advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive gastric cancer. Ramucirumab in combination with paclitaxel is the recommended regimen for second-line treatment, and apatinib is recommended as third-line treatment. This review summarizes the current status of targeted therapies in the treatment of gastric cancer and gives a perspective on the future.

Adhesive hydrogel wrap loaded with Netrin-1-modified adipose-derived stem cells: An effective approach against periarterial inflammation after endovascular intervention.

Endovascular interventions, such as balloon dilation and stent implantation, are currently recommended as the primary treatment for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), greatly improving patient prognosis. However, the consequent lumen restenosis that occurs after endovascular interventions has become an important clinical problem. Inflammation has been proven to be crucial to postoperative restenosis. In previous studies we have identified that Netrin-1-modified adipose-derived stem cells (N-ADSCs) transplantation is an effective anti-inflammatory strategy to repair vascular damage. Nevertheless, it remained to be explored how one could constantly deliver N-ADSCs onto damaged arteries. Therefore, we developed an adhesive double network (DN) hydrogel wrap loaded with N-ADSCs for sustained perivascular delivery. Inspired by the adhesion mechanism of mussels, we developed an adhesive and tough polyacrylamide/calcium-alginate/reduced graphene oxide/polydopamine (PAM/CA/rGO/PDA) hydrogel. Dopamine was attached to graphene sheets and limitedly oxidized to generate free catechol groups. The hydrogel could wrap damaged arteries and induce anti-inflammatory effects through N-ADSCs. In vitro experiments demonstrated that N-ADSCs significantly promoted the M2 polarization of macrophages to anti-inflammatory phenotypes and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors. In vivo experiments in a rat carotid artery guidewire injury model showed that the adhesive hydrogel wrap loaded with N-ADSCs could significantly reduce arterial inflammation, inhibit intimal hyperplasia and improve re-endothelialization. Altogether, this newly developed N-ADSCs-loaded hydrogel wrap provides an effective slow-releasing system, which may be a promising way to prevent and treat restenosis after endovascular interventions.

Xiaotansanjiefang inhibits the viability of colorectal cancer cells via Jagged 1/Notch 3/Snail signaling pathway.

The purpose of this study is to explore the anti-colorectal cancer of Xiaotansanjiefang, a famous traditional Chinese medicine, and its potential anti-cancer mechanism. In this study, the HCT116 cell spheres were prepared as in vitro study model. We found the Xiaotansanjiefang medication was able to inhibit the proliferation of HCT116 cell spheres in a dose-dependent manner, especially in 3 and 6 mg/ml Xiaotansanjiefang medication treated groups. We also found the high concentration of Xiaotansanjiefang medication could suppress the migration and promote the apoptosis of HCT116 cell spheres. Moreover, we found the expression of Jagged 1, Notch 3, Snail, and Hes 1 were decreased in HCT116 cell spheres treated with Xiaotansanjiefang medication. Furthermore, the proliferation and apoptosis behaviors of HCT116 cell spheres treated with Xiaotansanjiefang medication were reversed with the addition of Jagged 1 Fc chimera protein. The expression of Jagged 1, Notch 3, Snail, and Hes 1 were also increased again in HCT116 cells treated with Xiaotansanjiefang medication plus with Jagged 1 Fc chimera protein. The presented study may provide a promising strategy to treat and prevent colorectal cancer.

Conductive Hydrogel Conduits with Growth Factor Gradients for Peripheral Nerve Repair in Diabetics with Non-Suture Tape.

Diabetic patients suffer from peripheral nerve injury with slow and incomplete regeneration owing to hyperglycemia and microvascular complications. This study develops a graphene-based nerve guidance conduit by incorporating natural double network hydrogel and a neurotrophic concentration gradient with non-invasive treatment for diabetics. GelMA/silk fibroin double network hydrogel plays quadruple roles for rapid setting/curing, suitable mechanical supporting, good biocompatibility, and sustainable growth factor delivery. Meanwhile, graphene mesh can improve the toughness of conduit and enhance conductivity of conduit for regeneration. Here, novel silk tapes show quick and tough adhesion of wet tissue by dual mechanism to replace suture step. The in vivo results demonstrate that gradient concentration of netrin-1 in conduit have better performance than uniform concentration caused by chemotaxis phenomenon for axon extension, remyelination, and angiogenesis. Altogether, GelMA/silk graphene conduit with gradient netrin-1 and dry double-sided adhesive tape can significantly promote repairing of peripheral nerve injury and inhibit the atrophy of muscles for diabetics.

