1.Effect of transcranial magneto-acousto-electrical stimulation on the plasticity of the prefrontal cortex network in mice
Shuai ZHANG ; Zichun LI ; Yihao XU ; Xiaofeng XIE ; Zhongsheng GUO ; Qingyang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1108-1117
BACKGROUND:Transcranial magneto-acoustic-electrical stimulation is a novel non-invasive neural regulation technique that utilizes the induced electric field generated by the coupling effect of ultrasound and static magnetic field to regulate the discharge activity of the nervous system.However,the mechanism by which it affects synaptic plasticity in the brain is still not enough. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of transcranial magneto-acoustic-electrical stimulation intensity on synaptic plasticity of the prefrontal cortex neural network in mice. METHODS:(1)Animal experiment:Twenty-four C57 mice were equally and randomly divided into four groups:the control group receiving pseudo-stimulation,the 6.35 W/cm2 stimulation group receiving coupled stimulation of 0.3 T,6.35 W/cm2,the 17.36 W/cm2 stimulation group receiving coupled stimulation of 0.3 T,17.36 W/cm2,and the 56.25 W/cm2 stimulation group receiving coupled stimulation of 0.3 T,56.25 W/cm2.The local field potential signals and behavioral correctness were recorded during the execution of T-maze in mice.(2)Modeling and simulation experiments:A neural network model of the prefrontal cortex in mice stimulated by transcranial magneto-acoustic-electrical stimulation was constructed to compare the structural connectivity characteristics of the neural network under different stimulation intensities. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Transcranial magneto-acoustic-electrical stimulation could effectively shorten the behavior learning time,improve the working memory ability of mice(P<0.05),and continue to stimulate the frontal lobe of mice after learning behavior.There was no significant difference in the accuracy of the T-maze behavioral experiment among the experimental groups(P>0.1).Analysis of local field potential signals in the frontal lobe of mice revealed that transcranial magneto-acoustic-electrical stimulation promoted energy enhancement of β and γ rhythms.As the stimulation intensity increased,there was an asynchronous decrease in β and γ rhythms.Through β-γ phase amplitude coupling,it was found that stimuli could enhance the neural network's ability to adapt to new information and task requirements.Modeling and simulation experiments found that stimulation could enhance the discharge level of the neural network,increase the long-term synaptic weight level,and decrease the short-term synaptic weight level only when the stimulation intensity was high.To conclude,there is a complex nonlinear relationship between different stimulus intensities and the functional structure of neural networks.This neural regulation technique may provide new possibilities for the treatment of related neurological diseases such as synaptic dysfunction and neural network abnormalities.
2.Progress in the effects of Ca2+ signaling pathway in conjunctival goblet cells on mucin secretion in dry eye patients
Hang YUAN ; Like XIE ; Xiaofeng HAO ; Pin JU
International Eye Science 2025;25(5):792-796
Dry eye is a chronic ocular surface disease caused by multiple factors. It is caused by the instability of tear film and the imbalance of the microenvironment of ocular surface, and may be accompanied by ocular surface inflammation, damage, and abnormal nerve sensation. The instability of tear film is its core characteristic. Mucin is an important component of the tear film and plays a role in stabilizing the tear film. The reduction of its secretion and the change of its structure lead to the occurrence and development of dry eye. The intracellular Ca2+ signal is the key to controlling the secretion of water and enzymes by exocrine glands. A decrease in the Ca2+ signal can cause dry eye. Conjunctival goblet cells are the main cells that secrete mucin. By activating the intracellular PLC-IP3-Ca2+ pathway, RyRs pathway, cAMP signaling pathway, P2X receptor, BLT1 and ChemR23 receptors, cholinergic receptor, and ALX signaling pathway, the content of Ca2+ can be increased, and the replenishment of mucin granules can be accelerated, thereby relieving the symptoms of dry eye. The Ca2+ signaling pathway may be an important target for the treatment of dry eye. This article reviews the role of mucin in dry eye and the influence of the Ca2+ signal on the secretion of mucin by conjunctival goblet cells.
