ObjectiveTo dynamically observe the clinical symptoms and pathological changes in a rat model of vinorelbine-induced phlebitis via injection into the dorsalis pedis vein. MethodsTwenty-eight 11-week-old male SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into a model group (n=20) and a control group (n=8). The model group received a single injection of 0.1 mL vinorelbine solution (4 mg/mL) via the right hind limb dorsalis pedis vein, while the control group received an equal volume of normal saline via the same method. The occurrence and grading of phlebitis in both groups were observed and recorded daily. The volume of the injured limb was measured by the drainage method to calculate the swelling rate. The weight-bearing ratio of the injured limb was assessed using a bipedal balance pain meter, and the skin temperature of the injured limb was measured by infrared thermal imaging. These measurements were conducted for 9 consecutive days. Starting from day 1, three rats from the model group were euthanized every other day. A 1-cm segment of the vein extending proximally from the injection site was collected. Pathological changes in the vein tissue were examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and ultrastructural changes of the vascular endothelium were observed using scanning electron microscopy. ResultsCompared to the control group, the injected hindlimb of model rats showed redness and swelling on day 1, with the swelling rate peaking at (81.89±15.75) % on day 3 (P<0.001), then gradually alleviating and decreasing to (15.41±0.33) % by day 9 (P<0.01). Pain was observed in the affected limbs of model rats on day 1 and worsened markedly on day 3, with the weight-bearing ratio decreasing to (36.35±4.91)% (P<0.001). Meanwhile, the skin temperature of the lesion site increased, reaching (36.36±0.40) ℃ on day 5 (P<0.001). Both pain and fever returned to near normal levels by day 9. Phlebitis grading in the model group showed that 75.0% of rats were grade Ⅱ on day 1; grade Ⅲ and Ⅳ each accounted for 37.5% on day 3; from days 5 to 9, most rats exhibited cord-like veins, predominantly grade III. Venous tissue showed peripheral edema and inflammatory cell infiltration on day 1, which gradually progressed to intimal rupture, vessel wall thickening, and even lumen narrowing from day 3 to 9. The venous intima exhibited destruction of tight junctions between endothelial cells and adhesion of blood cells, progressing to roughened, wrinkled, and protruding intimal surfaces. ConclusionThe vinorelbine-induced phlebitis of dorsal foot vein in rat model is characterized by local redness, swelling, warmth, and pain from days 3 to 5, which largely resolve by day 9, although cord-like veins can still be observed. With disease progression, venous tissue develops edema, vessel wall thickening, and lumen narrowing. The venous intima shows rupture, roughening, and in some cases, complete loss.

ObjectiveTo dynamically observe the clinical symptoms and pathological changes in a rat model of vinorelbine-induced phlebitis via injection into the dorsalis pedis vein. MethodsTwenty-eight 11-week-old male SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into a model group (n=20) and a control group (n=8). The model group received a single injection of 0.1 mL vinorelbine solution (4 mg/mL) via the right hind limb dorsalis pedis vein, while the control group received an equal volume of normal saline via the same method. The occurrence and grading of phlebitis in both groups were observed and recorded daily. The volume of the injured limb was measured by the drainage method to calculate the swelling rate. The weight-bearing ratio of the injured limb was assessed using a bipedal balance pain meter, and the skin temperature of the injured limb was measured by infrared thermal imaging. These measurements were conducted for 9 consecutive days. Starting from day 1, three rats from the model group were euthanized every other day. A 1-cm segment of the vein extending proximally from the injection site was collected. Pathological changes in the vein tissue were examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and ultrastructural changes of the vascular endothelium were observed using scanning electron microscopy. ResultsCompared to the control group, the injected hindlimb of model rats showed redness and swelling on day 1, with the swelling rate peaking at (81.89±15.75) % on day 3 (P<0.001), then gradually alleviating and decreasing to (15.41±0.33) % by day 9 (P<0.01). Pain was observed in the affected limbs of model rats on day 1 and worsened markedly on day 3, with the weight-bearing ratio decreasing to (36.35±4.91)% (P<0.001). Meanwhile, the skin temperature of the lesion site increased, reaching (36.36±0.40) ℃ on day 5 (P<0.001). Both pain and fever returned to near normal levels by day 9. Phlebitis grading in the model group showed that 75.0% of rats were grade Ⅱ on day 1; grade Ⅲ and Ⅳ each accounted for 37.5% on day 3; from days 5 to 9, most rats exhibited cord-like veins, predominantly grade III. Venous tissue showed peripheral edema and inflammatory cell infiltration on day 1, which gradually progressed to intimal rupture, vessel wall thickening, and even lumen narrowing from day 3 to 9. The venous intima exhibited destruction of tight junctions between endothelial cells and adhesion of blood cells, progressing to roughened, wrinkled, and protruding intimal surfaces. ConclusionThe vinorelbine-induced phlebitis of dorsal foot vein in rat model is characterized by local redness, swelling, warmth, and pain from days 3 to 5, which largely resolve by day 9, although cord-like veins can still be observed. With disease progression, venous tissue develops edema, vessel wall thickening, and lumen narrowing. The venous intima shows rupture, roughening, and in some cases, complete loss.