Collagen is a major structural protein in the matrix of animal cells and the most widely distributed and abundant functional protein in mammals. Collagen’s good biocompatibility, biodegradability and biological activity make it a very valuable biomaterial. According to the source of collagen, it can be broadly categorized into two types: one is animal collagen; the other is recombinant collagen. Animal collagen is mainly extracted and purified from animal connective tissues by chemical methods, such as acid, alkali and enzyme methods, etc. Recombinant collagen refers to collagen produced by gene splicing technology, where the amino acid sequence is first designed and improved according to one’s own needs, and the gene sequence of improved recombinant collagen is highly consistent with that of human beings, and then the designed gene sequence is cloned into the appropriate vector, and then transferred to the appropriate expression vector. The designed gene sequence is cloned into a suitable vector, and then transferred to a suitable expression system for full expression, and finally the target protein is obtained by extraction and purification technology. Recombinant collagen has excellent histocompatibility and water solubility, can be directly absorbed by the human body and participate in the construction of collagen, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, cell growth, wound healing and site filling, etc., which has demonstrated significant effects, and has become the focus of the development of modern biomedical materials. This paper firstly elaborates the structure, type, and tissue distribution of human collagen, as well as the associated genetic diseases of different types of collagen, then introduces the specific process of producing animal source collagen and recombinant collagen, explains the advantages of recombinant collagen production method, and then introduces the various systems of expressing recombinant collagen, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, and finally briefly introduces the application of animal collagen, focusing on the use of animal collagen in the development of biopharmaceutical materials. In terms of application, it focuses on the use of animal disease models exploring the application effects of recombinant collagen in wound hemostasis, wound repair, corneal therapy, female pelvic floor dysfunction (FPFD), vaginal atrophy (VA) and vaginal dryness, thin endometritis (TE), chronic endometritis (CE), bone tissue regeneration in vivo, cardiovascular diseases, breast cancer (BC) and anti-aging. The mechanism of action of recombinant collagen in the treatment of FPFD and CE was introduced, and the clinical application and curative effect of recombinant collagen in skin burn, skin wound, dermatitis, acne and menopausal urogenital syndrome (GSM) were summarized. From the exploratory studies and clinical applications, it is evident that recombinant collagen has demonstrated surprising effects in the treatment of all types of diseases, such as reducing inflammation, promoting cell proliferation, migration and adhesion, increasing collagen deposition, and remodeling the extracellular matrix. At the end of the review, the challenges faced by recombinant collagen are summarized: to develop new recombinant collagen types and dosage forms, to explore the mechanism of action of recombinant collagen, and to provide an outlook for the future development and application of recombinant collagen.

Guided by the theory of "the kidney storing essence, governing the bones, and producing marrow", this study explored the mechanism of icariin(ICA) in regulating the osteogenic differentiation of rat bone mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) through caveolin-1(Cav1) via in vitro and in vivo experiments, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). Primary cells were obtained from 4-week-old female SD rats using the whole bone marrow adherent method. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of surface markers CD29, CD90, CD11b, and CD45. The potential for osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation was assessed. The effect of ICA on cell viability was determined using the CCK-8 assay, and the impact of ICA on the formation of mineralized nodules was verified by alizarin red staining. A stable Cav1-silenced cell line was constructed using lentivirus. The effect of Cav1 silencing on osteogenic differentiation was observed via alizarin red staining. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression of Cav1, Hippo/TAZ, and osteogenic markers such as Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2) and alkaline phosphatase(ALP). The results showed that primary cells were successfully obtained using the whole bone marrow adherent method, positively expressing surface markers of rat BMSCs and possessing the potential for both osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. The CCK-8 assay and alizarin red staining results indicated that 1×10~(-7) mol·L~(-1) was the optimal concentration of ICA for intervention in this experiment(P<0.05). During osteogenic induction, ICA inhibited Cav1 expression(P<0.05) while promoting TAZ expression(P<0.05). Alizarin red staining demonstrated that Cav1 silencing significantly promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. After ICA intervention, TAZ expression was activated, and the expression of osteogenic markers ALP and RUNX2 was increased. In conclusion, Cav1 silencing significantly promotes the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and ICA promotes this differentiation by inhibiting Cav1 and regulating the Hippo/TAZ signaling pathway.
Animals ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Caveolin 1/genetics* ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Female ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Flavonoids/administration & dosage* ; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Cells, Cultured ; Humans

