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Introdução: Reduzindo os índices de recidiva de forma impactante, o emprego de biomateriais como "telas de reforço" na reparação de diferentes defeitos da parede abdominal tornou-se rotina quase obrigatória para o sucesso dessas reparações. A partir da década de 1990 houve a introdução de matrizes biológicas acelulares, iniciando-se assim uma nova era na reparação dos defeitos da parede abdominal. O objetivo é avaliar a funcionalidade do pericárdio bovino acelularizado em reparações da parede abdominal. Método: Trinta pacientes foram submetidos a reparação de defeitos da parede abdominal, com biopróteses acelulares de pericárdio bovino, perfazendo um total de 40 implantes anatomicamente individualizados. O seguimento médio foi de 31 meses, sendo os pacientes avaliados clinicamente e radiologicamente. Em três casos foram feitas biópsias das áreas implantadas permitindo análise histológica do material. Resultados: Não se observou recidiva das herniações em nenhum dos casos, tanto clinica como radiologicamente. Também não houve registro de hematomas, infecções ou qualquer fenômeno de natureza reacional local ou sistêmica. Radiologicamente, não foi possível visualizar as matrizes no local de implantação em qualquer dos períodos de pós-operatório analisados. Conclusão: As matrizes mostraram similaridade às demais membranas biológicas descritas na literatura internacional. Representando uma importante atualização e evolução conceitual, as membranas acelulares de pericárdio bovino podem ser incorporadas ao arsenal terapêutico nas reparações de parede abdominal.
Introduction: Reducing recurrence rates significantly, the use of biomaterials as "reinforcement meshes" in the repair of different abdominal wall defects has become an almost mandatory routine for the success of these repairs. From the 1990s onwards, acellular biological matrices were introduced, thus beginning a new era in the repair of abdominal wall defects. The objective is to evaluate the functionality of the acellularized bovine pericardium in abdominal wall repairs. Method: Thirty patients underwent repair of abdominal wall defects using acellular bovine pericardium bioprostheses, making a total of 40 anatomically individualized implants. The average follow-up was 31 months, with patients being evaluated clinically and radiologically. In three cases, biopsies were taken from the implanted areas, allowing histological analysis of the material. Results: No recurrence of herniations was observed in any of the cases, both clinically and radiologically. There were also no records of bruises, infections or any phenomenon of a local or systemic reaction nature. Radiologically, it was not possible to visualize the matrices at the implantation site in any of the postoperative periods analyzed. Conclusion: The matrices showed similarity to other biological membranes described in the international literature. Representing an important update and conceptual evolution, acellular bovine pericardial membranes can be incorporated into the therapeutic arsenal in abdominal wall repairs.
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Introdução: Análise histológica é a principal ferramenta de avaliação de biopróteses acelulares, em sua maioria em caráter experimental. O objetivo é analisar histologicamente a matriz acelular de pericárdio bovino em reparações de parede abdominal implantada em humanos. Método: De uma série de 30 reparações com a membrana, 3 pacientes foram submetidas a revisão cirúrgica não relacionada aos implantes, aos 13, 22 e 23 meses de pós-operatório, obtendo-se biópsias das áreas previamente implantadas. Além da avaliação dos aspectos básicos de biocompatibilidade e neoformação tecidual, as lâminas foram digitalizadas e submetidas a análise computadorizada com o software ImageJ para quantificação da cinética de degradação das membranas, associada à análise da dimensão fractal das amostras. Os valores obtidos para porcentagens de membrana residual tiveram suas médias comparadas por análise de variância (ANOVA) e pelo teste T de Student não pareado, também utilizado para os valores da quantificação da dimensão fractal. Resultados: Foi demonstrada a biocompatibilidade do material, com neoformação tecidual, deposição de colágeno e tecido celularizado de aspecto normal, sem reações locais importantes. Fragmentos residuais da membrana foram quantificados em 40%±7% aos 13 meses, em 20%±6% aos 22 meses e em 17%±6% aos 23 meses de pós-operatório, com a análise da dimensão fractal indicando uma progressiva degradação dos implantes, com significância estatística entre 13 meses e as amostras tardias. Conclusão: Os resultados atestaram a funcionalidade do pericárdio bovino acelular sob diferentes níveis de estresse mecânico nas reparações da parede abdominal em humanos.
Introduction: Histological analysis is the main tool for evaluating acellular bioprostheses, mostly on an experimental basis. The objective is to histologically analyze the acellular matrix of bovine pericardium in abdominal wall repairs implanted in humans. Method: From a series of 30 repairs with the membrane, 3 patients underwent surgical revision unrelated to the implants at 13, 22, and 23 months postoperatively, obtaining biopsies of the previously implanted areas. In addition to evaluating the basic aspects of biocompatibility and tissue neoformation, the slides were digitalized and subjected to computerized analysis with the ImageJ software to quantify the kinetics of membrane degradation associated with the analysis of the fractal dimension of the samples. The values obtained for percentages of residual membrane had their means compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the unpaired Student's T test, also used for the fractal dimension quantification values. Results: The biocompatibility of the material was demonstrated, with tissue neoformation, collagen deposition, and cellularized tissue with a normal appearance without important local reactions. Residual fragments of the membrane were quantified at 40%±7% at 13 months, at 20%±6% at 22 months, and at 17%±6% at 23 months postoperatively, with the analysis of the fractal dimension indicating a progressive degradation of implants, with statistical significance between 13 months and late samples. Conclusion: The results confirmed the functionality of the acellular bovine pericardium under different levels of mechanical stress in abdominal wall repairs in humans.
