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Bioremediation of trichloroethene (TCE)-contaminated sites often leads to groundwater acidification, while nitrate-polluted sites tend to generate alkalization. TCE and nitrate often coexist at contaminated sites; however, the pH variation caused by nitrate self-alkalization and TCE self-acidification and how these processes affect nitrate reduction and reductive dichlorination, have not been studied. This study investigated the interaction between nitrate and TCE, two common groundwater co-contaminants, during bioreduction in serum bottles containing synthetic mineral salt media and microbial consortia. Our results showed that TCE concentrations up to 0.3 mM stimulated nitrate reduction, while the effect of nitrate on TCE reductive dechlorination was more complex. Nitrate primarily inhibited the reduction of TCE to dichloroethene (DCE) but enhanced the reduction of vinyl chloride (VC) to ethene. Mechanistic analysis suggested that this inhibition was due to the thermodynamic favorability of nitrate reduction over TCE reduction, while the promotion of VC reduction was linked to pH stabilization via self-alkalization. As the initial nitrate concentration increased from 0 to 3 mM, the relative abundance of putatively denitrifying genera, such as Petrimonas and Trichlorobacter, increased. However, the abundance of fermentative Clostridium sharply declined from 31.11 to 1.51%, indicating strong nitrate inhibition. Additionally, the relative abundance of Dehalococcoides, a genus capable of reducing TCE to ethene, slightly increased from 23.91 to 24.26% at nitrate concentrations up to 0.3 mM but decreased to 18.65% as the nitrate concentration increased to 3 mM, suggesting that Dehalococcoides exhibits a degree of tolerance to high nitrate concentrations under specific conditions. Overall, our findings highlight the potential for simultaneous reduction of TCE and nitrate, even at elevated concentrations, facilitated by self-regulating pH control in anaerobic mixed dechlorinating consortia. This study provides novel insights into bioremediation strategies for addressing co-contaminated sites.

Abstract Aging and obesity pose significant threats to public health and are major contributors to muscle atrophy. The trends in muscle fiber types under these conditions and the transcriptional differences between different muscle fiber types remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate distinct responses of fast/glycolytic fibers and slow/oxidative fibers to aging and obesity. We found that in muscles dominated by oxidative fibers, the proportion of oxidative fibers remains unchanged during aging and obesity. However, in muscles dominated by glycolytic fibers, despite the low content of oxidative fibers, a significant decrease in proportion of oxidative fibers was observed. Consistently, our study uncovered that during aging and obesity, fast/glycolytic fibers specifically increased the expression of genes associated with muscle atrophy and inflammation, including Dkk3, Ccl8, Cxcl10, Cxcl13, Fbxo32, Depp1, and Chac1, while slow/oxidative fibers exhibit elevated expression of antioxidant protein Nqo-1 and downregulation of Tfrc. Additionally, we noted substantial differences in the expression of calcium-related signaling pathways between fast/glycolytic fibers and slow/oxidative fibers in response to aging and obesity. Treatment with a calcium channel inhibitor thapsigargin significantly increased the abundance of oxidative fibers. Our study provides additional evidence to support the transcriptomic differences in muscle fiber types under pathophysiological conditions, thereby establishing a theoretical basis for modulating muscle fiber types in disease treatment.

Abstract As a key factor in determining testis size and sperm number, sertoli cells (SCs) play a crucial role in male infertility. Heat stress (HS) reduces SCs counts, negatively impacting nutrient transport and supply to germ cells, and leading to spermatogenesis failure in humans and animals. However, how HS affects the number of SCs remains unclear. We hypothesized that changes in SC metabolism contribute to the adverse effects of HS. In this study, we first observed an upregulation of arachidonic acid (AA), an unsaturated fatty acid after HS exposure by LC-MS/MS metabolome detection. By increasing ROS levels, expression of KEAP1 and NRF2 proteins as well as LC3 and LAMP2, 100 µM AA induced autophagy in SCs by activating oxidative stress (OS). We observed adverse effects of AA on mitochondria under HS with a decrease of mitochondrial number and an increase of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). We also found that AA alternated the oxygen transport and absorption function of mitochondria by increasing glycolysis flux and decreasing oxygen consumption rate as well as the expression of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) proteins Complex I, II, V. However, pretreatment with 5 mM NAC (ROS inhibitor) and 2 µM Rotenone (mitochondrial ETC inhibitor) reversed the autophagy induced by AA. In summary, AA modulates autophagy in SCs during HS by disrupting mitochondrial ETC function, inferring that the release of AA is a switch-like response, and providing insight into the underlying mechanism of high temperatures causing male infertility.

