This study examines the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward postoperative upper limb exercise among patients undergoing axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer. A cross-sectional study was carried out at Guangdong Medical University Affiliated Hospital from July 1, 2023, to May 1, 2024. Demographic information and KAP scores regarding postoperative upper limb exercises were collected using questionnaires. A total of 479 valid questionnaires were included. Among the respondents, 178 (37.2

Lymphedema remains a chronic and challenging condition with limited curative options. Recent advances have expanded treatment strategies from comprehensive conservative management to microsurgical interventions, particularly lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA). LVA is a physiological surgical method in which functional lymphatic vessels are connected to nearby subdermal venules, enabling lymphatic fluid to bypass obstructed pathways and drain into the venous circulation. The success of LVA depends heavily on the accurate preoperative assessment and localization of functional lymphatic vessels. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) offers a valuable, non-invasive tool for identifying deep lymphatic channels, enabling dynamic evaluation of lymphatic contractility, peristalsis, and lymph flow. Furthermore, CEUS facilitates the identification of appropriately sized recipient veins, thereby reducing operative complexity and shortening surgical duration. We report a case of secondary upper limb lymphedema following breast cancer surgery, in which LVA was successfully performed under CEUS guidance using supermicrosurgical techniques.

BACKGROUND:Current single preoperative lymphatic imaging technique are inadequate to ensure the simplification and enhanced efficiency of lymphatic venous anastomosis (LVA) procedures. The application value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) examination combined with ultra-high-frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) examination in LVA has not been explored. This study aimed to systematically explore the clinical application value of CEUS examination integrated with UHFUS examination in guiding LVA. METHODS:Patients undergoing LVA after localization with indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography (group B) or CEUS examination combined with UHFUS examination (group A) from November 1, 2023, to March 1, 2025, were enrolled sequentially. Preoperative localization time and number of lymphatic vessels (LVs), skin incision length, time and number of LVs anastomoses during LVA, postoperative reduction in the maximum circumference of the affected limb, and improvement in subjective symptoms were compared. RESULTS:A total of 19 patients with lymphedema who underwent LVA were included in our study. Compared with indocyanine green, CEUS combined with UHFUS examination can shorten preoperative LVs localization time, increase the number of end-to-end anastomoses during LVA, streamline the LVA procedure, and improve patient symptoms to some extent. CONCLUSIONS:CEUS combined with UHFUS examination is a promising method for the preoperative evaluation of LVs that can enhance the efficiency and feasibility of LVA.

Background:Breast cancer (BC) is a common and highly malignant disease. Recently, interlukin-17a (IL-17a) was found to be associated with several human malignancies. However, the role of IL-17a in predicting treatment response in BC patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) remains unclear, with limited data exploring its potential as a biomarker. There is a significant clinical need for reliable predictive biomarkers to assist in treatment planning and personalized therapy for BC patients. This study aims to investigate plasma IL-17a expression in BC, and explore its role in disease progression and its interaction with the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy. Methods:This retrospective cohort study included 54 BC patients who underwent NAT. Inclusion criteria were BC patients receiving standard NAT regimens. Plasma IL-17a expression in BC tissue samples was analyzed via immunohistochemistry. Patients were followed up for a predefined period to assess clinical outcomes and treatment response, measured by pathological complete response (pCR) and radiological assessment, per clinical guidelines. Additional covariates, including tumor stage, histological subtype, and demographics, were recorded and analyzed. Results:The statistical analysis showed that a high expression of IL-17a before and after neoadjuvant therapy was positively correlated with poor responses [i.e., stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD)] (P=0.04, P=0.0007). Conversely, compared to those with poor responses, IL-17a was significantly decreased in patients with good responses [i.e., a complete response (CR) and partial response] (P<0.0001). Moreover, IL-17a expression was more decreased in patients with early stage disease (P=0.04). Further, plasma IL-17a was positively trended correlated with a poor prognosis [i.e., progression-free survival (PFS)] after treatment (P=0.09). Conclusions:These findings highlight IL-17A as a dynamic biomarker modulated by NAT, with elevated levels indicating aggressive tumor behavior and resistance to therapy. The significant reduction of IL-17A in responsive patients, especially those with early-stage disease, underscores its potential utility in stratifying patients for personalized treatment. Further large-scale studies are warranted to validate its prognostic role and elucidate mechanisms linking IL-17A to chemoresistance and immune evasion in BC.