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Objective To investigate the anti-fibrosis action of the therapy of tonifying kidney and removing stasis(shortened to Bushen Quyu method)on moderate-to-severe intrauterine adhesion and its influence on extracellular matrix degradation related factors in menstrual blood.Methods A total of 124 patients with moderate-to-severe intrauterine adhesions of kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome who were to undergo transcervical resection of adhesion(TCRA)were randomly divided into a study group and a control group,with 62 patients in each group.Both groups were given TCRA treatment.After the operation,the control group was treated with Progesterone + Estradiol Valerate Tablets,and the study group was treated with the combination of the Bushen Quyu method by using modified Guishen Decoction based on the treatment of the control group.The treatment covered 3 menstrual cycles.The changes in menstrual status,transvaginal color Doppler sonography parameters,scores of kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome,and scores of uterine adhesion in the two groups were observed before and after the treatment.Moreover,the two groups were observed before and after treatment in the changes of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1),platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF),and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)as well as the mRNA expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9),matrix metalloproteinase inhibitory factor 1(TIMP-1),phosphatidylinositol-3-hydroxykinase(PI3K)and collagen type I A1 protein(COL1A1).After treatment,the clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were assessed.Results(1)After 3 menstrual cycles of treatment,the total effective rate in the study group was 93.55%(58/62),and that in the control group was 80.65%(50/62).The intergroup comparison showed that the therapeutic effect of the study group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the menstrual flow,menstrual cycle and menstrual period of the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the recovery of menstrual flow,menstrual cycle and menstrual period in the study group was significantly superior to that in the control group after treatment(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the transvaginal color Doppler sonography parameters of uterine blood flow index(FI),pulsatility index(PI),resistance index(RI),uterine cavity volume,and endometrial thickness in the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05).And the study group had significantly higher FI,uterine cavity volume,and endometrial thickness and had lower PI and RI than the control group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(4)After treatment,the scores of uterine adhesion and the scores of kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the above scores in the study group were significantly lower than those of the control group after treatment(P＜0.01).(5)After treatment,the levels of VEGF,TGF-β1,PDGF,and CTGF in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the levels of the above cytokines in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group after treatment(P＜0.01).(6)After treatment,the relative mRNA expression levels of MMP-9 and PI3K in the menstrual blood of the two groups were significantly higher and the mRNA expression level of COL1A1 was significantly lower than that before treatment(P＜0.05).And the study group had higher mRNA expression levels of MMP-9 and PI3K in the menstrual blood than the control group after treatment(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(7)The total incidence of adverse reactions in the control group was 25.81%(16/62)and that in the study group was 16.13%(10/62).The intergroup comparison showed that the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).The symptoms of adverse reactions in the two groups disappeared after symptomatic treatment,and there were no adverse reactions related to the medication of Chinese medicine during the study.Conclusion The combination of Bushen Quyu formula combined with western medicine is more effective than western medicine alone for the treatment of patients with uterine adhesions after TCRA.The application of Bushen Quyu formula can further promote the recovery of menstruation in the patients,improve the circulation of blood flow in the endometrium,increase the endometrial thickness,regulate the expression of fibrosis factors,up-regulate the mRNA expressions of PI3K and MMP-9,restore the balance of the extracellular matrix(ECM),and prevent the reoccurrence of intrauterine adhesions.And its clinical medication is safe.
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Corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19)epidemic has been effectively controlled,but its related complications still cannot be ignored,especially the cardiovascular circulatory system is the active site of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)is a type Ⅰ transmembrane glycoprotein that is highly expressed in heart,kidney and testis.Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 invades host cells by binding to the cell surface receptor ACE2.However,there are still many deficiencies in the clinical application of vaccines and drugs developed based on this target.As a molecular chaperone,cyclophilin A(CypA)promotes protein folding and T cell activation.CD147 is one of the most widely studied CypA receptors,and the interaction of CypA/CD147 plays an important role in the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells.However,there are few reports on the invasion of SARS-CoV-2 into the cardiovascular system through the CypA/CD147 signaling pathway.Based on this,this article summarizes the previous research evidence and the research basis of the research group,and reviews the structure and function of CypA/CD147,the role of CypA/CD147 in cardiovascular disease,and the cardiovascular disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 targeting CypA/CD147 signal pathway,in order to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of the COVID-19 complicated with cardiovascular system diseases.
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【Objective】 To investigate the mechanism of C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) modulation by extracellular matrix stiffness in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to determine the effect of CCL5 on the immunotherapy response of NSCLC. 【Methods】 The correlation between extracellular matrix stiffness and CCL5 expression in NSCLC was analyzed with the TCGA database. Polyacrylamide hydrogels with different stiffness were designed according to the extracellular matrix stiffness of NSCLC, and H1299 cells responding to the mechanical loading of hydrogel matrix stiffness were subjected to transcriptome sequencing. High matrix stiffness was verified to promote the expression of CCL5 by using sequence. 【Results】 High extracellular matrix stiffness upregulated CCL5 expression, and interferon-γ mediated signaling pathway might be involved in the process. NSCLC patients with high CCL5 expression had a greater abundance of cytotoxic T-cells in tumor tissue and reacted favorably to anti-programmed cell death protein 1 treatment. 【Conclusion】 Increased extracellular matrix stiffness promotes CCL5 synthesis, and CCL5 enhances immunotherapy responsiveness in NSCLC by increasing cytotoxic T cell infiltration in tumor tissue.