3.Research progress on anti-vascular endothelial growth factor prognostic biomarkers for macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion
Dan WANG ; Xiaofeng HAO ; Like XIE ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Jing XU ; Mei SUN ; Mengjiao ZHANG ; Xiaoduo GUAN
International Eye Science 2025;25(12):1938-1942
Retinal vein occlusion(RVO)is the second most common blinding retinal vascular disease, and its secondary macular edema(ME)is an important cause of visual function impairment in patients. Intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)drugs serves as the first-line treatment, yet it is confronted with such issues as the need for repeated injections and non-response in some patients. Imaging and laboratory biomarkers play a crucial role in the early accurate diagnosis, prediction of disease progression, and evaluation of visual prognosis of RVO-ME. This study systematically reviews the research progress of imaging and laboratory biomarkers related to the prognosis of RVO-ME after anti-VEGF treatment in recent years, covering imaging biomarkers like central retinal thickness and ellipsoid zone integrity, as well as laboratory biomarkers such as serum APLN and aqueous humor IL-6. It summarizes the associations between different biomarkers and the prognosis of anti-VEGF therapy, aiming to provide a basis for the early accurate assessment and optimization of individualized treatment for RVO-ME patients, which holds significant clinical reference value.
4.LIM and calponin homology domains 1 may function as promising biological markers to aid in the prognostic prediction of oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Li XU ; Wen SHI ; Yuehua LI ; Yajun SHEN ; Shang XIE ; Xiaofeng SHAN ; Zhigang CAI
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(1):19-25
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the function of LIM and calponin homology domains 1 (LIMCH1) in the development and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), along with their potential clinical applications.
METHODS:
By utilizing transcriptome sequencing data from two groups of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients, along with bioinformatics analytical techniques such as Gene Ontology (GO) and gene co-expression networks, we identified genes that might play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma. We employed real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting to validate the expression patterns of these genes across twelve patient tissue samples. Furthermore, we conducted CCK-8 assays, flow cytometry analyses, and scratch wound healing assays to assess the impact of key genes on the biological behaviors of both the Cal27 oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line and the potentially malignant DOK oral lesion cell line. Additionally, we examined correlations between these key genes and clinical disease parameters in 214 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data; gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analysis results were also incorporated to enhance our findings from real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting regarding potential mechanisms underlying the action of these key genes.
RESULTS:
The integrated analysis of sequencing data and bioinformatics revealed that LIMCH1 exhibited significantly reduced mRNA (P < 0.001) and protein levels (P < 0.01) in the oral squamous cell carcinoma tissues compared with normal control tissues. In the Cal27 cells, the low LIMCH1 level group demonstrated a larger wound healing area within 24 hours than the control group (P < 0.01), enhanced proliferation capacity over 72 hours relative to the control group (P < 0.01), and an increased apoptosis rate within 24 hours compared with the high expression group (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between the low and high level groups in DOK cells. Furthermore, it was determined that low LIMCH1 level correlated with poor prognosis in the patients (P=0.013) and a higher lymph node metastasis rate (P < 0.05). Investigations into the potential mechanisms of action indicated that LIMCH1 did not influence the onset or progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway.
CONCLUSION
LIMCH1 level may function as a promising biomarker to aid in the prognostic assessment of oral squamous cell carcinoma; however, its precise mechanistic role requires further investigation.
Humans
;
Mouth Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Prognosis
;
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism*
;
Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism*
;
LIM Domain Proteins/metabolism*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Male
;
Female
5.One-stage mandibular reconstruction combining iliac flap with immediate implant-based denture.
Yifan KANG ; Yanjun GE ; Xiaoming LV ; Shang XIE ; Xiaofeng SHAN ; Zhigang CAI
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(1):78-84
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the clinical outcomes and define the indications for a one-stage mandibular reconstruction technique that combines iliac bone flaps with immediate implant-based dentures, and to assess both the accuracy of surgical planning and the long-term success of the procedure.
