1.Matrix Stiffness-mediated Regulation of Vascular Regeneration During Tissue Repair
Kang-Bo WANG ; Wei-Ke LI ; Jing LONG ; Ying-Xiong WANG ; Ru-Fei GAO ; Zhen-Yin CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2269-2282
Tissue repair requires the reconstruction of functional vascular networks to restore oxygen and nutrient delivery, eliminate metabolic waste, and maintain tissue homeostasis. Although biochemical factors such as growth factors and cytokines have been extensively studied in vascular regeneration, increasing evidence indicates that mechanical signals from the extracellular matrix (ECM) are equally important regulators of angiogenesis. Matrix stiffness, as a major biomechanical property of the tissue microenvironment, provides critical information that influences endothelial cell (EC) behavior and vascular remodeling through mechanotransduction. However, the biological effects of matrix stiffness are not universally defined as either pro- or anti-angiogenic, but are highly dependent on tissue context, cellular composition, disease progression, and the dynamic changes occurring during tissue repair. Therefore, understanding how matrix stiffness regulates vascular regeneration is essential for developing more precise strategies for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the regulation of angiogenesis by matrix stiffness during tissue repair from multiple perspectives. First, we discuss the direct effects of matrix stiffness on EC behaviors, including differentiation, morphological remodeling, migration, proliferation, barrier maintenance, and vascular network formation. ECs sense mechanical alterations in the surrounding matrix through various mechanosensitive structures, including integrins, focal adhesion complexes, and mechanosensitive ion channels such as Piezo1 and TRPV proteins. These mechanical signals are subsequently transmitted through intracellular pathways involving FAK, RhoA/ROCK, MAPK, and Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling, leading to cytoskeletal reorganization and transcriptional regulation. Through these mechanisms, matrix stiffness regulates endothelial functional states and determines the balance between regenerative vascular formation and pathological vascular remodeling. Beyond the direct regulation of ECs, we further highlight the importance of stiffness-mediated intercellular communication within the regenerative microenvironment. Matrix stiffness can regulate the behavior and secretory profiles of vascular-associated cells, including mesenchymal stem cells and macrophages, thereby indirectly affecting endothelial function through paracrine mechanisms. Changes in matrix mechanics influence the secretion of angiogenic factors, inflammatory cytokines, and extracellular vesicles from these cells, creating a mechanical regulation network that coordinates vascular regeneration. This perspective extends the traditional concept of matrix stiffness from a physical support structure to an active regulatory signal that integrates multiple cellular responses during tissue repair. Furthermore, we discuss the tissue-specific effects of matrix stiffness in vascular regeneration across different organs, including the aorta, lung, liver, and heart. Although excessive matrix stiffening is frequently associated with fibrosis and vascular dysfunction, the consequences of mechanical changes vary considerably among tissues. Moderate stiffness alterations may support endothelial activation and vascular stabilization in certain regenerative contexts, whereas persistent pathological stiffening can promote inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and impaired vascular repair. These findings emphasize that the biological meaning of “soft” and “stiff” microenvironments should be interpreted according to specific tissue and experimental conditions rather than as universal mechanical classifications. Finally, we summarize current challenges and future perspectives in this field. A major limitation is the lack of standardized mechanical characterization among different studies, as stiffness measurements are influenced by material properties, testing methods, and experimental conditions, limiting direct comparison across research systems. Moreover, most existing models fail to fully reproduce the dynamic and viscoelastic properties of native ECM during tissue regeneration. Future studies should combine advanced biomaterials with standardized mechanical analysis, organoid models, and multi-omics approaches to establish more accurate mechanical regulatory maps. Overall, this review proposes that matrix stiffness is not merely a structural feature of tissues, but an active biological signal that regulates vascular regeneration through coordinated mechanotransduction and multicellular interactions. A deeper understanding of stiffness-mediated vascular regulation will provide new theoretical insights and therapeutic opportunities for improving tissue repair outcomes.