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BACKGROUND:Wnt signaling pathway is overexpressed in degenerative intervertebral discs,and inhibition of its expression can delay the process of intervertebral disc degeneration.Therefore,Wnt signaling pathway is closely related to intervertebral disc degeneration. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the relationship between Wnt signaling pathway and intervertebral disc,especially the specific role and influence of Wnt signaling pathway in intervertebral disc degeneration. METHODS:The first author took"intervertebral disc,Wnt,cell proliferation,cell senescence,cell apoptosis,extracellular matrix"as the English search terms.PubMed,Web of science and OVID LWWSpringerlink were searched for articles published from 2000 to January 2023,and articles related to Wnt signaling pathway and disc degeneration were consulted.Totally 54 articles were reviewed by reading,collating and preserving. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)During intervertebral disc formation in embryos,Wnt signaling pathway is overexpressed,which is involved in intervertebral disc formation and promotes posterior extension of notochord.(2)During intervertebral disc degeneration,Wnt signaling pathway can inhibit cell proliferation by stagnating cell cycle,increase the expression of age-related proteins and promote cell aging by participating in oxidative stress,and participate in cell apoptosis by regulation of long non-coding RNA.(3)Wnt signaling pathway can also decrease extracellular matrix related protein synthesis,promote extracellular matrix degradation and accelerate intervertebral disc degeneration.(4)Wnt signaling pathway can promote cell regeneration by activating as early intervertebral disc formation signal and participate in inducing stem cells to differentiate into intervertebral disc cells to repair damaged intervertebral disc.For example,Wnt signaling pathway can induce stem cells from cartilage endplate cells to migrate and transform to intervertebral disc.
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BACKGROUND:Vascularization is essential for wound healing and functional recovery during soft tissue repair.Adipose tissue is believed to be the body's largest source of stem cells,and a number of different fat complexes have been developed for research and treatment.Its ability to promote angiogenesis and soft tissue repair has been extensively studied. OBJECTIVE:To review the progress of vascularization in soft tissue repair,and to summarize the preparation methods of adipose tissue and its derivative and their applications in vascularization and soft tissue repair.It is proven that adipose tissue and its derivative have excellent research value and clinical application prospects in vascular and soft tissue engineering. METHODS:PubMed,Web of Science and CNKI databases were used to search the related articles published from January 2010 to February 2023.The search terms were"soft tissue repair,wound healing,vascularization,angiogenesis,adipose tissue,stromal vascular fraction,adipose tissue-derived microvascular fragment,nanofat,adipose extracellular matrix/stromal vascular fraction gel"in Chinese and English.A small number of old classic literature was also included.An initial screening was performed by reading the titles and abstracts to exclude literature that was not relevant to the topic of the article,and 69 papers were finally included for the analysis of the result. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Wound healing is an important physiological process,which mainly occurs when tissue is damaged,such as injury,surgery,burn,tumor,infection and vascular disease caused by tissue damage and defects.(2)Adequate vascularization of the wound site is essential for tissue repair,reconstruction of local homeostasis and functional recovery.(3)Adipose tissue is believed to be the body's largest pool of stem cells and a number of different fat components have been used for research and treatment.(4)Due to its inherent composition and preparation advantages,adipose tissue will continue to play an important role in tissue engineering research and therapy.
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BACKGROUND:Biomimetic design of bioactive materials to restore,maintain or improve the function of tissue based on the understanding of anatomy on the function and structure of biological tissue is a research hotspot in the field of regenerative medicine at present. OBJECTIVE:To discuss the effect of mechanical properties,three-dimensional spatial structure,and biochemical activity of biomedical scaffolds on cell behavior and review the application of biomedical scaffolds in the field of tissue engineering. METHODS:The articles published in CNKI,Wanfang,Web of Science,and PubMed databases from January 2003 to April 2023 were searched by computer.The Chinese search terms were"extracellular matrix,tissue engineering,scaffolds,biomaterials,biomimetic structures,mechanical properties,three-dimensional structures,tendon-bone interface,osteochondral,neural conduits,artificial blood vessels".English search terms were"extracellular matrix,tissue engineering,scaffolds,biomimetic structures,biomaterials,tendon bone interfaces,osteochondral,neural conduits,artificial blood vessels". RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Cells are in a complex and dynamic three-dimensional environment,so the extracellular matrix is the ultimate target of biomaterial simulation.The bionic structure of biomedical scaffolders needs to be similar to the real microenvironment,so that cells can stick to the wall,grow and migrate normally,and maintain their diverse physiological functions.Biomimetic design of extracellular matrix in terms of mechanical properties,three-dimensional spatial structure,and biochemical properties of biomedical scaffolds can play a decisive role in tissue repair,thus affecting the final result of tissue repair.Biomimetic biomedical scaffolds have been widely used in tendon-bone interface,bone cartilage interface,nerve,vascular regeneration,and other fields,providing a promising new idea in clinical practice.
