1.Role and mechanisms of histone methylation in osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of dental mesenchymal stem cells.
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):24-24
Dental mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs) are pivotal for tooth development and periodontal tissue health and play an important role in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine because of their multidirectional differentiation potential and self-renewal ability. The cellular microenvironment regulates the fate of stem cells and can be modified using various optimization techniques. These methods can influence the cellular microenvironment, activate disparate signaling pathways, and induce different biological effects. "Epigenetic regulation" refers to the process of influencing gene expression and regulating cell fate without altering DNA sequences, such as histone methylation. Histone methylation modifications regulate pivotal transcription factors governing DMSCs differentiation into osteo-/odontogenic lineages. The most important sites of histone methylation in tooth organization were found to be H3K4, H3K9, and H3K27. Histone methylation affects gene expression and regulates stem cell differentiation by maintaining a delicate balance between major trimethylation sites, generating distinct chromatin structures associated with specific downstream transcriptional states. Several crucial signaling pathways associated with osteogenic differentiation are susceptible to modulation via histone methylation modifications. A deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing histone methylation modifications in osteo-/odontogenic differentiation and immune-inflammatory responses of DMSCs will facilitate further investigation of the epigenetic regulation of histone methylation in DMSC-mediated tissue regeneration and inflammation. Here is a concise overview of the pivotal functions of epigenetic histone methylation at H3K4, H3K9, and H3K27 in the regulation of osteo-/odontogenic differentiation and renewal of DMSCs in both non-inflammatory and inflammatory microenvironments. This review summarizes the current research on these processes in the context of tissue regeneration and therapeutic interventions.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/physiology*
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Humans
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Osteogenesis/genetics*
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Histones/metabolism*
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Cell Differentiation/physiology*
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Methylation
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Odontogenesis/genetics*
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Epigenesis, Genetic
2.Effects of graphene quantum dots on the reprogramming of Müller cells
Fengqi YU ; Ting MA ; Weiwei ZHAO ; Wendi DU ; Meijun JIANG ; Rongrong HU
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(5):354-358
Objective To explore the effects of graphene quantum dots(GQDs)on the reprogramming of Müller cells.Methods Müller cells were randomly divided into the control,dedifferentiation,dedifferentiation+GQD,and GQD groups.The cells in the dedifferentiation group and the dedifferentiation+GQD group were dedifferentiated using the serum-free medium containing DMEM/F12(1∶1),20 μg·L-1 EGF,10 μg·L-1 bFGF,2 × B27,and 1 × N2 for 5 d.Then,the cells in the dedifferentiation+GQD group and the GQD group were treated with 50 mg·L-1 GQDs for 72 h.The Müller cells in the control group were subjected to normal cell culture.Immunofluorescence staining was used to identify the ex-pression of Müller cell markers,including glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),glutamate-aspartate transporter(GLAST),and glutamine synthetase(GS).Phalloidin staining was performed to observe whether Müller cells could take up GQDs.The effect of different concentrations of GQDs on the proliferation of Müller cells was assessed using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay.The effect of GQDs on the expression of neural progenitor/stem cell markers(SRY-box transcription factor 2[SOX-2]and Nestin)and the astrocyte marker GFAP in normal and dedifferentiated Müller cells was examined using im-munofluorescence staining and Western blotting.Results The immunofluorescence staining results showed that the fluo-rescence of GFAP was extremely weak and almost invisible in Müller cells,while the fluorescence of GLAST and GS was extremely strong and predominantly appeared in the cytoplasm of Müller cells.After 24 h of GQD treatment,trace amounts of GQD fluorescence were visible in Müller cells.The amount of GQD fluorescence in the cytoplasm of Müller cells gradual-ly increased with time.The CCK-8 assay results showed that the activity of Müller cells tended to decrease with an increase in the treatment time and concentration of GQD.The statistical analysis results showed that the mean fluorescence intensity of GFAP,Nestin,and SOX-2 in Müller cells of the dedifferentiation,dedifferentiation+GQD,and GQD groups was higher than that of the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The mean fluorescence inten-sity of GFAP in the dedifferentiation+GQD group was higher than that in the dedifferentiation group,the mean fluores-cence intensity of Nestin and SOX-2 was lower than that in the dedifferentiation group,and the differences were all statisti-cally significant(P<0.05).The relative protein expression of GFAP,Nestin,and SOX-2 in Müller cells in the dedifferentia-tion,dedifferentiation+GQD,and GQD groups was higher than that in the control group,and the differences were statis-tically significant(all P<0.05).The relative protein expression of GFAP in the dedifferentiation+GQD group was higher than that in the dedifferentiation group,the relative protein expression of Nestin and SOX-2 was lower than that in the dedi-fferentiation group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Conclusion GQDs facilitate the re-programming of Müller cells into astrocytes.