Radiotherapy is a leading treatment intervention for cancer and has been shown to improve the prognosis of patients with malignant tumors. However, there are several side effects associated with radiotherapy that require attention. The present case study describes the case of a patient who underwent breast-conserving surgery after receiving a diagnosis of right-sided breast cancer, following which they received conventional radiation therapy. A skin nodule was found on the right side of the breast 3 years later, which was pathologically confirmed to be a highly differentiated skin squamous cell carcinoma after surgical local excision. The patient presented with poor skin healing 2 months after the operation, and a myocutaneous flap of the descending branches of the thoracodorsal vessels was used to repair the defect and improve the breast shape. Although skin cancer induced by radiotherapy is relatively rare, physicians should remain cautious when treating skin injuries after radiotherapy, and recovery should be closely monitored. For patients with skin nodules after radiotherapy, a biopsy should be performed as early as possible to clarify the diagnosis and to develop appropriate treatment programs. For such skin cancer patients who have received radiotherapy in the past, it is necessary to consider the potential radiotherapy-related skin injuries they may have suffered after previous radiotherapy, the skin flap should be comprehensively evaluated before the operation and an appropriate surgical method should be selected to reduce the necessity of a second operation.

Preoperative identification of functional lymphatic vessels (LVs) and accurate measurement of their internal diameters can facilitate lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA). However, current single imaging methods cannot accurately measure LVs internal diameters while locating functional LVs. This study aims to demonstrate the accuracy and effectiveness of combining contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with ultra-high-frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) for precisely locating functional LVs and measuring internal diameters. 24 patients with secondary upper or lower extremity lymphedema were included in this retrospective study, who underwent three localization methods respectively: CEUS combined with UHFUS (Group A), CEUS alone (Group B), and UHFUS alone (Group C). 24 patients were all female (mean age, 61.9 ± 7.1 years [SD]). Compared with UHFUS, CEUS can locate more functional LVs more quickly (3.00 (2.00,3.00) number vs. 5.88 ± 1.25 number, P < 0.001b, 36.43 ± 8.62 min/each vs. 8.45 ± 4.25 min/each, P < 0.001b). UHFUS can measure internal diameters of LVs more accurately compared to CEUS (0.10(0.10,0.10) mm vs. 0.30(0.20,0.34) mm, P < 0.001b). Compared with CEUS alone, CEUS combined with UHFUS can measure internal diameters of LVs more accurately on the basis of quickly locating functional LVs (0.10 (0.10,0.10) mm vs. 0.30(0.20,0.34) mm P < 0.001b). CEUS combined with UHFUS can locate more functional LVs more quickly compared to UHFUS alone (5.25 ± 0.89 number vs. 3.00 (2.00,3.00) number, P < 0.001b, 9.88 ± 4.21 min/each vs. 36.43 ± 8.62 min/each, P < 0.001b). The integrated approach combined the advantages of both CEUS and UHFUS. It can not only rapidly localize functional LVs, but also accurately measure internal diameters, which streamlines LVA and improves efficiency.