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BACKGROUND:Collagen is the most abundant extracellular matrix component,which is closely related to the structure and function of the extracellular matrix of skeletal muscle,but the effect and mechanism of recombinant human collagen(rhC)produced by bioengineering technology on the extracellular matrix of skeletal muscle are unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of rhC supplementation on the remodeling of skeletal muscle extracellular matrix after eccentric exercise,thereby revealing the possible mechanism by which rhC improves the injury of skeletal muscle extracellular matrix and promote the recovery after exercise. METHODS:A total of 104 healthy male C57 mice aged 8 weeks old were randomly divided into control group(normal saline),low-dose rhC group(0.2 g/kg),medium-dose rhC group(1.0 g/kg),and high-dose rhC group(2.0 g/kg).Two mice in each group were selected after continuous 7 days of intragastric intervention,and organs were dissected for hematoxylin-eosin staining to determine inflammatory infiltrates.On the 8th day,the remaining mice were subjected to eccentric exercise.The structural changes of the skeletal muscle extracellular matrix were observed under scanning electron microscopy immediately(0),24,48,and 96 hours after eccentric exercise.Meanwhile,grip strength,creatine kinase activity,and protein levels of matrix metalloproteinases 2,9,14 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 in skeletal muscle were detected by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Hematoxylin-eosin staining results indicated that short-term rhC supplementation showed no significant effects on the morphology of the heart,liver,spleen and kidney.After one-time eccentric exercise,the recovery rate of grip strength in the medium-and high-dose rhC groups was significantly increased(P＜0.01).The trend of creatine kinase changes was consistent in all groups and there was no significant difference between groups.The recovery process of the extracellular matrix in the low-dose rhC group was faster than that in the control group,and the muscle tract membrane in the medium-and high-dose rhC groups was more complete.The protein level of matrix metalloproteinase 9 in the high-dose rhC group was significantly decreased(P＜0.05).The protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase 14 in the medium-and high-dose rhC groups were significantly decreased(P＜0.05).The protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 in the medium-and high-dose rhC groups were significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 protein levels in the medium-and high-dose rhC groups were significantly increased(P＜0.05).The ratio of matrix metalloproteinase 2 to tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 in each rhC group was significantly decreased(P＜0.05).To conclude,pre-supplementation of 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg rhC for 7 days can inhibit extracellular matrix degradation in skeletal muscle after exercise by modulating matrix metalloproteinases and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors,thereby promoting recovery of skeletal muscle strength in mice.
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BACKGROUND:There are many studies focusing on keloid scars,but the pathogenesis is not fully understood.In recent years,there have been some new research advances in the pathogenesis of keloids,including transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway,ischemic hypoxia,hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF-1),and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)pathway.The TGF-β/Smad pathway is now more clearly studied,and activation of the TGF-β/Smad pathway promotes the development of keloid scars. OBJECTIVE:To review the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and evaluate the main therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway,with the aim of contributing to the development of more effective clinical treatments. METHODS:PubMed and Web of Science,CNKI and WanFang databases were searched by computer for relevant literature published from January 2017 to April 2023 with the search terms of"keloid,fibroblasts,TGF-β/Smad,extracellular matrix,collagen,treatment measures"in English and Chinese.Seventy-two articles were finally included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The mechanism of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in the occurrence and development of keloids is summarized:TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 are overexpressed in keloids,while TGF-β3 shows antifibrotic effects.Smad2/3 and Smad1/5/8 are combined with Smad4 to form a complex that enters the nucleus and plays a fibrotic role,while Smad6/7 can inhibit keloid hyperplasia.The TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway is currently the most clearly studied pathway in keloids,and there are many pathways targeted to inhibit the activation of this pathway,which can inhibit the occurrence and development of keloids to a greater extent.Currently,there is no single clinical gold standard treatment for keloids,and inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad pathway alone cannot completely inhibit the development of keloids.A comprehensive consideration of the association between all systemic systems and keloids is needed.Although many promising targets have been identified in the fibrosis cascade,more research is needed to translate this into targeted therapies in the clinic.
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BACKGROUND:Cell derivative is cell-derived bioactive components,including decellularized extracellular matrix,exosome,apoptotic extracellular vesicle,and conditioned medium,has the effects on immune regulation,promoting angiogenesis,bone regeneration,ligament remodeling,and is capable of promoting stem cell chemotherapy,migration,proliferation,and adhesion.Its excellent characteristics make it a promising biomaterial for application and clinical translation in the field of periodontal tissue engineering. OBJECTIVE:To review the characteristics of cell derivatives(decellularized extracellular matrix,exosome,apoptotic extracellular vesicle,and conditioned medium)and its effect and the latest progress in the field of regenerative restoration of periodontal complex tissue structures. METHODS:We searched the articles on CNKI and PubMed databases with the search terms"regeneration,periodontal tissue,tissue engineering,decellularized matrix,exosome,apoptotic extracellular vesicle,condition medium"in Chinese and English,respectively.Finally,76 articles were included for analysis and discussion. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Among those four cell derivatives,the decellularized extracellular matrix has the best mechanical properties and fibrous structure,serving as a biomimetic scaffold to provide physiochemical signals and participate in mechanical signaling in periodontal tissue engineering,providing supporting effect suitable for periodontal regeneration.Recently,the development of soluble decellularized extracellular matrix bioinks has enabled the fabrication of regenerative scaffolds for personalized periodontal defects.(2)Exosomes are the simplest cell derivatives that have immunomodulatory capacity,promoting cell migration and differentiation.As a carrier,they can be used to carry target molecules to regulate periodontal regeneration,promote ligament remodeling and bone regeneration,and are suitable for periodontal tissue engineering.(3)Apoptotic vesicles generated from apoptotic cells have a strong immunomodulatory effect and can recruit stem cells and macrophages,which determine the fate of stem cells through signal transduction and can enhance immunomodulation to promote periodontal regeneration.Engineered extracellular vesicle is considered to have the potential to initiate targeted internal immunomodulation.(4)The extraction of conditioned medium is simple and completely noninvasive,which provides essential nutrients and growth factors for tissue regeneration.These components are crucial for successful periodontal regeneration.Therefore,the conditioned medium is especially suitable for studying the interactions between cells in vitro and has an important role in high-throughput detection in the future.
