Sini San Inhibits Chronic Psychological Stress-Induced Breast Cancer Stemness by Suppressing Cortisol-Mediated GRP78 Activation

Network pharmacology to explore the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ground glass nodules

Background

Ground glass nodules (GGNs) in the lung are considered to be a high-risk factor of lung adenocarcinoma. Immediate surgery is not recommended for GGNs patients, and low-dose computed tomography (CT) is often used for observation and follow-up, which brings high psychological and economic burden to the patient.

Methods

Three traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions for the treatment of GGNs were found through database including PubMed, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Scopus and so on. The possible targets of the active ingredients of the TCM preparations and the gene targets of GGNs were screened out from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP), UniProt and GeneCards. Network visualization was realized via STRING, Cytoscape 3.7.2, Evenn, DAVID and Hiplot. Finally, molecular docking Vina and PyMOL software were performed to further explore the possibility of drug-target interactions using PubChem compounds, protein data bank (PDB) database, Autodocktools and Autodock.

Results

Three TCM preparations could target the same 13 potential therapeutic targets in GGNs. From network pharmacology, 14 signaling pathways, the functions of the significant targets, an effective ingredient in TCM prescriptions and its functions were obtained.

Conclusions

Chinese herbal formulas containing quercetin could be a potential treatment for GGNs, targeting C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) through the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and leukocyte transendothelial migration.

The therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese medicine on breast cancer through modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Breast cancer, the most prevalent malignant tumor among women globally, is significantly influenced by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which plays a crucial role in its initiation and progression. While conventional chemotherapy, the standard clinical treatment, suffers from significant drawbacks like severe side effects, high toxicity, and limited prognostic efficacy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a promising alternative. TCM employs a multi-targeted therapeutic approach, which results in fewer side effects and offers a high potential for effective treatment. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the therapeutic impacts of TCM on various subtypes of breast cancer, focusing on its interaction with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Additionally, it explores the effectiveness of both monomeric and compound forms of TCM in the management of breast cancer. We also discuss the potential of establishing biomarkers for breast cancer treatment based on key proteins within the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Our aim is to offer new insights into the prevention and treatment of breast cancer and to contribute to the standardization of TCM.

Integrated analyses for identification of a three-gene signature associated with Chaihu Shugan San formula for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment

Chaihu Shugan San (CSS) is a well-known traditional herbal formula that has the potential to ameliorate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, its mechanism of action remains unknown. Here, we identified the key targets of CSS against HCC and developed a prognostic model to predict the survival of patients with HCC. The effect of CSS plus sorafenib on HCC cell proliferation was evaluated using the MTT assay. LASSO-Cox regression was used to establish a three-gene signature model targeting CSS. Correlations between immune cells, immune checkpoints and risk score were determined to evaluate the immune-related effects of CSS. The interactions between the components and targets were validated using molecular docking and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) assays. CSS and sorafenib synergistically inhibited HCC cell proliferation. Ten core compounds and 224 targets were identified using a drug compound-target network. The prognostic model of the three CSS targets (AKT1, MAPK3 and CASP3) showed predictive ability. Risk scores positively correlated with cancer-promoting immune cells and high expression of immune checkpoint proteins. Molecular docking and SPR analyses confirmed the strong binding affinities of the active components and the target genes. Western blot analysis confirmed the synergistic effect of CSS and sorafenib in inhibiting the expression of these three targets. In conclusion, CSS may regulate the activity of immune-related factors in the tumour microenvironment, reverse immune escape, enhance immune responses through AKT1, MAPK3, and CASP3, and synergistically alleviate HCC. The co-administration of sorafenib with CSS has a strong clinical outlook against HCC.

