Transcriptomic and Functional Evidence Show Similarities between Human Amniotic Epithelial Stem Cells and Keratinocytes.

Amniotic epithelial stem cells (AESCs) are considered as potential alternatives to keratinocytes (KCs) in tissue-engineered skin substitutes used for treating skin damage. However, their clinical application is limited since similarities and distinctions between AESCs and KCs remain unclear. Herein, a transcriptomics analysis and functional evaluation were used to understand the commonalities and differences between AESCs and KCs. RNA-sequencing revealed that AESCs are involved in multiple epidermis-associated biological processes shared by KCs and show more similarity to early stage immature KCs than to adult KCs. However, AESCs were observed to be heterogeneous, and some possessed hybrid mesenchymal and epithelial features distinct from KCs. A functional evaluation revealed that AESCs can phagocytose melanosomes transported by melanocytes in both 2D and 3D co-culture systems similar to KCs, which may help reconstitute pigmented skin. The overexpression of TP63 and activation of NOTCH signaling could promote AESC stemness and improve their differentiation features, respectively, bridging the gap between AESCs and KCs. These changes induced the convergence of AESC cell fate with KCs. In future, modified reprogramming strategies, such as the use of small molecules, may facilitate the further modulation human AESCs for use in skin regeneration.

Identifying key genes and drug screening for preeclampsia based on gene expression profiles.

Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by gestational hypertension and proteinuria, and is a leading cause of maternal death and perinatal morbidity globally. Although the exact cause of PE remains unclear, several studies have suggested a role for abnormal expression of multiple genes. The aim of the present study was to identify key genes and related pathways, and to screen for drugs that regulate these genes for potential PE therapy. The GSE60438 dataset was acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs). By constructing a protein-protein interaction network and performing reverse transcription-quantitative PCR verification, proteasome 26S subunit, non-ATPase 14, prostaglandin E synthase 3 and ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase core protein 2 were identified as key genes in PE. In addition, PE was found to be associated with 'circadian rhythm', 'fatty acid metabolism', 'DNA damage response detection of DNA damage', 'regulation of DNA repair' and 'endothelial cell development'. Through connectivity map analysis of DEGs, furosemide and droperidol were suggested to be therapeutic drugs that may target the hub genes for PE treatment. Results analysis of GSEA were included in the discussion section of this article. In conclusion, the current study identified novel key genes associated with the onset of PE and potential drugs for PE treatment.

Role of T1 Pelvic Angle in Assessing Sagittal Balance in Outpatients With Unspecific Low Back Pain.

The aim of the study was to explore the significance of T1 pelvic angle (TPA) for assessment of sagittal balance in a cohort of Chinese patients with unspecific low back pain. TPA has been commonly used to assess sagittal balance in adult spinal deformity. However, whether TPA could be used to assess sagittal balance in patients with unspecific low back pain effectively remains unanswered. Medical records of outpatients with unspecific low back pain who received treatment in our outpatient clinic between September 2013 and November 2014 were reviewed. Demographic data and radiographic data were collected. Correlation coefficients between TPA and other sagittal parameters were analyzed, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis was performed to assess the inter- and intra-observer reliability of TPA. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether they were well-aligned (TPA ≤ 20°) or poorly aligned (TPA > 20°), and then demographic and sagittal parameters were compared between the 2 groups of patients. A total of 97 patients with unspecific low back pain were included in this study. The inter- and intraobserver reliability of the TPA measure had excellent agreement (ICC = 0.985 and 0.919, respectively). There were significant correlations between TPA and age, LL, PT, PI, T1SPI, SVA, and NRS (all P < 0.05). Of the 38 well-aligned patients in Group A, SVA was ≤5 cm in 33 (86.84%) patients and >5 cm in the other 5 (13.16%) patients, and of the 59 poorly aligned patients in Group B, SVA was >5 cm in 42 (71.19%) patients and ≤5 cm in the other 17 (28.81%) patients. There were significant differences in age, LL, SS, PT, PI, T1SPI, SVA, and NRS between the 2 groups of patients, but no significant difference was observed in TK and TL. TPA could be used to assess sagittal balance in outpatients with unspecific low back pain effectively.

Alternations of maternal and cord plasma hemostasis in preeclampsia before and after delivery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of hemostatic factors in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maternal and cord plasma concentrations of tissue factor (TF), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), von willebrand factor (vWF), soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), fibrinopeptide A (FPA), D-dimer, and antithrombin III (AT-III) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 46 women with preeclampsia and 40 normotensive pregnant women before and after delivery. RESULTS: The maternal plasma concentrations of TF, vWF, and sP-selectin were higher, but lower concentrations of TFPI, AT-III, and D-dimer were observed in women with preeclampsia compared to normotensive pregnant women before and after delivery. Compared with maternal plasma, fetal plasma concentrations of TF concentrations were increased significantly in both groups, whereas vWF, FPA, TFPI, AT-III, and D-dimer were decreased. Compared with normotensive pregnancy, fetal plasma concentrations of TF were markedly increased in preeclampsia, accompanied with a higher vWF and a lower sP-selectin and D-dimer levels. Furthermore, fetal plasma TF concentrations were more significantly increased in women with high blood pressure and severe proteinuria. CONCLUSIONS: Imbalance in the coagulation/fibrinolysis equilibrium, especially alterations in the extrinsic pathway of coagulation and anticoagulation, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. In addition, fetal alteration of TF may be involved in the pathogenesis of fetal complications of preeclampsia.