Angiogenesis plays a key role in promoting the growth and metastasis of breast tumors. Tumor exosomes (EXs) contribute to angiogenesis in various tumor tissues by transferring their carried RNAs. MiR-423-5p was enriched in multiple tumors and implicated in tumor growth. In this study, we investigated the roles and underlying mechanisms of tumor-derived EXs and their carried miR-423-5p in regulating human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) functions. EXs derived from MCF-7 cells (MCF-7 EXs) or with miR-423-5p knockdown (MCF-7 EXsSimiR-423-5p) were collected and incubated with ECs, and then the proliferation, migration, and tube formation abilities of ECs were detected. We found that miR-423-5p was enriched in breast cancer, MCF-7 cell lines and their derived EXs. After coculture with HUVECs, MCF-7 EXs merged into HUVECs and subsequently increased the miR-423-5p expression, proliferation, migration, and tube formation abilities of HUVECs, paralleling the increased EFNA3 and Notch1 expression, which was partially abolished by miR-423-5p knockdown. Altogether, our data suggest that MCF-7 EXs enriched with miR-423-5p promote the angiogenic function of vascular endothelial cells by activating the miR-423-5p/EFNA3/Akt signaling pathway.

Abstract Background Breast cancer (BC) is a common and highly malignant disease. Recently, IL-17a was found to be associated with several human malignancies. This study aims to investigate plasma IL-17a expression in BC and explore its role in disease progression and its interaction with neoadjuvant therapy efficacy. Methods Plasma IL-17a expression in BC tissue samples from 54 patients who received neoadjuvant therapy were analyzed and assessed using immunohistochemistry. Results Statistical analysis showed that a high expression of IL-17a before and after neoadjuvant therapy was positively correlated to poor responses (stable disease and progressive disease) (SD + PD). Conversely, IL-17a was significantly decreased in patients with good responses (complete response and pathologic partial response) (CR + PR) compared with patients with poor responses. Moreover, IL-17a was more easily decreased in patients with earlier stages. Furthermore, plasma IL-17a was positively correlated with poor prognosis (PFS) after treatment. Conclusions IL-17a is a potential biomarker of neoadjuvant therapy for BC.

Numerous studies have indicated that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and lncRNAs play pivotal roles in human cancer. However, the underlying functions and mechanisms of m6A-lncRNA in the physiological processes of breast cancer remain unclear. Here, we found that DSCAM-AS1 is an m6A-modified lncRNA that was overexpressed in breast cancer tissues and cells, indicating poor clinical prognosis. Gain/loss functional assays suggested that DSCAM-AS1 inhibited erastin-induced ferroptosis in breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, there were remarkable m6A modification sites on both the 3'-UTR of DSCAM-AS1 and the endogenous antioxidant factor SLC7A11. M6A methyltransferase methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) methylated both SLC7A11 and DSCAM-AS1. Moreover, DSCAM-AS1 recognized m6A sites on the SLC7A11 mRNA, thereby enhancing its stability. Taken together, these findings indicated a potential therapeutic strategy for breast cancer ferroptosis in an m6A-dependent manner.

Background: Breast cancer has become the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the world. Detection at an early stage, frequently allows women to benefit from breast conserving surgery. However, some patients are not satisfied with the breast shape after breast-conserving surgery, and autologous tissue flaps are needed to fill the defect in the resection area. The modified lateral thoracic artery perforator (LTAP) flap isn't one of the commonly used flaps in breast surgery and has the advantages of a reliable blood supply, simple operation and few postoperative complications. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a modified LTAP flap for repairing partial breast defects after breast-conserving surgery. Methods: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 126 patients treated with LTAP flaps to repair local breast defects at Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University between January 2020 and June 2021. Data were collected on the demographic characteristics of these patients, tumor size and location, type of axillary lymph node surgery, availability of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and postoperative complications. Results: The median weight of the tumor specimen was 185 g (range, 170-320 g), and this glandular tissue accounted for 30% to 40% of the total breast volume. The average flap size was 10.5 cm x2.5 cm (length range, 8-15 cm, width range: 2-4 cm). The minimum follow-up time was 6 months, with an average of 10 months (range, 6-22 months). The mean operative time was 130 minutes (range: 90-180 minutes), and the mean hospital stay was 3 days (range, 2-5 days). All modified LTAP flaps survived completely without donor site complications. None of the patients required revision surgery on the postoperative breast. Conclusions: The modified LTAP flap is a reliable method for repairing partial breast defects after breastconserving surgery. It has the advantages of a simple operation, a reliable blood supply, fewer postoperative complications, and a high flap survival rate. It is especially suitable for Asian women with small breast volumes and can achieve good breast contouring effects.