Understanding the preference of migratory waterbirds to inhabit key habitats is crucial for mapping out effective management strategies to maintain migration network connectivity. This study investigated the attractiveness of Shenzhen Bay in southern China, a key site on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Site Network, to migratory waterbirds. The abundance of migratory waterbirds in January remained stable at around 45,000 from 1996 to 2015, with fluctuations of about ±5000, and decreased after 2015, with an average annual decrease of around 2130 until 2021. The preference of waterbirds to inhabit Shenzhen Bay was primarily affected by local human activities and the climate in southern China. When the proportion of freezing weather (FP) in southern China exceeded 10 % (indicative of normal and harsh winter), the abundance of migratory waterbirds in Shenzhen Bay varied exponentially with FP. When the FP exceeded 36 % (harsh winter), freezing weather became the dominant factor influencing waterbird wintering. Consequently, Shenzhen Bay served as a crucial refuge for migratory waterbirds from higher latitudes. However, compared to other waterbirds, the black-faced spoonbill demonstrated stronger adaptability to harsh winters. In warmer and normal winters (FP

Variations in disease resistance among pig breeds have been extensively documented, with Sertoli cells (SCs) playing a pivotal role in spermatogenesis. Infections can induce oxidative stress, which can lead to damage to these cells. This study aimed to compare the levels of oxidative stress in SCs from Rongchang and Landrace pig breeds following LPS challenge. SCs were isolated, cultured, and stimulated with LPS to assess cell viability and markers of oxidative stress. Cell viability was evaluated along with oxidative stress markers such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial superoxide, malondialdehyde, and antioxidant enzymes. Mitochondrial function was assessed using JC-1 and Calcein AM probes. Transcriptomic analysis identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), while ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) explored enriched pathways. IL20RA, identified through transcriptomics, was validated using the siRNA knockdown technique. The results showed that Rongchang SCs exhibited lower levels of oxidative stress compared to Landrace SCs along with higher activity of antioxidant enzymes. IL20RA emerged as a key regulator since its knockdown affected mitochondrial superoxide production and catalase secretion. The findings suggest that Rongchang SCs possess superior antioxidant capacity, possibly due to the IL20RA-mediated protection of mitochondria, thereby providing insights into breed-specific resistance against oxidative stress and highlighting the role of IL20RA in maintaining stem cell function.

IntroductionDesmoid tumor (DT) is a rare proliferative disease occurring in connective tissues, characterized by high infiltration and recurrence rates. While surgery remains the primary treatment, its recurrence risk is high, and some extra-abdominal desmoid tumors are inoperable due to their locations. Despite attempts with radiotherapy and systemic therapy, the efficacy remains limited.MethodsWe used low-power cumulative high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy as an initial treatment for desmoid tumor patients either ineligible or unwilling for surgery. Low-power cumulative HIFU employs slower heat accumulation and diffusion, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues while enhancing efficacy.ResultsFifty-seven non-FAP desmoid tumor patients, previously untreated surgically, underwent low-power cumulative HIFU therapy. Among them, 35 had abdominal wall DT, 20 had extra-abdominal DT, and 2 had intra- abdominal DT, with an 85% median ablation ratio. Abdominal wall DT patients showed significantly better response rates (91.4% vs. 86%) and disease control rates (100% vs. 32%) than that of non-abdominal wall DT patients. Median event- free survival time was not reached after a median follow-up duration of 34 months.DiscussionWith its high response rate, durable efficacy, and mild adverse effects, our findings suggest that low-power cumulative HIFU presents a promising novel treatment for desmoid tumors, particularly abdominal wall DT patients.