Colorectal cancer(CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, primarily originating from recurrent inflammatory bowel disease(IBD). Therefore, blocking the inflammation-cancer transformation in the colon has become a focus in the early prevention and treatment of CRC. The inflammation-cancer transformation in the colon involves multiple types of cells and complex pathological processes, including inflammatory responses and tumorigenesis. In this complex pathological process, immune cells(including non-specific and specific immune cells) and non-immune cells(such as tumor cells and fibroblasts) interact with each other, collectively promoting the progression of the disease. In traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), inflammation-cancer transformation in the colon belongs to the categories of dysentery and diarrhea, with the main pathogenesis being cold and heat in complexity. This paper first elaborates on the complex molecular mechanisms involved in the inflammation-cancer transformation process in the colon from the perspectives of inflammation, cancer, and their mutual influences. Subsequently, by comparing the pathogenic characteristics and clinical manifestations between inflammation-cancer transformation and the TCM pathogenesis of cold and heat in complexity, this paper explores the intrinsic connections between the two. Furthermore, based on the correlation between inflammation-cancer transformation in the colon and the TCM pathogenesis, this paper delves into the importance of the interaction between inflammation and cancer. Finally, it summarizes and discusses the clinical and basic research progress in the TCM intervention in the inflammation-cancer transformation process, providing a theoretical basis and treatment strategy for the treatment of CRC with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
Humans ; Colon/pathology* ; Integrative Medicine ; Animals ; Cold Temperature ; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/drug effects* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Hot Temperature ; Inflammation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Colonic Neoplasms/drug therapy*

OBJECTIVE: To measure and analyze the relationships among the posterior tibial slope (PTS), meniscal slope (MS), and meniscus posterior horn thickness (MPHT) of the medial and lateral tibial plateau in healthy people and patients with anteromedial osteoarthritis (AMOA) in Heilongjiang province, so as to provide reference basis for appropriate tibial osteotomy and prosthesis placement angles in knee joint surgeries. METHODS: A retrospective collection of imaging data from knee joint MRI examinations conducted prior to AMOA for various reasons was performed. A total of 103 healthy individuals (healthy group) and 30 AMOA patients (AMOA group) were included. There was no significant difference in the gender composition ratio, side, and body mass index between the two groups ( P>0.05); however, the comparison of ages between the two groups showed a significant difference ( P<0.05). The collected DICOM format image data was imported into the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer software and measured the medial PTS (MPTS), lateral PTS (LPTS), medial MS (MMS), lateral MS (LMS), medial MPHT (MMPHT), and lateral MPHT (LMPHT) with standard methods. The differences of the above indexes between the two groups and between different genders and sides in the two groups were compared, and Pearson correlation analysis was carried out. At the same time, the measured data of healthy group were compared with the relevant literature reported in the past. RESULTS: Compared to the healthy group, the AMOA group exhibited significantly smaller MPTS and LPTS, as well as significantly greater MMPHT and LMPHT, with significant differences ( P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the MMS and LMS between the two groups ( P>0.05). The differences in various indicators between genders and sides within the two groups were not significant ( P>0.05). The correlation analysis and regression curves indicated that both MPTS and LPTS in the two groups were positively correlated with their respective ipsilateral MS and MPHT ( P<0.05); as PTS increased, the rate of increase in MS and MPHT tend to plateau. Compared to previous related studies, the MPTS and LPTS measured in healthy group were comparable to those of the Turkish population, exhibiting smaller values than those reported in other studies, while MMS and LMS were relatively larger, and MMPHT and LMPHT were smaller. CONCLUSION In healthy people and AMOA patients in Heilongjiang province, PTS has great individual differences, but there is no significant individual difference in MS. MPHT can play a certain role in retroversion compensation, and its thickness increase may be used as one of the indicators to predict the progression of AMOA. The above factors should be taken into account when UKA is performed, and the posterior tilt angle of tibial osteotomy should be set reasonably after preoperative examination and evaluation.
Humans ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Tibia/pathology* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Menisci, Tibial/anatomy & histology* ; China ; Knee Joint/pathology* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Osteotomy

