1.Effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the morphology, proliferation, apoptosis and immune function of retinal photoreceptor cells in mice
Yixuan XI ; Guorui DOU ; Ziyi ZHOU ; Tianfang CHANG ; Zhaojie CHU
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2024;40(10):772-780
Objective:To observe the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the morphology, proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and immune response function of mouse retinal photoreceptor cells (661w cells).Methods:A cell experiment. Logarithmic growth phase 661w cells were cultured in vitro and transfected with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) overexpressing lentivirus to construct ACE2 overexpressing 661w cells that could be infected with SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus (hereafter referred to as 'pseudovirus’). The 661w cells were divided into three groups: the normal group (untreated), the siACE2 group (overexpressing ACE2 and not infected with the pseudovirus) and the infected group (overexpressing ACE2 and infected with the pseudovirus), in which the infected group was 5 TU/ml pseudovirus group, 15 TU/ml pseudovirus group, 30 TU/ml pseudovirus group and 50 TU/ml pseudovirus group, and the cells were infected with the pseudovirus for 12, 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. The infected group was infected with 5 TU/ml pseudovirus group, 15 TU/ml pseudovirus group, 30 TU/ml pseudovirus group and 50 TU/ml pseudovirus group, respectively, for 12, 24, 48 and 72 h. Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the transfection efficiency of ACE2; protein immunoblotting (Western blot) was used to detect the relative expression level of ACE2 in the cells; light microscope was used to observe the morphology of the cells in the normal and the infected groups; cell proliferation was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay; flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycle; Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to detect the relative expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), B lymphocytoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X-protein (Bax) proteins and mRNA in the cells of siACE2 group, infected group (30 TU/ml pseudovirus group); qPCR was used to detect the relative expression of nuclear factor ( NF)- κB1 and NF-κB2, as well as NF- kB enhancer ( P65) and precursor protein ( P100) in cells of the siACE2 group and the infected group (30 TU/ml pseudovirus group). One-way ANOVA was used for comparison between multiple groups; t-test was used for comparison between two groups. Results:Compared with the siACE2 group, the cells in the infected group showed different degrees of crumpling, and with the increase of the concentration and time of pseudovirus induction, the crumpling of the cells worsened, and the number of cells decreased. Compared with the normal group, the cells in the infected group showed a gradual decrease in cell viability with the prolongation of pseudovirus induction time, and the difference was no statistically significant ( F=0.840, 0.412, 1.498, 1.138; P>0.05), and the apoptotic index of the cells induced in the 30 and 50 TU/ml pseudovirus group was significantly elevated, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=2.523, 6.716, 3.477, 3.421; P<0.05). At 72 h of pseudovirus induction, compared with the siACE2 group, the G1 phase cells in the 30 TU/ml pseudovirus group were significantly increased, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=3.812, P<0.05); the relative expression of IL-6, TNF-α, Bax protein and mRNA in the cells was up-regulated ( t=7.601, 6.039, 3.088, 5.193, 6.427, 7.667; P<0.05), the relative expression of Bcl-2 protein and mRNA was down-regulated ( t=3.614, 6.777; P<0.05), and the relative expression of NF-κB1, NF-κB2, P65, and P100 mRNA was significantly up-regulated with statistically significant differences ( t=3.550, 3.074, 3.307, 4.218; P<0.05). Conclusion:SARS-CoV-2 infection may inhibit photoreceptor cell proliferation, promote apoptosis and cycle blockade by activating the NF-κB signalling pathway.
