1.Construction and analysis of miRNA-mRNA regulatory network during progression of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice
Xin AN ; Da LYU ; Xuepei REN ; Chuncheng LIU ; Guojun LIU ; Hongyu ZHAO ; Lu CAI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):565-574
Background Regulatory interactions between microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are involved in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, which can either promote or inhibit the development of this disease. Objective To explore the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network during the progression of silica (SiO2)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice using integrated mRNA-seq and miRNA-seq analysis. Methods A mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by dynamic SiO2 dust exposure. The experimental design included a blank control group and four SiO2-exposed groups (7, 14, 28, and 56 d, n=10 per group). Successful model induction was confirmed by histopathological analysis (HE and Masson staining), hydroxyproline (HYP) quantification, and expression of key fibrosis-related cytokines [fibroblast growth factor (FGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)]. Lung tissues from mice in each group were subjected to sequencing, and Mfuzz was used for time-series gene clustering to identify dynamic progression patterns. DESeq2 was utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs. Enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed to identify critical signaling pathways and biological processes underlying pulmonary fibrosis progression. Expression of four selected miRNAs was subsequently validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The target mRNAs of key miRNAs were comprehensively predicted by integrating miRBase, starBase, and miRTarBase to construct the regulatory networks and investigate potential functions. Results SiO2 exposure led to time-dependent aggravation of pulmonary fibrosis in mice, evidenced by increased fibrous deposition, elevated HYP levels (P < 0.01), and up-regulation of four kinds of pro-fibrotic cytokines (P < 0.01) compared with the NT group. Mfuzz clustering revealed the stage-specific characteristics. Compared to controls, 231, 662, 448, and 1020 DEGs were identified after SiO2 exposure at 7, 14, 28, and 56 d, respectively, primarily enriched in immune responses and chemokine signaling. During critical fibrotic phases—7 d (acute inflammation and initiation) and 28 d (chronic inflammation and establishment)—18 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified; notably mmu-miR-135b-5p was significantly dysregulated at both time points. The expression trends of the four key miRNAs (mmu-miR-135b-5p, mmu-miR-708-5p, mmu-miR-21a-3p, and mmu-miR-205-5p) were consistent with the sequencing results. Furthermore, bioinformatics databases were used to predict the target mRNAs of key miRNAs. The constructed network highlighted critical miRNA-mRNA pairs—including mmu-miR-135b-5p and Meis1, mmu-miR-708-5p and Mmp25, mmu-miR-21a-3p and Cacna1d, mmu-miR-205-5p and Ereg which were closely associated with inflammatory response, extracellular matrix deposition, and fibroblast activation. Conclusion The progression of pulmonary fibrosis is accompanied by dynamic changes in miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks. The identified miRNA-target axes (e.g., miR-135b-5p and Meis1, mmu-miR-708-5p and Mmp25, mmu-miR-21a-3p and Cacna1d, and mmu-miR-205-5p and Ereg—) may play important roles in fibrogenesis and provide potential therapeutic targets for pulmonary fibrosis.
2.Construction and analysis of miRNA-mRNA regulatory network during progression of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice
Xin AN ; Da LYU ; Xuepei REN ; Chuncheng LIU ; Guojun LIU ; Hongyu ZHAO ; Lu CAI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):565-574
Background Regulatory interactions between microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are involved in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, which can either promote or inhibit the development of this disease. Objective To explore the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network during the progression of silica (SiO2)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice using integrated mRNA-seq and miRNA-seq analysis. Methods A mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by dynamic SiO2 dust exposure. The experimental design included a blank control group and four SiO2-exposed groups (7, 14, 28, and 56 d, n=10 per group). Successful model induction was confirmed by histopathological analysis (HE and Masson staining), hydroxyproline (HYP) quantification, and expression of key fibrosis-related cytokines [fibroblast growth factor (FGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)]. Lung tissues from mice in each group were subjected to sequencing, and Mfuzz was used for time-series gene clustering to identify dynamic progression patterns. DESeq2 was utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs. Enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed to identify critical signaling pathways and biological processes underlying pulmonary fibrosis progression. Expression of four selected miRNAs was subsequently validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The target mRNAs of key miRNAs were comprehensively predicted by integrating miRBase, starBase, and miRTarBase to construct the regulatory networks and investigate potential functions. Results SiO2 exposure led to time-dependent aggravation of pulmonary fibrosis in mice, evidenced by increased fibrous deposition, elevated HYP levels (P < 0.01), and up-regulation of four kinds of pro-fibrotic cytokines (P < 0.01) compared