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of Dihuang Yinzi (DHYZ) in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by integrating metabolomics and experimental verification. METHODS: Forty-eight male APP/PS1 mice were divided into model, high- (DHYZ-H), medium- (DHYZ-M), and low-dose DHYZ (DHYZ-L) groups (12 mice per group) according to a random number table. Mice in DHYZ groups were gavaged with DHYZ 6.34, 12.68, and 25.35 g/(kg·d), respectively. Twelve C57BL/6 mice were gavaged with distilled water as the blank group. Metabolomics was used to analyze differential metabolites in the brains of mice. Morris water maze test was used to detect the memory abilities of mice. The hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the general morphology and ultrastructure of neurons. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and amyloid β -protein 1-42 (A β_1-42). The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA expressions of density-regulated protein 1 (DRP1), fission 1 (FIS1), mitofusin-1 (MFN1), and optic atrophy protein 1 (OPA1). Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA), cAMP response binding protein (CREB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), synapsin 1 (SYN1), synaptophysin (SYP), and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95). RESULTS: A total of 82 differential metabolites were identified in the brains of APP/PS1 mice, among which 7 differential metabolites could be regulated by DHYZ. After DHYZ intervention, the memory abilities of mice significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), the number of synapses and neurons in the hippocampus increased, and the mitochondrial morphology and structure were relatively intact. The DHYZ groups exhibited a significant reduction in hippocampal ROS and A β_1-42 levels, along with a significant elevation in SOD level (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of DRP1 and FIS1 were reduced, while the mRNA expressions of MFN1 and OPA1 were increased after DHYZ treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The cAMP/PKA/CREB-BDNF pathway was activated, and the expressions of SYN1, SYP and PSD95 proteins were significantly increased in the DHYZ-H group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS DHYZ could improve mitochondrial dynamics and synaptic plasticity in APP/PS1 mice, inhibit oxidative stress, and thereby enhancing learning and memory abilities in APP/PS1 mice. Its mechanism might be related to activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB-BDNF signaling pathway.
Animals ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism* ; Male ; Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein/metabolism* ; Brain/drug effects* ; Metabolomics ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Neuronal Plasticity/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; Cyclic AMP/metabolism* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/metabolism* ; Mice, Transgenic ; Mice ; Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy* ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism*

Objective To investigate the role of magnesium ion(Mg2+)in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury(Cis-AKI)in kidney organoids and HK-2 cells,as well as the potential mechanism.Methods Initially,we utilized human-derived induced pluripotent stem cells(iPSCs)to construct kidney organoids,and then built a Cis-AKI model based on kidney organoids.HE staining was used to observe the structure of kidney organoids,and immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the localization of markers and the expression of cleaved caspase-3.qRT-PCR was conducted to detect mRNA levels of tubular and glomerular markers,as well as inflammatory factors.Subsequently,the kidney organoids were randomly divided into control group,cisplatin group(Cis group),and Mg2+pretreatment group(Cis+Mg2+group).CCK-8 and ATP content assays were employed to evaluate the cell viability of renal tubular epithelial cells.TUNEL staining was performed to detect the apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells.Western blot was utilized to detect the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins(Bcl-2,Bax,cleaved caspase-3)and organic cation transporter 2(OCT2).Immunofluorescence was used to detect the localization and expression of OCT2.Results On the 10th day,the tubular structure in kidney organoids was visible,with abundant expression of renal markers.Treatment with 10 μmol/L cisplatin resulted in structural damage to kidney organoids,significantly increased expression of cleaved caspase-3 and mRNA levels of inflammatory factors,and significantly decreased ATP content.Compared with the Cis group,the Cis+Mg2+group showed increased ATP content in kidney organoids,reduced number of TUNEL-positive cells,significantly decreased expression of apoptosis-associated proteins,and significantly decreased expression of OCT2.However,there was no significant improvement in HK-2 cell viability,the number of TUNEL-positive cells,or apoptosis-associated proteins in the Cis+Mg2+group,and HK-2 cells did not express OCT2.Conclusion Kidney organoid is an ideal in vitro model to study the pathogenesis and treatment of Cis-AKI.Mg2+pretreatment can significantly reduce the damage of kidney organoids induced by cisplatin,and the mechanism may be related to the downregulation of OCT2.

Objective Based on quantile regression analysis, the influencing factors of relapse hospitalization expenses of adult leukemia patients were analyzed. Methods Analyze the composition and influencing factors of hospitalization expenses for leukemia recurrence patients in our hospital. Results From 2017 to 2022 , the per capita hospitalization cost for leukemia patients with recurrence showed an increasing trend year by year. The results of quantile regression model showed that age, payment method , length of stay, times of stay, operation and complications had an impact on the hospitalization expenses of patients at different quantiles, and the difference between different quantiles was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions The quantile regression method can more clearly reflect the distribution of the variables of each factor , we can reduce the hospitalization expenses of patients by improving the coverage rate of medical insurance and controlling the length of stay.

