1.Effects of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy for cavernous nerve injury-induced erectile dysfunction in the rat model.
Wei WANG ; Ying LIU ; Zi-Hao ZHOU ; Kun PANG ; Jing-Kai WANG ; Peng-Fei HUAN ; Jing-Ru LU ; Tao ZHU ; Zuo-Bin ZHU ; Cong-Hui HAN
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(4):508-515
Stem cell treatment may enhance erectile dysfunction (ED) in individuals with cavernous nerve injury (CNI). Nevertheless, no investigations have directly ascertained the implications of varying amounts of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs) on ED. We compare the efficacy of three various doses of HUC-MSCs as a therapeutic strategy for ED. Sprague-Dawley rats (total = 175) were randomly allocated into five groups. A total of 35 rats underwent sham surgery and 140 rats endured bilateral CNI and were treated with vehicles or doses of HUC-MSCs (1 × 10 6 cells, 5 × 10 6 cells, and 1 × 10 7 cells in 0.1 ml, respectively). Penile tissues were harvested for histological analysis on 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, 28 days, 60 days, and 90 days postsurgery. It was found that varying dosages of HUC-MSCs enhanced the erectile function of rats with bilateral CNI and ED. Moreover, there was no significant disparity in the effectiveness of various dosages of HUC-MSCs. However, the expression of endothelial markers (rat endothelial cell antigen-1 [RECA-1] and endothelial nitric oxide synthase [eNOS]), smooth muscle markers (alpha smooth muscle actin [α-SMA] and desmin), and neural markers (neurofilament [RECA-1] and neurogenic nitric oxide synthase [nNOS]) increased significantly with prolonged treatment time. Masson's staining demonstrated an increased in the smooth muscle cell (SMC)/collagen ratio. Significant changes were detected in the microstructures of various types of cells. In vivo imaging system (IVIS) analysis showed that at the 1 st day, the HUC-MSCs implanted moved to the site of damage. Additionally, the oxidative stress levels were dramatically reduced in the penises of rats administered with HUC-MSCs.
Male
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Animals
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Erectile Dysfunction/metabolism*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation/methods*
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Rats
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Penis/pathology*
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Humans
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Disease Models, Animal
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Umbilical Cord/cytology*
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Peripheral Nerve Injuries/complications*
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/metabolism*
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Actins/metabolism*
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I/metabolism*
2.Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury
Chang LIU ; Rui TAO ; Qihui HU ; Jing LUO ; Cong CHEN
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(7):951-956
Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury(IRI)is a pathological phenomenon that commonly occurs during liver surgery and transplantation.It leads to serious tissue damage and affects liver function.The mechanisms behind IRI are complex,involving oxida-tive stress,inflammatory responses,and calcium homeostasis disorder.Recently,scientists have paid more attention to the role of endo-plasmic reticulum stress(ERS)in IRI.ERS activates three classical signaling pathways,PERK,IRE1,and ATF6,through the unfolded protein response(UPR),aiming to preliminarily restore endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis and protect cells.However,if the stress re-sponse is excessive or persistent,ERS can activate apoptosis signaling pathways,such as CHOP and Bax/Bak,worsening cell injury.Additionally,ERS is closely related to other cellular stress responses,such as autophagy and oxidative stress,which jointly affect the survival and death of hepatocytes.Regulation of ERS,especially interventions targeting the three UPR pathways,is considered as a po-tential therapeutic pathway for alleviating hepatic IRI.Pharmacological interventions,such as 4-phenylbutyric acid and taurocholic acid,and gene therapies,such as knocking out PERK or IRE1,have shown positive effects in protecting liver function while inhibiting ERS.This paper reviews the mechanism of action of ERS in hepatic IRI,focuses on the specific roles of the three UPR pathways and their potential as therapeutic targets,and explores the future of re-lated therapeutic strategies.