Poly(lactic acid)/artificially cultured diatom frustules nanofibrous membranes with fast and controllable degradation rates for air filtration.

The worldwide pandemic, coronavirus COVID-19, has been posing a serious threat to the global economy and security in last 2 years. The monthly consumption and subsequent discarding of 129 billion masks (equivalent to 645,000 tons) pose a serious detrimental impact on environmental sustainability. In this study, we report a novel type of nanofibrous membranes (NFMs) with supreme filtration performance and controllable degradation rates, which are mainly composed of polylactic acid (PLA) and artificially cultured diatom frustules (DFs). In this way, the filtration efficiency of particular matter (PM) and the pressure drop were significantly improved in the prepared PLA/DFs NFMs as compared with the neat PLA NFM. In specific, with incorporation of 5% DFs into fibers, PM0.3 removal with a filtration efficiency of over 99% and a pressure drop of 109 Pa were achieved with a membrane thickness of only 0.1 mm. Moreover, the yield strength and crystallinity degree of the PLA/DFs5 NFMs were sharply increased from 1.88 Mpa and 26.37% to 2.72 Mpa and 30.02%. Besides those unique characters, the PLA/DFs5 presented excellent degradability, accompanied by the degradation of 38% in 0.01 M sodium hydroxide solution after 7 days and approximately 100% in natural condition after 42 days, respectively. Meanwhile, the environmentally friendly raw materials of the composite polylactic acid and artificially cultured diatom frustules could be extracted from corn-derived biomass and artificially cultivated diatoms, ensuring the conformance to carbon neutrality and promising applications in personal protection. Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42114-022-00474-7.

Ziyin Huatan Recipe, a Chinese herbal compound, inhibits migration and invasion of gastric cancer by upregulating RUNX3 expression.

OBJECTIVES: Ziyin Huatan Recipe (ZYHT), a traditional Chinese medicine comprised of Lilii Bulbus, Pinelliae Rhizoma, and Hedyotis Diffusa, has shown promise in treating gastric cancer (GC). However, its potential mechanism has not yet been clearly addressed. This study aimed to predict targets and molecular mechanisms of ZYHT in treating GC by network pharmacology analysis and to explore the role of ZYHT in GC both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Targets and molecular mechanisms of ZYHT were predicted via network pharmacology analysis. The effects of ZYHT on the expression of metastasis-associated targets were further validated by Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. To explore the specific molecular mechanisms of the effects of ZYHT on migration and invasion, the runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) gene was knocked out by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9, and lentiviral vectors were transfected into SGC-7901 cells. Then lung metastasis model of GC in nude mice was established to explore the anti-metastasis effect of ZYHT. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to explore the impact of ZYHT on the expression of metastasis-related proteins with or without RUNX3 gene. RESULTS: The network pharmacology analysis showed that ZYHT might inhibit focal adhesion, migration, invasion and metastasis of GC. ZYHT inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells in vitro via regulating the expression of metastasis-associated targets. Knocking out RUNX3 almost completely reversed the cell phenotypes (migration and invasion) and protein expression levels elicited by ZYHT. In vivo studies showed that ZYHT inhibited the metastasis of GC cells to the lung and prolonged the survival time of the nude mice. Knocking out RUNX3 partly reversed the metastasis of GC cells to the lung and the protein expression levels elicited by ZYHT. CONCLUSION: ZYHT can effectively inhibit the invasion and migration of GC in vitro and in vivo, and its molecular mechanism may relate to the upregulation of RUNX3 expression.

A novel fluorescent probe with aggregation induced emission (AIE) effect based on 1,4-dihydropyridine and its applications.

A fluorescent hydrazine hydrate probe (DMA) based on 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives was designed and synthesized. The fluorescence emission peak of this probe is in the near-infrared region (667 nm), which has good selectivity to hydrazine hydrate and low detection limit (11 nM). Importantly, the probe exhibits aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics. In addition, the probe is prepared with a portable test paper to realize the identification of hydrazine hydrate in the solution and the quantitative detection of hydrazine hydrate gas.