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BACKGROUND:Intervertebral disk degeneration is a pathological change caused by a series of complex molecular mechanisms that result in the aging and damage of intervertebral discs,ultimately leading to severe clinical symptoms.Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in the treatment of intervertebral disk degeneration due to its low cost,non-addictive nature,multi-target effects,minimally toxic and side effects,and high patient acceptance. OBJECTIVE:To review the latest research results of traditional Chinese medicine monomer intervention-related signaling pathways in the treatment of intervertebral disk degeneration,describe and analyze the action mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine monomer on intervertebral disk degeneration,and provide a new approach and theoretical basis for future basic research and clinical treatment. METHODS:The first author searched for relevant literature from January 2018 to February 2023 in CNKI,PubMed,VIP,and WanFang using the search terms"intervertebral disc,signal pathway".The articles that did not meet the criteria were excluded after preliminary screening of the titles and abstracts.Finally,72 articles were selected for review and analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Traditional Chinese medicine monomers can regulate multiple classical signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin,PI3K/Akt,mTOR,NF-κB,and MAPK.They achieve this by regulating oxidative stress,adjusting the expression of pro/anti-apoptotic proteins in cells,stimulating cellular autophagy function,reducing stimulation of cell inflammatory factors,increasing the expression of extracellular matrix markers,reducing the production of matrix-degrading enzymes,maintaining the synthesis and stability of extracellular matrix,inducing differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in the nucleus pulposus into nucleus pulposus cells,promoting endogenous repair and reconstruction,controlling apoptosis and aging of nucleus pulposus cells,and increasing the activity of nucleus pulposus cells.These actions improve the microenvironment within the intervertebral disc,maintain the normal physiological function of the intervertebral disc,and delay intervertebral disc degeneration.
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BACKGROUND:Postmenopausal osteoporosis significantly increases the risk of fracture,which seriously affects the quality of life of patients.Exercise therapy is an important non-drug means and prevention and treatment strategy for patients with osteoporosis,in which strength training is the best mode,but its specific biological mechanism has not been determined. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of strength training on bone morphology,materials and biomechanics in ovariectomized rats and to explore the mechanism of extracellular matrix remodeling. METHODS:Forty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham operation group,sham operation exercise group,ovariectomized group and ovariectomized exercise group according to the random number table method.The menopausal animal model was established by bilateral ovariectomy in the ovariectomized group and ovariectomized exercise group,while sham operation was performed in the sham operation group and sham operation exercise group.Four weeks after operation,the sham operation exercise group and the ovariectomized exercise group underwent 12-week tail weight-bearing ladder training,and the sham operation group and the ovariectomized group were raised quietly in the cage.The bilateral femur and tibia were separated after training.The right tibia was used for dual-energy X-ray densitometry and biomechanical,biophysical and biochemical analyses,the left tibia was detected using micro-computed tomography for bone microstructural examination,the right femur was subjected to hematoxylin-eosin staining for histological observation,and the left femur was used for western blot and gelatin zymography detection of protein expression and enzyme activity of extracellular matrix metabolism-related factors,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the sham operation group,the maximal load and stiffness decreased(P＜0.05),bone density,bone mineral density,bone inorganic matter content,bone calcium content decreased(P＜0.05),bone water content increased(P＜0.05),trabecular bone volume fraction,trabecular connectivity density,and trabecular number decreased(P＜0.05),trabecular separation,structural model index increased(P＜0.05),bone adipocyte number and cross-sectional area increased(P＜0.05),matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity decreased(P＜0.05),and protein expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and osteoprotegerin increased(P＜0.05)in the ovariectomized group.Compared with the ovariectomized group,the maximal load,stiffness,fracture load and resilience increased(P＜0.05),bone mineral density,bone mineral content,bone mineral density,bone inorganic matter content,and bone calcium content increased(P＜0.05),bone water content decreased(P＜0.05),trabecular separation and bone marrow area decreased(P＜0.05),trabecular bone thickness,cortical bone volume fraction,cortical bone area fraction,cortical bone thickness,and cortical bone porosity increased(P＜0.05),bone adipocyte number and cross-sectional area reduced(P＜0.05),matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity increased(P＜0.05),and protein expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1,Runt-related transcription factor 2 and osteoprotegerin decreased(P＜0.05)in the ovariectomized exercise group.To conclude,strength training can protect against bone injury caused by estrogen deficiency,which is characterized by improvement of bone biomechanical properties,bone tissue composition and bone microstructure,and its mechanism is related to the regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling.