3.Effects of graphene quantum dots on the reprogramming of Müller cells
Fengqi YU ; Ting MA ; Weiwei ZHAO ; Wendi DU ; Meijun JIANG ; Rongrong HU
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(5):354-358
Objective To explore the effects of graphene quantum dots(GQDs)on the reprogramming of Müller cells.Methods Müller cells were randomly divided into the control,dedifferentiation,dedifferentiation+GQD,and GQD groups.The cells in the dedifferentiation group and the dedifferentiation+GQD group were dedifferentiated using the serum-free medium containing DMEM/F12(1∶1),20 μg·L-1 EGF,10 μg·L-1 bFGF,2 × B27,and 1 × N2 for 5 d.Then,the cells in the dedifferentiation+GQD group and the GQD group were treated with 50 mg·L-1 GQDs for 72 h.The Müller cells in the control group were subjected to normal cell culture.Immunofluorescence staining was used to identify the ex-pression of Müller cell markers,including glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),glutamate-aspartate transporter(GLAST),and glutamine synthetase(GS).Phalloidin staining was performed to observe whether Müller cells could take up GQDs.The effect of different concentrations of GQDs on the proliferation of Müller cells was assessed using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay.The effect of GQDs on the expression of neural progenitor/stem cell markers(SRY-box transcription factor 2[SOX-2]and Nestin)and the astrocyte marker GFAP in normal and dedifferentiated Müller cells was examined using im-munofluorescence staining and Western blotting.Results The immunofluorescence staining results showed that the fluo-rescence of GFAP was extremely weak and almost invisible in Müller cells,while the fluorescence of GLAST and GS was extremely strong and predominantly appeared in the cytoplasm of Müller cells.After 24 h of GQD treatment,trace amounts of GQD fluorescence were visible in Müller cells.The amount of GQD fluorescence in the cytoplasm of Müller cells gradual-ly increased with time.The CCK-8 assay results showed that the activity of Müller cells tended to decrease with an increase in the treatment time and concentration of GQD.The statistical analysis results showed that the mean fluorescence intensity of GFAP,Nestin,and SOX-2 in Müller cells of the dedifferentiation,dedifferentiation+GQD,and GQD groups was higher than that of the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The mean fluorescence inten-sity of GFAP in the dedifferentiation+GQD group was higher than that in the dedifferentiation group,the mean fluores-cence intensity of Nestin and SOX-2 was lower than that in the dedifferentiation group,and the differences were all statisti-cally significant(P<0.05).The relative protein expression of GFAP,Nestin,and SOX-2 in Müller cells in the dedifferentia-tion,dedifferentiation+GQD,and GQD groups was higher than that in the control group,and the differences were statis-tically significant(all P<0.05).The relative protein expression of GFAP in the dedifferentiation+GQD group was higher than that in the dedifferentiation group,the relative protein expression of Nestin and SOX-2 was lower than that in the dedi-fferentiation group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Conclusion GQDs facilitate the re-programming of Müller cells into astrocytes.