METHODS:
A total of ten patients underwent the procedure at Peking University Hospital of Stomatology between June 2020 and August 2023. The preoperative biopsy pathology of all the patients confirmed a benign tumor. In this technique, iliac bone flaps were used for mandibular reconstruction, and immediate implant-based dentures were placed during the same surgical session. Various outcome measures were evaluated, including the accuracy of the surgical reconstruction, implant placement deviations (entry point, apical point, depth, and angle), and long-term outcomes, such as cervical bone resorption, implant survival, and the cumulative survival rate.
RESULTS:
Thirty-eight implants were successfully inserted into the iliac flaps of the ten patients. The median follow-up duration was 23.5 months, and no significant complications occurred during the follow-up period, such as infections, titanium plate exposure, implant loosening, or damage to the implants and dentures. The accuracy of preoperative virtual surgical planning (VSP) was highly reliable. The repeatability of the VSP model compared to the postoperative reconstructed mandible was as follows: 67.82% ±10.16% within 1 mm, 82.14% ±6.58% within 2 mm, and 90.61% ±4.62% within 3 mm. The average maximum deviation from the plan was (6.10±0.89) mm, with an average overall deviation of (1.14±0.31) mm. For the implants, deviations in critical parameters were as follows: entry point deviation was (2.02±0.58) mm, apical point deviation was (2.25± 0.66) mm, depth deviation was (1.26±0.51) mm, and angular deviation was 1.84°±1.10°. The implant survival rate remained 100% during the follow-up, with a cumulative survival rate of 97.37% from 1 to 4 years. Average cervical bone resorption was 0.94 mm.
CONCLUSION
The combination of iliac bone flaps with immediate implant-based dentures for one-stage mandibular reconstruction demonstrated pro-mising clinical outcomes, including high implant survival and minimal complications. This technique proved to be safe and reliable for mandibular reconstruction. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are necessary to confirm the long-term efficacy and optimal indications for this procedure.
Humans
;
Mandibular Reconstruction/methods*
;
Male
;
Ilium/surgery*
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Surgical Flaps
;
Adult
;
Mandible/surgery*
;
Aged
;
Dental Implantation, Endosseous/methods*
;
Immediate Dental Implant Loading/methods*
;
Bone Transplantation/methods*
;
Dental Implants
6.Construction and application of oral squamous cell carcinoma organoid bank.
Shang XIE ; Luming WANG ; Xinyuan ZHANG ; Qiushi FENG ; Yangyang XIA ; Ziwei DAI ; Xiaofeng SHAN ; Zhigang CAI
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(5):847-851
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for over 90% of oral malignancies, with more than 370 000 new cases and approximately 188 000 deaths annually worldwide. In China, there are roughly 65 000 new cases and 35 000 deaths each year, showing a significant upward trend compared with 2015 statistics. Despite continuous advancements in treatment modalities, the 5-year survival rate remains stagnant at 50%-60%, where tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance persist as fundamental barriers to precision oncology. To address these critical challenges, this study established a standardized bioban-king protocol for OSCC patient-derived organoids (PDOs) (Patent: Method for constructing an oral squamous cell carcinoma organoid bank, ZL202311378598.3). Through groundbreaking optimization of culture media, enzymatic digestion kinetics, and stepwise cryopreservation, we achieved a biobanking success rate exceeding 95% and pioneered synchronous cultivation of matched primary tumors, lymph node metastases, and adjacent normal mucosa from individual patients, preserving spatial heterogeneity and stromal interactions. Leveraging this platform, we developed high-throughput drug screening: Quantified heterogeneity-driven differential chemoresponse using adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-based viability assays; We discovered resistance mechanisms: Identified sialylated cancer IgG (SIA-cIgG)-mediated cis-platin resistance (primary/secondary) through PTPN13 suppression, with anti-SIA-cIgG combination therapy demonstrating synergistic efficacy. Besides, we elucidated metastatic drivers: CRISPR-Cas9-edited organoids revealed WDR54 promoted metastasis via H3K4me3/H4K16ac epigenetic reprogramming, activating epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) and inducing partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (pEMT). This "holographic patient-mirroring" platform provided unprecedented resolution for OSCC precision therapy and had been formally incorporated into the Chinese Stomatological Association Technical Guidelines (Technical guideline for establishing patient-derived oral squamous cell carcinoma organoid banks, CHSA 2024-08). Future integration of immune-competent organoids, 3D-bioprinted vasculature, and multi-omics-AI systems will accelerate personalized oncology. These innovations will accelerate clinical translation of personalized therapeutic regimens, ultimately bridging the gap between bench research and bedside application.