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BACKGROUND:Swimming is an important non-pharmacological treatment for knee osteoarthritis,which can effectively alleviate the disease.However,the effect and mechanism of swimming on senile knee osteoarthritis are still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of swimming exercise on the articular cartilage of aged mice with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS:Six 3-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were selected as the young group,and twelve 18-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into the aged group and the swimming group,with six mice in each group.Mice in the swimming group received adaptive swimming for 1 week and formal swimming for 8 weeks.After the intervention,stride length analysis and sampling were performed in each group.The total number of leukocytes and lymphocytes in peripheral blood was detected by blood routine examinations.The morphology of the articular cartilage was observed by hematoxylin-eosin and safranin O-fast green staining.Chondrocyte counts and the modified Mankin's score were used to evaluate the degree of articular cartilage damage.The protein and mRNA expressions of type Ⅱ collagen,aggrecan and matrix metalloproteinase 13 in articular cartilage were detected by immunohistochemical staining and RT-qPCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the young group,the mice in the aged group showed significantly decreased stride length(P＜0.05),significantly increased numbers of peripheral leukocytes and lymphocytes(P＜0.05),significantly decreased count of chondrocytes(P＜0.05),significantly increased modified Mankin's score(P＜0.05),significantly decreased protein and mRNA expression of type Ⅱ collagen and aggreca(P＜0.05),and significantly increased matrix metalloproteinase 13 expression(P＜0.05).Moreover,hematoxylin-eosin and safranin O-fast green staining showed the uneven surface of the articular cartilage,abnormal chondrocytes,and proteoglycan loss in the aged group.Compared with the aged group,swimming exercise significantly improved the stride length of mice(P＜0.05),decreased the count of peripheral blood lymphocytes(P＜0.05),increased the count of chondrocytes(P＜0.05),decreased the modified Mankin's score(P＜0.05),increased the protein and mRNA expression of type Ⅱ collagen and aggrecan(P＜0.05),and decreased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13(P＜0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin and safranin O-fast green staining showed that the articular surface of mice in the swimming group was smooth,chondrocytes were normal,and proteoglycan loss was less.All these findings indicate that swimming exercise can reduce the number of inflammatory cells in the blood of aged mice,improve articular chondrocytes,matrix composition and cartilage tissue morphology;thus,it has a protective effect on the cartilage of aged mice with knee osteoarthritis.
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BACKGROUND:The development of tissues and organs in the body is a precise and autonomously regulated process,and the function of biomechanical factors at this macroscale is a basic scientific question worth exploring. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the roles of cell mechanics in morphogenesis of the lobular organoid of 3D Madin-Darby canine kidney(MDCK). METHODS:The formation of MDCK lobular organoid was visualized by fluorescence resonance energy transfer technology,and the influence of different cellular mechanical signals and extracellular matrix environment on lobular organoid formation and corresponding changes in extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)activity were examined. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Inhibition of ERK signaling pathway can inhibit the growth of MDCK lobular organoid.(2)Inhibition of cell contractile force signals such as ROCK pathway and Myosin Ⅱ activity,reduced ERK activity and lobular organoid size.(3)Selective inhibition of calcium channels in plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum led to reduced ERK activity and lobular organoid growth.(4)By inhibiting the mechanically-sensitive receptor Piezo ion channel or integrin signal on the cell membrane,the lobular organoid became smaller or MDCK cells could not generate tissue morphology.(5)Extracellular matrix compositions affected the morphogenesis of lobular organoid.The addition of type I collagen in Matrigel changed the lobular organoid to elongated shape.(6)The results of this study preliminarily show that mechanical signals in the cells and extracellular matrix environment play an important role in culturing MDCK lobular organoid,and provides certain molecular mechanisms.
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BACKGROUND:Osteoarthritis is one of the most common senile chronic degenerative diseases in China.Due to its complex pathogenesis and cellular molecular communication pathways,there is currently no effective method to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis.Studies have found that transforming growth factor-β is one of the key factors in the maintenance and regulation of joint stability and plays a significant role in the formation of early joints,as well as the development of bone and cartilage,and the remodeling of joints at various stages. OBJECTIVE:To review the regulatory role of the transforming growth factor-β subfamily in the occurrence and development of osteoarthritis,both domestically and internationally in recent years,to analyze the impacts it has at different stages of osteoarthritis,and to explore the potential application prospects of transforming growth factor-β in the clinical treatment of osteoarthritis,with a view to informing clinical treatment protocols.. METHODS:The relevant articles were searched by computer from CNKI Database and PubMed Database.The search terms were"osteoarthritis,transforming growth factor,signaling pathway,bone remodeling,cartilage degeneration,angiogenesis,treatment"in Chinese and English,respectively.Finally,57 articles were included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The pathogenesis of osteoarthritis remains a subject of ongoing exploration with no unified consensus.Numerous studies highlight the close correlation between osteoarthritis and cytokines,focusing on the transforming growth factor-β superfamily as a pivotal mechanism and therapeutic breakthrough.Transforming growth factor-β plays a crucial role in early joint cartilage formation and maintenance,promoting cartilage repair.However,post-joint formation,its protective effect weakens,leading to potential destructive consequences.This dual regulatory role is a current clinical treatment focus,necessitating further research to delineate its application scope for standardized protocols.Highly active transforming growth factor-β participates in the regulation of bone cells,osteoblasts,and osteoclasts under mechanical stress,and intervenes in the subsequent remodeling of bone microstructure.Specific inhibitors present potential targeted therapeutics,yet their safety and efficacy in clinical settings require refinement.Vascular proliferation may serve as a potential disruptive pathway in transforming growth factor-β-mediated cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone remodeling.Abnormal communication pathways can further disrupt the homeostasis of the microenvironment of osteochondral units,thereby accelerating key pathological progressions of osteoarthritis.Research on transforming growth factor-β in osteoarthritic contexts is comprehensive,holding broad clinical application prospects.Drugs related to transforming growth factor-β are in clinical trial phases,but addressing potential impacts on other tissues and precise control of targeted delivery are critical concerns.As research advances,there is optimism for innovative breakthroughs in slowing the progression of osteoarthritis in the future.