with the NT group. Mfuzz clustering revealed the stage-specific characteristics. Compared to controls, 231, 662, 448, and 1020 DEGs were identified after SiO2 exposure at 7, 14, 28, and 56 d, respectively, primarily enriched in immune responses and chemokine signaling. During critical fibrotic phases—7 d (acute inflammation and initiation) and 28 d (chronic inflammation and establishment)—18 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified; notably mmu-miR-135b-5p was significantly dysregulated at both time points. The expression trends of the four key miRNAs (mmu-miR-135b-5p, mmu-miR-708-5p, mmu-miR-21a-3p, and mmu-miR-205-5p) were consistent with the sequencing results. Furthermore, bioinformatics databases were used to predict the target mRNAs of key miRNAs. The constructed network highlighted critical miRNA-mRNA pairs—including mmu-miR-135b-5p and Meis1, mmu-miR-708-5p and Mmp25, mmu-miR-21a-3p and Cacna1d, mmu-miR-205-5p and Ereg which were closely associated with inflammatory response, extracellular matrix deposition, and fibroblast activation. Conclusion The progression of pulmonary fibrosis is accompanied by dynamic changes in miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks. The identified miRNA-target axes (e.g., miR-135b-5p and Meis1, mmu-miR-708-5p and Mmp25, mmu-miR-21a-3p and Cacna1d, and mmu-miR-205-5p and Ereg—) may play important roles in fibrogenesis and provide potential therapeutic targets for pulmonary fibrosis.
3.Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy and anal sphincter plasty for complete rectal prolapse
Yuru ZHANG ; Di CAO ; Chuncheng REN ; Kai WANG ; Ning AN ; Min WANG ; Li ZHANG ; Shuo NIU
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2024;39(3):207-210
Objective:To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) +anal sphincter plasty for complete rectal prolapse.Methods:From Jan 1, 2018 to Dec 31, 2022, 45 patients with complete rectal prolapse diagnosed in Beijing Erlong Road Hospital received laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy +anal sphincter plasty were included in this study.Result:There was no mortality rate associated with LVMR in this study cohort. The follow-up period was 8-76 months, with a median follow-up period of 59 months. There were 2 cases of recurrence, with a recurrence rate of 4%. Patients with concomitant fecal incontinence symptoms had a preoperative Jorge Wexner fecal incontinence score of 13.8±2.0, and postoperative Jorge Wexner fecal incontinence scores of 7.5±1.5, 5.3±1.3, 4.3±1.1, 2.8±1.0, and 1.8±0.5 at 3, 6, 12, 36, and 60 months, respectively, all P<0.001. Patients with concomitant constipation had a preoperative Wexner constipation score of 15.7 ± 1.5, and a postoperative Wexner constipation score of 9.0±1.8, 6.8±1.5, 5.2±1.4, 4.1±0.7, 2.0±0.0 at 3, 6, 12, 36, and 60 months, respectively, all P<0.001. Conclusions:LVMR +anal Sphincter plasty is safe and effective for the treatment of complete rectal prolapse, and there are few complications related to biological patches. Anal sphincter plasty can effectively improve anal function.
4.Effect of perioperative SEPT9 level on prognosis after radical resection of colorectal cancer
Di CAO ; Guozhi YU ; Chuncheng REN ; Min WANG ; Kai WANG ; Ning AN ; Yan SHI ; Yuru ZHANG
International Journal of Surgery 2023;50(9):605-611,F4
Objective:To analyze the effect of perioperative SEPT9 level in peripheral blood on long-term prognosis of patients with colorectal tumors. Methods:Retrospectively analyzed the data of 334 patients with colorectal cancer admitted to the Department of Anus & Intestine Surgery from January 2017 to December 2022, including 197 male patients and 137 female patients, aged 29 to 83 (62.8±10.7) years. Positive group was consisted of 241 patients with positive SEPT9 before surgery, while negative group was consisted of 93 patients with negative SEPT9 before surgery. Among the positive group, 169 cases turned negative for SEPT9 on the one week after surgery (transnegative group), and another 72 cases did not turn negative (non negative group). Univariate and multivariate analysis of clinical general data were carried out to screen out the risk factors affecting the long-term prognosis of colorectal cancer patients after surgery. The survival curve was calculated by Kaplan-Meier method, and the Log-rank test was used to compare the difference in survival rate between groups. Results:All patients′ overall median survival time was 67 months, and the 1, 3 and 5 years overall survival rate was 91.9%, 70.9% and 57.1%. The results of multi-factor analysis showed that whether the tumor had lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, and preoperative SEPT9 methylation status were independent risk factors affecting the long-term prognosis of colorectal cancer ( P=0.004, <0.001, 0.041), while for patients with preoperative SEPT9 positive, TNM stage of tumor and whether SEPT9 turned negative after surgery were independent risk factors for prognosis ( P=0.026, 0.001). The median survival time of patients in positive group and negative group was 63 months and 71 months, respectively. The 1, 3 and 5 year survival rates after surgery were 90.4%, 67.0%, 55.0% and 95.7%, 79.1% and 64.6%, respectively( P=0.007). The median survival time of the patients in the transnegative group and nonnegative group was 45 months and 62 months, respectively. The 1, 3 and 5-year survival rates were 83.2%, 60.5%, 48.1% and 93.5%, 72.9%, 63.5%( P<0.001). Conclusions:Perioperative SEPT9 level is correlated with long-term prognosis of CRC patients, and patients with negative SEPT9 before surgery have better prognosis than those with positive SEPT9. Preoperative positive patients who do not turn negative after surgery often indicate poor prognosis of tumor.