Fast Self-Healing Superhydrophobic Thermal Energy Storage Coatings Fabricated by Bio-Based Beeswax and Artificially Cultivated Diatom Frustules.

Diatom frustules (DFs) with delicate hierarchical pores and a large specific surface area are extracted from artificially cultured diatoms, showing their utilization potential as shape-stabilized phase change materials (ss-PCMs). Herein, we successfully prepared a fully biomass-based ss-PCM, superhydrophobic thermal energy storage (STES) coating by employing beeswax (BW) as phase change materials (PCMs) and DFs as supporting materials via a facile spraying method. DFs can adsorb as much as 65 wt % BW without leakage, accompanied with a high heat storage capacity of 112.57 J/g. The thermal stability test demonstrates that the DF/BW coating can undergo 500 heating-freezing cycles with the reduction of the phase change enthalpy being less than 5%. Simultaneously, the DF also endows BW with a higher thermal degradation temperature (from ∼200 to ∼250 °C). In addition, the DF/BW coating shows superhydrophobicity due to the incorporation of the low surface energy of BW and the micro/nanostructures of DFs. This superhydrophobic surface can quickly and repeatedly recover its excellent water repellency through a simple heat treatment (80 °C, 20 min) after being damaged by a water impact or strong acid and alkali corrosion. This self-healing ability can effectively overcome the poor durability of traditional superhydrophobic materials. Our research can expand the application of DFs in the field of ss-PCMs and guide the preparation of durable superhydrophobic surfaces with rapid self-healing performance.

Facile Fabrication of Novel Multifunctional Lubricant-Infused Surfaces with Exceptional Tribological and Anticorrosive Properties.

The large-area preparation of excellent lubricating materials with good resistance to leakage and an oxidation atmosphere and ease of replenishment has remained a challenge. Here, inspired by the Nepenthes pitcher slippery surface, we have fabricated multifunctional lubricant-infused surfaces (LISs) via a scalable technique, in which the solid lubricants and the lubricant oil are reciprocally well-combined to overcome their respective weakness. The designed LIS coating exhibits a multiple lubrication ability with a coefficient of friction of 0.022 and ball wear rate of 2.62 × 10-18 m3·N-1·m-1 in air, which are 21 times and three orders of magnitude lower than those of the steel-steel contact under macroscale test conditions (10 N, 5 Hz), respectively. In addition, the outstanding water-repellent and self-cleaning LIS coating enables the resistance to the strong acid or base corrosion even after 30 days of immersion, and the excellent anticorrosion performance during the electrochemical corrosion test. With the exceptional lubrication, multifunctionality performance, and large-scale fabrication capacity, the prepared LIS coating should find potential applications in machines, pipelines, navigation, infrastructures, outdoor equipment, and so on.

Network Pharmacology and Experimental Evidence Identify the Mechanism of Astragaloside IV in Oxaliplatin Neurotoxicity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Neurotoxicity is a common side effect of oxaliplatin; the effect of current drugs such as methylcobalamin and gabapentine is not obvious. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is an important active ingredient of Astragali Radix, which can protect the nervous system and inhibit tumor growth to a certain extent. However, whether AS-IV can reduce oxaliplatin neurotoxicity and its molecular mechanism remain unclear. METHODS: The network pharmacology method was used to determine the collective targets of AS-IV and oxaliplatin neurotoxicity. The model of neurotoxicity was established by intraperitoneal injection of oxaliplatin in rats. Bodyweight, mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT), cold allodynia, and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) were examined, pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, number of Nissl bodies were assessed by Nissl staining, the key collective targets were measured by spectrophotometry and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Through network pharmacological analysis, 25 collective targets of AS-IV and oxaliplatin neurotoxicity were identified, mainly related to inflammation and oxidative stress. AS-IV could increase body weight, elevate MWT, and reduce cold allodynia of model rats, it also raised NCV. Neuropathology was improved and the number of Nissl bodies was increased by AS-IV administration. It reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß in the spinal cord of model rats to inhibit inflammation; it also decreased MDA, raised SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px in the spinal cord of model rats to block oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: AS-IV improves oxaliplatin neurotoxicity by regulating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress; the results can provide a new perspective for the potential treatment strategy of oxaliplatin neurotoxicity.