IntroductionThis study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of V-Y advanced flap pedicled with freestyle perforator flap for repairing small range defects in the anterior knee region.Methods8 patients with skin and soft tissue defect/necrosis in the anterior knee area admitted to the Changshu No.1 People's Hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were selected, with a defect range of 4 cm × 3 cm–9 cm × 6 cm, designed a V-Y advanced flap pedicled with freestyle perforator flap to repair the wound in the anterior knee area. Adjust the size and position of the flap according to the number and position of perforating branches found during the surgery, with a cutting area of 6 cm × 5 cm–14 cm × 10 cm and the supply area was directly pulled and sutured.Results4 patients were repaired by flaps pedicled with 2 perforating branches, 2 patients were repaired by flaps pedicled with 1 perforating branch and 2 patients were repaired by flaps pedicled with 3 perforating branches. 4 patients were repaired by flaps pedicled with 2 perforating branches, 2 patients were repaired by flaps pedicled with 1 perforating branch and 2 patients were repaired by flaps pedicled with 3 perforating branches. All flaps survived and following up for 6-15 months, the blood supply, appearance, and color of the flap were satisfactory, and the functions of knee joint flexion and extension were well preserved.DiscussionThe V-Y advancement flap pedicled with freestyle perforator flap has the advantages of reliable blood supply, simple surgical operation, texture and thickness similar to the skin of the anterior knee area, and direct suture of the donor area. It is a perforator flap with good repair effect for small scale defects in the anterior knee area.

Abstract To explore the association between lipid markers and osteoarthritis (OA). First, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database was used to screen participants with lipid markers, OA and relevant covariates, and logistic regression was used to analyze the association between lipid markers and OA; Then, under the theoretical framework of Mendelian randomization (MR), two-sample MR was performed using GWAS data of lipid markers and OA to explore the causal association between the two, which was analyzed by inverse variance weighting (IVW) method. Heterogeneity test, sensitivity analysis and pleiotropy analysis were also performed. The NHANES database screened a total of 3706 participants, of whom 836 had OA and 2870 did not have OA. When lipid markers were used as continuous variables, multivariate logistic results showed an association between HDL, LDL and OA (HDL, OR (95%):1.01 (1.00, 1.01); LDL, OR (95%):1.00 (0.99, 1.00)). When lipid markers were used as categorical variables, multivariate logistic results showed the fourth quartile result of 0.713 (0.513, 0.992) for LDL relative to the first quartile. In MR study, the results of the IVW method for TG, TL, HDL and LDL showed OR (95% CI) of 1.06 (0.97–1.16), 0.95 (0.85–1.06), 0.94 (0.86–1.02) and 0.89 (0.80–0.998) with P-values of 0.21, 0.37. 013, 0.046. The heterogeneity tests and multiplicity analyses showed P-values greater than 0.05, and sensitivity analyses showed no abnormal single nucleotide polymorphisms. Through NHANES database and MR analyses, LDL was found to be a protective factor for OA, while HDL still needs further study. Our results provide new biomarkers for preventive and therapeutic strategies for OA.

Background and aim: Xianglian Wan (XLW) as a classic prescription of traditional Chinese medicine protects digestive function; however, few studies have investigated its anti-colorectal cancer effects. This study verified that the effective monomer berberine of XLW plays an antitumo r role by regulating the acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC)/fatty acid synthase (FASN) lipid metabolism-related signaling pathway. Experimental procedure: The connection between XLW and FASN was identified through literature mining, bioinformatics and structural biology. In vivo experiments verified the rationality of the antitumor effect of berberine by regulating the ACC/FASN pathway, and in vitro experiments verified the regulatory relationship between berberine and FASN. Results and conclusion: The most frequent Chinese medicine component in XLW was Coptis chinensis. Berberine, the active ingredient of XLW, has a FASN binding site. FASN expression is higher in tumor tissues than in normal tissues. FASN is related to colorectal adenocarcinoma occurrence and patient survival time. Experiments showed that XLW, berberine and orlistat (FASN inhibitor) can cooperate with palmitic acid (PA) to inhibit tumors in mice. Berberine can downregulate FASN and ACC expression in tumor tissues and inhibit the increase in acetyl-CoA, the intermediate product of exogenous PA intake. The mechanism by which berberine inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation by lowering lipids is related to its downregulation of FASN protein expression. The ACC/FASN signaling pathway is a critical pathway through which berberine, the effective monomer of XLW, plays an antitumor role in colon cancer.