2.Consistent Detection of Aquaporin-4 Antibodies:A Comparative Analysis Between Fixed and Live Cell-Based Assays
Jing WANG ; Linge WANG ; Xiaolin YANG ; Zhizhong LI ; Jinyu JIANG ; Qiao XU ; Siyuan HUANG ; Qing FU ; Yang YANG ; Rongrong ZHANG ; Lin YANG ; Ai CHEN ; Xiaopeng ZENG ; Ke XU ; Peng ZHENG ; Xinyue QIN ; Jinzhou FENG
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2026;22(2):212-220
Background:
and Purpose Live cell-based assays (LCBA) are increasingly used for serological antibody detection due to their ability to preserve antigen conformation, offering moderately higher sensitivity than fixed cell-based assays. However, the clinical necessity of prioritizing LCBA for the detection of aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG) in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) remains unclear, especially when compared to its established role in diagnosing myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease.
Methods:
We compared the performance of live cell-based assays using immunofluorescence (LCBA-IF) and fixed cell-based assays using immunofluorescence (FCBA-IF) in detecting AQP4-IgG in 90 cases of NMOSD meeting 2015 International Panel for Neuromyelitis Optica Diagnosis criteria, alongside 40 controls. Additionally, we further investigated the relationship between AQP4-IgG titers as measured by LCBA-IF and FCBA-IF and clinical parameters in NMOSD patients.
Results:
Results showed 96.9% agreement between LCBA-IF and FCBA-IF (Cohen’s κ=0.935), with a strong Spearman correlation (0.977, p<0.001). Both methods demonstrated 100% specificity, with LCBA-IF showing slightly higher sensitivity compared to FCBA-IF. Within LCBAIF-tested groups, statistically significant differences in annualized relapse rates were observed across all pairwise comparisons (low-titer vs. moderate-titer, low-titer vs. high-titer, and moderate-titer vs. high-titer; all p<0.050). However, this association reached statistical significance in some FCBA-IF-tested groups.
Conclusions
Overall, there is a strong concordance between LCBA-IF and FCBA-IF in detecting AQP4-IgG, where LCBA-IF shows slightly higher sensitivity. Furthermore, there is a potential link between elevated AQP4-IgG titers and an increased risk of relapse, and this correlation may appear more pronounced when using LCBA-IF.
3.Health economic evaluation of minimally invasive surgery in treatment of digestive tract cancers: a Meta-analysis
Xiaoyue YIN ; Ning ZHOU ; Xueli YANG ; Zhuoyu SUN ; Yinghui BAO ; Shengshu WANG ; Ke HAN ; Jing LONG ; Min ZHAO ; Haowei LI ; Rongrong LI ; Shimin CHEN ; Junhan YANG ; Huaihao LI ; Yueting SHI ; Guoning ZHU ; Jianhua WANG ; Shanshan YANG ; Boyan LI ; Wenchang WANG ; Shengyan DU ; Yao HE ; Enqiang LING-HU ; Huikai LI ; Miao LIU ; Juan XIE
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(1):154-165
Objective:To compare minimally invasive surgery with traditional open surgery, analyze the current application status of health economic evaluations in the treatment of digestive tract cancers, such as esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer by minimally invasive surgery and provide evidence for the rational selection of clinical treatment, alleviation of disease-related economic burdens, and rational allocation of healthcare resources.Methods:By using five databases, i.e. China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang data, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, and Embase, a database was established to retrieve all the papers about health economic studies of minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer published until December 31, 2023. Literature was analyzed by using software NoteExpress 3.8, and data were processed using Excel 2021. The quality of included papers was evaluated using the CHEERS 2022 checklist, and Meta-analysis was conducted by using software Stata 17.0.Results:A total of 10 919 relevant papers were retrieved, and 59 studies were included. Only 14 studies (23.7%) used standard health economic evaluation methods. Meta-analysis results revealed no significant differences in direct medical expenditure and total expenditure between minimally invasive surgery and open surgery. However, the expenditure for minimally invasive surgery exhibited a significant increase [mean difference ( MD)=5 973.12 yuan, P<0.001], while hospital stay and indirect expenditure significantly decreased ( MD: -4.85 days and -733.79 yuan, P<0.001). In China, for gastric cancer, the direct medical expenditure of endoscopic surgery was lower than that of open surgery ( MD=-33 000.00 yuan) with no significant difference ( P<0.001). In colorectal cancer cases, the direct medical and surgical expenditures for laparoscopic surgery were higher than those for open surgery ( MD: 4 277.94 yuan and 4 267.80 yuan, P<0.001), while the indirect and total medical expenditures decreased ( MD: -768.34 yuan and -159.10 yuan). Hospital stays in patients who had minimally invasive surgery for all three types of cancer were shorter than those who had open surgery ( P<0.001). Conclusions:In the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer, compared with open surgery, minimally invasive surgery shows higher expenditure, but has advantages, such as shorter hospital stay and lower indirect expenditure, and there were no significant differences in direct medical and total expenditures between the two approaches. When conducting health economic evaluation, factors such as postoperative complications, hospital stay, and patient's economic status should be considered for their impact on total medical expenditure. It is necessary to pay attention to the application of health economic evaluations in healthcare decision-making.