Objective To investigate the effects of DNA demethylation drugs combined with histone deacetylase in-hibitors on fragile X mental retardation 1 neighbor protein (FMR1NB) expression and its promoter methylation in human oral cancer cells and try to find a strategy of weakening the heterogeneity of FMR1NB expression.Methods Human oral cancer cell lines Cal27 and SCC-9 were treated with decitabine (DAC) , an inhibitor of DNA meth-yltransferase, combined with trichostatin A (TSA) and valproic acid (VPA), inhibitors of histone deacetylase.Then reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) , quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the expression of FMR1 NB and pyrosequencing was used to detect the methylation of FMR1NB promoter.Results Compared with the blank control group, DAC and its combination with TSA and VPA significantly induced the expression of FMR1NB mRNA and protein in Cal27 and SCC-9 cells.Compared with DAC alone group, FMR1NB mRNA expression of each DAC-combined drug groups significantly increased, but FMR1NB protein did not significantly change in Cal27 cells; for SCC-9 cells, except for DAC+TSA group, the mRNA and protein levels of FMR1NB significantly increased in all other groups.In addition, there was no signifi-cant difference in the expression of FMR1 NB mRNA and protein between the three-combined drugs group and two-combined drugs groups.Further methylation assay showed that the methylation level of the overall FMR1NB promot-er and its each CpG site measured were reduced to varying degrees in all treatment groups except for three-combina-tion drug group of SCC-9.Conclusion DAC and its combination with TSA and VPA can enhance the expression of FMR1NB by mediating the demethylation of FMR1NB promoter, wherein the enhanced expression effect of the com-bination of the two drugs is stronger, suggesting that they have the potential to weaken the heterogeneity of FMR1NB expression and improve the immunotherapy effect of oral cancer.

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of uremic pruritus (UP) in patients with peritoneal dialysis and its association with life behaviors.Methods:A total of 255 patients with peritoneal dialysis were followed up in Peritoneal Dialysis Center of Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from October to December 2023 were enrolled. The general clinical data, disease awareness, treatment, and lifestyle behaviors (smoking, drinking, diet, bathing, and exercising etc) were compared between patients with or without UP, and among patients with different severity of UP.Results:Among 255 peritoneal dialysis patients, there were 144 UP cases with a prevalence rate of 56.5%, including 55 cases with mild itching (38.2%), 61 cases with moderate itching (42.4%), and 28 cases with severe itching (19.4%). The awareness rate of UP was 22.2% (32/144), the treatment rate of UP was 12.5% (18/144). There were significant differences in bath frequency (χ 2=7.03), and using alkaline body wash (χ 2=6.47) between UP group and non-UP group ( P<0.05). The severity of UP was associated with old age (≥60 years, Z=-3.13), low educational levels (primary school or lower, Z=-3.56), less water drinking (<500 ml/d, H=18.01), more spicy food and meat ( H=9.34), bath more than 3 times per week ( H=10.96), and using alkaline body wash ( H=6.57) (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Peritoneal dialysis patients have a high incidence of UP and a low rate of knowledge and treatment, and it is necessary to strengthen the health education and to modify their life behaviors in order to reduce the incidence of UP.

In this study,the immunological characteristics of the PhoP protein were explored with a two-component system of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb).Bioinformatics was used to predict the B and T cell epitopes of the PhoP protein.A re-combinant expression plasmid was constructed by PCR analysis of the phoP sequence and cloning into the prokaryotic expres-sion vector pET-28a(+).Competent Escherichia coli BL21 cells were transformed with the recombinant plasmid and expres-sion was induced with IPTG.The recombinant PhoP protein was purified by affinity chromatography.Serum levels of PhoP-specific antibodies in Mtb-infected mice and tuberculosis(TB)patients were analyzed with an ELISA.BALB/c mice were im-munized with the PhoP recombinant protein by intramuscular injection.Sera of mice were collected and antibody titers were detected with an ELISA and specificity was assessed by West-ern blot analysis.Mouse splenocytes were isolated and the pro-portions of IFN-y-positive cells and cytokine levels were detec-ted with an ELISpot and ELISA,respectively.Bioinformatics i-dentified 24 B cell and 11 T cell epitopes of the PhoP protein.A prokaryotic recombinant vector of PhoP was successfully con-structed and the recombinant PhoP protein was obtained by purification.Specific antibody levels to PhoP in sera of Mtb in-fected mice and TB patients increased significantly,with preci-sion of 99.9％and 82.5％,and specificity of 100％,respectively.PhoP protein immunization successfully induced production of specific antibodies in mice.Stimulated by antigens in vitro,IL-2 and IFN-γ levels were significantly increased in the splenocytes of immunized mice.Immunization with the PhoP protein induce a humoral immune response and Thl-dominated cellular immu-nity,indicating that the PhoP protein was immunogenic with diagnostic efficacy for TB.These results lay a foundation to clari-fy the role of PhoP in Mtb infection and application for diagnosis and prevention of TB.