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of the "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture on key regulatory factors during mitochondrial apoptosis of testicular tissue in asthenozoospermia mice, and explore the potential mechanism of the protective effect of acupuncture on reproductive function. METHODS: Thirty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group and an acupuncture group, 10 mice in each group. In the model and the acupuncture groups, the intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (30 mg•kg^-1•d^-1) was delivered for 7 days to prepare the asthenozoospermia model. After the success of modeling, the modeled mice in the acupuncture group were intervened with "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture, once daily and the needles were retained for 20 min. The duration of the intervention was 2 weeks. The general condition of each mouse was observed, and the body mass was recorded before modeling, after modeling and after intervention completion. After intervention, the testicular mass was recorded and the weight coefficient was calculated, and the mouse sperm quality was examined; the serum contents of testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were detected using ELISA, the morphology of testicular tissue was observed using HE, the mitochondrial ultra-microstructure of testicular tissue was observed under transmission electrone microscopy, the mitochondrial membrane potential level of testicular tissue was detected using JC-1 staining, the positive rate of apoptosis cell of testicular tissue was observed using TUNEL; and the mRNA and protein expression of b-cell lymphocytoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), cytochrome c (Cyt C), apoptotic protease-activating factor1 (Apaf-1), Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 of testicular tissue was detected using real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR and Western blot methods separately; and the positive expression of Cleaved Caspase-3 of the testicular tissue was detected using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the mice were in listless spirits, had shaggy hairs, the reduced appetite and movement, and weight loss in the model group (P<0.01); the testicular mass and the weight coefficient decreased (P<0.01); the total number of sperms, sperm motility, and sperm viability were declined (P<0.01); while the levels of serum T, FSH, and LH were dropped (P<0.01). The morphology of seminiferous tubules in testicular tissue was abnormal, the number of spermatogenic cells and the number of mitochondria decreased, the inner mitochondrial crest was fractured and lost, and vacuoles appeared. The level of mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced (P<0.01); and the positive rate of apoptosis cell in testicular tissue increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Cyt C, Apaf-1, Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 was elevated (P<0.01, P<0.05), the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 was dropped (P<0.01), and the average absorbance value of Cleaved Caspase-3 increased (P<0.01). When compared with the model group, in the acupuncture group, the general condition of mice was improved, the testicular mass and the weight coefficient elevated (P<0.01); the total number of sperms, sperm motility, and sperm viability increased (P<0.01); while the levels of serum T, FSH, and LH rose (P<0.01). The pathological morphology of testicular tissue and the inner mitochondrial ultra-microstructure were ameliorated, the level of mitochondrial membrane potential was elevated (P<0.01); the positive rate of apoptosis cell was reduced (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Cyt C, Apaf-1, Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 was dropped (P<0.01, P<0.05), the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 elevated (P<0.05), and the average absorbance value of Cleaved Caspase-3 declined (P<0.01). CONCLUSION "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward- "Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture may ameliorate mouse reproductive function by inhibiting mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, alleviating testicular tissue damage in the asthenospermia mice induced by cyclophosphamide.