2.Effect of milk on sebaceous gland spots and the IGF-1/SREBP-1/ACC-1 signaling pathway in golden hamsters
Shuhui WU ; Mingfang ZHU ; Xi ZHANG ; Yixuan YANG ; Juanjuan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2022;55(3):238-242
Objective:To investigate the effect of milk on sebum secretion in golden hamsters, and to explore its possible mechanism of action.Methods:Eighteen golden hamsters were randomly and equally divided into 3 groups: blank control group receiving no intervention, whole-milk group gavaged with whole milk, and skimmed-milk group gavaged with skimmed milk. The gavage feeding was performed at a dose of 2.5 ml twice a day for 4 consecutive weeks. The maximum transverse diameter and maximum longitudinal diameter of bilateral sebaceous gland spots were measured on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 after the start of intervention, and the area of sebaceous gland spots was calculated; at 24 hours after the last gavage, bilateral sebaceous gland spot tissues were resected, and subjected to immunohistochemical study to determine the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) /sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) /acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC-1) signaling pathway in sebaceous gland spots. Statistical analysis was carried out by using repeated measures analysis of variance, one-way analysis of variance for independent groups, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and least significant difference- t test for multiple comparisons. Results:Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that there was no significant difference in the area of sebaceous gland spots of golden hamsters among the 3 groups ( F= 0.96, P= 0.417) . The IGF-1 expression was significantly higher in the skimmed-milk group (0.39 ± 0.03) than in the blank control group (0.35 ± 0.03, t= 2.62, P= 0.021) and whole-milk group (0.33 ± 0.02, t= 3.82, P= 0.002) ; compared with the blank control group (0.36 ± 0.02) , the skimmed-milk group showed significantly increased SREBP-1 expression (0.42 ± 0.04, t= 2.64, P= 0.021) ; the ACC-1 expression was significantly higher in the skimmed-milk group (0.40 ± 0.03) and whole-milk group (0.40 ± 0.05) than in the blank control group (0.34 ± 0.03; t= 2.39, 2.47, P= 0.031, 0.026, respectively) . Conclusion:Milk may promote sebum secretion in golden hamsters through the IGF-1/SREBP-1/ACC-1 signaling pathway.
3.Effect of three-dimensional spatial distribution of necrotic and support areas on outcomes of fibular support for hip preservation
Xinwei YUAN ; Yixuan HUANG ; Hongzhong XI ; Mingbin GUO ; Jianbin MAI ; Guangquan SUN ; Xin LIU ; Bin DU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(18):2789-2794
BACKGROUND:The distribution of the necrotic area plays an important role in hip preservation treatment.At present,there are few studies on whether the difference in the three-dimensional spatial distribution of osteonecrosis of the femoral head affects the clinical outcome of fibular support. OBJECTIVE:To explore the relationship between the spatial distribution and clinical outcome at the sites of osteonecrosis of the femoral head and fibular support using CT three-dimensional reconstruction so as to provide a basis for optimizing the applicable conditions of fibular support and improving the hip preservation effect of fibular support. METHODS:Eighty patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head who were treated with fibular support for hip preservation from January 2010 to January 2021 were selected as the study subjects according to the inclusion criteria.They were followed up for at least 2 years.According to the clinical outcome,the patients were divided into the successful hip preservation group(n=55)and the failure hip preservation group(n=25).3D reconstruction was performed according to the preoperative and postoperative CT images of the patients.According to the three-column theory,the femoral head was divided into outer nine areas,middle nine areas and inner nine areas(L1-9,C1-9,and M1-9)to explore the spatial distribution of necrotic area of the femoral head and fibular support area and its relationship with clinical outcome. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Before operation,the necrotic area of the femoral head was mainly distributed in L1,L2,L4,L5,C1,C2,C4,and C5(the upper and middle part of the anterior part of the outer ninth area and the middle part of the middle ninth area).After operation,the fibular support area was mainly distributed in L5,L6,C5,and C6(the middle and lower part of the outer ninth area and the middle and lower part of the middle ninth area).(2)There were significant differences in the distribution of osteonecrosis of the femoral head between the successful hip preservation group and the failure hip preservation group in L8(the posterior middle part of the outer ninth area),C3(the anterior lower part of the middle ninth area),C6(the lower middle part of the middle part of the inner ninth area)and M2(the anterior middle part of the inner ninth area)(P<0.05).There was a significant difference in the distribution of fibular support in L5 and L6(middle and lower part of outer nine)(P<0.05).Among them,the L8 region could be used as an independent predictor of hip preservation failure in fibular support surgery.The area under the curve of the L8 single factor prediction model was 0.698[95%CI(0.575,0.822)];the sensitivity was 76%,and the specificity was 63.6%.(3)It turns out,when the necrotic area involves L8,C3,C6,and M2,especially L8,the failure of fibular support may increase,and when the fibular support involves L5 and L6,the effect of hip preservation is often not ideal.