Transcription factor RELA promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by promoting the transcription of m6A modulator METTL3

OBJECTIVE

To explore the biological function of RELA proto-oncogene, NF-kB subunit (RELA) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, and its potential regulatory effects on the regulators of m6A modification.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

GEPIA, UALCAN and Human Protein Atlas databases were applied to analyze the expression characteristics of RELA in HCC tissues and non-cancer liver tissues, and its relationship with clinicopathologic indicators and prognosis. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to examine the expression level of RELA mRNA in HCC cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, EdU assay and flow cytometry were used to examine cell growth and apoptosis. PROMO database was applied to predict the binding sequence between RELA and methyltransferase like protein 3 (METTL3) promoter region, and this prediction was verified by dual luciferase reporter gene experiment and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. The effect of RELA on METTL3 expression was examined by Western blot and qRT-PCT, and the regulatory effects of RELA on the other m6A regulators were evaluated by qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

RELA was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines, and was closely associated with adverse clinicopathologic indicators and poor prognosis of patients. Overexpression of RELA promoted the growth of HCC cells and inhibited apoptosis; Knocking down RELA had the opposite effects. Overexpression of RELA promoted METTL3 transcription. Knockdown or overexpression of METTL3 reversed the effects of overexpression or knockdown of RELA on HCC cell growth and apoptosis, respectively. RELA also promoted the expression of a series of m6A regulators at mRNA expression level in HCC cell lines.

CONCLUSION

RELA promotes the transcription of METTL3 by binding to METTL3 promoter region, thus promoting the malignancy of HCC cells. This study suggests NF-κB signaling contributes the dysregulation of m6A modification in HCC tumorigenesis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Breast Cancer: A Review

A total of 18% of global breast cancer (BC) deaths are attributed to BC in China, making it one of the five most common cancers there. There has been a steady rise in BC morbidity and mortality in women in the last few years and it is now a leading cancer among Chinese women. Conventional treatments for BC are currently effective but have several limitations and disadvantages, and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays a vital role in the overall process of cancer prevention and therapy. It is known that TCM can treat a variety of conditions at a variety of sites and targets. In recent years, increasingly, research has been conducted on TCM's ability to treat BC. TCM has shown positive results in the treatment of breast cancer and the adverse effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This review describes the progress of clinical observation and mechanism research of TCM in the treatment of breast cancer in recent years. It provides some ideas and theoretical basis for the treatment of BC with TCM.

Clinical implications of forkhead box M1, cyclooxygenase-2, and glucose-regulated protein 78 in breast invasive ductal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Breast infiltrating ductal carcinoma (BIDC) represents the largest heterotypic tumor group, and an in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of BIDC is key to improving its prognosis.

AIM

To analyze the expression profiles and clinical implications of forkhead box M1 (FOXM1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) in BIDC.

METHODS

A total of 65 BIDC patients and 70 healthy controls who presented to our hospital between August 2019 and May 2021 were selected for analysis. The peripheral blood FOXM1, COX-2, and GRP78 levels in both groups were measured and the association between their expression profiles in BIDC was examined. Additionally, we investigated the diagnostic value of FOXM1, COX-2, and GRP78 in patients with BIDC and their correlations with clinicopathological features. Furthermore, BIDC patients were followed for 1 year to identify factors influencing patient prognosis.

RESULTS

The levels of FOXM1, COX-2, and GRP78 were significantly higher in BIDC patients compared to healthy controls (P < 0.05), and a positive correlation was observed among them (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that FOXM1, COX-2, and GRP78 had excellent diagnostic value in predicting the occurrence of BIDC (P < 0.05). Subsequently, we found significant differences in FOXM1, COX-2, and GRP78 levels among patients with different histological grades and metastasis statuses (with vs without) (P < 0.05). Cox analysis revealed that FOXM1, COX-2, GRP78, increased histological grade, and the presence of tumor metastasis were independent risk factors for prognostic death in BIDC (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

FOXM1, COX-2, and GRP78 exhibit abnormally high expression in BIDC, promoting malignant tumor development and closely correlating with prognosis. These findings hold significant research implications for the future diagnosis and treatment of BIDC.

