OBJECTIVES: To analyze the differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) complicated by hyperuricemia (HUA) and explore their potential as novel diagnostic molecular markers and their target genes. METHODS: This study was conducted among 30 CHF patients with HUA (observation group) and 30 healthy volunteers (control group) enrolled between September, 2020 and September, 2023. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 6 CHF patients with HUA for analyzing exosomal miRNAs by high-throughput sequencing, and the results were validated in the remaining 24 patients using qRT-PCR. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed to predict the the target genes of the identified differential miRNAs. We also validated the differentially expressed miRNAs by animal experiment. RESULTS: A total of 42 differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs were detected in observation group by high-throughput sequencing; among them, miR-27a-5p was significantly upregulated (P=0.000179), and miR-139-3p was significantly downregulated (P=0.000058). In the 24 patients with both CHF and PUA, qRT-PCR validated significant upregulation of miR-27a-5p (P=0.004) and downregulation of miR-139-3p (P=0.005) in serum exosomes. When combined, miR-27a-5p and miR-139-3p had a maximum area under the curve (AUC) of 0.899 (95% CI: 0812-0.987) for predicting CHF complicated by HUA. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses suggested that the differential expressions of miR-27a-5p and miR-139-3p was associated with the activation of the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway to activate the autophagic response. We obtained the same conclusion from animal experiment. CONCLUSIONS Upregulated exosomal miR-27a-5p combined with downregulated exosomal miR-139-3p expression can serve as a novel molecular marker for diagnosis of CHF complicated by HUA, and their differential expression may promote autophagy in cardiomyocytes by activating the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway.
Humans ; Hyperuricemia/diagnosis* ; Heart Failure/genetics* ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Exosomes/metabolism* ; Chronic Disease ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Animals

BACKGROUND:Spinal canal decompression using uniportal endoscopic surgery is a new minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis.However,this technique needs a steep learning curve and high requirements for surgical equipment and instruments,which limits its clinical application.We previously use the spinal endoscopy as a monitoring endoscopy and combined with unilateral biportal endoscopy to propose a hybrid technique of spinal endoscopy to achieve coaxial endoscopic operation and hands-separate operation. OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical outcome of hybrid technique and uniportal endoscopic surgery in treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with bilateral lower limb pain symptoms. METHODS:Ninety patients diagnosed of lumbar spinal stenosis with bilateral symptoms were included and retrospectively analyzed at First People's Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University from August 2020 to August 2022.44 cases were included in group A(hybrid technique group),while 46 cases were included in group B(uniportal endoscopic surgery).The nerve decompression was observed during the surgery.Operation time,hospital stay time,and expenses were recorded in both groups.The visual analog scale scores of lower back pain and both lower extremities pain,Oswestry disability index scores of quality of life and excellent and good rate of modified Macnab criteria were recorded and compared at preoperative,postoperative 3 days,and postoperative 3 and 6 months. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The operation time of group A was significantly shorter than that of group B(P<0.05).(2)The lower back pain and lower extremity pain of the severe side at postoperative 3 days,and 3 and 6 months were significantly relieved in both groups(P<0.05).The visual analog scale score of lower extremity pain on the mild side was significantly decreased at postoperative 3 days,3 and 6 months than preoperative score in the group A(P<0.05).The visual analog scale score of lower extremity pain on the mild side was significantly decreased at postoperative 3 days than preoperative score in the group B(P<0.05).The visual analog scale scores of lower extremity pain on the mild side at postoperative 3 and 6 months did not show significant difference than preoperative score in the group B.The comparison between the two groups showed that there was no significant difference in the visual analog scale scores of postoperative lower back pain and lower extremity pain of the severe side(P>0.05).The visual analog scale scores of lower extremity pain on the mild side in the group A were significantly lower than those of group B at postoperative 3 and 6 months(P<0.05).(3)The Oswestry disability index scores of both groups at postoperative 3 day were significantly lower than preoperative score(P<0.05),and there was no significant difference between the two groups 3 days after operation.Oswestry disability index scores of group A at postoperative 3 and 6 months were significantly decreased than preoperative score(P<0.05).The Oswestry disability index scores of group B at postoperative 3 and 6 months did not show significant differences than preoperative score(P>0.05).The comparison between the two groups showed the Oswestry disability index scores of group A were significantly lower than group B at postoperative 3 and 6 months(P<0.05).(4)The results of modified Macnab showed that the excellent and good rate of group A was significantly higher than that of group B(95%,78%,P<0.05).(5)It is indicated that the hybrid technique is a new spinal endoscopy technique,which has the advantages of less trauma and faster recovery as a minimally invasive surgery.The clinical outcome of hybrid technique is superior to that of uniportal endoscopic surgery in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with bilateral symptoms.Additionally,it also has the advantages of good operational flexibility and high decompression efficiency as an open surgery.