Abstract Background Acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) was first introduced in glioblastoma surgery, and its role in reducing allogeneic blood transfusion was investigated in this study. Methods This study enrolled supratentorial glioblastoma patients who received total resection. In the ANH group, the patients were required to draw blood before the operation, and the blood will be transfused back to the patient during the operation. The association between ANH and clinical features was investigated. Results Sixty supratentorial glioblastoma patients were enrolled in this study, 25 patients were allocated in the ANH group, and another 35 patients were included in the control group. ANH dramatically reduced the need for allogeneic blood transfusion (3 [12%] vs 12 [34.3%], P = 0.049), and the blood transfusion per total of patients was dramatically decreased by the application of ANH (0.40 ± 1.15 units vs 1.06 ± 1.59 units, P = 0.069). Furthermore, ANH also markedly reduced the requirement of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion (2 [8%] vs 11 [31.4%], P = 0.030) and the volume of FFP transfusion per total of patients (32.00 ± 114.46 mL vs 115.71 ± 181.00 mL, P = 0.033). The complication rate was similar between the two groups. Conclusions ANH was a safe and effective blood conservation technique in glioblastoma surgery.

Numerous studies have shown that explosive sequence loads can cause serious damage to underwater vehicles, especially the bubble surge in the later stage of the explosion, which poses a huge threat to the internal structure of the vehicle. This study explores the damage characteristics of cylindrical shell structures under complete sequence loads based on the Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) method. By conducting experiments on the surge characteristics near the damaged plate under explosive action and comparing them with numerical results, the effectiveness of the method is verified. Subsequently, the damage characteristics of single- and double-layered cylindrical shell structures under underwater explosion sequence loads (shock waves, bubbles, surges) were explored, and the failure modes of cylindrical shell structures under various loads were summarized. The results indicate that the damage of shock waves to single-layer cylindrical shell structures is most severe at a blast distance of 0.5 m. For double-layer cylindrical shells, increasing the blast distance will reduce the impact of bubble surge on the pressure-resistant shell. The stress and strain in the central area of the pressure-resistant shell also decrease, and the deflection and Z-direction velocity also decrease accordingly. This study laid the foundation for enhancing the impact resistance of underwater vehicles.

Abstract Background To explore the pathologic basis and prognostic value of tumor and liver stiffness measured pre-operatively by two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who undergo hepatic resection. Methods A total of 191 HBV-infected patients with solitary resectable HCC were prospectively enrolled. The stiffness of intratumoral tissue, peritumoral tissue, adjacent liver tissue, and distant liver tissue was evaluated by 2D-SWE. The correlations between stiffness and pathological characteristics were analyzed in 114 patients. The predictive value of stiffness for recurrence-free survival (RFS) was evaluated, and Cutoff Finder was used for determining optimal cut-off stiffness values. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to identify independent predictors of RFS. Results Pathologically, intratumoral stiffness was associated with stroma proportion and microvascular invasion (MVI) while peritumoral stiffness was associated with tumor size, capsule, and MVI. Adjacent liver stiffness was correlated with capsule and liver fibrosis stage while distant liver stiffness was correlated with liver fibrosis stage. Peritumoral stiffness, adjacent liver stiffness, and distant liver stiffness were all correlated to RFS (all p < 0.05). Higher peritumoral stiffness (> 49.4 kPa) (HR = 1.822, p = 0.023) and higher adjacent liver stiffness (> 24.1 kPa) (HR = 1.792, p = 0.048) were significant independent predictors of worse RFS, along with tumor size and MVI. The nomogram based on these variables showed a C-index of 0.77 for RFS prediction. Conclusions Stiffness measured by 2D-SWE could be a tumor microenvironment and tumor invasiveness biomarker. Peritumoral stiffness and adjacent liver stiffness showed important values in predicting tumor recurrence after curative resection in HBV-related HCC. Clinical relevance statement Tumor and liver stiffness measured by two-dimensional shear wave elastography serve as imaging biomarkers for predicting hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence, reflecting biological behavior and tumor microenvironment. Key points • Stiffness measured by two-dimensional shear wave elastography is a useful biomarker of tumor microenvironment and invasiveness. • Higher stiffness indicated more aggressive behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma. • The study showed the prognostic value of peritumoral stiffness and adjacent liver stiffness for recurrence-free survival. • The nomogram integrating peritumoral stiffness, adjacent liver stiffness, tumor size, and microvascular invasion showed a C-index of 0.77. Graphical Abstract

