1.The Role of Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells-mediated Muscle Regeneration in The Treatment of Age-related Sarcopenia
Wei-Xiu JI ; Jia-Lin LÜ ; Yi-Fan MA ; Yun-Gang ZHAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2033-2050
Age-related sarcopenia is a progressive, systemic skeletal muscle disorder associated with aging. It is primarily characterized by a significant decline in muscle mass, strength, and physical function, rather than being an inevitable consequence of normal aging. Despite ongoing research, there is still no globally unified consensus among physicians regarding the diagnostic criteria and clinical indicators of this condition. Nonetheless, regardless of the diagnostic standards applied, the prevalence of age-related sarcopenia remains alarmingly high. With the global population aging at an accelerating rate, its incidence is expected to rise further, posing a significant public health challenge. Age-related sarcopenia not only markedly increases the risk of physical disability but also profoundly affects patients’ quality of life, independence, and overall survival. As such, the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies to mitigate its dual burden on both societal and individual health has become an urgent and critical priority. Skeletal muscle regeneration, a vital physiological process for maintaining muscle health, is significantly impaired in age-related sarcopenia and is considered one of its primary underlying causes. Skeletal muscle satellite cells (MSCs), also known as muscle stem cells, play a pivotal role in generating new muscle fibers and maintaining muscle mass and function. A decline in both the number and functionality of MSCs is closely linked to the onset and progression of sarcopenia. This dysfunction is driven by alterations in intrinsic MSC mechanisms—such as Notch, Wnt/β‑Catenin, and mTOR signaling pathways—as well as changes in transcription factors and epigenetic modifications. Additionally, the MSC microenvironment, including both the direct niche formed by skeletal muscle fibers and their secreted cytokines, and the indirect niche composed of extracellular matrix proteins and various cell types, undergoes age-related changes. Mitochondrial dysfunction and chronic inflammation further contribute to MSC impairment, ultimately leading to the development of sarcopenia. Currently, there are no approved pharmacological treatments for age-related sarcopenia. Nutritional intervention and exercise remain the cornerstone of therapeutic strategies. Adequate protein intake, coupled with sufficient energy provision, is fundamental to both the prevention and treatment of this condition. Adjuvant therapies, such as dietary supplements and caloric restriction, offer additional therapeutic potential. Exercise promotes muscle regeneration and ameliorates sarcopenia by acting on MSCs through various mechanisms, including mechanical stress, myokine secretion, distant cytokine signaling, immune modulation, and epigenetic regulation. When combined with a structured exercise regimen, adequate protein intake has been shown to be particularly effective in preventing age-related sarcopenia. However, traditional interventions may be inadequate for patients with limited mobility, poor overall health, or advanced sarcopenia. Emerging therapeutic strategies—such as miRNA mimics or inhibitors, gut microbiota transplantation, and stem cell therapy—present promising new directions for MSC-based interventions. This review comprehensively examines recent advances in MSC-mediated muscle regeneration in age-related sarcopenia and systematically discusses therapeutic strategies targeting MSC regulation to enhance muscle mass and strength. The goal is to provide a theoretical foundation and identify future research directions for the prevention and treatment of this increasingly prevalent condition.
2.Correlations of immune cell infiltration characteristics with clinicopathological parameters in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
Huaxuan ZHAO ; Guichao ZHANG ; Jiarong LIU ; Futian MO ; Taoen LI ; Chengyong LEI ; Shidong LÜ
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(6):1280-1288
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the characteristics of immune cell infiltration in tumor samples from Chinese patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and the correlation of immune cell infiltration with tumor stage and response to immunotherapy.
METHODS:
Tumor samples and clinicopathological data were collected from 154 ccRCC patients treated in Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University from October, 2020 to October, 2023. The immune cell types infiltrating the tumor tissues were identified using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining, and their correlations with the patients' clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. Patient-derived tumor tissue fragment models (PDTF) models, constructed using tumor tissues from 22 patients, were treated with PD-1 monoclonal antibody, and T cell activation was detected using flow cytometry to assess the patients' responses to immunotherapy.
