1.Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells improve bone cancer pain by inhibiting p38MAPK phosphorylation and microglia activation
Houming KAN ; Jinzhao HUANG ; Xiaodie GUI ; Wendi TIAN ; Lijun FAN ; Xuetai CHEN ; Xiaotong DING ; Liping CHEN ; Wen SHEN
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):116-127
Background:
Bone cancer pain (BCP) is not adequately addressed by current treatment methods, making the exploration of effective management strategies a topic of significant interest. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) seem to be a potential way for managing BCP, yet little is known about the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of this potential treatment.
Methods:
We established the male C57BL/6 mice BCP models. Behavioral tests, X-ray, bone histology, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were used to verify the analgesic effect of BMSCs.
Results:
Intramedullary injection of Lewis lung carcinoma cells into the femur successfully generated the mice BCP models. The number of c-Fos-positive neurons and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins in the spinal dorsal horn of the BCP mice increased. Intrathecal injection of BMSCs temporarily improved the BCP mice’s mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia without affecting motor function. This effect may be related to inhibiting spinal microglia and p-p38 MAPK activation. The analgesic effect of BMSCs may be related to the homing effect mediated by CXCR4.
Conclusions
Intrathecal injection of BMSCs can temporarily inhibit mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in BCP mice without affecting motor function. This effect may be related to the inhibition of p-p38 protein expression and the inhibition of microglia but not to p-ERK and p-JNK.
2.Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells improve bone cancer pain by inhibiting p38MAPK phosphorylation and microglia activation
Houming KAN ; Jinzhao HUANG ; Xiaodie GUI ; Wendi TIAN ; Lijun FAN ; Xuetai CHEN ; Xiaotong DING ; Liping CHEN ; Wen SHEN
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):116-127
Background:
Bone cancer pain (BCP) is not adequately addressed by current treatment methods, making the exploration of effective management strategies a topic of significant interest. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) seem to be a potential way for managing BCP, yet little is known about the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of this potential treatment.
Methods:
We established the male C57BL/6 mice BCP models. Behavioral tests, X-ray, bone histology, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were used to verify the analgesic effect of BMSCs.
Results:
Intramedullary injection of Lewis lung carcinoma cells into the femur successfully generated the mice BCP models. The number of c-Fos-positive neurons and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins in the spinal dorsal horn of the BCP mice increased. Intrathecal injection of BMSCs temporarily improved the BCP mice’s mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia without affecting motor function. This effect may be related to inhibiting spinal microglia and p-p38 MAPK activation. The analgesic effect of BMSCs may be related to the homing effect mediated by CXCR4.
Conclusions
Intrathecal injection of BMSCs can temporarily inhibit mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in BCP mice without affecting motor function. This effect may be related to the inhibition of p-p38 protein expression and the inhibition of microglia but not to p-ERK and p-JNK.
3.Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells improve bone cancer pain by inhibiting p38MAPK phosphorylation and microglia activation
Houming KAN ; Jinzhao HUANG ; Xiaodie GUI ; Wendi TIAN ; Lijun FAN ; Xuetai CHEN ; Xiaotong DING ; Liping CHEN ; Wen SHEN
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):116-127
Background:
Bone cancer pain (BCP) is not adequately addressed by current treatment methods, making the exploration of effective management strategies a topic of significant interest. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) seem to be a potential way for managing BCP, yet little is known about the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of this potential treatment.
Methods:
We established the male C57BL/6 mice BCP models. Behavioral tests, X-ray, bone histology, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were used to verify the analgesic effect of BMSCs.
Results:
Intramedullary injection of Lewis lung carcinoma cells into the femur successfully generated the mice BCP models. The number of c-Fos-positive neurons and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins in the spinal dorsal horn of the BCP mice increased. Intrathecal injection of BMSCs temporarily improved the BCP mice’s mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia without affecting motor function. This effect may be related to inhibiting spinal microglia and p-p38 MAPK activation. The analgesic effect of BMSCs may be related to the homing effect mediated by CXCR4.
Conclusions
Intrathecal injection of BMSCs can temporarily inhibit mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in BCP mice without affecting motor function. This effect may be related to the inhibition of p-p38 protein expression and the inhibition of microglia but not to p-ERK and p-JNK.