Integrative dissection of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors-related signature in the prognosis and immune microenvironment of breast cancer

Background

Depression increases the risk of breast cancer recurrence and metastasis. However, there lacks potential biomarkers for predicting prognosis in breast cancer. 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) plays a key role in the pathogenesis and treatment of depression. In this study, we developed a prognostic signature based on 5-HT receptors (5-HTRs) and elucidated its potential immune regulatory mechanisms for breast cancer prognosis.

Methods

Oncomine, GEPIA, UALCAN, cBioPortal, Kaplan-Meier plotter, and TIMER were used to analyze differential expression, prognostic value, genetic alteration, and immune cell infiltration of HTRs in breast cancer patients. The model training and validation assays were based on the analyses of GSE1456 and GSE86166. A risk signature was established by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. The transwell assay was utilized to verify the effect of the 5-HTRs expression on breast cancer invasion. Effects of HTR2A/2B inhibitor on CD8+ T cell proliferation and infiltration as well as apoptosis of 4T1 cells in the tumor microenvironment were detected by flow cytometry and TUNEL assay. Zebrafish and mouse breast cancer xenografts were used to determine the effect of HTR2A/2B inhibitor on breast cancer metastasis.

Results

The expression levels of HTR1A, HTR1B, HTR2A, HTR2B, HTR2C, HTR4, and HTR7 were significantly downregulated in highly malignant breast cancer types. 5-HTRs were significantly associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS) in breast cancer patients. The genetic alteration of HTR1D, HTR3A, HTR3B, and HTR6 in breast cancer patients was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS). Finally, HTR2A and HTR2B were determined to construct the risk signature. The expression of HTR2A/2B was positively correlated with the infiltration of immune cells such as CD8+ T cells and macrophages. Furthermore, inhibition of HTR2A expression could suppress CD8+ T cell proliferation and enhance invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells in both zebrafish and mice model.

Conclusions

The HTR2A/2B risk signature not only highlights the significance of HTRs in breast cancer prognosis by modulating cancer immune microenvironment, but also provides a novel gene-testing tool for early prevention of depression in breast cancer patients and lead to an improved prognosis and quality of life.

Social Isolation and Breast Cancer

Although the role of life stressors in breast cancer remains unclear, social isolation is consistently associated with increased breast cancer risk and mortality. Social isolation can be defined as loneliness or an absence of perceived social connections. In female mice and rats, social isolation is mimicked by housing animals 1 per cage. Social isolation causes many biological changes, of which an increase in inflammatory markers and disruptions in mitochondrial and cellular metabolism are commonly reported. It is not clear how the 2 traditional stress-induced pathways, namely, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis (HPA), resulting in a release of glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex, and autonomic nervous system (ANS), resulting in a release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla and postganglionic neurons, could explain the increased breast cancer risk in socially isolated individuals. For instance, glucocorticoid receptor activation in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells inhibits their proliferation, and activation of β-adrenergic receptor in immature immune cells promotes their differentiation toward antitumorigenic T cells. However, activation of HPA and ANS pathways may cause a disruption in the brain-gut-microbiome axis, resulting in gut dysbiosis. Gut dysbiosis, in turn, leads to an alteration in the production of bacterial metabolites, such as short chain fatty acids, causing a systemic low-grade inflammation and inducing dysfunction in mitochondrial and cellular metabolism. A possible causal link between social isolation-induced increased breast cancer risk and mortality and gut dysbiosis should be investigated, as it offers new tools to prevent breast cancer.

