Fei Guo

ROS-Responsive Nano-Encapsulated Selenium Targeting Cervical Cancer Cell via PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

Current cervical cancer treatments have yet to realize significant advances in patient quality of life. To overcome the challenges of off-target toxicity and inefficient delivery, we developed targeted ROS-responsive selenium nanoparticles, based on selenium's anticancer properties. FA-ReRSeNPs were synthesized and subjected to systematic characterization of their physicochemical and biological properties. The anti-tumor activity of FA-ReRSeNPs, along with the mechanistic basis, was validated using integrated in vitro assays and in vivo animal models. Using human cervical cancer cells (Hela and SiHa) and a SiHa subcutaneous xenograft nude mouse model, we verified that FA-ReRSeNPs significantly reduced the selenium dose required for anticancer activity, while alleviating off-target damage to normal tissues. Mechanistic studies confirmed that FA-ReRSeNPs exert anticancer effects via inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway; this inhibition subsequently induces tumor cell apoptosis and restrains proliferation. Cross-validated results from in vitro assays and in vivo burden analyses demonstrate that FA-ReRSeNPs possess superior tumor-inhibitory potential with high targeting specificity. This work confirms FA-ReRSeNPs as a precision-driven nanotherapeutic for cervical cancer management. The fusion of active targeting and ROS-responsive release mechanisms addresses the classic efficacy-toxicity dilemma of conventional anticancer agents, highlighting the translational value of intelligent nanoengineering in advancing cancer therapies.

Human chorionic gonadotropin elevation in gliomatosis peritonei complicated with immature teratoma: A case report and review of the literature

Rationale: Gliomatosis peritonei (GP) refers to the implantation of glial tissue on the visceral and parietal peritoneal surface, often associated with immature teratoma. It is a rare condition and the pathogenesis is not fully understood. In addition, the indistinguishable radiological appearance of immature and mature teratomas, and limited pathology samples make an accurate diagnosis difficult in most cases. More importantly, patients are also at risk of recurrence after surgery. This report aims to describe the process of diagnosis and treatment of GP with immature teratoma. Patient concerns: The patient, a 38-year-old woman presented with GP complicated with immature teratoma after laparoscopic ovarian cyst excision. Diagnoses: On physical examination, a 15 cm-pelvic mass, with poor mobility, was palpated. And tumor marker demonstrated a moderate increase in α-fetoprotein and carbohydrate antigen 125. We suspected malignancy according to the comprehensive preoperative evaluation, the postoperative pathology revealed an immature teratoma of the left ovary and complicated with gliomatosis peritonei. Three months after the second surgery, possible recurrence of immature teratoma was considered and the patient underwent the third laparotomy. But the postoperative pathology indicated mature teratoma and mature glial components in the pelvic lesions. Interventions and outcome: The patient underwent 2 more surgical resections after the initial resection and 3 cycles of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin regimen chemotherapy. She was regularly followed up in the outpatient after surgery, and no recurrence has been reported in the pelvic cavity till date. Lesson: The case illuminated that the primary diagnosis of GP complicated with immature teratoma is critical but highly challenging for both gynecologists and pathologists and more attention should be paid to “GP complicated with immature cystic teratoma” patients to avoid inappropriate treatment.