1.3D printed poly-L-lactic acid bone scaffolds in repair of bone defects
Fengli YANG ; Chao ZHOU ; Wei XIONG ; Yuxiang ZHOU ; Dengshun LI ; Xin WANG ; Zhanzhen LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):507-515
BACKGROUND:3D-printed bone tissue engineering scaffolds have obvious advantages in the research and clinical treatment of bone defect repair.As one of the important raw materials for 3D printed bone scaffolds,poly-L-lactic acid has a great potential for application in performing bone defect repair,but clinical patients with different bone defect causative factors have different requirements for the comprehensive performance of poly-L-lactic acid bone scaffolds.OBJECTIVE:To summarize and review the development of 3D printing technology and poly-L-lactic acid scaffolds and the design strategies chosen for scaffolds for bone repair in the setting of bone diseases such as osteomyelitis,bone tumor,osteonecrosis,and osteoporosis.METHODS:Literature from CNKI,WanFang,PubMed,Science Direct,and Web of Science databases were searched and screened from 1994 to 2024.Search terms were"3D printing,polylactic acid,bone tissue engineering scaffold,osteomyelitis,bone tumor,osteonecrosis,osteoporosis,bone defect"in Chinese and English.The screened 62 articles were systematically summarized and analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Poly-L-lactic acid is considered to be an ideal raw material for artificial bone scaffold design due to its non-toxicity,processability,biocompatibility,and ability to self-degrade in the human environment.The application of 3D printing technology has enabled poly-L-lactic acid bone scaffolds to meet the multilayered and porous structural design requirements of biomimetic artificial bone repair materials,and to optimize the mechanical properties for better bone repair.(2)According to different bone disease microenvironments,timely adjustment of the functional design of poly-L-lactic acid scaffolds is important for the comprehensive osteogenic efficacy of the scaffolds.The article discusses the application of poly-L-lactic acid scaffolds in bone disease environments such as osteomyelitis,bone tumor,osteonecrosis,and osteoporosis,and highlights the importance of rationally grasping the timing of bone disease treatment and bone tissue regeneration for bone defects caused by different bone diseases.(3)Although poly-L-lactic acid scaffolds show potential in bone repair,there are still some problems,such as the need to further optimize the structural design of the scaffolds to fit new bone regeneration,enhance the bioactivity of the scaffolds,and take into account other functions(e.g.,antimicrobial,anti-tumor,and anti-osteoporosis)in order to adapt to the needs of bone tissue repair in different pathological environments.
2.Acute aortic saddle embolism: a rare emergency condition
World Journal of Emergency Medicine 2026;17(1):84-86
Aortic saddle embolism (ASE) is a rare but catastrophic vascular emergency characterized by acute occlusion of the aortic bifurcation, leading to bilateral lower limb ischemia and multiorgan dysfunction. Despite advances in imaging and surgical techniques, ASE has high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly when diagnosis or intervention is delayed. Here, we report two patients admitted to our center to increase awareness among emergency physicians.
3.3D printed poly-L-lactic acid bone scaffolds in repair of bone defects
Fengli YANG ; Chao ZHOU ; Wei XIONG ; Yuxiang ZHOU ; Dengshun LI ; Xin WANG ; Zhanzhen LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):507-515
BACKGROUND:3D-printed bone tissue engineering scaffolds have obvious advantages in the research and clinical treatment of bone defect repair.As one of the important raw materials for 3D printed bone scaffolds,poly-L-lactic acid has a great potential for application in performing bone defect repair,but clinical patients with different bone defect causative factors have different requirements for the comprehensive performance of poly-L-lactic acid bone scaffolds.OBJECTIVE:To summarize and review the development of 3D printing technology and poly-L-lactic acid scaffolds and the design strategies chosen for scaffolds for bone repair in the setting of bone diseases such as osteomyelitis,bone tumor,osteonecrosis,and osteoporosis.METHODS:Literature from CNKI,WanFang,PubMed,Science Direct,and Web of Science databases were searched and screened from 1994 to 2024.Search terms were"3D printing,polylactic acid,bone tissue engineering scaffold,osteomyelitis,bone tumor,osteonecrosis,osteoporosis,bone defect"in Chinese and English.The screened 62 articles were systematically summarized and analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Poly-L-lactic acid is considered to be an ideal raw material for artificial bone scaffold design due to its non-toxicity,processability,biocompatibility,and ability to self-degrade in the human environment.The application of 3D printing technology has enabled poly-L-lactic acid bone scaffolds to meet the multilayered and porous structural design requirements of biomimetic artificial bone repair materials,and to optimize the mechanical properties for better bone repair.(2)According to different bone disease microenvironments,timely adjustment of the functional design of poly-L-lactic acid scaffolds is important for the comprehensive osteogenic efficacy of the scaffolds.The article discusses the application of poly-L-lactic acid scaffolds in bone disease environments such as osteomyelitis,bone tumor,osteonecrosis,and osteoporosis,and highlights the importance of rationally grasping the timing of bone disease treatment and bone tissue regeneration for bone defects caused by different bone diseases.(3)Although poly-L-lactic acid scaffolds show potential in bone repair,there are still some problems,such as the need to further optimize the structural design of the scaffolds to fit new bone regeneration,enhance the bioactivity of the scaffolds,and take into account other functions(e.g.,antimicrobial,anti-tumor,and anti-osteoporosis)in order to adapt to the needs of bone tissue repair in different pathological environments.