3.Identification and experimental validation of biomarkers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with pulmonary arterial hypertension based on bioinformatics and machine learning
Yan YANG ; Chunrong TAO ; Youjun ZHU ; Cong ZHANG ; Defeng LI
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(9):948-958
Objective To identify the key biomarkers for diagnosing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)complicated with pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)using bioinformatics,and validate their clinical significance.Methods High-throughput sequencing data analysis was employed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in COPD-PAH.Functional enrichment analysis was then conducted to explore the biological functions of these DEGs.Machine learning methods,including least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO),random forest(RF),and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination(SVM-RFE),were utilized to screen 5 potential biomarkers.Single-cell analysis was performed to reveal the expression patterns of these key genes in macrophages.The clinical significance of these biomarkers was further validated using peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC)data.A mouse model of COPD-PAH was established using hypoxia exposure.Sixteen mice(either sexes,8 weeks old,weighing 20~22 g)were randomly divided into a hypoxia group[O2(10.0±0.5)%,COPD-PAH,n=8]and a normoxia group(COPD,n=8).Immunofluorescence assay was used to label the key biomarkers,and their expression levels were quantified.Results A total of 28 DEGs(|Log2FC|≥2,P<0.05)were identified in COPD-PAH patients.Functional enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs in COPD were primarily associated with major histocompatibility complex(MHC)Ⅱ and cell division,and involved in lysosomes,oxidative phosphorylation,and cell cycle pathways(P<0.05).Machine learning identified 5 potential biomarkers(GRN,KLF4,SHTN1,LRP1,and GPNMB),and subsequent single-cell analysis revealed that these markers exhibited reverse expression patterns during disease progression.A nomogram model constructed based on PBMC data yielded an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.907 in diagnosing COPD-PAH.GRN,KLF4,SHTN1,LRP1 and GPNMB were significantly upregulated in the COPD-PAH group(P<0.05).Conclusion GRN,KLF4,SHTN1,LRP1 and GPNMB are identified as key biomarkers for the prediction and diagnosis of COPD-PAH,which providing new insights for the clinical and treatment of the condition.
4.Thoughts on the Development of Forensic Medicine Discipline Standing at a New Historical Starting Point
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(1):9-14
The development of forensic medicine is crucial to the national welfare,people's livelihood,social stability,and the construction of a Safe China.It plays an indispensable role in the comprehen-sive promotion of the rule of law.The establishment of forensic medicine as a first-level discipline,along with the transformation brought by the fifth research paradigm,makes the construction of forensic medicine stand at a new historical starting point.This paper reviews the current status and challenges of forensic medicine development,outlines the characteristics of the fifth research paradigm and its im-pact on the construction of forensic medicine,and proposes strategies for addressing these challenges.
5.Study on the effects and metabonomics of compound Kuijie Ankang Decoction for ulcerative colitis in mice
Cong REN ; Lili TANG ; Ruijuan LUO ; Fanyan MENG ; Yuping SHU ; Hongwu TAO ; Shuang LI ; Yizhen LI ; Chengcheng YUAN ; Yuedong LIU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(9):1255-1263
Objective:To explore the therapeutic effect of compound Kuijie Ankang Decoction on ulcerative colitis (UC) model mice by non targeted metabonomics; To explore its mechanism.Compound Kuijie Ankang.Methods:The mice were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, Kuijie Ankang Decoction group and sulfasalazine group, with 12 mice in each group. Except the blank control group, the other groups were given 1.5% DSS solution for free drinking to prepare UC model. After successful modeling, Kuijie Ankang Decoction group was intragastrically administered with compound Kuijie Ankang Decoction of 9.68 g/kg, sulfasalazine group was intragastrically administered with sulfasalazine capsule suspension of 320 mg/kg, model group and blank control group were intragastrically administered with equal volume of purified water, once a day, for 7 consecutive days. The body mass and disease activity index (DAI) score of mice were measured. ELISA was used to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the colon tissue of mice; the protein expressions of Claudin-1 and Zo-1 in colon tissue were detected by immunofluorescence method. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the colon, and UHPLC-OE-MS technology was used to analyze the endogenous metabolite structure of mouse colon tissue, differential metabolites and related metabolic pathways were screened.Results:Compared with the model group, the colon length in Kuijie Ankang Decoction group and sulfasalazine group increased ( P<0.01), the DAI score decreased ( P<0.01), the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in colon tissue decreased ( P<0.01), the level of IL-10 increased ( P<0.01), and the average optical density of Claudin-1 and Zo-1 protein increased ( P<0.01 or P<0.05). Metabolomics analysis identified 26 potential differential metabolites, including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, guanine, gamma aminobutyric acid, and thiamine, affecting 26 key metabolic pathways, including lysine biosynthesis, thiamine metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism. Conclusion:Kuaijie Ankang Decoction may improve metabolites such as Gamma aminobutyric acid and thiamine through metabolic pathways such as lysine biosynthesis to alleviate inflammatory reactions, thereby exerting therapeutic effects on ulcerative colitis in mice.