Thanks to the rapidly increasing time-domain facilities, we are entering a golden era of research on gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). In this Letter, we report our observations of GRB 240529A with the Burst Optical Observer and Transient Exploring System, the 1.5 m telescope at Observatorio de Sierra Nevada, the 2.5 m Wide Field Survey Telescope of China, the Large Binocular Telescope, and the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo. The prompt emission of GRB 240529A shows two comparable energetic episodes separated by a quiescence time of roughly 400 s. Combining all available data on the GRB Coordinates Network, we reveal the simultaneous apparent X-ray plateau and optical rebrightening around 10 ^3 –10 ^4 s after the burst. Rather than the energy injection from the magnetar as widely invoked for similar GRBs, the multiwavelength emissions could be better explained as two shocks launched from the central engine separately. The optical peak time and our numerical modeling suggest that the initial bulk Lorentz factor of the later shock is roughly 50, which indicates that the later jet should be accretion driven and have a higher mass loading than a typical one. The quiescence time between the two prompt emission episodes may be caused by the transition between different accretion states of a central magnetar or black hole, or the fallback accretion process. A sample of similar bursts with multiple emission episodes in the prompt phase and sufficient follow-up could help to probe the underlying physics of GRB central engines.

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical effect of artificial dermis combined with split-thickness skin autograft in treating hand thermal compression wounds.MethodsForty-two patients in our hospital from January 2016 to October 2022 with thermal compression wounds were divided into two groups. The survival rate of autologous skin grafts seven days after skin grafting, the number of operations, total hospital stay, total hospitalization cost, and bacterial culture results of secretions were recorded. The visual analog scale was used to evaluate the wound pain. The condition of skin graft rupture was recorded and the scar status of the donor site was evaluated by the Vancouver Scar Scale.ResultsIt showed combination of artificial dermis, split-thickness skin autograft, and vacuum sealing drainage improves the treatment of hand thermal compression wounds by enhancing the survival rate of skin grafting (95.24% > 66.67%), reducing the number of operations (P

BackgroundThe comparative advantages of robotic posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy (RPRA) over laparoscopic posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy (LPRA) remain a topic of ongoing debate within the medical community. This systematic literature review and meta-analysis aim to assess the safety and efficacy of RPRA compared to LPRA, with the ultimate goal of determining which procedure yields superior clinical outcomes.MethodsA systematic search was conducted on databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library database to identify relevant studies, encompassing both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs, that compare the outcomes of RPRA and LPRA. The primary focus of this study was to evaluate perioperative surgical outcomes and complications. Review Manager 5.4 was used for this analysis. The study was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023453816).ResultsA total of seven non-RCTs were identified and included in this study, encompassing a cohort of 675 patients. The findings indicate that RPRA exhibited superior performance compared to LPRA in terms of hospital stay (weighted mean difference [WMD] -0.78 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.46 to -0.10; p = 0.02). However, there were no statistically significant differences observed between the two techniques in terms of operative time, blood loss, transfusion rates, conversion rates, major complications, and overall complications.ConclusionRPRA is associated with a significantly shorter hospital stay compared to LPRA, while demonstrating comparable operative time, blood loss, conversion rate, and complication rate. However, it is important to note that further research of a more comprehensive and rigorous nature is necessary to validate these findings.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=453816, identifier CRD42023453816.