Humans
;
Organoids/pathology*
;
Mouth Neoplasms/genetics*
;
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology*
;
Tissue Banks
;
Biological Specimen Banks
7.Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Interact with Schwann Cells for Tumor Perineural Invasion by Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Xinwen ZHANG ; Yijia HE ; Shixin XIE ; Yuxian SONG ; Xiaofeng HUANG ; Qingang HU ; Yanhong NI ; Yi WANG ; Yong FU ; Liang DING
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(6):1003-1020
Perineural invasion (PNI) by tumor cells is a key phenotype of highly-invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Since Schwann cells (SCs) and fibroblasts maintain the physiological homeostasis of the peripheral nervous system, and we have focused on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) for decades, it's imperative to elucidate the impact of CAFs on SCs in PNI+ OSCCs. We describe a disease progression-driven shift of PNI- towards PNI+ during the progression of early-stage OSCC (31%, n = 125) to late-stage OSCC (53%, n = 97), characterized by abundant CAFs and nerve demyelination. CAFs inhibited SC proliferation/migration and reduced neurotrophic factors and myelin in vitro, and this involved up-regulated ER stress and decreased MAPK signals. Moreover, CAFs also aggravated the paralysis of the hind limb and PNI in vivo. Unexpectedly, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) was exclusively expressed on CAFs and up-regulated in metastatic OSCC. The LIF inhibitor EC330 restored CAF-induced SC inactivation. Thus, OSCC-derived CAFs inactivate SCs to aggravate nerve injury and PNI development.
Schwann Cells/metabolism*
;
Mouth Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism*
;
Neoplasm Invasiveness/pathology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Mice
;
Cell Movement/physiology*
;
Cell Proliferation/physiology*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor/metabolism*
;
Middle Aged
8.Individualized prediction model of tacrolimus dose/weight-adjusted trough concentration based on machine learning approach
Hui Jiang ; Liang Tang ; Xin Wang ; Fan Jiang ; Deguang Wang ; Xiaofeng Lan ; Xiang Xie
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(2):344-350
Objective:
To utilize machine learning(ML) algorithms to develop accurate and effective prediction models for TAC dose/weight-adjusted trough concentration(C0/D).
Methods:
Data were collected on 264 TAC blood concentration monitoring data from 72 patients undergoing kidney transplantation. The effects of population statistical data, clinical features, combined medication, and ultrasound feature parameters on TAC C0/D were analyzed. Features with a significance level less than 0.05 in the univariate analysis of TAC C0/D were selected for inclusion in the random forest(RF) algorithm to identify significant features. These features were interpreted using partial dependency plots. Five ML algorithms, including RF, support vector regression(SVR), extreme gradient boosting(XGBoost), decision trees(DT) and artificial neural networks(ANN), were employed to establish the TAC C0/D prediction model. Hyper-parameter tuning was performed on the RF model that performed the best.
Results :
Ten characteristic variables with importance scores>5 were retained and included in the ML model: transglutaminase, red blood cell count, blood urea nitrogen, weight, serum creatinine, renal segmental arterial resistance index, renal aortic resistance index, hematocrit, renal pelvic Young′s modulus value, and time after transplantation. The partial dependence plots showed that all 10 important variables screened were positively correlated with TAC C0/D. The tuned RF model outperformed the other models with aR2of 0.81, aRMSEof 43.93, and aMAEof 29.97.
Conclusion
The ML models demonstrate good performance in predicting TAC C0/D and provide innovative interpretations using partial dependence plot. The optimized RF model shows optimal performance and offers a novel tool for individualized medication adjustment for TAC in renal transplant patients.