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Objective To investigate the expressions of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer(EMMPRIN),matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9),lysine demethylase 6B(KDM6B)proteins and their correlation with clinicopathologic features in invasive breast cancer,and analyze the correlation among the three proteins and their value in pathological diagnosis of invasive breast cancer.Methods The surgical biopsy specimens of 124 patients with invasive breast cancer who were admitted to the Department of Pathology,the Fifth Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine/People's Hospital of Zhengzhou from January 2014 to December 2017 were selected as research subjects,and 20 low-grade intraductal carcinoma tissue specimens,27 high-grade intraductal carcinoma tissue specimens,and 22 adjacent tissue specimens＞1 cm away from the invasive breast cancer were selected as controls.The expressions of EMMPRIN,MMP-9 and KDM6B proteins in cancer-adjacent tissues,low-grade intraductal carcinoma tissues,high-grade intraductal carcinoma tissues and invasive breast cancer tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry.The relationship between the relative expressions of EMMPRIN,MMP-9 and KDM6B proteins and clinicopathologic features of invasive breast cancer was analyzed,Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation of EMMPRIN,MMP-9 and KDM6B proteins in breast cancer tissues,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was adopted to evaluate the diagnostic value of EMMPRIN,MMP-9 and KDM6B for invasive breast cancer.Results The relative expressions of EMMPRIN and MMP-9 proteins in high-grade intraductal carcinoma and invasive breast cancer tissues were significantly higher those in cancer-adjacent tissues and low-grade intraductal carcinoma tissues,and the relative expression of KDM6B protein was significantly lower than those in cancer-adjacent tissues and low-grade intraductal carcinoma tissues(P＜0.05);the relative expressions of EMMPRIN and MMP-9 proteins in invasive breast cancer tissues were significantly higher those in high-grade intraductal carcinoma tissues,and the relative expression of KDM6B protein was significantly lower than that in high-grade intraductal carcinoma tissues(P＜0.05);there was no statistically significant difference in the relative expressions of EMMPRIN,MMP-9 and KDM6B proteins between cancer-adjacent tissues and low-grade intraductal carcinoma tissues(P＞0.05).The relative expressions of EMMPRIN and KDM6B proteins were not related to the age,tumor location and tumor diameter of patients with invasive breast cancer(P＞0.05),and the relative expression of MMP-9 protein was not related to the age and tumor location of patients with invasive breast cancer(P＞0.05).Relative expressions of EMMPRIN,MMP-9 and KDM6B proteins were correlated with WHO grading,lymph node metastasis,and tumor,node and metastasis(TNM)staging of invasive breast cancer(P＜0.05),and the relative expression of MMP-9 protein was correlated with the tumor diameter(P＜0.05).In the WHO grades Ⅰ,Ⅱ,and Ⅲ of invasive breast cancer,the relative expressions of EMMPRIN and MMP-9 proteins increased sequentially,while the relative expression of KDM6B protein decreased sequentially(P＜0.05);the relative expressions of EMMPRIN and MMP-9 proteins in the lymph node metastasis group were significantly higher than those in the non-lymph node metastasis group,and the relative expression of KDM6B protein was significantly lower than that in the non-lymph node metastasis group(P＜0.05);the relative expressions of EMMPRIN and MMP-9 proteins in TNM stages Ⅲ-Ⅳ were significantly higher than those in stages Ⅰ-Ⅱ(P＜0.05),while the relative expression of KDM6B protein was significantly lower than that in stages Ⅰ-Ⅱ(P＜0.05).In the group of invasive breast cancer with diameter≤2 cm,2 to 5 cm,and＞5 cm,the relative expression of MMP-9 protein increased sequentially(P＜0.05).Spearman correlation analysis showed that the expression of EMMPRIN was positively correlated with MMP-9 protein in invasive breast cancer tissues(r=0.990,P=0.000),the expression of EMMPRIN was negatively correlated with KDM6B protein(r=-0.606,P=0.000),and the expression of MMP-9 was negatively correlated with KDM6B protein(r=-0.612,P=0.000).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of EMMPRIN protein for diagnosing invasive breast cancer was 0.875[95％confidence interval(CI):0.823-0.926,P＜0.05],with an optimal threshold of 10.043,sensitivity of 79.0％,and specificity of 76.8％;the AUC of MMP-9 protein in diagnosing invasive breast cancer was 0.863(95％CI:0.808-0.917,P＜0.05),with an optimal threshold of 10.070,sensitivity of 74.2％,and specificity of 76.8％;the AUC of KDM6B protein in diagnosing invasive breast cancer was 0.267(95％CI:0.196-0.338,P＜0.05),with an optimal threshold of 11.003,sensitivity of 71.0％,and specificity of 98.6％.Conclusion EMMPRIN,MMP-9 and KDM6B are related to the occurrence and development of invasive breast cancer.Detection of the expressions of EMMPRIN,MMP-9 and KDM6B is helpful to the pathological diagnosis of invasive breast cancer and clinical judgment of invasion and metastasis of breast cancer.
