Yi Yan^1,2,#, Min He^1,2,#, Feifeng Mao³, Xinyu Zhang⁴, Liyu Wang⁵, Jingwei Li^1,2,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.10, pp. 3003-3021, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.069166 - 29 October 2025

Abstract Houttuynia cordata, a characteristic edible and medicinal plant in southwestern China, is prone to absorbing lead (Pb²⁺). Excessive consumption may lead to Pb²⁺ accumulation in the human body, which has been linked to serious health risks such as neurotoxicity, kidney damage, anemia, and developmental disorders, particularly in children. Therefore, the development of molecular markers associated with Pb²⁺ uptake and the investigation of the plant’s physiological responses to Pb²⁺ pollution are of great significance. In this study, 72 H. cordata germplasms were evaluated for Pb²⁺ accumulation after exogenous Pb²⁺ treatment. A significant variation in Pb²⁺ content was observed among the germplasms, indicating… More >

Yuanyuan Yang^1,2,#, Peipei Zhao^1,2,#, Hepu Chen^1,3, Yixuan Tu⁴, Yujia Zhou², Xu Liu³, Lyly Sreang³, Zhigang Zhou^3,5,*, Jian Tu^1,2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.11, pp. 3247-3268, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.066440 - 22 October 2025

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by its highly invasive and metastatic potential, as well as a propensity for recurrence, contributing to treatment failure and increased mortality. Under physiological conditions, the liver maintains a balance in lipid biosynthesis, degradation, storage, and transport. HCC exhibits dysregulated lipid metabolism, driving tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. This review aims to elucidate the roles of fatty acid, sphingolipid, and cholesterol metabolism in HCC pathogenesis and explore emerging therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways. Key findings demonstrate that upregulated enzymes like fatty acid synthase (FASN), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), enhance de novo lipogenesis and… More >

Songhua Bei^1,2,#, Qianqian Guo^1,#, Xinglei Wu^1,#, Fan Li^2,#, Yaya Xie³, Xiaohong Zhang^2,*, Li Feng^2,*, Xingxing Zhang^1,3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.10, pp. 3101-3125, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.067247 - 26 September 2025

Abstract Background: Ferroptosis is a type of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, which has been linked to tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. However, the contribution of lactate metabolism and its receptor, hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 1 (HCAR1), in ferroptosis regulation in gastric cancer (GC) remains poorly understood. Focusing specifically on its effects on cell proliferation, ferroptosis regulation, and the disruption of lactate-mediated metabolic pathways, the study aimed to clarify the role of HCAR1 in GC progression. Methods: Bioinformatics analysis identified prognostic genes associated with ferroptosis in GC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated… More >

Siarhei A. Dabravolski^1,*, Michael I. Bukrinsky², Aleksandra S. Utkina³, Alessio L. Ravani⁴, Vasily N. Sukhorukov^5,6, Alexander N. Orekhov⁷

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.6, pp. 931-959, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.062789 - 24 June 2025

Abstract Neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) have emerged as critical players in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD). These web-like structures, composed of DNA, histones, and granule proteins released by neutrophils, contribute significantly to both inflammation and thrombosis. This manuscript offers a comprehensive review of the recent literature on the involvement of NET in atherosclerosis, highlighting their interactions with various pathophysiological processes and their potential as biomarkers for CVD. Notably, the impact of radiation on NET formation is explored, emphasising how oxidative stress and inflammatory responses drive NET release, contributing to plaque instability. The… More >

Qing Wang, Luyao Cai, Shouyi Tang, Dan Pan, Zhen Wang, Qianming Chen, Yu Zhou^*, Yingqiang Shen^*

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.4, pp. 579-605, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.060045 - 30 April 2025

Abstract Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are cancer cells with self-renewal and tumorigenesis abilities. CSCs in tumor tissues are the leading cause of tumor progression, recurrence, and drug resistance. CSCs have distinct metabolic features that contribute to maintaining their self-renewal and stemness. Phospholipids are essential components of cell membranes and play fundamental roles in cellular activities. CSCs have abnormal phospholipid metabolism, which affects their self-renewal, differentiation, invasion, and drug resistance. Compared with non-CSCs, the phospholipid metabolism of CSCs mainly focused on significantly increased fatty acid (FAs) and phospholipids synthesis, phospholipid unsaturation, and lipolysis-fatty acid oxidation (FAO). In More > Graphic Abstract