4.Clinical application of combined CT radiomics and clinical features in survival prediction for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients
Ke LI ; Jiafei CHEN ; Jing YANG ; Wei CHEN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(14):1587-1594
Objective To develop a CT radiomics-based prediction model for prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)in order to provide evidence for individualized treatment decisions.Methods A retrospective study was carried on 118 PDAC patients admitted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University between January 2020 and December 2023.They were assigned into a training group(n=83)and a validation group(n=35)at a 7∶3 ratio.ITK-SNAP software was used to perform 3-D segmentation on the preoperatively enhanced arterial phase CT images,and radiomic features were extracted using pyradiomics.High-reproducibility features were selected through ICC analysis(>0.85),and core features were determined using LASSO regression to construct the Rad-score.Cox regression analysis was employed to develop both a radiomics model and a model integrating radiomic and clinical features for predicting overall survival in PDAC patients.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and calibration curves were plotted to evaluate the prognostic models for survival prediction.Results From 1 453 extracted radiomic features,7 core features were finally selected to construct the Rad-score.The radiomics prediction model based on the Rad-score achieved an AUC value of 0.796(95%CI:0.702~0.890)and 0.744(95%CI:0.589~0.899)for 1-year survival prediction in the training and validation groups,respectively.The integrated model combining 2 types of features together demonstrated improved performance with an AUC value of 0.906(95%CI:0.842~0.970)and 0.872(95%CI:0.753~0.992)in the 2 groups.Calibration curve analysis indicated good prediction accuracy for both models.Conclusion Both the CT radiomics-based model and the integrated model incorporating clinical features demonstrate good predictive performance for survival outcomes.
5.Toxicokinetics of Chlorfenapyr and Its Metabolites in Rats
Wen-Yan LI ; Jin-Feng ZHAO ; Wei-Chen LIU ; Shi-Jing LÜ ; Jia-Xin ZHANG ; Xu-Dong ZHANG ; Zhi-Wen WEI ; Ke-Ming YUN ; Chao ZHANG
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(4):380-386
Objective To establish a chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for detecting chlorfenapyr and its metabolite tralopyril in blood,and to investigate the toxicokinetics in rats.Methods Chlorfenapyr(8 mg/kg)was administered orally to rats,and blood samples were collected from rats'canthus vein at 5 min,15 min,30 min,1 h,3 h,6 h,12 h,24 h and 48 h after administration.The blood samples were extracted using 100 μL of 5%formic acid solution and 400 μL of acetonitrile.Chlorfena-pyr was qualitatively and quantitatively detected by triple quadrupole gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(GC-MS/MS)and tralopyril was detected by triple quadrupole liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS).The DAS 3.0 software was used to fit the toxicokinetic equa-tions and calculate the toxicokinetic parameters.Results Chlorfenapyr was detectable from 5 min to 24 h with a peak time of 1 h.Tralopyril was detectable from 15 min to 48 h with a peak time of 3 h.The toxicokinetic process of chlorfenapyr in rat blood conformed to a first-order absorption one-compartment open model,with the toxicokinetic equation described as C=e-0.265t-e-0.175t.Tralopyril con-formed to the first-order absorption three-compartment model,and the toxicokinetic equation was C=47 361.069e-2.209t-35 404.962e-1.486t+11 956.363e-0.512t.In the equations,C stands for the concentration of the target substance in the blood,e is the natural constant(≈2.718 28),and t stands for time.Conclu-sion This study optimized the detection method for chlorfenapyr and its metabolite tralopyril in blood.The toxicokinetic equations and parameters of chlorfenapyr and tralopyril can provide a reference for the estimation of oral intake time of chlorfenapyr.