4.Prediction of Shared Target Genes in Cardiac Complications Induced by IAV and SARS-CoV-2 Using Machine Learning and Validation in H1N1 Infection Models
Yuansheng LIAO ; Heng LI ; Yun LIAO ; Yunguang HU ; Anguo YIN ; Meijun KONG ; Longding LIU ; Ying ZHANG
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(5):75-88
Objective To predict and preliminarily validate potential shared key genes involved in cardiac complications caused by influenza A virus(IAV)and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infections.Methods Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)associated with cardiac complications were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database.A hierarchical intersection strategy was applied.First,cardiac complication related DEGs were overlapped with 2 independent virus related gene sets:3 454 human genes linked to IAV infection in GeneCards and 333 human protein-coding genes interacting with SARS-CoV-2 in the Human Protein Atlas.The 2 overlap results were then intersected to yield 22 hub genes.Lasso regression,random forest(RF)and support vector machine algorithms(SVM)were employed to refine this list.Predicted genes were validated in vitro in H1N1-infected human cardiomyocyte AC16 cells and in vivo in IFITM3 knockout mice challenged with H1N1,assessing transcriptional changes.Results A total of 22 hub genes were identified through integrative bioinformatics analysis.Application of the 3 machine learning algorithms resulted in 5 common key genes:ACE2,TBK1,NUP210,PUSL1,and MEPCE.In vitro infection of AC16 cells with H1N1 revealed dynamic transcriptional changes in all 5 genes post-infection(P<0.05).In vivo experiments using H1N1-infected IFITM3 knockout mice confirmed the dynamic mRNA expression changes of these 5 genes,consistent with the in vitro results(P<0.05).Conclusion By combining multilayered bioinformatics analysis with 3 machine learning approaches,5 common key genes are identified:ACE2,TBK1,NUP210,PUSL1 and MEPCE.Validation in H1N1 infection models confirms their relevance to IAV-induced cardiac complications.
5.Some Thoughts and Practices on Demand-Driven School Dissemination of Ancient TCM Books:A Case Study of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Libraries
Hongyue ZHENG ; Jiazhen ZHU ; Meijun HU
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2024;48(11):1384-1390
[Objective]To summarize the results,value and advantages of demand-driven school dissemination of ancient books of traditional Chinese medicine.[Methods]By employing methods such as literature research and empirical studies,this paper,on the basis of reviewing the deficiencies in the current dissemination of ancient books,emphasizes the decisive value of the "demand" factor and further introduces practical measures for on-campus dissemination of ancient medical texts based on a demand-driven approach.These measures include the implantation of concepts,resolution of technical difficulties in reading ancient books,proactive integration with teaching and research,and platform construction.[Results]The supply-driven dissemination,which has a problem that there is a heat supply side and cold demand side,is relatively indifferent to the needs of elite groups.And its communication mode is ultimately inefficient.After the implementation of the demand-driven dissemination strategy for three years,the annual borrowing volume of medical literature among college students,the number and quality of research papers published by teachers and students sharp have increased.Therefore,the construction of the library's ancient books and related popular science platforms has reached a new level.[Conclusion]Through the case study of campus dissemination of ancient books in Zhejiang Chinese Medical University,explore the implementation of the demand-driven dissemination strategy,give the dissemination endogenous impetus,embodies its unique advantages,and effectively improves the communication efficiency.
6.Some Thoughts and Practices on Demand-Driven School Dissemination of Ancient TCM Books:A Case Study of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Libraries
Hongyue ZHENG ; Jiazhen ZHU ; Meijun HU
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2024;48(11):1384-1390
[Objective]To summarize the results,value and advantages of demand-driven school dissemination of ancient books of traditional Chinese medicine.[Methods]By employing methods such as literature research and empirical studies,this paper,on the basis of reviewing the deficiencies in the current dissemination of ancient books,emphasizes the decisive value of the "demand" factor and further introduces practical measures for on-campus dissemination of ancient medical texts based on a demand-driven approach.These measures include the implantation of concepts,resolution of technical difficulties in reading ancient books,proactive integration with teaching and research,and platform construction.[Results]The supply-driven dissemination,which has a problem that there is a heat supply side and cold demand side,is relatively indifferent to the needs of elite groups.And its communication mode is ultimately inefficient.After the implementation of the demand-driven dissemination strategy for three years,the annual borrowing volume of medical literature among college students,the number and quality of research papers published by teachers and students sharp have increased.Therefore,the construction of the library's ancient books and related popular science platforms has reached a new level.[Conclusion]Through the case study of campus dissemination of ancient books in Zhejiang Chinese Medical University,explore the implementation of the demand-driven dissemination strategy,give the dissemination endogenous impetus,embodies its unique advantages,and effectively improves the communication efficiency.