Objective To investigate the effects of in vitro culture with different concentrations of glucose and serum on hypoxia-induced activation and Yes-associated protein(YAP)expression in primary cardiac fibroblasts(CF).Methods Primary CF were isolated from ICR suckling mice with enzyme digestion and then purified using differential adhesion technique.The cells were ran-domly assigned into 6 groups:low glucose high serum group(1.0 g/L glucose+10％serum),high glucose high serum group(4.5 g/L glucose+10％serum),low glucose medium serum group(1.0 g/L glucose+5％serum),high glucose medium serum group(4.5 g/L glucose+5％serum),low glucose serum-free group(1.0 g/L glucose+0％serum)and high glucose serum-free group(4.5 g/L glucose+0％serum).In 24 h after above culture,the cell morphology was observed.Western blotting was used to detect the expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),transforming growth factor beta(TGF-β),type Ⅰ collagen(Col Ⅰ).and YAP.Immunofluorescence assay was em-ployed to observe the expression and localization of α-SMA and YAP.EDU staining and cell scratch assay were applied to measure cell proliferation and migration ability,respectively.Results After culture in 1％O2 for 24 h,the cell morphology was gradually altered toward myofibroblasts as the concentration of glucose rose and the serum level fell in the culture medium,especially in the group of high glucose and serum-free.The expression levels of Col Ⅰ,TGF-β,α-SMA and YAP were significantly higher in the high glucose no serum group than in the high glucose high serum group(P＜0.05).The fluorescence intensity of α-SMA was obviously increased in the low glucose no serum group than the low glucose high serum group[(9.23±2.45)％vs(2.40±2.04)％,P＜0.05].Compared to the low-sugar serum-free group,the high glucose serum-free group showed a significant increase in the levels of Col Ⅰ,TGF-β,α-SMA and YAP(P＜0.05).Notably higherα-SMA fluorescence intensity,more YAP nuclear translocation,and enhanced cell migration were observed in the high glucose serum-free group when compared to the high glucose high serum group and the low glucose serum-free group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Under the hypoxic condition of 1％O2,high-glucose serum-free is the most appropriate culture condition to construct an in vitro cell model of hypoxia-induced activation,and the activation of YAP is of most significant im-portance.

Objective To investigate the effects of in vitro culture with different concentrations of glucose and serum on hypoxia-induced activation and Yes-associated protein(YAP)expression in primary cardiac fibroblasts(CF).Methods Primary CF were isolated from ICR suckling mice with enzyme digestion and then purified using differential adhesion technique.The cells were ran-domly assigned into 6 groups:low glucose high serum group(1.0 g/L glucose+10％serum),high glucose high serum group(4.5 g/L glucose+10％serum),low glucose medium serum group(1.0 g/L glucose+5％serum),high glucose medium serum group(4.5 g/L glucose+5％serum),low glucose serum-free group(1.0 g/L glucose+0％serum)and high glucose serum-free group(4.5 g/L glucose+0％serum).In 24 h after above culture,the cell morphology was observed.Western blotting was used to detect the expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),transforming growth factor beta(TGF-β),type Ⅰ collagen(Col Ⅰ).and YAP.Immunofluorescence assay was em-ployed to observe the expression and localization of α-SMA and YAP.EDU staining and cell scratch assay were applied to measure cell proliferation and migration ability,respectively.Results After culture in 1％O2 for 24 h,the cell morphology was gradually altered toward myofibroblasts as the concentration of glucose rose and the serum level fell in the culture medium,especially in the group of high glucose and serum-free.The expression levels of Col Ⅰ,TGF-β,α-SMA and YAP were significantly higher in the high glucose no serum group than in the high glucose high serum group(P＜0.05).The fluorescence intensity of α-SMA was obviously increased in the low glucose no serum group than the low glucose high serum group[(9.23±2.45)％vs(2.40±2.04)％,P＜0.05].Compared to the low-sugar serum-free group,the high glucose serum-free group showed a significant increase in the levels of Col Ⅰ,TGF-β,α-SMA and YAP(P＜0.05).Notably higherα-SMA fluorescence intensity,more YAP nuclear translocation,and enhanced cell migration were observed in the high glucose serum-free group when compared to the high glucose high serum group and the low glucose serum-free group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Under the hypoxic condition of 1％O2,high-glucose serum-free is the most appropriate culture condition to construct an in vitro cell model of hypoxia-induced activation,and the activation of YAP is of most significant im-portance.