Background:Breast cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. P-element induced wimpy testis (PIWI)-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are novel non-coding RNAs whose abnormal expressions have been closely associated with multiple cancers. This study explored the roles and possible mechanisms of piRNA-31106 in breast cancer.Methods:The expression of piRNA-31106 in breast cancer tissues and cells was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The pcDNA vector containing piRNA-31106 (pcDNA-piRNA-31106) and a short hairpin (sh)RNA containing piRNA-31106 (shRNA-piRNA-31106) were used to interfere with piRNA-31106 expression in breast cancer cells. The effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis/cell cycle, invasion, and metastasis were detected via Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, transwell assays, and scratch tests, respectively. The protein expressions of murine double minute 2 (MDM2), cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), and cyclinD1 were detected by Western blot analysis. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation level and the binding relationship between piRNA-31106 and METTL3 were analyzed. The role of METTL3 in the regulation of breast cancer by piRNA-31106 was further analyzed by using small interfering (si)RNA targeting METTL3.Results:PiRNA-31106 was highly expressed in breast cancer tissues and cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. Overexpression of piRNA-31106 promoted the viability, invasion, and migration of breast cancer, inhibited apoptosis, and promoted the expressions of MDM2, CDK4, and cyclinD1. Inhibition of piRNA-31106 showed the opposite effect. In addition, piRNA-31106 promoted the m6A methylation levels and facilitated methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) expression in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays confirmed the binding relationship between piRNA-31106 and METTL3. Further experiments demonstrated that si-METTL3 could inhibit the regulatory effects of piRNA-31106 on breast cancer.Conclusions:PiRNA-31106 was significantly highly expressed in breast cancer and could promote breast cancer progression by regulating METTL3-mediated m6A RNA methylation.

To discover the utility of pedicled latissimus dorsi kiss flap for the reconstruction of chest wall defect after mastectomy. This study was a systemic analysis of 12 female patients with breast tumors who were treated at Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University from January 2018 to December 2019. Among them, three patients had malignant lobular breast tumors, and nine patients had locally advanced breast cancer. After extensive resection of the primary tumor, the chest wall skin, and soft tissue, a large defect was left in the chest wall of each patient. Based on the design and structure of the kiss flap, two semicircular flaps of equal diameter were designed in the latissimus dorsi region, and their blood supply was retained from the same vascular trunk. Two flaps were transferred to the chest wall through a subcutaneous tunnel, and the incision in the donor area was sutured directly. Finally, two equal semicircle flaps were adjusted to fit the defect and then fixed on the chest wall. Referred to the design of the kiss flap, the area of the latissimus dorsi was increased to cover a larger chest wall defect. We have used this flap to reconstruct chest wall defects on twelve patients. Their age ranged from 24 to 62. The largest defect was 20 x 12 cm, and the smallest defect was 15 x 10 cm in diameter. Postoperative follow-up time was 5-9 months (mean time: 6.2 months): Follow-up observations demonstrated that all the flaps were healed well without edema or extravasation and donor area of all cases was closed well. In addition, no local recurrence or distant metastasis was observed in all patients.