Animals ; Male ; Mice ; Apoptosis ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Asthenozoospermia/genetics* ; Humans ; Testis/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Spermatozoa/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Points ; Sperm Motility ; Testosterone/blood* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics* ; Caspase 3/genetics* ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood* ; Reproduction ; Cytochromes c/genetics* ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein/genetics* ; Apoptotic Protease-Activating Factor 1/genetics*

Noise-induced hearing loss is a worldwide public health issue that is characterized by temporary or permanent changes in hearing sensitivity. This condition is closely linked to inflammatory responses, and interventions targeting the inflammatory gene tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) are known to mitigate cochlear noise damage. TNFα-induced proteins (TNFAIPs) are a family of translucent acidic proteins, and TNFAIP6 has a notable association with inflammatory responses. To date, there have been few reports on TNFAIP6 levels in the inner ear. To elucidate the precise mechanism, we generated transgenic mouse models with conditional knockout of Tnfaip6 (Tnfaip6 cKO). Evaluation of hair cell morphology and function revealed no significant differences in hair cell numbers or ribbon synapses between Tnfaip6 cKO and wild-type mice. Moreover, there were no notable variations in hair cell numbers or hearing function in noisy environments. Our results indicate that Tnfaip6 does not have a substantial impact on the auditory system.
Animals ; Mice, Knockout ; Hair Cells, Auditory, Inner/pathology* ; Mice ; Mice, Transgenic ; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced ; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem/physiology*

Periodontal bone defects, primarily caused by periodontitis, are highly prevalent in clinical settings and manifest as bone fenestration, dehiscence, or attachment loss, presenting a significant challenge to oral health. In regenerative medicine, harnessing developmental principles for tissue repair offers promising therapeutic potential. Of particular interest is the condensation of progenitor cells, an essential event in organogenesis that has inspired clinically effective cell aggregation approaches in dental regeneration. However, the precise cellular coordination mechanisms during condensation and regeneration remain elusive. Here, taking the tooth as a model organ, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to dissect the cellular composition and heterogeneity of human dental follicle and dental papilla, revealing a distinct Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) population with remarkable odontogenic potential. Interestingly, a reciprocal paracrine interaction between PDGFRA⁺ dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs) and CD31⁺ Endomucin⁺ endothelial cells (ECs) was mediated by Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and Platelet-derived growth factor subunit BB (PDGFBB). This crosstalk not only maintains the functionality of PDGFRA⁺ DFSCs but also drives specialized angiogenesis. In vivo periodontal bone regeneration experiments further reveal that communication between PDGFRA⁺ DFSC aggregates and recipient ECs is essential for effective angiogenic-osteogenic coupling and rapid tissue repair. Collectively, our results unravel the importance of MSC-EC crosstalk mediated by the VEGFA and PDGFBB-PDGFRA reciprocal signaling in orchestrating angiogenesis and osteogenesis. These findings not only establish a framework for deciphering and promoting periodontal bone regeneration in potential clinical applications but also offer insights for future therapeutic strategies in dental or broader regenerative medicine.
Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha/metabolism* ; Humans ; Neovascularization, Physiologic/physiology* ; Dental Sac/cytology* ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Transcriptome ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Bone Regeneration ; Animals ; Dental Papilla/cytology* ; Periodontium/physiology* ; Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Regeneration ; Angiogenesis

Objective To construct lipid nanoparticles(lipopeptide-lipid nanoparticle,LP-LNP)with novel lipopeptides as adjuvants,and initially explore their synergistic effect on mRNA vaccines.Methods Two novel lipopeptides,SS-10 and SQ18,were designed and synthesized.Microfluidic technology was used to encapsulate lipopeptides in different proportions,as well as mRNAs encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein(eGFP),firefly luciferase(F-luc),and ovalbumin(OVA)into lipid nanoparticles to construct an mRNA delivery system with novel lipopeptides as adjuvants(LP-LNP).The particle size and polydispersity coefficient of LP-LNP were measured using dynamic light scattering.The activation effect on Toll-like receptors 2(TLR2)was detected using HEK-BlueTM mTLR2 reporter cells to screen the optimal lipopeptide ratio.The preferred LP-LNP-eGFP-mRNA was transfected into HEK293T cells,and the expression of eGFP was observed under a fluorescence microscope.In vivo imaging was used to investigate the expression level of LP-LNP-F-luc-mRNA in mice.Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the ability of LP-LNP-OVA-mRNA to induce the maturation of dendritic cells(DCs)in draining lymph nodes and cross-presentation of antigens after immunization.Results Lipopeptides SQ18 and SS-10 were incorporated into LNP at 0.50％and 0.75％molar ratios,respectively,to obtain LP-LNP with uniform particle size,high encapsulation efficiency,and good in vitro safety.The ability of this formulation to activate TLR2 was significantly stronger than the positive control Pam2CSK4(P＜0.01).The preferred LP-LNP obtained effective in vitro transfection,and LP-LNP prepared with SQ18 at 0.50％molar ratio had significantly better in vivo transfection efficiency than traditional LNP(P＜0.01),and significantly promoted the maturation of DCs in draining lymph nodes and cross-presentation of antigens(P＜0.05).Conclusion LP-LNP with novel lipopeptides as adjuvants can enhance the delivery capacity of mRNA and further improve the immune effect of mRNA vaccines.