Objective To investigate the potential value of exosomes derived from rat ectoderm mesenchymal stem cells(EMSCs-exo)for repairing secondary spinal cord injury.Methods EMSCs-exo were obtained using ultracentrifugation from EMSCs isolated from rat nasal mucosa,identified by transmission electron microscope,nanoparticle tracking analysis(NTA),and Western blotting,and quantified using the BCA method.Neonatal rat microglia purified by differential attachment were induced with 100 μg/L lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and treated with 37.5 or 75 mg/L EMSCs-exo.PC12 cells were exposed to 400 μmol/L H2O2 and treated with EMSCs-exo at 37.5 or 75 mg/L.The protein and mRNA expressions of Arg1 and iNOS in the treated cells were determined with Western blotting and qRT-PCR,and the concentrations of IL-6,IL-10,and IGF-1 in the supernatants were measured with ELISA.The viability and apoptosis of PC12 cells were detected using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry.Results The isolated rat EMSCs showed high expressions of nestin,CD44,CD105,and vimentin.The obtained EMSCs-exo had a typical cup-shaped structure under transmission electron microscope with an average particle size of 142 nm and positivity for CD63,CD81,and TSG101 but not vimentin.In LPS-treated microglia,EMSCs-exo treatment at 75 mg/L significantly increased Arg1 protein level and lowered iNOS protein expression(P<0.05).EMSCs-exo treatment at 75 mg/L,as compared with the lower concentration at 37.5 mg/L,more strongly increased Arg1 mRNA expression and IGF-1 and IL-10 production and decreased iNOS mRNA expression and IL-6 production in LPS-induced microglia,and more effectively promoted cell survival and decreased apoptosis rate of H2O2-induced PC12 cells(P<0.05).Conclusion EMSCs-exo at 75 mg/L can effectively reduce the proportion of M1 microglia and alleviate neuronal apoptosis under oxidative stress to promote neuronal survival,suggesting its potential in controlling secondary spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND:Electrical stimulation is a physical method that can be used to induce various cellular activities such as cell proliferation,differentiation,and apoptosis.The induction of osteogenic differentiation of stem cells will be beneficial in the field of bone regeneration. OBJECTIVE:To observe whether micro-current field can promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. METHODS:The fresh human umbilical cord tissue was cut to obtain umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells,which were inoculated into a 6-well plate after cell culture and passage to the third generation.After 24 hours,the cells were cultured under a stimulation of 0,50,and 100 mV/mm micro-electric field,at a frequency of 1 hour per day for 3 continuous days.The growth and morphological changes of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were observed by a microscope.The cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and EdU staining.Alizarin red staining was used to detect the osteogenic differentiation ability of cells.Western blot assay was used to determine the expression of ERK signal pathway proteins. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The optical density value and the number of proliferating cells in 50 and 100 mV/mm groups were significantly higher than those of the unstimulated group(P<0.05).(2)Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells could be induced to differentiate into osteocytes before and after micro-electric field stimulation,but the differentiation rate of 50 and 100 mV/mm groups was faster than that of unstimulated groups.(3)The protein expression of p-ERK1/2 in the 50 and 100 mV/mm groups was higher than that in the unstimulated group,and significant difference was detected between the 100 mV/mm group and the unstimulated group(P<0.05).(4)Micro-electric field can promote the proliferation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells,and the mechanism may be achieved by promoting the phosphorylation of ERK.