4.Applicable techniques for subchondral separation of femoral head necrosis treated by tissue engineering
Yixuan HUANG ; Hao CHEN ; Peng XUE ; Hongzhong XI ; Shuai HE ; Guangquan SUN ; Bin DU ; Xin LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(21):3385-3392
BACKGROUND:The appearance of the crescent sign in femoral head necrosis is a"turning point"in the progression of the disease,and repairing and stabilizing the bone-cartilage interface is particularly important in preventing further progression and collapse of the femoral head.Tissue engineering offers potential advantages in the simultaneous repair and integration of the bone-cartilage interface. OBJECTIVE:To review potentially suitable techniques addressing the subchondral separation in femoral head necrosis. METHODS:Relevant articles from January 1970 to April 2023 were searched in PubMed,Web of Science,and China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI)using English search terms"femoral head necrosis,avascular necrosis of femoral head,osteonecrosis of femoral head"and Chinese search terms"femoral head necrosis,subchondral bone,cartilage,integration of cartilage and subchondral bone".A total of 114 articles were included for review and analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Structural defects,ischemic and hypoxic environment,inflammatory factors,and stress concentration may cause subchondral separation in osteonecrosis of the femoral head.Subchondral bone collapse and failure of hip-preserving surgery may be associated.Integration of tissue engineering scaffolds with the bone-cartilage interface is one potential approach for treating subchondral separation in osteonecrosis of the femoral head.(2)Current literature suggests that multiphase scaffolds,gradient scaffolds,and composite materials have shown improvements in promoting cell adhesion,proliferation,and deposition of bone and cartilage matrix.These advancements aid in the integration of scaffolds with the bone-cartilage interface and have implications for the treatment of subchondral separation in osteonecrosis of the femoral head.(3)Surface modifications of scaffolds can enhance interface integration efficiency,but they have their advantages and disadvantages.Scaffolds providing different environments can induce differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and facilitate integration between different interfaces.(4)Future scaffolds for subchondral separation in osteonecrosis of the femoral head are expected to be composite materials with gradient and differentiated biomimetic structures.Surface modifications and stem cell loading can promote integration between the bone-cartilage interface and scaffolds for therapeutic purposes,but further experimental verification is still needed.Challenges include synchronizing scaffold degradation rate with repair progress and ensuring stability between different interfaces.
5.Application of bioelectric effect materials in design of bone tissue engineering scaffolds
Hongzhong XI ; Xin LIU ; Guangquan SUN ; Bin DU ; Xinwei YUAN ; Yixuan HUANG ; Mingbin GUO ; Jianbin MAI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(22):3569-3575
BACKGROUND:Bone has bioelectric effects.However,bone defects can lead to loss of endogenous bioelectricity in bone.The implantation of bone tissue engineering scaffolds with bioelectric effect into bone defects will replenish the missing electrical signals and accelerate the repair of bone defects. OBJECTIVE:To introduce the bioelectric effect of bone tissue and expound the repair effect of electrical stimulation on bone defects,summarize the research progress of bioelectric effect applied to bone tissue engineering,in order to provide new ideas for the research of bone tissue engineering. METHODS:Relevant articles were searched on CNKI,WanFang,PubMed,Web of Science and ScienceDirect databases,using"bioelectrical effect,bioelectrical materials,electrical stimulation,bone tissue engineering,bone scaffold,bone defect,bone repair,osteogenesis"as the English and Chinese search terms.Finally,87 articles were included for analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Bioelectrical effect combined with ex vivo electrical stimulation to design bone tissue engineering scaffolds is an ideal and feasible approach,and the main materials involved include metallic materials,graphene materials,natural bio-derived materials,and synthetic biomaterial.At present,the most widely used conductive material is graphene material,which benefits from its super conductivity,large specific surface area,good biocompatibility with cells and bones,and excellent mechanical properties.(2)Graphene materials are mainly introduced into the scaffold as modified materials to enhance the conductivity of the overall scaffold,while its large surface area and rich functional groups can promote the loading and release of bioactive substances.(3)However,there are still some major challenges to overcome for bioelectrically effective bone tissue engineering scaffolds:not only electrical conductivity but also the overall performance of the bracket needs to be considered;lack of uniform,standardized preparation of bioelectrically effective bone tissue engineering scaffolds;extracorporeal electrical stimulation intervention systems are not yet mature enough;lack of individualized guidance on stent selection to enable the selection and design of the most appropriate stent for patients with different pathologies.(4)When designing conductive scaffolds,researchers have to deeply consider the comprehensive effects of the scaffolds,such as biocompatibility,mechanical properties,and biodegradability.This combination of properties can be achieved by combining multiple materials.(5)Beyond that,clinical translation should be the ultimate consideration for conductive stent design.On the basis of evaluating the safe current threshold for electrical stimulation to act on the human body and facilitate the repair of bone defects,animal experiments as well as basic experiments are designed and then applied to the clinic to achieve the ultimate goal of applying bioelectrical effect bone tissue engineering scaffolds in the clinic.