RESULTS:
In Chinese ccRCC patients included in this study, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD3+ T cells were the most abundant in the tumor tissues. Higher infiltration levels of CD3+ T cells (P=0.004), PD-1+ T cells (P=0.020), CD68+ T cells (P=0.049), CD79+ T cells (P=0.049), and Tryptase+ cells (P=0.049) were all positively correlated with a larger tumor size (≥5 cm). A higher infiltration level of CD4+ T cells was associated with a lower tumor stage. Patients with higher International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grades had higher infiltration levels of CD3+ T cells (P=0.023), CD8+ T cells (P=0.045), PD-1+ T cells (P=0.014), CD20+ B cells (P=0.020) and CD79+ B cells (P=0.049), and lower levels of Tryptase+ cells (P=0.001). Patients with abundant infiltrating immune cells tended to have better responses to immunotherapy.
CONCLUSIONS
The infiltrating immune cells are heterogeneous in Chinese ccRCC patients, and immune cell infiltration characteristics are closely correlated with clinicopathological parameters of the patients.
Humans
;
Carcinoma, Renal Cell/pathology*
;
Kidney Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Immunotherapy
;
Male
;
Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology*
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology*
;
Aged
;
T-Lymphocytes/immunology*
;
Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/immunology*
;
Adult
;
CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology*
;
Neoplasm Staging
3.A multi-constraint optimal puncture path planning algorithm for percutaneous interventional radiofrequency thermal fusion of the L5/S1 segments
Hu LIU ; Zhihai SU ; Chengjie HUANG ; Lei ZHAO ; Yangfan CHEN ; Yujia ZHOU ; Hai LÜ ; Qianjin FENG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(9):1783-1795
Objective To minimize variations in treatment outcomes of L5/S1 percutaneous intervertebral radiofrequency thermocoagulation(PIRFT)arising from physician proficiency and achieve precise quantitative risk assessment of the puncture paths.Methods We used a self-developed deep neural network DWT-UNet for automatic segmentation of the magnetic resonance(MR)images of the L5/S1 segments into 7 key structures:L5,S1,Ilium,Disc,N5,Dura mater,and Skin,based on which a needle insertion path planning environment was modeled.Six hard constraints and 6 soft constraints were proposed based on clinical criteria for needle insertion,and the physician's experience was quantified into weights using the analytic hierarchy process and incorporated into the risk function for needle insertion paths to enhance individual case adaptability.By leveraging the proposed skin entry point sampling sub-algorithm and Kambin's triangle projection area sub-algorithm in conjunction with the analytic hierarchy process,and employing various technologies such as ray tracing,CPU multi-threading,and GPU parallel computing,a puncture path was calculated that not only met clinical hard constraints but also optimized the overall soft constraints.Results A surgical team conducted a subjective evaluation of the 21 needle puncture paths planned by the algorithm,and all the paths met the clinical requirements,with 95.24%of them rated excellent or good.Compared with the physician's planning results,the plans generated by the algorithm showed inferior DIlium,DS1,and Depth(P<0.05)but much better DDura,DL5,DN5,and AKambin(P<0.05).In the 21 cases,the planning time of the algorithm averaged 7.97±3.73 s,much shorter than that by the physicians(typically beyond 10 min).Conclusion The multi-constraint optimal puncture path planning algorithm offers an efficient automated solution for PIRFT of the L5/S1 segments with great potentials for clinical application.