Objective To investigate the potential value of exosomes derived from rat ectoderm mesenchymal stem cells(EMSCs-exo)for repairing secondary spinal cord injury.Methods EMSCs-exo were obtained using ultracentrifugation from EMSCs isolated from rat nasal mucosa,identified by transmission electron microscope,nanoparticle tracking analysis(NTA),and Western blotting,and quantified using the BCA method.Neonatal rat microglia purified by differential attachment were induced with 100 μg/L lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and treated with 37.5 or 75 mg/L EMSCs-exo.PC12 cells were exposed to 400 μmol/L H2O2 and treated with EMSCs-exo at 37.5 or 75 mg/L.The protein and mRNA expressions of Arg1 and iNOS in the treated cells were determined with Western blotting and qRT-PCR,and the concentrations of IL-6,IL-10,and IGF-1 in the supernatants were measured with ELISA.The viability and apoptosis of PC12 cells were detected using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry.Results The isolated rat EMSCs showed high expressions of nestin,CD44,CD105,and vimentin.The obtained EMSCs-exo had a typical cup-shaped structure under transmission electron microscope with an average particle size of 142 nm and positivity for CD63,CD81,and TSG101 but not vimentin.In LPS-treated microglia,EMSCs-exo treatment at 75 mg/L significantly increased Arg1 protein level and lowered iNOS protein expression(P<0.05).EMSCs-exo treatment at 75 mg/L,as compared with the lower concentration at 37.5 mg/L,more strongly increased Arg1 mRNA expression and IGF-1 and IL-10 production and decreased iNOS mRNA expression and IL-6 production in LPS-induced microglia,and more effectively promoted cell survival and decreased apoptosis rate of H2O2-induced PC12 cells(P<0.05).Conclusion EMSCs-exo at 75 mg/L can effectively reduce the proportion of M1 microglia and alleviate neuronal apoptosis under oxidative stress to promote neuronal survival,suggesting its potential in controlling secondary spinal cord injury.

Objective:To study the treatment outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic portal shunt (TIPS) on refractory hepatic sinus obstruction syndrome (HSOS) caused by Gynura segetum.Methods:The clinical data of 15 patients with refractory HSOS caused by Gynura segetum treated at the Department of Vascular Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2017 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 7 males and 8 females, with ages ranging from 30 to 85 years, mean ± s. d. (61.2±14.1) years. Albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, glutamyl transferase, and portal vein pressure were compared before and after TIPS. The liver function and renal function of these patients were followed up.Results:When compared with pre-operation, the albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and other indexes were significantly improved after TIPS (all P<0.05). The portal vein pressure of 15 patients significantly decreased from the preoperative volume of (41.7±3.5) cmH 2O (1 cmH 2O=0.098 kPa) to (28.3±4.4) cmH 2O ( t=10.41, P<0.001). The preoperative liver function was Child-Pugh grade A in 1 patient, grade B in 8 patients, grade C in 6 patients. The postoperative Child-Pugh grading was grade A in 14 patients and grade B in 1 patient. Ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, abdominal distention and spontaneous peritonitis all disappeared in these 15 patients. Postoperative hepatic encephalopathy developed in 2 patients and hepatic myelopathy in 1 patient. Conclusion:TIPS for treatment of HSOS caused by Gynura segetum resulted in a rapid recovery of liver function, rapid symptomatic relief, with a low incidence of hepatic encephalopathy/hepatic myelopathy.

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of hybrid operation in treating Stanford type B aortic dissection. Methods During the period from January 2011 to December 2013, hybrid operation was performed in 33 patients with complex Stanford type B aortic arch dissection. The patients included 28 males and 5 females with a average age of (50±12) years. The clinical effect and the complications, occurring in perioperative period and in 24-month follow-up period, were analyzed. Results The operation was successfully accomplished in all 33 patients, with a technical success rate of 100%. The average hospitali-zation time was 20 days. After the operation, 29 cases were followed up for 3-34 months and 4 cases were lost to follow up, the following-up rate was 87.9%. In 21 cases, the following-up time was over 12 months. Postoperative angiography showed that there was no typeⅠendoleak; complications included pulmonary infection (n=1), strokes (n=1), reversible abnormal renal function (n=6) and retrograde aortic arch dissection (n=1). No paraplegia occurred. During hospitalization time, two cases died, the mortality was 6.06%. During the following-up time, graft infection occurred in one case and continued presence of retrograde aortic arch dissection was observed in one case. Conclusion The complication occurrence after hybrid operation for Stanford type B aortic dissections is low. The hybrid technique is very safe and feasible, but several serious postoperative complications should not be ignored. The long-term effectiveness needs to be further clarified by systemic and large sample studies.

The hydroxyapatite (HA) powder surface modified with silane coupling agent was used to prepare HA/epoxy composite. It was found that silane has greatly improved the dispersion of HA in epoxy. The composite has good in vitro bioactivity and biocompatibility with 40 wt% HA, and the flexural modulus is close to that of natural bone, but its strength is lower than that of natural bone. So the composite needs further reinforcement in some way or other.
Biocompatible Materials ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; Bone Substitutes ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; Durapatite ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; Epoxy Resins ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; Humans ; Materials Testing