6.A convenient research strategy for functional verification of epigenetic regulators during spermatogenesis.
Shan LI ; Ying YUAN ; Ke-Yu ZHANG ; Yi-Dan GUO ; Lu-Tong WANG ; Xiao-Yuan ZHANG ; Shu ZHANG ; Qi YAN ; Rong ZHANG ; Jie CHEN ; Feng-Tang YANG ; Jing-Rui LI
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(2):261-267
Spermatogenesis is a fundamental process that requires a tightly controlled epigenetic event in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The mechanisms underlying the transition from SSCs to sperm are largely unknown. Most studies utilize gene knockout mice to explain the mechanisms. However, the production of genetically engineered mice is costly and time-consuming. In this study, we presented a convenient research strategy using an RNA interference (RNAi) and testicular transplantation approach. Histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation was dynamically regulated during spermatogenesis. As Jumonji domain-containing protein 1A (JMJD1A) and Jumonji domain-containing protein 2C (JMJD2C) demethylases catalyze histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2), we firstly analyzed the expression profile of the two demethylases and then investigated their function. Using the convenient research strategy, we showed that normal spermatogenesis is disrupted due to the downregulated expression of both demethylases. These results suggest that this strategy might be a simple and alternative approach for analyzing spermatogenesis relative to the gene knockout mice strategy.
Spermatogenesis/physiology*
;
Animals
;
Male
;
Mice
;
Epigenesis, Genetic
;
Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases/metabolism*
;
Histones/metabolism*
;
RNA Interference
;
Testis/metabolism*
;
Methylation
;
Mice, Knockout
;
Histone Demethylases
7.Diagnosis of mucormycosis in three children following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using metagenomic next-generation sequencing.
Yue LI ; Xiao-Hui ZHOU ; Xiao-Dong WANG ; Chun-Jing WANG ; Ke CAO ; Si-Xi LIU
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(2):219-224
This article reports the clinical characteristics and treatment processes of three cases of mucormycosis occurring after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children, along with a review of relevant literature. All three patients presented with chest pain as the initial symptom, and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) confirmed the mucycete infection early in all cases. Two patients recovered after treatment, while one succumbed to disseminated infection. mNGS has facilitated early diagnosis and treatment, reducing mortality rates. Additionally, surgical intervention is an important strategy for improving the prognosis of this condition.
Humans
;
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects*
;
Mucormycosis/etiology*
;
Male
;
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods*
;
Child
;
Female
;
Metagenomics
;
Child, Preschool
8.Study on Reentry Strategy and Results of Blood Donors with Single Reagent Reactivity in Wuhan Area.
Ting-Ting XU ; Qin YU ; Song-Qing KE ; Yan CAI ; Song-Li XIE ; Jing XIONG ; Lei ZHAO
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(2):530-537
OBJECTIVE:
To study the results, re-donation situation and characteristics of single-reagent reactive blood donors who were put into the reentry strategy in Wuhan area, explore the rationality and effectiveness of the current reentry strategy, and provide data support for the improvement of the reentry process of blood donors.
METHODS:
From January 2020 to December 2023, blood donors who conform the reentry criteria and voluntarily applied for returning to Wuhan Blood Center were tested and the results were analyzed. According to the reentry strategy, serological testing and nucleic acid testing were carried out in parallel, serological testing was performed by ELISA with reagents from two different manufacturers, and the primary reactive samples were tested by double-well retest, and HBV/HCV/HIV nucleic acid detection was performed by RT-PCR with an individual donor test mode. Supplementary HBcAb testing was applied for HBV single reagent reactivity by chemiluminescence method. Supplementary TP-WB testing was applied for returning blood donors with repeated TP single reagent reactivity. If returning blood donors with HIV single reagent reactivity were repeated single reagent reactivity, the samples were sent to local CDC for confirmatory test.