4.Comparative study of contrast medium injection schemes based on total body weight,lean body weight,and body surface area in coronary CT angiography of overweight patients
Jiani ZHAO ; Jing LÜ ; Yueying ZHANG ; Lei ZHAO ; Xinyu HAO
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(6):981-985
Objective To explore the application value of adjusting contrast medium dosage according to total body weight(TBW),lean body weight(LBW)and body surface area(BSA)in coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)of overweight patients.Methods A total of 150 patients with body mass index(BMI)≥24 kg/m2 undergoing CCTA examination were prospectively selected and randomly divided into TBW group,LBW group,and BSA group,with 50 patients in each group.All three groups used contrast medium iodixanol(320 mg I/mL)and the fixed injection time was 12 s.The dosage of contrast medium was 0.8 mL/kg(TBW);1.04 mL/kg(LBW)for male and 1.11 mL/kg(LBW)for female;BSA 30 mL/m2.The dosage and flow rate of contrast medium were compared among the three groups,the image quality was evaluated by subjective and objective ways,and the correlation between arterial enhancement and TBW,LBW and BSA were analyzed.Results According to a 5-point scale,the image quality of three groups met the clinical diagnostic requirements(both≥3 points).Compared with TBW group,the dosage of contrast medium in LBW group and BSA group decreased by 13.38%and 10.62%respectively,and the flow rate decreased by 13.41%and 10.61%respectively,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The coronary CT values,signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)in LBW and BSA groups were lower than those in TBW group(P<0.05),and the variation range of CT values in LBW group were the smallest.There were no statistical differences in subjective scores of image quality among the three groups(P>0.05).The coronary CT values were slightly correlated with TBW(r=0.342,P=0.015),and were not correlated with LBW or BSA(r=-0.207,P=0.150;r=-0.204,P=0.156).Conclusion LBW is the best body index to calculate the dosage of contrast medium for coronary artery enhancement in overweight patients.
5.Evaluation of complications after liver transplantation by CT and MRI
Xiaohua LI ; Min LI ; Wupeng WEI ; Yan ZHAO ; Jiecai LÜ ; Xiaoting WEN ; Weixiong LI
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(11):1814-1817
Objective To evaluate the types and imaging features of early and late complications after liver transplantation.Methods A retro-spective analysis was conducted on the complications imaging data from 124 patients after liver transplantation.The CT and MRI characteristics of these complications was analyzed,categorized based on their occurrence time and type.Results The postoperative complications in the total 124 patients included vascular complication in 85 patients,biliary complication in 78 patients,and parenchy-mal complication in 21 patients.Additionally,the simple and complex complications were exhibited in 43 and 81 patients.Early vas-cular complication accounted for 69.8%,especially 21 cases(91.3%)were with early hepatic artery thrombosis.Bile leakage in 9 cases occurred in the early postoperative period,whereas biliary stenosis in 43 cases and biliary stones in 23 cases were observed in the late postoperative period.All ischemic infarction in 13 cases occurred in the early postoperative period.Among the 10 cases of liver abscess,8 cases were secondary to ischemic necrosis of liver parenchyma,and other 2 cases were secondary to suppurative cholangitis.Addi-tionally,6 cases of liver tumor recurrence were all detected in the late postoperative period.Conclusion The types of complications occurring after liver transplantation vary over time,and CT and MRI can be used to detect and evaluate postoperative complications.