目的 探讨早期乳腺癌行保乳术的安全性和有效性.方法 100例早期乳腺癌患者,根据手术方式不同分为保乳术组和改良根治术组,每组50例.改良根治术组患者行改良根治术治疗,保乳术组患者行保乳术治疗.比较两组手术相关指标、术后患侧胸部美观度、并发症发生情况及术后局部复发率、远处转移率、生存率.结果 保乳术组患者的手术时间(112.23±5.65)min、住院时间(6.68±1.74)d、 引流时长(6.67±2.16)d短于改良根治术组的(120.30±9.23)min、(8.52±2.25)d、(8.52±2.25)d,术中出血量(34.23±13.77)ml、引流量(245.25±146.69)ml少于改良根治术组的(47.79±5.23)、(305.86±28.01)ml,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05).保乳术组患者的术后患侧胸部美观度90％(45/50)高于改良根治术组的0,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05).两组并发症发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).两组术后局部复发率、远处转移率和生存率比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 在掌握手术指征及保乳技巧前提下,治疗早期乳腺癌采取保乳术不仅保留了乳房,且提高了患者的生活质量,减轻了患者的心理负担,值得在临床中大力推广.

BACKGROUND:In recent years, breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. The traditional method of surgery is to remove a woman's breast completely, which has a negative impact on her work and life. Today, women have a fiery pursuit to maintain their perfect figure, which has forced breast surgeon to find a new surgical approach to maintain the shape of the breast after surgery.METHODS:This study systematically analyzed and summarized the incision design and repair of glandular defects in early-stage breast cancer patients by oncoplastic breast techniques. By summarizing the methods of oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS) in different quadrants, it could help beginners to master this technology more quickly, so as to provide better help for breast cancer patients.RESULTS:A total of 216 breast cancer patients who underwent OBS from January 2016 to June 2020 at the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University were included in this study. In patients treated with the volume-displacement method and the volume-replacement method, 92.6% and 86.2% of patients achieved excellent breast shape, respectively.CONCLUSIONS:OBS is a safe and effective way to treat early-stage breast cancer while obtaining better breast shape, reducing postoperative psychological trauma, and improving quality of life.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of the transverse rectus abdominismuscle (TRAM) on reconstruction of the breast.Methods:The clinical data of 23 patients receiving TRAM breast reconstruction in our department from Jan. 2018 to Dec. 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:The operation time of 23 patients ranged from 240 to 360 mins, andthe average time was about 300 mins. Intraoperative bleeding was about 120 to 200 ml, with an average of 170 ml. All the flaps survived successfully, but 2 cases were complicated with local fat necrosis. The postoperative period was between 6 and 12 months. No local tumor recurrence or metastasis was found inall patients during postoperative follow-up, and the breast shape was maintained in good condition.Conclusion:TRAM can make up for the regret of breast loss caused by breast cancer in female patients. It can bring confidence in life and work to female patients, and the technology is safe and reliable, which is worthy of promotion.

BACKGROUND:Nonpuerperal mastitis (NPM) causes considerable psychological distress in females, since it is difficult to diagnose and treat. A spectrum of etiological factors can lead to NPM. However, the pathogenesis of NPM remains unclear. Here, we aimed to dissect the role of host gene-microbe interactions in NPM.METHODS:We compared the breast tissue microbiome between NPM patients and controls using 16S rRNA sequencing. We also compared the gut microbiome between NPM patients and healthy controls. Moreover, we investigated whether the breast tissue microbiome was associated with an altered gut microbiome in patients with NPM. We analyzed differentially expressed genes in inflammatory tissues of mammary gland from patients with NPM and normal mammary gland tissues from patients with benign and non-infectious breast disease by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). Lastly, we explored the association of specific bacterial taxa with differential expression of immune-related genes and differences in infiltrating immune cells.RESULTS:The breast tissue microbiome from NPM and controls showed significant differences in community composition. The breast tissue shared a relatively small proportion of bacterial communities with the gut in patients with NPM. Ruminococcus (family Ruminococcaceae) of breast tissue was positively correlated with the differentially expression of immune-related genes between NPM patients and controls, including antigen processing and presentation genes (ICAM1, LGMN, THBS1, TAP1, HSPA1B and HSPA1A), cytokine receptor gene IL15RA, and chemokine gene CCN1. Rhizobium of breast tissue was negatively correlated with the differentially expression of the antigen processing and presentation gene HSPA6 between NPM patients and controls. We also found that Ruminococcus (family Ruminococcaceae), Coprococcus, and Clostridium of breast tissue positively correlated with the difference of CD8+ T cells between NPM patients and controls.CONCLUSIONS:We preliminarily explored the potential role of host-microbe interactions in NPM. We demonstrate cross-talk between the breast tissue microbiome and the gut microbiome in patients with NPM. We suggest that NPM microbiome composition influences the immune microenvironment of the disease by affecting the transcriptome. This is an exploratory study and further investigation of host-microbe interactions and its potential mechanism in NPM development are warranted.