Unveiling the dark side of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) in cancers and other human pathology: a systematic review

Glucose-Regulated Protein 78 (GRP78) is a chaperone protein that is predominantly expressed in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. GRP78 plays a crucial role in protein folding by assisting in the assembly of misfolded proteins. Under cellular stress conditions, GRP78 can translocate to the cell surface (csGRP78) were it interacts with different ligands to initiate various intracellular pathways. The expression of csGRP78 has been associated with tumor initiation and progression of multiple cancer types. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the existing evidence on the roles of GRP78 in various types of cancer and other human pathology. Additionally, the review discusses the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying GRP78's involvement in tumorigenesis and cancer advancement. Furthermore, we highlight recent innovative approaches employed in downregulating GRP78 expression in cancers as a potential therapeutic target.

The Immune Cells in the Development of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A still unresolved issue surrounding tumor formation concerns the role that the immune system plays in preventing the formation and progression of neoplasia, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Antitumor immunity has historically been seen as a critical barrier for cancer cells to develop, grow and spread, and this can be modulated using immunotherapies to achieve antitumor clinical responses. However, it has recently become clear that tumor-associated immunity, particularly the inflammatory microenvironment, has the paradoxical effect of enhancing tumorigenesis and progression. In this review, we discuss the multifaceted function of infiltrating immune cells in suppressing or promoting premalignancy and cancer. In particular, we report on the evidence supporting a role for T lymphocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils in the development and progression of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and OSCC. We also draw attention to the clinical relevance of immune cell phenotypes and associated molecules for use as biomarkers and to the translatability of current research findings to improve classification systems and precision medicine in patients with OSCC.

Cell surface GRP78: a potential mechanism of therapeutic resistant tumors

GRP78 is a protein that acts as a chaperone within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and has multiple functions. It is induced by stress and abets cells from survival. Despite, multiple Stress conditions like ER, chronic psychological and nutritional stress, hypoxia, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and drug resistance induce cell surface GRP78 (CS-GRP78) expression in cancer cells. Further, CS-GRP78 is associated with increased malignancy and resistance to anti-cancer therapies and is considered a high-value druggable target. Recent preclinical research suggests that targeting CS-GRP78 with anti-GRP78 monoclonal antibodies (Mab) in combination with other agents may be effective in reversing the failure of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted therapies and increasing the efficacy of solid tumors treatment. This article will review recent evidence on the role of CS-GRP78 in developing resistance to anti-cancer treatments and the potential benefits of combining anti-GRP78 Mab with other cancer therapies for specific patient populations. Furthermore, our limited understanding of how CS-GRP78 regulated in human studies is a major drawback for designing effective CS-GRP78-targeted therapies. Hence, more research is still warranted to translate these potential therapies into clinical applications.

Chronic psychological stress promotes breast cancer pre-metastatic niche formation by mobilizing splenic MDSCs via TAM/CXCL1 signaling

BACKGROUND

Emerging studies have identified chronic psychological stress as an independent risk factor influencing breast cancer growth and metastasis. However, the effects of chronic psychological stress on pre-metastatic niche (PMN) formation and the underlying immunological mechanisms remain largely unknown.

METHODS

The effects and molecular mechanisms of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) on modulating tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and PMN formation were clarified by multiplex immunofluorescence technique, cytokine array, chromatin immunoprecipitation, the dual-luciferase reporter assay, and breast cancer xenografts. Transwell and CD8⁺ T cytotoxicity detection were used to analyze the mobilization and function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). mCherry-labeled tracing strategy and bone marrow transplantation were applied to explore the crucial role of splenic CXCR2^+/+ MDSCs facilitating PMN formation under CUMS.

RESULTS

CUMS significantly promoted breast cancer growth and metastasis, accompanied by TAMs accumulation in the microenvironment. CXCL1 was identified as a crucial chemokine in TAMs facilitating PMN formation in a glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-dependent manner. Interestingly, the spleen index was significantly reduced under CUMS, and splenic MDSCs were validated as a key factor mediating CXCL1-induced PMN formation. The molecular mechanism study revealed that TAM-derived CXCL1 enhanced the proliferation, migration, and anti-CD8⁺ T cell functions of MDSCs via CXCR2. Moreover, CXCR2 knockout and CXCR2^-/-MDSCs transplantation significantly impaired CUMS-mediated MDSC elevation, PMN formation, and breast cancer metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Our findings shed new light on the association between chronic psychological stress and splenic MDSC mobilization, and suggest that stress-related glucocorticoid elevation can enhance TAM/CXCL1 signaling and subsequently recruit splenic MDSCs to promote PMN formation via CXCR2.