6.A multi-constraint optimal puncture path planning algorithm for percutaneous interventional radiofrequency thermal fusion of the L5/S1 segments
Hu LIU ; Zhihai SU ; Chengjie HUANG ; Lei ZHAO ; Yangfan CHEN ; Yujia ZHOU ; Hai LÜ ; Qianjin FENG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(9):1783-1795
Objective To minimize variations in treatment outcomes of L5/S1 percutaneous intervertebral radiofrequency thermocoagulation(PIRFT)arising from physician proficiency and achieve precise quantitative risk assessment of the puncture paths.Methods We used a self-developed deep neural network DWT-UNet for automatic segmentation of the magnetic resonance(MR)images of the L5/S1 segments into 7 key structures:L5,S1,Ilium,Disc,N5,Dura mater,and Skin,based on which a needle insertion path planning environment was modeled.Six hard constraints and 6 soft constraints were proposed based on clinical criteria for needle insertion,and the physician's experience was quantified into weights using the analytic hierarchy process and incorporated into the risk function for needle insertion paths to enhance individual case adaptability.By leveraging the proposed skin entry point sampling sub-algorithm and Kambin's triangle projection area sub-algorithm in conjunction with the analytic hierarchy process,and employing various technologies such as ray tracing,CPU multi-threading,and GPU parallel computing,a puncture path was calculated that not only met clinical hard constraints but also optimized the overall soft constraints.Results A surgical team conducted a subjective evaluation of the 21 needle puncture paths planned by the algorithm,and all the paths met the clinical requirements,with 95.24%of them rated excellent or good.Compared with the physician's planning results,the plans generated by the algorithm showed inferior DIlium,DS1,and Depth(P<0.05)but much better DDura,DL5,DN5,and AKambin(P<0.05).In the 21 cases,the planning time of the algorithm averaged 7.97±3.73 s,much shorter than that by the physicians(typically beyond 10 min).Conclusion The multi-constraint optimal puncture path planning algorithm offers an efficient automated solution for PIRFT of the L5/S1 segments with great potentials for clinical application.
7.EDAG protects hematopoietic stem cells from damage induced by chronic inflammation
Siyu LI ; Ke ZHAO ; Yunqiang WU ; Zhichun LÜ ; Huiying SUN ; Xiongwei ZHAO ; Yang XUE ; Huiying GAO ; Shensi XIANG ; Changyan LI
Military Medical Sciences 2024;48(8):594-600
Objective To investigate the effect of erythroid differentiation associated gene(EDAG)on hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells(HSPCs)under chronic inflammation.Methods In this study,EDAG-/-and wild type(WT)mice were divided into the experiment group and control group.An infectious chronic inflammation model was established via multiple intraperitoneal injections of Listeria monocytogenes(LM),while a sterile chronic inflammation model was generated via multiple intraperitoneal injections of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid[Poly(I∶C)].The effect of EDAG on HSPCs was explored under chronic inflammation conditions.Results In the LM repeated infection model,EDAG deletion led to a decrease in HSPCs and long-term hematopoietic stem cells(LT-HSCs)in mice as well as a significant bias towards myeloid differentiation in peripheral blood.Similarly,EDAG knockout also resulted in reduced numbers of HSPCs and decreased colony-forming ability in aseptic chronic inflammation models.Conclusion EDAG deficiency accelerates HSPC depletion in young mice under chronic inflammation,indicating strong protection of EDAG against HSPC damage induced by chronic inflammation.
8.Effect of neurofeedback training based on early start Denver model on children with autism spectrum disorder:a randomized controlled trial
Qianqian LÜ ; Mengmeng WANG ; Yiling WU ; Xiaozhen YANG ; Lingling MA ; Yaping ZHAO ; Yao XIAO ; Gao SANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2024;30(8):914-921
Objective To analyze the effect of neurofeedback training based on early start Denver model(ESDM)on children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD). Methods From August,2020 to May,2024,a total of 60 children with ASD from Hangzhou Children's Hospital were randomly divided into control group(n=30)and observation group(n=30).The control group received ESDM intervention,while the observation group received neurofeedback training in addition,for six months.They were assessed with Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist(ATEC)and Psycho-Educational Profile-3rd Edition(PEP-3). Results After treatment,the score of ATEC was lower in the observation group than in the control group(t=3.545,P<0.05),the scores of cognition(t=2.236,P=0.029),emotional expression(t=2.293,P=0.025)and problem be-havior(Z=2.099,P=0.036)were higher in the observation group than in the control group.The score differenc-es of ATEC(Z=3.620,P<0.001),and cognition(Z=2.920,P<0.05)and problem behaviors(Z=4.209,P<0.05)of PEP-3 before and after intervention were higher in the observation group than in the control group. Conclusion Combination of neurofeedback training could improve the effect of ESDM on ASD.