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The cardiovascular system is a mechanical system with the heart as the center and blood vessels as the network.Mechanical forces play a direct and key role in regulating the physiological state and pathological process of the cardiovascular system.Cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease,hypertension and stroke have similar pathological basis,that is,vascular remodeling caused by vascular dysfunction and abnormal damage.Therefore,investigating how mechanical forces produce biological effects that lead to vascular remodeling,and elucidating cardiovascular mechanical signal transduction pathways and mechanical regulation pathways are of great research significance for in-depth understanding of the nature of cardiovascular disease occurrence.In this review,different mechanical forces and key mechanical response molecules are used as clues,and the latest research progress of vascular mechanobiology in 2023 is summarized.These results provide new ideas for further exploring the role of mechanical factors in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases,and providing markers and potential targets for early diagnosis of the disease.
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AIM:To investigate the regulatory effect of oxidative stress-AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)-connexin 43(Cx43)-nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)pathway on extracellular matrix(ECM)remodeling of gastric smooth muscle cells under high glucose(HG)condition.METHODS:Primary rat smooth muscle cells cultured in vitro were divided into normal glucose group,HG group,HG+NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950(15 nmol/L)group,HG+Cx43 hemichannel blocker GAP19(100 μmol/L)group,HG+AMPK inhibitor Compound C(CC;10 μmol/L)group,and high glucose+antioxidant α-lipoic acid(α-LA;100 μmol/L)group,which were all cultured for 48 h for detection.The protein levels of caspase-1,matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2),NLRP3,Cx43,transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),TGF-β3,tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1(TIMP-1),purinergic P2X7 receptor(P2X7R)and phosphorylated AMPK(p-AMPK)in the cells were detected by Western blot.The levels of adenosine tri-phosphate,interleukin-1β,collagen type Ⅰ(Col I)and collagen type Ⅲ(Col Ⅲ)in the cell culture medium were deter-mined by ELISA.RESULTS:Compared with HG group,the levels of MMP-2 and TGF-β3 in HG+MCC950 group were decreased(P<0.01),while the levels of TGF-β1 and TIMP-1 were increased(P<0.01).The levels of NLRP3 and cas-pase-1 in HG+GAP19 group were decreased(P<0.01),while the expression of P2X7R was not changed.The levels of NLRP3,caspase-1,P2X7R,total Cx43 and membrane Cx43,and the ratio of membrane Cx43 to cytoplasmic Cx43 were decreased in HG+CC group(P<0.01).The levels of p-AMPK,caspase-1,NLRP3,P2X7R,total Cx43 and membrane Cx43,and the ratio of membrane Cx43 to cytoplasmic Cx43 were decreased in HG+α-LA group(P<0.05).CONCLU-SION:High glucose regulates the content of Col I and Col Ⅲ through the oxidative stress-AMPK-Cx43-NLRP3 pathway,thereby participating in the extracellular matrix remodeling of gastric smooth muscle cells.
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AIM:To investigate the effect of cellular Sloan-Kettering Institute(c-SKI)protein expression on myocardial fibrosis in mice treated with andrgrapholide(Andr).METHODS:Male C57 mice were randomly divided into control group,model group[isoprenaline(ISO)group]and ISO+Andr group,with 6 mice per group.The mice in ISO and ISO+Andr groups were subcutaneously injected with ISO,while those in control group were injected with normal sa-line.The mice in ISO+Andr group was intragastrically given Andr,while those in ISO and control groups were given nor-mal saline.The histopathological characteristics of the heart tissue were detected by HE and Masson staining after 8 weeks of administration.The expression levels of c-SKI and extracellular matrix(ECM)-related proteins were detected by immu-nohistochemistry or Western blot.The c-SKI mRNA level was detected by qPCR.Human cardiac fibroblasts(HCFBs)were treated with different concentrations of Andr for 48 h.The cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay,and the c-SKI and ECM-related protein levels were detected by Western blot.The transdifferentiated cell model was treated with the lowest effective dose of Andr.The cell morphology was observed under a microscope,the levels of c-SKI and ECM-related pro-teins were assessed by Western blot,and the c-SKI mRNA level was detected by qPCR.The transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)-treated HCFBs were treated with the combination of c-SKI knockdown and Andr.The cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay,and the levels of c-SKI and ECM-related proteins were detected by Western blot.RESULTS:After the intervention of Andr,the myocardial fibers in mice were neatly arranged,the morphology of myocardial cells was basically normal,the cell membrane was intact,and the collagen volume fraction was significantly reduced(P＜0.01).The mRNA and protein levels of c-SKI were significantly up-regulated(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),and the protein levels of fibronectin 1(FN1),α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),vimentin and collagen type I(Col I)were significantly down-regulated(P＜0.01).After 50 μmol/L Andr treatment for 48 h,the viability of HCFBs was significantly decreased(P＜0.01),the pro-tein levels of Col I,α-SMA,vimentin and FN1 were significantly down-regulated(P＜0.01),and c-SKI expression was significantly up-regulated(P＜0.01).Compared with PBS group,the number of the HCFBs in TGF-β1 group increased with flattened and irregular morphological change,and the FN1,α-SMA,Col I and vimentin levels were significantly in-creased(P＜0.01),while c-SKI expression was significantly decreased(P＜0.01).After Andr intervention,the induction effect of TGF-β1 on HCFBs was reversed.Knockdown of c-SKI combined with Andr treatment in HCFBs significantly down-regulated c-SKI expression(P＜0.01),significantly up-regulated FN1,α-SMA,vimentin and Col I levels(P＜0.05),and significantly increased the cell viability.CONCLUSION:Andrgrapholide may affect the TGF-β1 signaling pathway by regulating c-SKI expression,and inhibit the proliferation of myocardial fibroblasts and ECM deposition,thus inhibiting myocardial fibrosis.