4.Comparison and application of grading and classification methods for nuclear medicine workplaces
Yong YANG ; Xiang GAO ; Zhihao JU ; Haiyang DONG ; Fan BAI ; Liping ZENG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(6):800-804
Objective To analyze the differences and connections between the current grading and classification methods for nuclear medicine workplaces, and to provide technical guidance for environmental impact assessments and technical reviews. Methods By comparing the objects, purposes, and computational approaches between the two methods, this article illustrates the usage of both methods through specific examples and analyzes the relationship between them. Results The two methods differed in objects, purposes, and computational approaches. The A, B, and C grading scheme was primarily used to establish the level of administrative supervision for an entire nuclear medicine workplace. In contrast, the I, II, and III classification system specifies the hardware facilities and engineering protection requirements of internal places or rooms. Conclusion These two methods are complementary and collectively provide a complete framework for the assessment of nuclear medicine workplaces.
5.A Survey on the Perceived Experience and Acceptance of Intrapartum Ultrasound as a Novel Method for Labor Progress Assessment
Xinjuan CHEN ; Jinhui CUI ; Liping OUYANG ; Ling LI ; Jianhui FAN ; Ping LI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):535-540
ObjectiveTo investigate the perceived experience and acceptance of intrapartum ultrasound (IPUS) as a novel method for labor progress assessment among pregnant women. MethodsFrom February 2023 to December 2024, a total of 180 pregnant women admitted to the Labor Ward of Lingnan Hospital, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, who were planned for vaginal trial of labor , were accessed for labor progress using IPUS and vaginal examination (VE) after the onset of labor and prior to the initiation n of labor analgesia. A self-designed questionnaire was used to investigate the women's perceived experiences with both examination methods and their acceptance of IPUS. The pain intensity associated with the examinations was evaluated using the visual analogue pain scale (VAS). Differences in the women's experiences and pain intensity between the two labor progress assessment methods were compared. ResultsThe acceptance rate of IPUS was 96.67% (174/180), with the remaining 6 cases undecided. Over 60% of the pregnant women reported IPUS assessment as comfortable and none of them felt discomfort, whereas 32.8% felt uncomfortable with VE (χ2=196.02, P<0.001). Nearly two-thirds of the pregnant women believed that VE would cause psychological distress, while none reported such effect with IPUS (χ2=261.52, P<0.001). Approximately 77.78% (140/180) of the pregnant women believed that IPUS could reduce their fear of vaginal delivery and enhance their confidence if it replaced VE. The VAS score for IPUS [0 (0, 2)] was significantly lower than that for VE [4 (4, 6)] (Z=-14.62, P<0.001). Further stratified analysis showed that over 90% (164/180) of the pregnant women found IPUS painless, with no moderate or severe pain reported, compared to 43.33% (78/180) experienced moderate or severe pain with VE (P<0.001). ConclusionAs a novel approach for labor progress assessment, IPUS not only alleviates the pain and discomfort associated with traditional VE and reduces the fear of childbirth but also enhances women's confidence in delivery, thereby achieving a high level of acceptance among parturient women in China.