5.Research progress of DNA methylation in the diagnosis of early colorectal cancer
Di CAO ; Guozhi YU ; Chuncheng REN ; Min WANG ; Kai WANG ; Yue SU ; Bin HUANG ; Xu HAN ; Wenhao MAN ; Yuru ZHANG
International Journal of Surgery 2022;49(5):351-355
Colorectal cancer is a common tumor of the digestive system with a high degree of malignancy. Most patients are in the advanced stages of the disease when they develop symptoms. Although the detection rate of traditional screening methods is improving with advances in imaging and the popularity of colonoscopy, the diagnosis of early, asymptomatic colon cancer is still unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is particularly important to further study the occurrence and development mechanism of colorectal cancer and obtain new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment.? In recent years, with the deepening of epigenetics research, the role of DNA methylation in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer has gradually attracted attention. This paper will review the research progress of DNA methylation in colorectal cancer′s diagnosis and treatment.
6.Modified Bascom cleft lift procedure for chronic pilonidal sinus
Liancheng LIU ; Yuru ZHANG ; Hongyan DUAN ; Yue SU ; Bin HUANG ; Xu HAN ; Chuncheng REN ; Min WANG ; Tuanjie ZHAO ; Zhiliang ZHANG ; Fang XIONG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2019;34(1):42-44
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of modified Bascom cleft lift procedure in the treatment of chronic sinus.Methods Modified Bascom cleft lift procedure was performed in 53 patients admitted from Oct 2012 to Jul 2016.49 cases were male and 4 were female.The average age was (25.4± 2.3) years.Results All patients were satisfied with the operation.There were 49 cases of primary healing and 4 cases of incision complications.The average follow-up was (12.1 ±4.3) months,no recurrence was observed.Conclusion The modified Bascom cleft lift technique is effective and reliable,with less complications and a lower recurrence rate.
7.The therapeutic evaluation of video-assisted anal fistula treatment for Parks Ⅱ anal fistula
Yuru ZHANG ; Xiu ZHANG ; Bin HUANG ; Liancheng LIU ; Chuncheng REN ; Min WANG ; Tuanjie ZHAO ; Zhiliang ZHANG ; Xu HAN
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2018;33(8):658-661
Objective To evaluate video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) for Parks type Ⅱ anal fistula.Methods 40 Parks type Ⅱ anal fistula patients underwent VAAFT procedure from June 2015 to June 2017.Results were compared with 40 cases treated by incision and thread drawing.Results There was no significant difference between the two groups for curative effect,postoperative urinary retention,wound edema,bleeding and recurrence rate after 6 months of operation (90% vs.95%,x2 =0.722,P =0.697;5% vs.8%,x2 =0.213,P=1.0;2% vs.8%,x2 =1.053,P=0.615;0 vs.5%,x2 =2.051,P =0.494;10% vs.5%,x2 =0.721,P =0.675).Pain on first day and one week after operation in the VAAFT was less [(1.9±0.6) vs.(3.7±1.0),t =9.438,P=0.001;(0.9±0.7) vs.(1.9±0.8),t=6.269,P=0.001],hospital stay was shorter [8.4 ±1.3) d vs.(9.2 ±2.2) d,t =2.030,P=0.047],wound healing was faster [(27 ±8) dm.(38 ±6) d,t =7.328,P =0.001].The Jorge-Wexner incontinence score [(0.5±0.7) vs.(1.2±1.3),t =2.951,P=0.005] and the fecal incontinence severity index [(1.1±1.6) vs.(5.1 ±3.2),t =7.097,P=0.001] were lower in patients receiving VAAFT procedure.Conclusion Video-assisted anal fistula treatment is a safe and effective surgical method with the advantages of less trauma,and pain,quicker recovery and no damage to the anal sphincter.

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