目的 总结Ⅰ～Ⅲ期乳腺癌术后乳房重建的手术经验.方法 回顾性分析乳腺癌术后采用背阔肌、腹直肌、假体(包括扩张器植入和假体植入)进行乳房重建50例患者的临床资料,对其术后并发症、局部复发率、远处转移进行评估,总结手术经验.结果 50例平均手术时长为5.0h;45例术后接受了辅助治疗,其中化疗26例,放疗10例,化疗加放疗7例,单纯内分泌治疗2例;50例术后均无皮瓣坏死,未见局部复发及远处转移;1例术后出现假体感染,经抗感染等对症治疗后痊愈.结论 对于Ⅰ～Ⅲ期乳腺癌患者,乳房重建是一种既增强患者生活信心、提高患者生活质量,又不影响乳腺癌后期治疗效果的手术方式.

Locally advanced breast cancer, which is defined as a malignant breast tumor that invades or adheres to the surrounding tissue, is characterized by the invasion of the chest wall and the skin surface by the tumor. Multiple lymph nodes are invaded and fuse into a mass, causing extensive axillary lymph node metastasis. However, locally advanced breast cancer does not exhibit distant metastasis. At present, in most hospitals in China and the rest of the world, this type of breast cancer is primarily managed through systematic and local treatments. However, a consensus concerning the optimal surgical method for chest wall reconstruction, which for many surgeons is a difficult and confusing procedure, has not been reached. In the past, many breast centers had used skin flap combined with hard mesh titanium alloy plate to repair the large chest wall defects. Although titanium alloy plate can maintain the stability of the chest wall, it may have a negative effect on the follow-up radiotherapy of breast cancer patients, which is a controversial method. In addition, titanium alloy mesh also has the risk of deformation and fracture. These factors will cause some hidden dangers to patient safety. According to the research, the soft mesh not only has the characteristics of satisfactory compatibility and robustness for maintaining the stability of chest wall, but also does not affect the postoperative radiotherapy of patients. Combined with the advantages of soft mesh, Our department treated a case of locally advanced breast cancer with chest wall invasion. Through cooperation between the breast surgery and thoracic surgery departments, a mesh repair plus transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) combined with deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) procedure was performed to remove the breast tumor and repair the large area of skin defect after surgery, and a relatively satisfactory therapeutic effect was achieved. In this case, we took two novel approaches: first, a 4-layer high-density polyethylene mesh was used to repair the defect; secondly, the inferior epigastric artery perforation was anastomosed with the thoracoacromial artery (end-to-end anastomosis) and the inferior epigastric vein perforation was anastomosed with the axillary vein (end-to-side anastomosis).

