Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Study On The Mechanism Of Atractylodes Macrocephala Extract Regulating Mitochondrial Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Through PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway To Reverse Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition In Uterine Fibroids

Background: Uterine fibroids involve abnormal cell proliferation and fibrosis, with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) playing a key role. Mitochondrial-endoplasmic reticulum stress and related signaling pathways are implicated in this process, but the potential of natural extracts for modulation remains underexplored. Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether Atractylodes macrocephala extract can reverse EMT progression in uterine fibroids by regulating mitochondrial-endoplasmic reticulum stress via relevant signaling pathways. Methods: A mouse model of uterine fibroids was established and divided into normal, model, and Atractylodes macrocephala extract groups. Measurements included uterine weight, organ coefficient, cell proliferation, and apoptosis rate. Caspase-4 activity analysis, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence microscopy were used to assess protein and gene expression related to EMT, apoptosis, and signaling pathways. Results: The uterine fibroid model was successfully established. Treatment with Atractylodes macrocephala extract significantly inhibited uterine fibroid cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and reduced fibrosis. Mechanistically, the extract ameliorated EMT by effectively suppressing PI3K/Akt pathway activity. It concurrently exacerbated endoplasmic reticulum stress (indicated by increased Caspase-4 activity) to promote apoptosis while enhancing lysosome generation. Conclusion: Atractylodes macrocephala extract inhibits proliferation, promotes apoptosis, and reduces fibrosis in uterine fibroids by suppressing the PI3K/Akt pathway and enhancing endoplasmic reticulum stress. These findings provide a novel strategic basis for developing natural targeted therapies against uterine fibroids.

Effect Of Baofukang Suppository On The Relative Indexes Of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transformation Of Tumor Cells And Prognosis In Patients With Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer, a prevalent female malignancy, is treated with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Yet, prognosis remains influenced by multiple factors. Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) is an important link in the malignant progression of tumor cells and has an important impact on the progression and prognosis of cervical cancer. This study aimed to analyze effect of Baofukang suppository on the related indexes of EMT of tumor cells in cervical cancer patients. Eighty patients with cervical cancer received in The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from March 2020 to March 2022 were randomized into a control group (chemotherapy alone, n=40) and a study group (chemotherapy + Baofukang, n=40). Post-treatment, the study group showed significantly lower mRNA levels of EMT markers Vimentin and N-cadherin, and higher E-cadherin and ?-catenin (p<0.05). Additionally, interleukin-6 (IL-6) decreased while interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-? (INF-?) increased (p<0.05). Immune function improved, with higher CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ ratios, and lower CD8+ (p<0.05). The adverse reactions between two groups were not unconspicuous (p>0.05). The adjuvant therapy of Baofukang Suppository can effectively regulate the relevant indexes of tumor cell EMT, delay or prevent the EMT of tumor cells.

Efficacy And Safety Of GnRH-A Combined With Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Microwave Ablation In The Treatment Of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids seriously affect patients’ physical and mental health and clinical treatment currently faces certain challenges. This study analysed the efficacy and safety of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) combined with ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (UPMA) in the treatment of uterine fibroids. In a retrospective study, 120 patients with uterine fibroids from Zhangye Second People's Hospital between March 2023 and December 2023 were divided into GA and GU groups, both groups were treated with UPMA and GnRH-a treatment was added to the GU group. Fibroid volume, fibroid shrinkage rates (FSR), symptom severity score (SSS), sex hormone levels, serum indicator levels and clinical efficacy were mainly assessed. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, uterine fibroid-relative symptom and health-related qualities of life scores (UFS-HRQL), complication profiles, recurrence rates and adverse reaction incidence. After treatment, both groups had better indicators than pre-treatment (P<0.05). The FSR, serum indicator levels, clinical efficacy and UFS-HRQL scores in the GU group were superior to the GA group and fibroids volume, SSS, sex hormone, pain scores, complication conditions, recurrence rate and adverse reaction incidences were markedly below GA group (P<0.05). This method has remarkable efficacy, can effectively reduce clinical symptoms and is worth promoting its use in clinical practice.