6.Correlation between RBP4,LDLC/Alb,MHR and plaque stability in carotid athero-sclerosis population and their predictive value for acute ischemic stroke
Fan ZHANG ; Bo ZHAO ; Zhiwei ZHANG ; Liping ZHANG ; Huifang SU ; Wenhui KOU
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2025;33(7):618-624
Aim To analyze the correlation between serum retinol-binding protein 4(RBP4),low density lipo-protein cholesterol to albumin ratio(LDLC/Alb),monocyte to high density lipoprotein ratio(MHR)and plaque stability in carotid atherosclerosis population and their predictive value for acute ischemic stroke(AIS).Methods A total of 197 patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis admitted to our hospital from September 2021 to January 2023 were selected for a prospective cohort study,and they were categorized into occurred group and non-occurred group according to whether AIS occurred within 12 months.Baseline information at time of visit,results of the cervical ultrasonography and serum RBP4,LDLC/Alb,MHR levels were compared between the two groups.Spearman/Pearson and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve were used to analyze the corr-elation of RBP4,LDLC/Alb and MHR with carotid atherosclerosis and plaque stability,and the value of predicting AIS in carotid atherosclerosis population.Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test was used to evaluate the calibration ability of serum RBP4,LDLC/Alb and MHR to jointly predict AIS in carotid atherosclerosis population.Results The carotid intima-media thickness(IMT)was higher in occurred group than that in non-occurred group.There were more soft plaques and mixed plaques in occurred group than in non-occurred group(P<0.05).Serum levels of RBP4,LDLC/Alb and MHR were higher in occurred group than those in non-occurred group(P<0.05).The correlation analysis showed that the levels of serum RBP4,LDLC/Alb and MHR were positively correla-ted with IMT(r=0.803,0.740,0.710)and plaque properties(r=0.736,0.685,0.703)(P<0.001).ROC curve a-nalysis showed that the AUC of serum RBP4,LDLC/Alb and MHR in predicting AIS in carotid atherosclerosis population was 0.796,0.821 and 0.828,respectively,and the AUC of MHR was the largest;the AUC of the combination of serum RBP4,LDLC/Alb and MHR was 0.936,which was higher than that of MHR(Z=2.978,P<0.05),the predictive sensi-tivity and specificity were 88.24%and 87.40%.Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test showed that there was no signifi-cant difference between serum RBP4,LDLC/Alb and MHR in predicting AIS and the actual observation value in carotid atherosclerosis population(P>0.05),and the prediction model had good calibration ability.Conclusion Serum RBP4,LDLC/Alb,and MHR are positively correlated with carotid atherosclerosis and plaque stability,and can predict the occurrence of AIS.Combined detection of the three can be used as a method for early identification of potential high-risk populations for AIS,providing a new,quantifiable guidance scheme for the prevention and treatment of AIS in carotid ath-erosclerotic population.
7.The role of YAP1 in regulating mitochondrial function and ATP release in bladder dysfunction induced by partial bladder outlet obstruction
Yongxiang SHAO ; Meng CHENG ; Mengyuan LIU ; Lingchen KONG ; Conglei HU ; Zilong LIANG ; Haofeng PANG ; Haiyang DU ; Zudu FAN ; Liping YAO ; Qian ZHANG ; Fei LIU
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(2):134-140
Objective:To investigate the role of mechanosensor Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) in urothelial cells in inducing bladder dysfunction in a partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) model.Methods:Ten female C57BL/6 mice were included in this study and randomly divided into pBOO and sham groups based on body weight using a stratified pairing method, with 5 mice in each group. The pBOO group underwent proximal urethral ligation surgery, while the sham group underwent a sham operation. Two weeks after surgery, the urinary pattern was analyzed using the urine spot test. The significant increase in urine spot numbers indicated the successful establishment of the pBOO model. The mice were then sacrificed, and bladder tissues were weighed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) to observe morphological changes. The bladder urothelial layer was further isolated, and total cell proteins were extracted to detect the expression levels of YAP1 protein using Western blotting. Mouse immortalized bladder urothelial cells were divided into three experimental groups: the negative control (NC) group, which was treated with YAP1-NC lentivirus; the overexpression (OE) group, which was treated with YAP1-OE lentivirus to induce YAP1 protein overexpression; and the verteporfin treatment (VP) group, which was treated with verteporfin on the basis of the OE group. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to verify the transcription and expression levels of YAP1 protein, the co-transcriptional activator TEAD4 protein, and the phosphorylated protein DRP1-616 (at serine 616) of dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1). An ATP detection kit was used to measure the ATP release concentration in the NC, OE, and VP groups. The interaction between YAP1 and TEAD4 was investigated using co-immunoprecipitation, and the expression of the mitochondrial marker translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (Tom20) was observed using immunofluorescence staining.Results:The results of the urine spot test showed that the number of urine spots on the filter paper in the pBOO group was higher than that in the sham group within 6 hours [(283.0±9.1) spots vs. (3.7±0.3) spots, P<0.01], and the urine spots were scattered. The bladder wet weight in the pBOO group was significantly higher than that in the sham group [(105.70±6.84) mg vs. (22.33±1.20) mg, P<0.01]. Histological observations revealed reduced bladder mucosal folds and increased detrusor muscle thickness in the pBOO group. The expression of YAP1 protein in the bladder urothelial cells of the pBOO group was significantly upregulated compared to the sham group [(1.26±0.08) vs. (0.50±0.04), P<0.01]. In vitro experiments showed that compared to the NC group, the OE group had significantly increased expression of DRP1-616 [(0.94±0.05) vs. (0.33±0.01), P<0.01] and higher ATP release concentration [(24.45±0.16) μmol/mg vs. (19.67±0.42) μmol/mg, P<0.01]. In contrast, the VP group had significantly decreased expression of DRP1-616 [(0.29±0.04) vs. (0.94±0.05), P<0.01] and lower ATP release concentration [(10.55±0.01) μmol/mg vs. (24.45±0.16) μmol/mg, P<0.01] compared to the OE group. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments using YAP1 and TEAD4 antibodies showed that YAP1 and TEAD4 proteins could interact and form a transcriptional complex to regulate ATP release. Immunofluorescence staining revealed increased expression of Tom20 in the OE group compared to the NC group [(104.20±3.28) vs. (74.51±3.87), P<0.01]. Conclusions:In the pBOO-induced bladder dysfunction model, YAP1 is highly expressed in urothelial cells. YAP1 forms a transcriptional complex with TEAD4 to regulate ATP release by promoting mitochondrial fission via DRP1-616 expression, which is a key mechanism underlying pBOO-induced bladder dysfunction.
8.Association between CHRM1 gene polymorphisms and genetic susceptibility to high myopia in the Han population of Henan province
Fan YANG ; Min ZHANG ; Guangqi AN ; Wenna GAO ; Liping DU ; Xuemin JIN
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2025;41(3):194-199
Objective:To investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the CHRM1 gene and genetic susceptibility to high myopia (HM) in the Han population of Henan Province. Methods:A retrospective case-control study. From January 2021 to April 2023, 576 HM patients (HM group) and 768 healthy volunteers (control group) were recruited from the Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. All participants were of Han ethnicity from Henan Province. SNP data for the CHRM1 gene in the Northern Han Chinese population were downloaded from the 1000 Genomes Project Online Website, with screening criteria of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium P>0.05 and minor allele frequency> 0.05. Haploview software was used to analyze HapMap genotypes, identifying 5 tagSNP: rs55885673, rs544978, rs56995061, rs1942499, and rs2075748. MassARRAY system was employed for genotyping the 5 tagSNP loci. The SHEsis online software was employed to analyze the distribution differences of genotypes and allele frequencies between the two groups. Linkage disequilibrium coefficient D' was used to evaluate the recombination events between SNP loci, and haplotypes with frequencies exceeding 3% were constructed for statistical analysis. Results:The age of the HM group was significantly lower than that of the control group ( t=18.515, P<0.05), while no significant difference was observed in gender distribution ( χ2=2.869, P=0.087). Compared with the control group, the HM group showed significantly higher frequencies of the C allele [odds ratio ( OR)=1.44, 95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.09-1.91, Pc=0.045)] and CC genotype ( OR=1.50, 95% CI: 1.11-2.02, Pc=0.038) at the rs56995061 locus, and significantly lower frequencies of the T allele ( OR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.52-0.91, Pc=0.045) and CT genotype ( OR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.49-0.91, Pc=0.045). Additionally, the CT genotype frequency at the rs2075748 locus was significantly lower in the HM group ( OR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.53-0.84, Pc=0.002). The haplotype G-T-A-A formed by rs55885673-rs56995061-rs1942499-rs544978 was significantly less frequent in the HM group ( OR=0.71, 95% CI: 0.54-0.94, P=0.170). Conclusions:The polymorphisms at the SNP loci rs56995061 and rs2075748 in the CHRM1 gene are associated with the genetic susceptibility to high myopia in the Chinese Han population. The G-T-A-A haplotype composed of rs55885673-rs56995061-rs1942499-rs544978 reduces the susceptibility to high myopia.