Francisco Javier Alarcón-Aguilar, Israel Domínguez de la Mora, Angeles Fortis-Barrera

European Cytokine Network, Vol.35, No.4, pp. 48-55, 2024, DOI:10.1684/ecn.2024.0499 - 05 January 2026

Abstract Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine with pleiotropic effects that plays a significant role in the transition from the innate immune response to adaptive response. IL-6 is of interest due to its proinflammatory action, however, it also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, supporting metabolism and suppressing associated diseases, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. The IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein in the plasma membrane of only some cell types, such as macrophages, neutrophils, hepatocytes, and T cells. The function of IL-6R requires another transmembrane glycoprotein of 130 kDa (gp130) which, in contrast… More >

Choon-Peng Chng¹, Changjin Huang^1,*

The International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences, Vol.31, No.2, pp. 1-1, 2024, DOI:10.32604/icces.2024.011464

Abstract Biological membranes play crucial roles in cellular functions, serving as dynamic interfaces that regulate the passage of molecules and signals between the cell and its environment. Understanding how these membranes respond to environmental stimuli is paramount in elucidating cellular adaptation and survival mechanisms. In this talk, we will present our recent studies on the structural and mechanical changes of biological membranes in response to two different environmental factors, including the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and dehydration. Through systematic molecular dynamics simulations, we have revealed a dynamic interplay between membrane components, membrane mechanics and… More >

WENJUAN ZHU¹, ZHENGZHENG JU², FAN CUI^2,*

BIOCELL, Vol.48, No.9, pp. 1379-1388, 2024, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2024.052205 - 04 September 2024

Abstract Objective: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a deleterious microangiopathy of diabetes, constituting a critical determinant of fatality in diabetic patients. This work is purposed to disclose the effects and modulatory mechanism of BTG anti-proliferation factor 2 (BTG2) during the pathological process of DN. Methods: BTG2 expression in kidney tissues of diabetic mice and high glucose (HG)-exposed human proximal tubular cell line HK-2 was assessed with Western blot and RT-qPCR. The diabetic mice model was constructed by streptozotocin injection and confirmed by the blood glucose level beyond 16.7 mmol/L. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and measurement of… More >

ANJANI DEVI CHINTAGUNTA¹, SAMUDRALA PRASHANT JEEVAN KUMAR², NUNE SATYA SAMPATH KUMAR^1,*

BIOCELL, Vol.48, No.8, pp. 1181-1195, 2024, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2024.050540 - 02 August 2024

Abstract Depleting global petroleum reserves and skyrocketing prices coupled with succinct supply have been a grave concern, which needs alternative sources to conventional fuels. Oleaginous microalgae have been explored for enhanced lipid production, leading towards biodiesel production. These microalgae have short life cycles, require less labor, and space, and are easy to scale up. Triacylglycerol, the primary source of lipids needed to produce biodiesel, is accumulated by most microalgae. The article focuses on different types of oleaginous microalgae, which can be used as a feedstock to produce biodiesel. Lipid biosynthesis in microalgae occurs through fatty acid More >

HONGBIAO WU^*, DONGFANG LIU

BIOCELL, Vol.48, No.6, pp. 971-980, 2024, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2024.049466 - 10 June 2024

Abstract Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a substantial risk to public health. Bevacizumab, the first US FDA-approved antiangiogenic drug (AAD) for human CRC treatment, faces resistance in patients. The role of lipid metabolism, particularly through OPA3-regulated lipid droplet production, in overcoming this resistance is under investigation. Methods: The protein expression pattern of OPA3 in CRC primary/normal tissues was evaluated by bioinformatics analysis. OPA3-overexpressed SW-480 and HCT-116 cell lines were established, and bevacizumab resistance and OPA3 effects on cell malignancy were examined. OPA3 protein/mRNA expression and lipid droplet-related genes were measured with Western blot and qRT-PCR. OPA3… More > Graphic Abstract