7. Reconsidering on the drug therapy of adult laryngopharyngeal reflux disease
Juanjuan HU ; Meijun ZHENG ; Yuan CHEN ; Lingyu YU ; Hui YANG
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2018;53(8):635-639
The treatment for laryngopharyngeal reflux diseases consist of general treatment, medical therapy and surgical treatment, among which, drug therapy is still the main effective way. Proton pump inhibitor is adopted as the first drug for patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease only caused by acid reflux. With standardized treatment, the majority of symptoms in laryngopharyngeal reflux disease could be alleviated effectively. PPI therapy, while seeming logical, is less useful in patients with reflux hypersensitivity, weak acid or non acid reflux, neuropsychic factors and gastroesophageal reflux disease. This article aims to investigate bewilderment and challenge faced by clinicians when managing adult laryngology reflux disease with medical therapy.
8.Efficacy of carbomer eye gel combined with hydroxycitron eye drops in the treatment of dry eye
Qifang JIANG ; Meijun HU ; Rui HE
Chinese Journal of Biochemical Pharmaceutics 2017;37(6):67-68,71
Objective To observe the efficacy of carbomer eye gel combined with hydroxycitron eye drops in the treatment of dry eye.Methods214 cases with xerophalmi in Yongkang first people's hospital were divided into the CT group and the CL group according to the admission of odd and even numbers.The CL group were given carbomer eye gel, and the CT group were given carbomer eye gel combined with hydroxycitron eye drops.The effect, 3 index of tear film stability and quality of life were evaluated in the two groups.ResultsThe effect in the CT group was significantly higher than that in the CI group (P<0.05).Tear break-up time(BUT) and schirmer test(SIT) in the CT group were significantly better than those in the CL group(P<0.05), Fluorescent Stain Test (FLT) in the CT group was lower than that in the CL group.After treatment, at the seventh day, the fourteenth day, the twenty-eighth day, the quality of life in the CT group was significantly higher than that in the CL group.ConclusionIt can significantly relieve the clinical symptoms which carbomer eye gel combined with Hypoglycemic eye drops Dextran 70 and Glycerol Eye Drop on the treatment of xerophthalmia, and it is worthy of promotion.
9.Efficacy of endoscopic transnasal dacryocystorhinostomy by suture in the treatment of acute dacryocystitis as early as possible
Xiangxu QIU ; Meijun HU ; Xiangrong YE ; Rui HE ; Lingfei SHEN
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2015;22(1):20-23
Objective To explore the effect of endoscopic transnasal dacryocystorhinostomy(ET-DCR) by suture in the treatment of acute dacryocystitis(AD) as early as possible.Methods The clinical data of 32 patients with unilateral AD who underwent ET-DCR by suture as early as possible were retrospectively analyzed.Results All patients presented clear anatomic structure,intraoperative hemorrhage increased in 3 cases,swelling and pain was rapidly relieving in all patients in the first day of postoperation,the mean resolution time of congestion and swelling in the middle canthus was average 3 days(range 1-6 days),no spread of infection occurred,no facial scar appeared in all patients except one case of abscess rupture.Complete complaint relief in 26 cases,slight epiphora presented in 6 patients who confirmed for lacrimalduct obstruction and cured by intubation,and all ostial patency with no AD recurrences at the mean follow-up of 2 years (range 12 months-5 years).Conclusion ET-DCR by suture as early as possible can be used to cure acute dacryocystitis and it is effective safe and economy.
10.Dynamic modeling and simulating of squatting-standing action of human body.
Jianhui WANG ; Xiulin XU ; Meijun AN ; Xiufang HU
Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2014;31(6):1250-1254
It is very difficult for stroke patients to complete the action of squatting-standing because their equilibrium function ability has been seriously declined. It was necessary, therefore, to do a deep research on the action of human squatting-standing and to set up an accurate model and simulation. In our modeling research, the movements of upper limbs and head was neglected, and a seven-segment model was developed to establish the coordinate system of human squatting-standing action. It calculated the knee joint moment and hip joint moment during squatting and standing by utilizing Lagrange method, and then simulated this mathematical model by utilizing Matlab. Geometric model of human squatting-standing was developed and simulated in ADAMS which proved that the established Lagrange model was reasonable. It would also provide significant theoretical references for further study and development of squatting-standing rehabilitation training equipment.
Biomechanical Phenomena
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Computer Simulation
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Hip Joint
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Humans
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Knee Joint
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Models, Theoretical
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Movement
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Posture
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Upper Extremity

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