9.Value of combined detection of tuberculosis specific cytokines IFN-γ and IL-2 in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in patients with human immunodefi-ciency virus infection and influencing factors for its underdiagnosis
Liping ZHOU ; Shuting HUANG ; Yanqing YANG ; Fan LI ; Wanxiang HUANG
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(7):953-959
Objective To explore the value of dual factor combined detection using tuberculosis(TB)specific cy-tokines interferon-γ(IFN-γ)and interleukin-2(IL-2)in TB diagnosis in patients with human immunodeficiency vi-rus(HIV)infection,and the influencing factors for underdiagnosis.Methods HIV-infected patients admitted to and underwent TB-related examination in the Department of Infectious Diseases in Hezhou People's Hospital from July 2022 to September 2024 were collected.According to the clinical diagnosis criteria,patients were divided into the HIV infection with TB group(HIV/TB group)and the HIV infection without TB group(control group).Diag-nostic efficacy of dual factor combined detection was evaluated.HIV/TB group was further divided into a true-posi-tive group and a false-negative group based on the detection results.The independent influencing factors for underdia-gnosis was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.Results A total of 306 patients were included in the analysis,with an average age of(55.69±14.02)years.There were 105 patients in the HIV/TB group and 201 in the control group.The sensitivity and specificity of dual factor combined detection for TB in all HIV-infected pa-tients were 72.4%(76/105)and 87.1%(175/201),respectively.There was a statistically significant difference in sensitivity(x2=9.488,P=0.009)and no statistically significant difference in specificity(x2=5.846,P=0.054)among the three CD4+T lymphocyte count gradients in the dual factor detection.Among them,patients with CD4+T cell count<100 cells/μL had lower sensitivity(58.8%)in dual factor detection than patients with CD4+T cell count ≥200 cells/μL(88.9%)and 100-199 cells/μL(81.5%),differences were both statistically significant(both P<0.05).In HIV/TB co-infected patients with CD4+T lymphocyte count ≥100 cells/μL,the general sensi-tivity and the specificity of dual factor combined detection were 85.2%(46/54)and 82.0%(91/111),respectively.Multivariate analysis showed that CD4+T lymphocyte count was an independent influencing factor for the underdia-gnosis in HIV/TB patients conducting dual factor combined detection(P<0.05),while age,gender,pathogen re-sults,and the presence or absence of TB had no statistically significant impact on the results of dual factor combined detection(all P>0.05).Conclusion Dual factor combined detection using tuberculosis-specific cytokines IFN-γand IL-2 has a high diagnostic value in the diagnosis of TB in HIV-infected patients,especially in those with CD4+T lymphocyte count ≥100/μL,which can provide auxiliary diagnostic value for the clinical diagnosis of HIV infection combined with TB.
10.From stretching to signal:the sensory roles of YAP1 and PIEZO2 in bladder urothelial cells
Yongxiang SHAO ; Meng CHENG ; Mengyuan LIU ; Liangliang XING ; Zudu FAN ; Conglei HU ; Liping YAO ; Qian ZHANG ; Fei LIU
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(7):615-620
Objective To explore the roles of the mechanoreceptor Yes-associated protein 1(YAP1)and piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 2(PIEZO2)in mechanotransduction in mouse bladder urothelial cells.Methods Mouse bladder urothelial cells were subjected to mechanical stretching using the FX-6000T cell stretching system and treated with the YAP1-specific inhibitor verteporfin(VP).The expressions of PIEZO2,YAP1 and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)at the mRNA and protein levels,as well as changes in cellular adenosine triphosphatase(ATP)concentration,were detected using reverse transcription quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)and Western blotting(WB).Results After stretching stimulation,under the fluorescence microscope,it was observed that the diameter length of the stretched cells were longer than that before stretching,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The expressions of YAP1,PIEZO2 and CTGF at the mRNA and protein levels were increased in the stretched group compared to those of the non-stretched group(P<0.05).VP effectively reduced the expressions of YAP1,PIEZO2 and CTGF at the mRNA and protein levels after stretching stimulation(P<0.05).Stretching stimulation significantly increased the intracellular ATP concentration,while VP was able to inhibit the increase in ATP concentration,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.000 1).Conclusion Stretching stimulation increased the expressions of YAP1 and PIEZO2 in bladder urothelial cells and promoted the release of ATP;verteporfin inhibited the increase in YAP1 activity and the overexpression of PIEZO2 caused by stretching,thereby reducing the release of ATP.It is suggested that mouse bladder urothelial cells may primarily sense mechanical signals through the YAP1-PIEZO2-ATP pathway.

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