6.Mechanism of Tongxie yaofang reducing colon hypermotility in IBS-D rats by regulating gut microbiota-ENS-MM crosstalk
Long PENG ; Jiale MA ; Yixuan YIN ; Xi BU ; Shuangmei ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2024;35(13):1605-1611
OBJECTIVE To study the effects of Tongxie yaofang reducing colon hypermotility in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) rats by regulating gut microbiota-enteric nervous system (ENS)-muscularis macrophages (MM) crosstalk. METHODS Forty newborn male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, TCM group [Tongxie yaofang 2.68 g/(kg·d), calculated by raw material], and positive control group [Live combined bifidobacterium and lactobacillus tablets 0.27 g/(kg·d)], with 10 rats in each group. Except for the control group, the IBS-D model of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome was induced in the other 3 groups with the method of mother-child separation+chronic restraint+Folium Sennae- induced diarrhea. After modeling, the administration groups were given relevant drug liquid intragastrically, once a day, for consecutive 2 weeks. At the end of modeling and after administration, the fecal properties (the incidence and the rate of loose stools), colonic motility (colon emptying time), and visceral sensitivity [abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores under different pressures] of rats were observed in each group. The concentration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in serum was detected after medication, and the expressions and distribution of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in colon tissue were detected; the diversity, species composition and differences of gut microbiota were also determined. RESULTS At the end of modeling, compared with the control group, all rats of the other three groups suffered from loose stools (100%), the rate of loose stools and AWR scores at different pressures increased significantly, and colon emptying time was shortened significantly (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The incidences of loose stools were 20% in TCM group and 80% in the positive control group; the rate of loose stools and AWR scores at different pressures, serum concentration of LPS and protein expressions of CSF1 and TLR4 in muscle layer of colon tissue in TCM group significantly decreased, compared with the model group; colon emptying time, the average optical density of BMP2 protein in muscle layer of colon tissue, and the indexes of Chao 1, Shannon and Faith’s PD and Simpson E-mail:772699670@qq.com index of rats in TCM group were all prolonged or increased significantly, compared with the model group (P<0.01 or P< E-mail:aiwangzi312@163.com 0.05). The relative abundance ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, from low to high, was in the order of TCM group, control group, positive control group and model group; the species composition of gut microbiota in TCM group was closer to control group, with dominant bacterial genera including Prevotella and Blautia. CONCLUSIONS Tongxie yaofang can regulate the expressions of BMP2 and CSF1, the key proteins of gut microbiota-ENS-MM crosstalk, by changing the gut microbiota, thus alleviating the abnormal hyperfunction of colon motility in IBS-D rats.
7.A real-world study of effectiveness and safety of generic and original clopidogrel in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome
Bing LUO ; Xian YANG ; Yixuan LI ; Congling CHEN ; Simin YAN ; Xi LAN ; Xue BAO ; Feng YU ; Weihong GE
China Pharmacy 2023;34(6):724-729
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of domestic generic and imported original clopidogrel for antiplatelet therapy in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS The clinical data of ACS patients in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of China Pharmaceutical University from January 2020 to June 2021 were retrospectively collected by using electronic medical record system, and the patients were divided into original drug group (321 cases) and generic drug group (328 cases) according to the drug use. Both groups were given dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin. The effectiveness and safety outcomes of the two groups were followed up for 12 months and compared, the related influential factors were analyzed. RESULTS Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) occurred in 16 and 22 patients in original drug group and generic drug group respectively, including nonfatal myocardial infarction (4 and 5 cases), stroke (2 and 4 cases), revascularization (8 and 3 cases), cardiovascular related death (2 and 4 cases), and all-cause death (4 and 6 cases). There were 12 and 7 patients with major bleeding events, 38 and 29 patients with minor bleeding events, and 33 and 21 patients with non-bleeding adverse events. There was no statistically significant difference in the cumulative incidence of related events (P values of Log-Rank tests were all greater than 0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that the use of generic clopidogrel did not increase the risk of MACE and major bleeding events in ACS patients [hazard ratio of 1.305 and 0.416, 95% confidence interval of (0.678, 2.512) and (0.155, 1.117), respectively, P>0.05], and the combination of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) could reduce the risk of major bleeding events [hazard ratio of 0.196, 95% confidence interval of (0.063, 0.611), P<0.05]. CONCLUSIONS Compared with imported original drug, domestic generic clopidogrel has similar clinical effectiveness and good safety. Combined use of PPI may be a beneficial factor to reduce the occurrence of major bleeding events in patients.