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Baoyuan Decoction for chronic heart failure model rat.Methods SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,Baoyuan Decoction group,Captopril group,Baoyuan Decoction+CCT020312[protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)activator]group,15 rats in each group.Except for the blank group,the rats in the other groups were induced by Adriamycin to construct a chronic heart failure model.After corresponding drug intervention,cardiac function indexes[left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS),brain natriuretic peptide(BNP),cardiac troponin I(cTnI)],inflammation-related factors[tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α),interleukin 1β(IL-1β)],oxidative stress factors[malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD)]were detected in each group.Changes in apoptosis-related indicators[B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2),B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein(Bax),Caspase-3]and PERK/transcription activator 4(ATF4)signaling pathway-related proteins glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78),PERK,ATF4,C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP)levels.Results Compared with the blank group,LVEDD,BNP,cTnI,TNF-α,IL-1β,MDA levels,protein expression levels of Bax,Caspase-3,GRP78,PERK,ATF4,CHOP in the model group were significantly increased,LVEF,LVFS,SOD levels and Bcl-2 protein expression level were significantly decreased(all P＜0.05).Compared with the model group and Baoyuan Decoction+CCT020312 group,LVEDD,BNP,cTnI,TNF-α,IL-1β,MDA levels,protein expression levels of Bax,Caspase-3,GRP78,PERK,ATF4,CHOP in Baoyuan Decoction group and Captopril group were significantly decreased,LVEF,LVFS,SOD levels and Bcl-2 protein expression level were significantly increased(all P＜0.05).Compared with the Captopril group,there was no significant change in the above indexes(except CHOP protein expression level)in the Baoyuan Decoction group(P＞0.05).Conclusion Baoyuan Decoction can delay the progression of chronic heart failure rats,and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway to alleviate cardiomyocyte apoptosis,further reducing the degree of inflammatory response and oxidative stress,thereby promoting the repair of cardiac function and myocardial injury.

Driven by initiatives of constructing the Four New Disciplines (new engineering, new medical sciences, new agriculture and new liberal arts) for higher education, Biochemistry teaching with ideological and political concerns is critical to the education achievements. Over the past 6 years, FMMU has carried out trials and practices on TCA model in Biochemistry teaching which can serve as a shared formula. TCA is originally an abbreviation for “tricarboxylic acid” cycle, and herein it stands for thinking and teamwork (T), critique (C) and appreciation (A), which hopefully could provide students with moral norms for cognition, science and life. Accordingly, a strategy is proposed to help systematically implement this “TCA” model, which highlights the notion of “3-integration for teaching”, “3-thinking for learning” and 3-step for setting”. Such “TCA”-based ideological and political model is adaptable to various universities in designing advanced teaching activities. In the case of FMMU, we created a “TCA pigeon” ideological and political pattern, with “pigeon” signifying medicine, the Air Force and peace, showing the distinctive features of a military medical university. Meanwhile, we have designed three advanced teaching activities. Specifically, “the magic biochemical-circle”, a shared learning platform that develops thinking abilities with a focus on autonomous learning and personal demonstration; “inter-guidance by basic and clinical teachers”, a heuristic large class that elicits critical thinking on basis of feedback, discussion and iteration; a task-driven “virtual reality (VR) program” enables students to deal with complicated situation and to undertake troubleshooting. The above “TCA pigeon” pattern has shown a generally favorable result among students in developing their skills such as holistic thinking, deep learning, introspecting and self-improvement. Yet, a few problems still occurred in practice and remained to be resolved.