9.Investigation on major cognition and major choice motivation of medical freshmen
Lizhi LÜ ; Huangda GUO ; Xiaowen LIU ; Lin XU ; Yuxuan ZHAO ; Yan WANG ; Yawen JIA ; Yun WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2024;23(3):353-358
Objective:To understand the major cognition, major choice motivation and the relationship between the two of medical students, and provide references and suggestions for the selection of talents in various majors of medical schools and the effective development of enrollment work.Methods:This study selected undergraduates of Batch 2019 from Peking University Health Science Center as the survey objects, conducted a questionnaire survey on their major cognition, major choice motivation and influencing factors, and used principal component analysis and Spearman rank correlation analysis.Results:The study found that the major cognition scores of 640 undergraduates of Batch 2019 from Peking University Health Science Center were clinical medicine (3.24±0.89) > stomatology (2.89±1.00) > basic medicine (2.66±1.02) > pharmacy (2.54±0.97) > preventive medicine (2.29±0.93) > nursing medicine (2.21±0.99) > medical laboratory (1.98±0.95) > medical English (1.95±0.93). Six major motivation factors for professional choice were school and professional strength, professional learning and job prospects, own factors, Peking University sentiments and the influence of others, medical factors, school policies, and the contribution rates were 34.60%, 12.97%, 7.42%, 6.00%, 5.59% and 5.37%, respectively. Major cognition scores and major choice motivation factors were positively correlated with each other to some extent.Conclusions:At present, students' major cognition level of medical majors still has a large room for improvement, and the motivational factors of major choice are more complicated, among which "the school and professional strength" and "the prospects of study and work" are important factors. Medical schools should focus on strengthening major publicity, improving students' major cognition, attracting aspiring students to apply for medical majors from many aspects, and improving the training quality of medical professionals.
10.Curative effect analysis of arthroscopic Bankart repair combined with Remplissage for the treatment of recurrent anterior dislocation of shoulder in soldiers with Bipolar lesions
Congcong CHEN ; Keyi ZHAO ; Qingfeng XIN ; Lü WU ; Wuxiu MA
China Journal of Endoscopy 2024;30(1):73-78
Objective To evaluate the clinical effects of the treatment of recurrent anterior dislocation of shoulder in soldiers with bipolar lesions by arthroscopic Bankart repair and Remplissage surgery.Methods From February 2019 to March 2022,15 patients with recurrent anterior dislocation of shoulder in our hospital were selected,all of whom were male;The age ranged from 18~33(23.07±4.39)years,Beighton score was(4.40±1.89).4 cases of left shoulder and 11 cases of right shoulder.Preoperative CT evaluation of Hill-Sachs injury was(16.93±2.17)%.The range of motion was recorded,and the function and stability of the shoulder was evaluated by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons(ASES)score and Constant-Murley score.Results All patients were followed up for 10~28(18.47±6.46)months.No patient had clinical complications such as infections,neurovascular injuries and redislocation.Shoulder flexion and lifting increased from(152.41±14.28)° pre-operatively to(167.48±10.23)° at the latest follow-up,and internal rotation,preoperative spinous process levels were T5 1 cases,T6 2 cases,T7 6 cases,T8 3 cases,T9 2 cases,T10 1 cases,postoperative spinous process levels were T5 1 cases,T6 1 cases,T7 3 cases,T8 6 cases,T9 4 cases,the average lateral external rotation and abduction 90° external rotation decreased from(60.31±13.43)°and(97.41±13.17)° pre-operatively to(51.23±14.27)° and(89.47±14.15)° at the latest follow-up,respectively.The ASES score and Constant-Murley score were significantly improved.Conclusion The clinical effect of rehabilitation of Bankart repair combined with Remplissage under arthroscopy in the treatment of recurrent dislocation of shoulder in soldiers with Bipolar lesions is satisfactory.Although the external rotation angle of shoulder is slightly decreased after operation,it can significantly reduce the recurrence rate of shoulder dislocations and return to the training.

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