6.Effect of Cistanches Herba Phenylethanoid Glycosides on Intestinal Mucosal Barrier and Gut Microbiota in ALD Mice
Zhaoyao QI ; Yuanhui XU ; Jincun LIU ; Hongguang SUN ; Xinxin QI ; Meili CONG ; Tao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(9):65-73
ObjectiveTo discuss the effects of Cistanches Herba phenylethanoid glycosides (CHPhGs) on the intestinal mucosal barrier and gut microbiota in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) mice were discussed. MethodThe 36 C57BL/6N female mice were randomly divided normal group, normal group of CHPhGs, model group, and low, medium, and high-dose groups (175, 350, 700 mg·kg-1) of CHPhGs, with six mice in each group. The ALD mouse model was built using Lieber-Decarli alcohol liquid feed. The normal group and low, medium, and high-dose groups of CHPhGs were given CHPhGs by gavage daily. Serum aspartate aminotransferase aminotransferase (ALT), alanine aminotransferase (AST), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) levels were detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), D-lactic acid (D-LA), diamine oxidase (DAO), and LBP of liver were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of TG and TC in the liver were detected by colorimetry. Liver tissue was treated by oil red O and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The microstructure of jejunum epithelial cells was observed by electron microscope. Jejunum and colon were treated by HE staining and alcian blue-periodate-scheff (AB-PAS) staining staining, and mucin 2 (Muc2) was treated by immunohistochemistry. The intestinal contents of the normal group, normal group of CHPhGs, model group, and high-dose group of CHPhGs were collected and sequenced. ResultThe ALD model was established successfully. Compared with the normal group, the levels of serum ALT, AST, and TG, as well as the levels of liver TG and TC in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Histopathology showed that compared with the normal group, the liver cells in the model group showed obvious steatosis. Compared with the model group, the levels of serum TG and liver TG and TC in the low, medium, and high-dose groups of CHPhGs decreased significantly (P<0.05). The serum ALT, AST, TNF-α, IL-1β, LPS, and LBP in the high-dose group of CHPhGs were also significantly decreased (P<0.05). The number of liver cells with steatosis in the high-dose group of CHPhGs was significantly reduced, and the microvilli structure of jejunum epithelial cells was basically intact. The expression of Muc2 was reduced in the colon, and the gut microbiota of the high-dose group of CHPhGs changed significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the Allobaculum was significantly up-regulated in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the abundance of Akkermansia in the high-dose group of CHPhGs was significantly increased (P<0.01). The abundance of Akkermansia was negatively correlated with that of Allobaculum (r=-0.701, P<0.01). ConclusionCHPhGs can reduce the intestinal barrier injury caused by ALD, which may play a protective role by regulating the abundance and structure of Akkermansia and Allobaculum and affecting the homeostasis of intestinal mucus.
7.Synthesis and antibacterial activities of phosphonate derivatives containing aminothiazoloxime fragment
Yang-mi CHEN ; Yan AN ; Xiang-tao DONG ; Zi-cong LU ; Jia-qiang YANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(1):161-165
Based on the principle of molecular hybridization, fifteen compounds were designed and synthesized through the combination of aminothiazoloxime and phosphonate fragment. The results showed that these compounds had better inhibitory effects on the tested bacteria. In particular, the activities of compounds
8.Diagnostic value of pulmonary embolism volumein identifying mild-to-high-risk acute pulmonary embolism based on quantitative CT
Yan'e YAO ; Yansong LI ; Xionghui WANG ; Xiaoqi HUANG ; Tao REN ; Jun FENG ; Youmin GUO ; Cong SHEN
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(1):126-132
Objective To investigate the value of computer-assisted quantification of pulmonary embolism volume(PEV)in identifying mild-to-high-risk acute pulmonary embolism(APE).Methods We retrospectively enrolled 143 patients with suspected APE confirmed by computed tomography pulmonary angiography(CTPA)at Yan'an University Affiliated Hospital from January 2017 to December 2020.According to the 2018 Chinese Guidelines for Diagnosis,Treatment and Prevention of Pulmonary Thromboembolism,all the patients were divided into low-risk group(n=88)and mild-to-high-risk group(n=55).We collected the patients'basic demographic data,clinical manifestations,and serum levels of N-terminal-B type natriuretic peptide precursor(NT-proBNP)and D-dimer.Based on CTPA images,the degree of pulmonary thromboembolism was artificially evaluated to obtain the pulmonary artery occlusion index(PAOI).The thrombus was segmented using the pulmonary embolism detection tool based on digital lung,and PEV was calculated.We compared the differences in clinical and laboratory indicators and PAOI and PEV between the two risk groups.We analyzed the value of PAOI and PEV in identifying mild-to-high-risk APE using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves,and used Logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors in predicting mild-to-high-risk APE.Different models were established.Results Compared with the low-risk group,APE patients in the mild-to-high-risk group were older(P<0.05),had lower diastolic blood pressure(P<0.05),higher levels of D-dimer and NT-proBNP(P<0.05),lower levels of platelet count,arterial oxygen partial pressure and arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure(P<0.05),and higher levels of PAOI and PEV(P<0.001).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for PEV in identifying mild-to-high-risk APE was 0.809(95%CI:0.734-0.884),while that for PAOI was 0.753(95%CI:0.667-0.839).Logistic regression analysis showed that PEV and NT-proBNP were independent risk factors for mild-to-high-risk APE(P<0.05).Conclusion PEV and NT-proBNP are independent risk factors for mild-to-high-risk APE.