Objective We investigate the molecular mechanism underlying inhibitory effects of cordycepin on proliferation,apoptosis,migration and invasion of breast cancer.We focus on the role of HOXD10 in inhibitory effects of cordycepin.Methods Two individual breast cancer cell lines,MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231,were used in this study to investigate the effects of cordycepin on proliferation,apoptosis,migration and invasion of breast cancer,by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays,flow cytometry and Transwell assays.The small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeted HOXD10 were transfected into MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells to knock down HOXD10.We investigate the role of HOXD10 by comparing the difference between group NC and group siRNAs.Results The A values of cordycepin treated MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were significantly lower than those of control group (DMSO group) (MCF-7cells:0.665 ± 0.004 vs.0.733 ± 0.005,t =10.450,and MDA-MB-231cells:0.632 ± 0.005 vs.0.722 ± 0.005,t =13.330,P ＜ 0.05),which means the proliferation of breast cancer cells was significantly inhibited,The apoptosis rateof cordycepin treated MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were significantly higher than those of control group (MCF-7cells:20.200 ± 0.322 vs.5.500 ± 0.000,t =45.730,MDA-MB-231 cells:21.800 ± 1.493 vs.5.367 ± 0.318,t =10.760,P ＜ 0.05).There were significantly fewer migrated MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells in cordycepin group than in control group(MCF-7 cells:28.670 ± 1.764 vs.83.330 ± 2.186,t=19.460,MDA-MB-231cells:29.000 ± 2.646 vs.114.700 ± 3.180,t =20.710,P ＜ 0.05).There were significantly fewer invasive MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells in eordycepin group than control group(MCF-7cells:24.670 ± 2.603 vs.49.000 ± 1.528,t =8.0620,MDA-MB-231cells:12.330 ± 1.453 vs.36.670 ± 2.728,t =7.872,P ＜ 0.05).After transfection of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells with siRNA and intervention with cordycepin,the proliferation of breast cancer cells was inhibited (MCF-7cells:0.627 ± 0.004 vs.0.648 ±0.006,t=2.951,MDA-MB-23 cells:0.620 ±0.006 vs.0.635 ±0.004,t=2.087,P ＜ 0.05).The apoptosis rate of the treatment group was significantly higher than the control group (MCF-7 cells:20.470 ± 0.260 vs.16.300 ± 0.153,t =13.800,MDA-MB-23 cells:19.170 ± 0.167 vs.17.030 ±0.186,t =8.5520,P ＜0.05).There were significantly fewer migrated MCF-7 andMDA-MB-231 cells in siRNA group than in control group (MCF-7cells:11.000 ± 2.082 vs.30.330 ± 2.028,t =6.653,MDA-MB-23cells:11.330 ± 1.4530 vs.23.000 ± 1.528,t =5.534,P ＜0.05).There were significantly fewer invasive MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231cells in siRNA group than control group(MCF-7 cells:16.330 ± 1.764 vs.23.670 ± 1.760,t =2.940,MDA-MB-2 cells:9.333 ± 1.453 vs.19.670 ± 2.333,t =3.759,P ＜ 0.05).Those values above are statistically significant.Conclusion Cordycepin induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation,migration and invasion of breast cancer.2.Suppression of HOXD10 promptes the effects of cordycepin on proliferation,apoptosis,migration and invasion of breast cancer.

MicroRNA (miR)-125a-5p has shown the potential for suppressing tumorigenesis and development; however, the effects of miR-125a-5p on breast cancer cells remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects and underlying mechanisms of miR-125a-5p in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. MCF-7 cells were transfected with miR-125a-5p mimic or miR-125a-5p small interfering RNA to produce miR-125a-5p overexpressing/knockdown cells. Cell proliferation was assessed by an MTT assay, and cell migration ability was determined by an in vitro scratch assay. Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry were performed to assess the effects of miR-125a-5p on MCF-7 apoptosis. Western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used for measuring phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), phosphorylated (p)-mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK1/2)/MEK1/2, p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), cleaved caspase-3, and miR-125a-5p expression. miR-125a-5p overexpression inhibited the proliferation and migration, but promoted the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells. These effects were associated with increases in PTEN and cleaved caspase-3 expression, and decreases in p-MEK1/2/MEK1/2, p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, and Bcl-2. Silencing of miR-125a-5p exhibited opposing effects on MCF-7 cells. These observations suggested that miR-125a-5p participates in the regulation of multiple functions of MCF-7 cells by promoting the expression of PTEN tumor suppressor genes, activating MEK1/2/ERK1/2 signaling, and regulating caspase-3/Bcl-2 signaling. Thus, it may be a suitable target for breast cancer gene therapy.