4.Regulatory effects of G3BP2 on activation, proliferation, and migratory capacity in hepatic stellate cells
Qiqi DONG ; Wenjie SUN ; Minghui LI ; Jingjing YANG ; Renpeng ZHOU ; Wei HU ; Chao LU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):501-508
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of Ras-GTPase-activating protein SH3 domain-binding protein 2 (G3BP2) in regulating the activation, proliferation, and migration of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). MethodsThe mouse HSCs (JS-1 cell line) were treated with 5 μg/L transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1) for 24 hours to establish an HSC activation and proliferation model. A G3BP2 knockdown system was constructed using siRNA interference technology. The experiment was divided into four groups: Control, TGF-β1 treatment, TGF-β1+si-NC, and TGF-β1+ G3BP2-siRNA. The expression levels of key fibrosis indicators, including type I collagen (Collagen I), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and G3BP2, were detected by Western blot and RT-qPCR. Cell proliferation activity was assessed using the CCK-8 proliferation assay kit and EdU fluorescence labeling technology. Cell migration ability was analyzed by scratch wound healing assay and Transwell migration assay. The formation level of stress granules was quantified by immunofluorescence microscopy to investigate the effects of G3BP2 on stress granule formation in activated HSCs. ResultsStimulation with TGF-β1 upregulated the expression of G3BP2 in JS-1 cells (RT-qPCR: P0.000 1; Western blot: P0.000 1), while a downward trend in its expression was observed in the G3BP2‑silenced group (RT-qPCR: P0.01; Western blot: P0.000 1). Compared with the control group, the TGF-β1 group exhibited increased protein expression levels of α-SMA and Collagen I (RT-qPCR: both P0.01; Western blot: P0.01 and P0.05, respectively), concomitant with an increased number of stress granules and enhanced cell proliferation and migration capacity (all P0.001). The experimental results demonstrated that G3BP2 knockout effectively reversed the aforementioned phenotypes, with the G3BP2-silenced group showing reduced expression of fibrotic markers (all P0.01), decreased stress granule formation (P0.01), and reduced cell proliferation and migration capacity (all P0.05), compared to the negative control group. ConclusionG3BP2 enhances the activation, proliferation, and migration of HSCs by promoting the formation of stress granules, thereby accelerating the pathological progression of liver fibrosis. This suggests that stress granules may serve as important regulators in controlling the activation, proliferation, and migration of HSCs.
5.Pre-operative risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplant recipients by non-invasive detection of pre-existing genetic lesions
Suqin YANG ; Sunbin LING ; Jianhua LI ; Yan WANG ; Jiapei WANG ; Qiwei HUANG ; Fanming LIU ; Yiqi ZHUANG ; Yingyu ZHENG ; Rui WANG ; Zhe YANG ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Zhikun LIU ; Jun CHEN ; Jianguo WANG ; Haiyang XIE ; Lin ZHOU ; Leiming CHEN ; Guoqiang CAO ; Dandan CHEN ; Junfang JI ; Bin ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Di LU ; Xuyong WEI ; Hangjin JIANG ; Qiaonan SHAN ; Hengbo SHI ; Yong-Zhen XU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Zhengxin WANG ; Shengda LIN ; Xiao XU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):884-903
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues.