Soybean yield has traditionally been increased through high planting density, but investigating plant height and petiole traits to select for compact architecture, lodging resistance, and high yield varieties is an underexplored option for further improving yield. We compared the relationships between yield-related traits, lodging resistance, and petiole-associated phenotypes in the short petiole germplasm M657 with three control accessions during 2017–2018 in four locations in the Huang–Huai region, China. The results showed that M657 exhibited stable and high tolerance to high planting density and resistance to lodging, especially at the highest density (8×105 plants ha−1). The regression analysis indicated that a shorter petiole length was significantly associated with increased lodging resistance. The yield analysis showed that M657 achieved higher yields under higher densities, especially in the northern part of the Huang–Huai region. Among the varieties, there were markedly different responses to intra- and inter-row spacing designs with respect to both lodging and yield that were related to location and density. Lodging was positively correlated with planting density, plant height, petiole length, and number of effective branches, but negatively correlated with stem diameter, seed number per plant, and seed weight per plant. The yield of soybean was increased by appropriately increasing the planting density on the basis of the current soybean varieties in the Huang–Huai region. This study provides a valuable new germplasm resource for the introgression of compact architecture traits that are amenable to providing a high yield in high density planting systems, and it establishes a high-yield model of soybean in the Huang–Huai region.

Objective: The effect of oxygen therapy on the prognosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with nocturnal hypoxemia (NOD) has been controversial. Therefore, this study systematically evaluated the relevant literature and included it into randomized controlled studies for meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and prognosis.Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, web of science, Cochrane, China HowNet and Wanfang database for the literature on the prognosis of COPD patients with simple NOD from the establishment of the database to 30 June 2022. The outcome indicators were death and aggravation of the disease. The efficacy evaluation measures were pulmonary function and arterial blood gas results. The publication bias and heterogeneity of the included studies were evaluated.Results: A total of 621 patients from 5 studies were included in this meta-analysis, and there was no publication bias in the included studies. The total mortality of long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) in COPD patients with simple NOD in oxygen therapy group (RR = 1.04; 95% CI: 0.81–1.33, p = 0.77), mortality (RR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.58–1.31, p = 0.50), risk of progression to LTOT events (RR = 1.07; 95% CI: 0.76–1.51, p = 0.71). PaO2 in patients with COPD and simple NOD in oxygen therapy group was higher than that in non-oxygen therapy group (mean difference (MD) = 13.47; 95% CI: 3.49–23.46, p = 0.008), the decrease of PaCO2 level was not statistically significant (MD = −10.05; 95% CI: −26.36-6.27, p = 0.23).Conclusion: Oxygen therapy can improve the prognosis of blood oxygen partial pressure in COPD patients with simple NOD, but oxygen therapy has no significant effect on the survival rate, controlling the progression of the disease to LTOT and reducing the partial pressure of carbon dioxide.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Chemoradiotherapy is the mainstream treatment for locally advanced NPC, and chemotherapeutic drugs are an indispensable part of NPC treatment. However, the toxic side-effects of chemotherapy drugs limit their therapeutic value, and new chemotherapy drugs are urgently needed for NPC. Silvestrol, an emerging natural plant anticancer molecule, has shown promising antitumor activity in breast cancer, melanoma, liver cancer, and other tumor types by promoting apoptosis in cancer cells to a greater extent than in normal cells. However, the effects of silvestrol on NPC and its possible molecular mechanisms have yet to be fully explored. Methods: Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), cell scratch, flow cytometry, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU), and Western blot (WB) assays were used to evaluate the effects of silvestrol on the cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, and migration of NPC cells. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was used to study the effect of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitors on the cell transcriptome, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to assess protein expression levels in patient specimens. Results: Silvestrol inhibited cell migration and DNA replication of NPC cells, while promoting the expression of cleaved caspase-3, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, silvestrol altered the level of ERK phosphorylation. The ERK-targeted inhibitor LY3214996 attenuated silvestrol-mediated inhibition of NPC cell proliferation but not migration. Analysis of RNA-Seq data and WB were used to identify and validate the downstream regulatory targets of silvestrol. Expression of GADD45A, RAP1A, and hexokinase-II (HK2) proteins was inhibited by silvestrol and LY3214996. Finally, IHC revealed that GADD45A, RAP1A, and HK2 protein expression was more abundant in cancer tissues than in non-tumor tissues. Conclusions: Silvestrol inhibits the proliferation of NPC cells by targeting ERK phosphorylation. However, the inhibition of NPC cell migration by silvestrol was independent of the Raf-MEK-ERK pathway. RAP1A, HK2, and GADD45A may be potential targets for the action of silvestrol.