Aligned Graphene Mesh-Supported Double Network Natural Hydrogel Conduit Loaded with Netrin-1 for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration.

The gold standard treatment for peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) is the autologous graft, while it is associated with the shortage of donors and results in major complications. In the present study, we engineer a graphene mesh-supported double-network (DN) hydrogel scaffold, loaded with netrin-1. Natural alginate and gelatin-methacryloyl entangled hydrogel that is synthesized via fast exchange of ions and ultraviolet irradiation provide proper mechanical strength and excellent biocompatibility and can also serve as a reservoir for netrin-1. Meanwhile, the graphene mesh can promote the proliferation of Schwann cells and guide their alignments. This approach allows scaffolds to have an acceptable Young's modulus of 725.8 ± 46.52 kPa, matching with peripheral nerves, as well as a satisfactory electrical conductivity of 6.8 ± 0.85 S/m. In addition, netrin-1 plays a dual role in directing axon pathfinding and neuronal migration that optimizes the tube formation ability at a concentration of 100 ng/mL. This netrin-1-loaded graphene mesh tube/DN hydrogel nerve scaffold can significantly promote the regeneration of peripheral nerves and the restoration of denervated muscle, which is even superior to autologous grafts. Our findings may provide an effective therapeutic strategy for PNI patients that can replace the scarce autologous graft.

LncRNA CCAT2 promotes proliferation and suppresses apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of long non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) colorectal cancer (CRC)-associated transcript 2 (CCAT2) expression on proliferation and apoptosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. METHODS: Data of lncRNA expression in CRC were downloaded from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database for differential expression and survival analyses, and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to analyze the expression level of lncRNA CCAT2 in 80 cases of CRC and adjacent tissues collected as well as normal colorectal cells and CRC cell lines selected. The cells successfully transfected were collected for the detection of the effects on apoptosis and proliferation. Then, immunofluorescence assay was performed to measure the protein expression levels of apoptotic protein markers B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). RESULTS: It was found through differential expression analysis that the expression of lncRNA CCAT2 showed a significant difference in CRC tissues, and CRC patients with a high expression level of lncRNA CCAT2 had poor prognosis. Based on the results of qRT-PCR assay, lncRNA CCAT2 was significantly highly expressed in CRC tissues. After transfection with mimic and NC, its expression was obviously higher in mimic group than that in NC group, and cell lines with over-expressed lncRNA CCAT2 were successfully constructed. The flow cytometry results showed that the proportion of apoptotic cells was 5% in mimic group and about 13% in NC group. According to the results of immunofluorescence assay, Bax was mainly located in the cytoplasm, and the fluorescence intensity was decreased significantly in mimic group, indicating that Bax expression was inhibited. CONCLUSIONS: LncRNA CCAT2 is differentially expressed in CRC, and its expression is significantly upregulated in CRC. LncRNA CCAT2 can promote the growth and proliferation and suppress the apoptosis of CRC cells. The changes in lncRNA CCAT2 expression are associated with poor prognosis.

Xiaotan Jieyu Prescription Alleviates Breast Precancerous Lesions through PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway.

METHODS: The successfully established breast precancerous lesion rat model and normal healthy rats were randomly assigned into the blank (BLA), model (MOD), XTJY-low (LD), XTJY-medium (MD), XTJY-high (HD), and tamoxifen (TAM) groups. Different concentrations of XTJY and saline were supplied by intragastric administration for 4 consecutive weeks to assess the protective effect of XTJY on the progress of the breast precancerous lesion in rats involving the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. RESULTS: In this study, it determined that 10 mg/each rat DMBA-combined estrogen and progesterone induction for 10 weeks was the optimal condition for the establishment of the breast precancerous lesion rat model. In vivo administration of XTJY or TAM was found to inhibit the development of the breast precancerous lesion, and the occurrence rate of breast invasive carcinomas was decreased by about 50%. Furthermore, XTJY or TAM markedly reduced protein expressions of PI3K and p-Akt and increased protein expressions of PTEN. CONCLUSION: These data indicated that XTJY can significantly alleviate the development of breast precancerous lesions by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. XTJY may be a promising drug for the treatment of precancerous lesions in breast cancer.