Results:
We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.
6.Mechanism of Jianfu mixture in the treatment of erectile dysfunction based on network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking and in vitro experimental validation
Yantao YANG ; Chao YU ; Zhihang ZHANG ; Yujiong PAN ; Xiaofeng HE ; Min XU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(6):296-305
Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of Jianfu mixture in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) by network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques, and validate its core targets and mechanisms through in vitro experiments. Methods The active components and corresponding molecular targets of Jianfu mixture were searched by searching TCMSP and Batman-TCM databases, and the disease targets of ED were searched by using GeneCards database. Find the intersection of drug ingredient target and disease target. The interaction between intersected targets was described and analyzed by String database, and the analysis results were visualized by Cytoscape software to determine the core target and the corresponding active components. GO functional enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed for intersection targets; the core target within the intersection were found through MCODE plug-in on Cytoscape software and molecular docking was performed with the corresponding active ingredients. An endothelial dysfunction model was established by transfecting HUVECs with si-eNOS. Intervene with different concentrations of the Jianfu mixture for the model cells for 24 h. QPCR was used to detect mRNA expression of core targets (MAPK1, MAPK3, JUN, ESR1, MAPK8); Western blot was used to analyze protein expression (eNOS, JUN, p-JUN, MAPK, p-MAPK) and phosphorylation levels. Results 144 effective active components and 168 active components target-disease targe intersection of Jianfu mixture were obtained. GO analysis revealed 200 5 biological processes, 151 molecular functions, and 63 cellular components. KEGG analysis yielded 181 pathways. 5 core targets including MAPK1, MAPK3, JUN, ESR1 and MAPK8 were screened out. The active components such as β-sitosterol, kaempferol, astapterocarpan had good binding affinity with the core target. In vitro experiments confirmed successful construction of the endothelial dysfunction model (eNOS expression significantly decreased after si-eNOS transfection). Jianfu mixture dose-dependently inhibited mRNA expression of MAPK1, MAPK3, JUN, ESR1, and MAPK8. Additionally, it reduced phosphorylation levels of JUN and MAPK, indicating inhibition of the JNK/c-Jun and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways to improve endothelial function. Conclusion Jianfu mixture treats ED by suppressing abnormal activation of multi-target signaling pathways (MAPK/JUN/ESR1), reducing endothelial apoptosis, and promoting NO synthesis. This mechanism aligns with the traditional Chinese medicine principle of “activating blood circulation, resolving stasis, tonifying Qi, and strengthening cardiovascular function.” The study provided molecular-level evidence for the therapeutic efficacy of Jianfu mixture in ED management.
7.Mechanism of Jianfu mixture in the treatment of erectile dysfunction based on network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking and in vitro experimental validation
Yantao YANG ; Chao YU ; Zhihang ZHANG ; Yujiong PAN ; Xiaofeng HE ; Min XU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(6):296-305
Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of Jianfu mixture in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) by network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques, and validate its core targets and mechanisms through in vitro experiments. Methods The active components and corresponding molecular targets of Jianfu mixture were searched by searching TCMSP and Batman-TCM databases, and the disease targets of ED were searched by using GeneCards database. Find the intersection of drug ingredient target and disease target. The interaction between intersected targets was described and analyzed by String database, and the analysis results were visualized by Cytoscape software to determine the core target and the corresponding active components. GO functional enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed for intersection targets; the core target within the intersection were found through MCODE plug-in on Cytoscape software and molecular docking was performed with the corresponding active ingredients. An endothelial dysfunction model was established by transfecting HUVECs with si-eNOS. Intervene with different concentrations of the Jianfu mixture for the model cells for 24 h. QPCR was used to detect mRNA expression of core targets (MAPK1, MAPK3, JUN, ESR1, MAPK8); Western blot was used to analyze protein expression (eNOS, JUN, p-JUN, MAPK, p-MAPK) and phosphorylation levels. Results 144 effective active components and 168 active components target-disease targe intersection of Jianfu mixture were obtained. GO analysis revealed 200 5 biological processes, 151 molecular functions, and 63 cellular components. KEGG analysis yielded 181 pathways. 5 core targets including MAPK1, MAPK3, JUN, ESR1 and MAPK8 were screened out. The active components such as β-sitosterol, kaempferol, astapterocarpan had good binding affinity with the core target. In vitro experiments confirmed successful construction of the endothelial dysfunction model (eNOS expression significantly decreased after si-eNOS transfection). Jianfu mixture dose-dependently inhibited mRNA expression of MAPK1, MAPK3, JUN, ESR1, and MAPK8. Additionally, it reduced phosphorylation levels of JUN and MAPK, indicating inhibition of the JNK/c-Jun and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways to improve endothelial function. Conclusion Jianfu mixture treats ED by suppressing abnormal activation of multi-target signaling pathways (MAPK/JUN/ESR1), reducing endothelial apoptosis, and promoting NO synthesis. This mechanism aligns with the traditional Chinese medicine principle of “activating blood circulation, resolving stasis, tonifying Qi, and strengthening cardiovascular function.” The study provided molecular-level evidence for the therapeutic efficacy of Jianfu mixture in ED management.