9.Exploring the Acupoint Selection Rules of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Lower Limb Spasm After Stroke Based on Data Mining Techniques
Shan CONG ; Jun-Feng ZHANG ; Hong LI ; Meng WANG ; Long YAN ; Yu-Lin QIAN ; Tao YU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(6):1522-1529
Objective To explore the acupoint selection rules of acupuncture for the treatment of lower limb spasm after stroke based on data mining technology.Methods Through the computer retrieval of CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,PubMed,EMbase,web of science databases and other databases,the literature that meets the inclusion criteria was selected to establish a database.Descriptive analysis,cluster analysis and association rule analysis were performed on the data through Microsoft Excel 2016,IBM SPSS Statistics 21 and IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0 software.Results(1)A total of 68 acupuncture prescriptions were included,involving 100 acupoints and a total frequency of 536 uses;(2)the top five in terms of frequency of use of acupoints were Yanglingquan(GB34),Zusanli(ST36),Xuanzhong(GB39),Qiuxu(GB40),Sanyinjiao(SP6);(3)the core acupoint pairing was Yanglingquan(GB34)-Xuanzhong(GB39),and five valid clustering clusters were obtained,which were Shenmai(BL62)-Zhaohai(KI6),Weizhong(BL40)-Kunlun(BL60),Xuehai(SP10)-Huantiao(GB30)-Fenglong(ST40)-Zusanli(ST36),Taixi(KI3)-Yinlingquan(SP9)-Sanyinjiao(SP6),Jiexi(ST41)-Taichong(LR3)-Xuanzhong(GB39)-Qiuxu(GB40)-Yanglingquan(GB34).Conclusion Through data mining,it is found that acupuncture treatment of lower limb spasm after stroke is mostly based on Yanglingquan,Zusanli,Xuanzhong,Qiuxu and Xuanzhong.Priority should be given to the application of three yang channels of the foot and five shu acupoint,syndrome differentiation and treatment,and modification should be adjusted according to the syndromes,so as to provide reference for clinical treatment of lower limb spasm after stroke.
10.A prediction model to predict the prognosis of elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia-associated sepsis
Yanru FANG ; Xingyi WANG ; Tao ZHAO ; Cong WANG ; Lishan YANG
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2024;33(8):1151-1156
Objective:To explore the prognostic factors of elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia-related sepsis and to construct a prediction model.Methods:The clinical data of elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia-associated sepsis from October 2020 to October 2022 in the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from October 2020 to October 2022 were retrospectively included, and the clinical data of the two groups were divided into the modeling population and the validation population in the ratio of 7:3 by random number table method, and the clinical data of the two groups were compared. According to the 30-day outcomes of admission, the patients were divided into survival group and death group, and the independent risk factors for the prognosis of elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia-related sepsis were screened out by LASSO regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis, and the nomogram prediction model was constructed by R software. The area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve and decision curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve were used to validate the nomogram prediction model in the modeling population and the validation population to judge its discrimination, calibration and clinical practicability.Results:A total of 472 patients were included, with 331 and 141 models and validations, respectively, indicating that the clinical data were comparable between the modeled and validated populations. LASSO regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that pneumonia severity index (PSI) score and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score were independent risk factors for the prognosis of elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia-associated sepsis. The AUC of the modeled population prediction model was 0.984 (95% CI: 0.975-0.994), and the AUC of the validated population prediction model was 0.961 (95% CI: 0.926-0.996). The nomogram prediction model has good discrimination, calibration and clinical practicability in both the modeled and validated populations. Conclusions:The nomogram prediction model established in the study has high accuracy for early identification and risk of sepsis in elderly patients with CAP and can guide for clinicians to formulate personalized interventions.

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