Background: Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is a lipophilic active constituent derived from the rhizomes and roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), a common Chinese medicinal herb. However, clinical applications of Tan IIA are limited due to its poor solubility in water. Methods: To overcome this limitation, we developed a calcium alginate hydrogel (CA) as a hydrophilic carrier for Tan IIA, which significantly improved its solubility. We also prepared nanoparticles with pH-responsive properties to explore their potential for controlled drug delivery. The physicochemical properties of Tan IIA/CA nanoparticles were evaluated, including their size, stability, and release profile. We also utilized RNA sequencing to further investigate the underlying anticancer mechanisms of Tan IIA/CA nanoparticles. Results: The Tan IIA/CA nanoparticles demonstrated enhanced solubility and exhibited potent anticancer activity in vitro. Additionally, the nanoparticles showed promising pH-responsive behavior, which is beneficial for controlled release applications. Further investigation into the molecular mechanisms revealed that the anticancer effects of Tan IIA/CA were mediated through apoptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy pathways. Conclusions: This study confirms the anticancer potential and mechanisms of Tan IIA, while also presenting an innovative approach to enhance the solubility of this poorly soluble compound. The use of CA-based nanoparticles could be a valuable strategy for improving the therapeutic efficacy of Tan IIA in cancer treatment.

Background: Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia in children (CAP). Rising macrolide resistance and variability in clinical severity have become growing concerns. This study aimed to describe the molecular epidemiology, resistance patterns, and risk factors for severe M. pneumoniae pneumonia (SMPP) in children from Liaocheng, Shandong Province, China. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 421 children hospitalized with MP pneumonia (MPP) between January 2023 and December 2024 in this study. Clinical and laboratory data were collected. M. pneumoniae -DNA-positive specimens were analyzed by 23S rRNA gene sequencing to identify macrolide resistance mutations, and by Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA) for molecular typing. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for SMPP. Results: Of the 421 patients, 212 (50.4%) were diagnosed with SMPP. Children with SMPP were significantly older than those with general MPP (GMPP) ( P = 0.001). Elevated D-dimer and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were identified as independent risk factors for SMPP. Among 148 successfully sequenced specimens, 144 (97.30%) carried macrolide resistance mutations, with A2063G being the most common (96.62%). MLVA typing identified 14 distinct subtypes, the most prevalent were M2-4-5-7-2, M5-4-5-7-2, M3-4-5-7-2, and M4-3-5-6-2. The subtype M4-3-5-6–2 was associated with a lower risk of SMPP (OR = 0.155, 95% CI: 0.037-0.654), while the subtype M3-4-5-7–2 carried the highest risk (OR = 14.0, P = 0.001). Conclusion: This study reveals a high rate of macrolide-resistant MP in Liaocheng, largely caused by the A2063G mutation. Elevated D-dimer and elevated LDH are independent predictors of SMPP. Certain MLVA subtypes are significantly associated with disease severity, suggesting they may help in risk assessment and clinical decision-making.