8.Assessing distribution characteristics and clinical significance of vertebral fractures in patients with osteoporosis based on whole spine MRI
Jiajun ZHOU ; Fei MA ; Yebo LENG ; Shicai XU ; Baoqiang HE ; Yang LI ; Yehui LIAO ; Qiang TANG ; Chao TANG ; Qing WANG ; Dejun ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1883-1889
BACKGROUND:Osteoporotic vertebral fractures are the most common complication in patients with osteoporosis.As a new imaging technique,spine magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)is much more sensitive than X-ray film in the diagnosis of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.However,total spine MRI is costly and takes a long time to scan.Therefore,there is no consensus on whether all patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures need to undergo total spine MRI scan and which patients need to undergo total spine MRI. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the distribution characteristics of vertebral fractures and explore their clinical significance by observing the whole spine MRI data of osteoporotic vertebral fractures patients. METHODS:Data of cases and MRI images of all patients diagnosed with fresh osteoporotic vertebral fractures who visited the Department of Orthopedics,Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from August 2018 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.903 patients were included in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.General information(age,gender,and body mass index),medical history characteristics(duration of illness,history of trauma surgery,percussion pain area,and pain score)were collected.The characteristics of vertebral fractures were analyzed through whole spine magnetic resonance imaging.Firstly,based on the number of vertebral fractures in patients,they were divided into the single vertebral fracture group(484 cases)and the multi-vertebral fracture group(419 cases),and the differences were analyzed between the two groups.Then,based on whether the farthest interval between the fractured vertebrae was greater than or equal to 5,the multi vertebral fracture group was further divided into two subgroups.Among them,Group A(the farthest interval between the fractured vertebrae was less than 5)contained 306 cases;Group B(with the farthest interval between fractured vertebral bodies greater than 5)included 113 cases.The differences were analyzed between two subgroups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Among 903 patients,419 patients(46.4%)had more than two fractured vertebrae.There were 654 patients(72.4%)with thoracolumbar fractures,and 54 patients(6%)with fractures in the thoracic plus lumbar region and the entire thoracic to lumbar region.In group B,96.5%of patients had multiregional percussion pain.(2)Compared with the patients in the single vertebral fracture group and the multi-vertebral fracture group,there were significant differences in bone mineral density,whether the medical history was greater than or equal to 1 month,the history of low energy injury,and the distribution and number of axial percussion pain areas in the spine during physical examination between the two groups(P<0.05).Age,gender,body mass index,whether there was underlying disease,pain visual analog scale score,whether there was a history of elderly thoracolumbar fracture,and whether there was a history of thoracolumbar surgery,and the number of fractured vertebrae had no statistical significance(P>0.05).(3)There were statistically significant differences between the Groups A and B in bone mineral density,the distribution and quantity of percussion pain area,and the history of low energy injury(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in age,gender,history of old fractures,visual analog scale score,body mass index,whether the medical history was longer than or equal to 1 month,history of underlying diseases,and history of thoracolumbar surgery between the two groups(P>0.05).(4)Patients with multiple low-energy trauma history,history of more than 1 month,multiple percussion pain,and the lower bone mineral density should be alert to the occurrence of multiple vertebral fracture and jump fracture.We recommend the whole spinal MRI for these patients.