9.Mechanism of airway epithelial barrier injury in a mouse model of COPD induced by cigarette smoke exposure combined with Poly I:C
Yuan XIE ; Xiaofeng MEI ; Liuying TAO ; Yuhang JIANG ; Jiansheng LI ; Peng ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(7):1222-1229
AIM:To establish a mouse model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)induced by cigarette smoke(CS)exposure combined with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid(Poly I:C)nasal drip,and to investigate the mechanism of airway epithelial barrier injury in COPD.METHODS:(1)Ninety-six male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control group,CS group,Poly I:C group,and CS+Poly I:C group(n=24).The model was established from week 1 to week 8,with pulmonary function tested every 4 weeks.Six mice from each group were sacrificed at the end of weeks 4,8,16,and 24.Changes in minute volume(MV),enhanced pause(Penh),mean linear intercept(MLI)and bronchial wall thickness(BWT)were observed.The protein levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and E-cadherin(E-Cad)in the lung were detected.(2)Human bronchial epithe-lial BEAS-2B cells were stimulated with CS extract(CSE)combined with Poly I:C for 24 h,and then the protein levels of occludin(Occ),ZO-1,and phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),P38 and extracellular signal-regu-lated kinase(ERK)1/2 were analyzed.RESULTS:(1)Compared with control group,at the 8th week,the mice in CS and CS+Poly I:C groups showed typical pathological changes in lung tissues,including significant inflammatory cell infil-tration,alveolar cavity expansion,alveolar wall rupture and fusion,and airway wall thickening.The Penh,BWT,MLI,and lung IL-1β and TNF-α levels were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),while MV and lung ZO-1 and E-Cad levels were remarkably decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).By the 24th week,these pathological changes remained relative-ly stable in CS+Poly I:C group.(2)Compared with control group,CSE and its combination with Poly I:C dramatically in-duced a reduction in ZO-1 and Occ protein expression in BEAS-2B cells(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and increased the levels of phosphorylated EGFR,P38 and ERK1/2(P<0.01).The effects in CSE combined with Poly I:C group were considerably superior to those in CSE or Poly I:C group alone.CONCLUSION:Poly I:C can enhance the pathological changes and airway epithelial barrier damage induced by CS in a mouse model of COPD,which may be related to the activation of EGFR/ERK/P38 signaling pathway.
10.The osteoclastic activity in apical distal region of molar mesial roots affects orthodontic tooth movement and root resorption in rats
Zheng WENHAO ; Lu XIAOFENG ; Chen GUANGJIN ; Shen YUFENG ; Huang XIAOFEI ; Peng JINFENG ; Wang JIAJIA ; Yin YING ; Song WENCHENG ; Xie MENGRU ; Yu SHAOLING ; Chen LILI
International Journal of Oral Science 2024;16(2):322-332
The utilization of optimal orthodontic force is crucial to prevent undesirable side effects and ensure efficient tooth movement during orthodontic treatment.However,the sensitivity of existing detection techniques is not sufficient,and the criteria for evaluating optimal force have not been yet established.Here,by employing 3D finite element analysis methodology,we found that the apical distal region(A-D region)of mesial roots is particularly sensitive to orthodontic force in rats.Tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase(TRAP)-positive osteoclasts began accumulating in the A-D region under the force of 40 grams(g),leading to alveolar bone resorption and tooth movement.When the force reached 80 g,TRAP-positive osteoclasts started appearing on the root surface in the A-D region.Additionally,micro-computed tomography revealed a significant root resorption at 80 g.Notably,the A-D region was identified as a major contributor to whole root resorption.It was determined that 40 g is the minimum effective force for tooth movement with minimal side effects according to the analysis of tooth movement,inclination,and hyalinization.These findings suggest that the A-D region with its changes on the root surface is an important consideration and sensitive indicator when evaluating orthodontic forces for a rat model.Collectively,our investigations into this region would aid in offering valuable implications for preventing and minimizing root resorption during patients'orthodontic treatment.


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