RESULTS:
7 098 blood donors were qualified for reentry, 716 donors voluntarily applied for reentry, 436 donors successfully reentry, 251 donors entered the next round, 29 donors could not reentry. The reentry rates for the past four years were 66.67%(42/63), 54.73%(81/148), 60.71%(136/224) and 62.99%(177/281), respectively. Up to December 31, 2023, 275 donors donated blood again, and the donation rates for past four years were 76.19%(32/42), 72.84%(59/81), 61.76%(84/136) and 56.50%(100/177), respectively. After donating blood, 31 donors were disqualified again by blood screening and subjected to permanent deferral. The results of returning to the team had statistical differences in reentry items, educational level, age, and marriage(P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The current reentry strategy adopted by the blood donation and supply institution can effectively retain part of blood donors, reduce the negative emotions of blood donors and increase blood resources.
Humans
;
Blood Donors
;
China
;
Hepatitis B
;
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
;
Hepatitis C
;
Male
9.Clinical and genetic analysis of a patient with FSIP2 compound heterozygous variants causing multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella.
Yao-Qi CHEN ; Li-Qi XU ; Yi-Bo DAI ; Liang-Yu YAO ; Shen-Ming YANG ; Lu-Yu HUANG ; Xi YANG ; Yi YU ; Jing-Ming YANG ; Ke-Rong WU
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(5):395-402
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical features and genetic etiology of a patient with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) retrospectively.
METHODS:
A severely oligospermic patient from the Reproductive Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University was selected as the study subject. Clinical data and examination results were collected. High-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics were used to analyze the genetic etiology. And Sanger sequencing was employed to validate findings in the family. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the sperm ultrastructure, and immunofluorescence analysis was performed to examine the localization of FSIP2 protein in the sperm.
RESULTS:
The patient presented with severe oligospermia, and sperm morphology displayed MMAF. TEM revealed fibrous sheath and 9+2 microtubule structural disruptions in the sperm. Sequencing identified compound heterozygous variants in the FSIP2 gene (c.17798C > T, c.5927T > G), inherited from the father and mother, respectively. According to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the variants were classified as pathogenic. The patient's spouse underwent intracytoplasmic single sperm injection, resulting in one embryo, but no clinical pregnancy occurred after embryo transfer.
CONCLUSION
This study reported the mutation of FSIP2 gene c.17798C > T, c.5927T > G in a patient with MMAF. These findings expand the mutational spectrum of the FSIP2 gene and provide insights for genetic and assisted reproductive counseling for patients with MMAF.
Humans
;
Male
;
Sperm Tail/pathology*
;
Heterozygote
;
Oligospermia/genetics*
;
Spermatozoa
;
Mutation
;
Infertility, Male/genetics*
;
Adult
;
Pedigree
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic
10.Locally producing antibacterial peptide to deplete intratumoral pathogen for preventing metastatic breast cancer.
Shizhen GENG ; Tingting XIANG ; Yaru SHI ; Mengnian CAO ; Danyu WANG ; Jing WANG ; Xinling LI ; Haiwei SONG ; Zhenzhong ZHANG ; Jinjin SHI ; Junjie LIU ; Airong LI ; Ke SUN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):1084-1097
Metastatic dissemination is the major cause of death from breast-cancer (BC). Fusobacterium nucleatum (F.n) is widely enriched in BC and has recently been identified as one of the high-risk factors for promoting BC metastasis. Here, with an experimental model, we demonstrated that intratumoral F.n induced BC aggressiveness by transcriptionally activating Epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated genes. Therefore, the F.n may be a potential target to prevent metastasis. Given the fact that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are abundant in BC and located near blood vessels, we report an optogenetic system that drives CAF to in situ produce human antibacterial peptide LL37, with the characteristics of biosafety and freely intercellular trafficking, for depleting intratumoral F.n, leading to a 72.1% reduction in lung metastatic nodules number without affecting the balance of the systemic flora. Notably, mild photothermal treatment was found that could normalize CAF, contributing to synergistically inhibiting BC metastasis. In addition, the system can also simultaneously encode a gene of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand to suppress the primary tumor. Together, our study highlights the potential of local elimination of tumor pathogenic bacteria to prevent BC metastasis.

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