9.Correlation Between the Spinopelvic Parameters and Morphological Characteristics of Pedicle-Facet Joints in Different Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Baoqiang HE ; Yebo LENG ; Shicai XU ; Yang LI ; Jiajun ZHOU ; Min KANG ; Yehui LIAO ; Minghao TIAN ; Qiang TANG ; Fei MA ; Qing WANG ; Chao TANG ; Dejun ZHONG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):231-242
Objective:
Based on spinopelvic parameters and biomechanical principles, the pedicle-facet joint (PFJ) morphological characteristics of isthmic and degenerative spondylolisthesis were analyzed, and the mechanism of their onset and progression was discussed.
Methods:
This retrospective cross-sectional study included 194 patients with L5 spondylolysis or L5–S1 low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS group), 172 patients with L4–5 degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS group), and 366 patients with nonlumbar spondylolysis (NL group). The spinopelvic parameters and PFJ morphological parameters of the patients were measured, the differences in these parameters among and within the 3 groups were compared, and the correlations were analyzed.
Results:
Sacral slope (SS) and lumbar lordosis (LL) were the highest in the IS group, the second highest in the DS group, and the lowest in the NL group. Among the 3 groups, the L4 facet joint angle (FJA) was the largest in the IS group, the second largest in the NL group, and the smallest in the DS group. The L4 pedicle-facet joint angle (PFA) was the largest in the DS group, the second largest in the IS group, and the smallest in the NL group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that within each group, SS and LL were negatively correlated with FJA and positively correlated with PFA.
Conclusion
This study found a correlation between the PFJ morphological characteristics of patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and spinopelvic parameters, suggesting that the morphological characteristics of PFJs may be caused by varying stresses under different spinopelvic morphologies.
10.Aging Inhibits Memory Immune Response of CD8+T Cells in Lungs of C57BL/6J Mice Against Influenza A(H1N1)Virus
Chao WANG ; Shun LI ; Xiaonan REN ; Hua YANG ; Lixiang CHEN ; Chunhua XU ; Xiaohui ZHOU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(5):515-523
Objective To compare functional differences of CD8+T cells in lung tissues between young and aged C57BL/6J mice during the contraction phase and memory immune response phase after infection with influenza A(H1N1)virus.Methods Lung tissues from young(3-month-old)and aged(24-month-old)C57BL/6J female mice without influenza virus infection were collected to prepare single-cell suspensions,which were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA)/ionomycin or cluster of differentiation(CD)3/CD28 antibodies(T-cell antigen receptor/co-stimulatory signals)respectively(non-specific antigens stimulation).Flow cytometry intracellular cytokine staining(ICS)was performed on lung CD8+T cells to detect their secretion capacity of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interferon-γ(IFN-γ).Young and aged C57BL/6J mice were infected intranasally with 490 PFU PR8 influenza virus,and reinfected with homologous influenza virus 28 days later.Lung tissues were isolated on day 28(the contraction phase)and day 32(the memory immune response phase)after primary infection.Influenza virus-specific MHC-Ⅰ tetramer staining was used to detect the proportion of virus-specific CD8+T cells in lung tissue CD8+T cells,and ICS was used to analyze TNF-α,IFN-γ,and granzyme B expression in CD8+CD44high T cell subset.Results After non-specific antigen stimulation,TNF-α and IFN-γ secretion capacity in lung tissue CD8+T cells of aged group mice was significantly higher than that of young group(P<0.05).After virus-specific antigen stimulation,there were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of virus-specific CD8+T cells and the expression levels of TNF-α,IFN-γ,and granzyme B between the two groups of mice during the contraction phase(P>0.05),while during the memory immune response phase,the proportion of virus-specific CD8+T cells and the expression levels of TNF-α,IFN-γ,and granzyme B in the aged group mice were significantly lower than those in the young group(P<0.05).Conclusion CD8+T cells in aged mice maintain normal immune-related factor expression function under non-specific antigen stimulation,but show impaired immune-related factor expression function during antigen-specific memory immune response phase,suggesting that aging leads to defects in the formation or maintenance of CD8+T cell immune memory.


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