Biological functions and molecular interactions of Wnt/β-catenin in breast cancer: Revisiting signaling networks

Changes in lifestyle such as physical activity and eating habits have been one of the main reasons for development of various diseases in modern world, especially cancer. However, role of genetic factors in initiation of cancer cannot be ignored and Wnt/β-catenin signaling is such factor that can affect tumor progression. Breast tumor is the most malignant tumor in females and it causes high mortality and morbidity around the world. The survival and prognosis of patients are not still desirable, although there have been advances in introducing new kinds of therapies and diagnosis. The present review provides an update of Wnt/β-catenin function in breast cancer malignancy. The upregulation of Wnt is commonly observed during progression of breast tumor and confirms that tumor cells are dependent on this pathway Wnt/β-catenin induction prevents apoptosis that is of importance for mediating drug resistance. Furthermore, Wnt/β-catenin signaling induces DNA damage repair in ameliorating radio-resistance. Wnt/β-catenin enhances proliferation and metastasis of breast tumor. Wnt/β-catenin induces EMT and elevates MMP expression. Furthermore, Wnt/β-catenin participates in tumor microenvironment remodeling and due to its tumor-promoting factor, drugs for its suppression have been developed. Different kinds of upstream mediators Wnt/β-catenin signaling in breast cancer have been recognized that their targeting is a therapeutic approach. Finally, Wnt/β-catenin can be considered as a biomarker in clinical trials.

Disruption of IDO signaling pathway alleviates chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression-like behaviors and tumor progression in mice with breast cancer

Women with breast cancer (BC) are often combined with psychological disorder such as depression and anxiety. Depression is associated or correlated with increased toxicity and severity of physical symptoms. However, the mechanism of BC progression related to the regulation of emotion-related circuitry remains to be further explored. The study aims to investigate indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) pathway mechanism underlying stress-induced progression of BC. BC cell line 4T1 was subcutaneously inoculated into BALB/c mice, and they then received daily chronic unpredictable mild stressors (CUMS) for 12 weeks. Depression-like behavior tests were conducted, including sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST), and novelty suppressed feeding test (NSF). The levels of 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and inflammatory factors, IL-6, CXCL1, IL-10 and IL-4 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of mouse serum. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect Ki67- or FOXP3-positive tumor cells. The status of IDO signaling pathway was assessed by immunoblotting analysis. CUMS induced depression-like behaviors, decreased the level of 5-HT, promoted tumor progression, enhanced the immunohistochemical staining of Ki-67, and promoted the activation of IDO signaling pathway in BC mice. The IDO signaling pathway was disrupted in mice by lentiviral transduction of shRAN-IDO. Lentivirus-mediated IDO knockdown attenuated CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors, increased the level of 5-HT, inhibited tumor progression, and reduced the immunohistochemical staining of Ki-67 in BC mice. The present study suggests that disruption of IDO signaling pathway alleviates CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors and inhibits tumor progression in BC mice.

Traditional Chinese medicine suppressed cancer progression by targeting endoplasmic reticulum stress responses: A review

Cancer has a high morbidity and mortality; therefore, it poses a major global health concern. Imbalance in endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis can induce endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). ERS has been shown to play both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressive roles in various cancer types by activating a series of adaptive responses to promote tumor cell survival and inducing ERS-related apoptotic pathways to promote tumor cell death, inhibit tumor growth and suppress tumor invasion. Because multiple roles of ERS in tumors continue to be reported, many studies have attempted to target ERS in cancer therapy. The therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments on tumors have been widely recognized. TCM treatments can enhance the sensitivity of tumor radiotherapy, delay tumor recurrence and improve patients' quality of life. However, there are relatively few reports exploring the antitumor effects of TCM from the perspective of ERS. This review addresses the progress of TCM intervention in tumors via ERS with a view to providing a new direction for tumor treatment.

The Efficacy and Safety of the Zhuyun Formula and Auricular Acupressure for the Infertile Women with Recurrent Implantation Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF), a clinical disorder characterized by failure to achieve pregnancy after repeated (≥3) embryo transfer, is a challenge for reproductive demands worldwide. In our preliminary work, the Zhuyun formula (ZYF) with auricular acupressure, a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with a small sample size for RIF, can improve the clinical pregnancy rate (41.2% vs. 26.7%, treatment group vs. control group, p < 0.05). Based on the toxicological and pregnancy-related pharmacological analysis of ZYF for RIF, the T-cell receptor signaling pathway might be involved in the pharmacological activity. This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of the CAM therapy according to pregnancy outcomes and maternal and child health and investigating the changes of T-helper (Th) cells in the peripheral blood of unexplained RIF women.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a prospective, two-arms, randomized, nonblinded study. All eligible women were randomly assigned to the treatment group (TG) and the control group (CG) according to a computer-generated randomization list in sealed opaque envelopes. Blood samples were collected from the two groups, and serum Th1, Th2, and Treg were detected by flow cytometry. The cytokines were detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The TG was administrated with ZYF and auricular acupressure for three months before ovarian stimulation, while the control group was on a waiting list for the same period. The primary outcome was CPR. The second outcomes were the serum levels of immune parameters. For the safety evaluation, the perinatal outcomes of maternal and child were obtained by follow-up. Post-hoc sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the effect of missing data.

Results

One hundred and twenty-three women were randomized into the TG (n = 62) and CG (n = 61). The CPR was increased significantly in the TG (45.2%) than CG (26.2%) (p = 0.029). Twenty blood samples were collected, and the Th2/Th1 and Treg expression level was significantly higher in the TG than in the CG. IL-2, IL-10, and Foxp3 were higher significantly in the TG than in the CG. The maternal and child perinatal outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

The ZYF with auricular acupressure was effective and safe in improving the pregnancy outcomes of RIF. It might be related to balancing the level of cytokines related to the immune tolerance of the maternal-fetal interface to protect the embryo from the maternal immune system. Clinical Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Registry; date: 14/Dec/2013; no. NCT03078205.

Chinese Herbal Formula Huayu-Qiangshen-Tongbi Decoction Attenuates Rheumatoid Arthritis through Upregulating miR-125b to Suppress NF-κB-Induced Inflammation by Targeting CK2

The Huayu-Qiangshen-Tongbi (HQT) decoction, a Chinese medical formula, has been identified to show a potent therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the specific molecular mechanism of HQT in RA has not been well studied. In the present study, LPS-treated human rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) MH7A cells and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice were utilized as in vitro and in vivo models. Our results demonstrated that HQT could efficiently inhibit RA-induced inflammation by reducing the production of cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Moreover, HQT significantly upregulated the expression of miR-125b. Besides, analysis of bioinformatics suggested casein kinase 2 (CK2) was a potential target of miR-125b. Luciferase reporter assay was performed and revealed that miR-125b suppressed CK2 expression in MH7A cells. Furthermore, miR-125b inhibited LPS-induced NF-kappa-B (NF-κB) activation, which is a downstream target of CK2. In addition, the NF-κB inhibitor ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC) and NF-kappa-B inhibitor alpha (IkB-α) enhanced the inhibitory effect of miR-125b on the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Taken together, our study revealed that HQT could attenuate RA through upregulating miR-125b to suppress NF-κB-induced inflammation by targeting CK2. The findings of this study should facilitate investigating the mechanism of HQT on RA and discovering novel therapeutic targets for RA.