1.Effects of human umbilical cord blood platelet-rich plasma,mononuclear cells,and mesenchymal stem cells in repairing thin endometrium in rats
Yanli MU ; Anchun HU ; Wenchi XU ; Panpan CHEN ; Hao CHEN ; Shuyun ZHAO ; Guanyou HUANG ; Xiaojuan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):78-92
BACKGROUND:Research has found that human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma and human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells have certain therapeutic effects on thin endometrium.However,there are currently no reports on the study of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells on thin endometrium,and there is a lack of relevant research comparing the three.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects and mechanisms of human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma,monocytes,and mesenchymal stem cells in repairing thin endometrium in rats.METHODS:Sixty female SPF grade SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group,human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group,and human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group,with 12 rats in each group.The sham operation group received 0.5 mL physiological saline injection into the uterine horn,followed by 0.5 mL of PBS infusion after 5 minutes;The model group,human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group,human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group,and human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group were injected with 0.5 mL of 95%ethanol by volume.After 5 minutes,the remaining ethanol was aspirated and washed twice with physiological saline.Then,0.5 mL of PBS,human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma,human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells(1×107 cells/mL),and human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells(1×107 cells/mL)were perfused separately.During the third normal estrus cycle after reperfusion,organs,tissues and serum were collected for testing of relevant indicators.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The macroscopic view of uterine tissue,hematoxylin eosin staining and Masson staining results:the sham operation group had intact structure,moderate endometrial thickness,and clear vascular structure.Compared with the sham operation group,the model group showed uterine atrophy,incomplete structure,significantly reduced endometrial thickness and glandular quantity,disordered vascular structure,and increased fibrosis.Compared with the model group,after treatment with human umbilical cord blood derivatives,the size,structure,and endometrial thickness of the uterus were restored(all P<0.01),and fibrosis was reduced,with the most significant recovery observed in the human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group.The increase in glandular quantity was most significant in the human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group(P<0.000 1).(2)The immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence results of uterine tissue showed that compared with the sham operation group,the expression levels of cell proliferation related indicators such as keratin 9 and vimentin,endometrial receptivity related indicators such as leukemia inhibitory factor and integrin αyβ3,platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule,basic fibroblast growth factor,and vascular endothelial growth factor were all reduced in the model group(all P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the above indicators were significantly increased after treatment with human umbilical cord blood derivatives.Comparison of human umbilical cord blood derivatives among groups showed that keratin 9 and vascular endothelial growth factor protein:human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group>human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group>human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group;Wave shaped protein and leukemia inhibitory factor protein:human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group>human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group>human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group;Integrin αyβ3 protein:human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group>human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group>human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group;Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule protein:human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group>human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group>human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group;Basic fibroblast growth factor protein:human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group>human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group>human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group.(3)Western blot analysis showed that compared with the sham operation group,the protein levels of interleukin-6,interleukin-1β,and tumor necrosis factor alpha in the model group were significantly increased(all P<0.001),and their expression levels decreased after treatment(all P<0.05).(4)ELISA assay showed that compared with the sham operation group,the model group had lower levels of anti Mullerian hormone,estradiol,and progesterone,and increased levels of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone(except for luteinizing hormone,all P<0.05).After treatment,there was a certain degree of recovery in the levels of sex hormones and anti Mullerian hormones.(5)Fertility experiments showed that compared with the sham operation group,the model group had an increase in conception time and a significant decrease in litter size(all P<0.05).After treatment with human umbilical cord blood derivatives,the litter size of all three groups increased(P<0.05),and no significant differences were found between the groups.This study preliminarily reveals that human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells have a certain therapeutic effect on thin endometrium,and human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma,human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells,and human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells have different advantages and differences in improving endometrial regeneration function,endometrial receptivity,angiogenesis,inflammation regulation,and improving pregnancy outcomes in thin endometrium.
2.Effects of human umbilical cord blood platelet-rich plasma,mononuclear cells,and mesenchymal stem cells in repairing thin endometrium in rats
Yanli MU ; Anchun HU ; Wenchi XU ; Panpan CHEN ; Hao CHEN ; Shuyun ZHAO ; Guanyou HUANG ; Xiaojuan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):78-92
BACKGROUND:Research has found that human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma and human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells have certain therapeutic effects on thin endometrium.However,there are currently no reports on the study of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells on thin endometrium,and there is a lack of relevant research comparing the three.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects and mechanisms of human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma,monocytes,and mesenchymal stem cells in repairing thin endometrium in rats.METHODS:Sixty female SPF grade SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group,human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group,and human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group,with 12 rats in each group.The sham operation group received 0.5 mL physiological saline injection into the uterine horn,followed by 0.5 mL of PBS infusion after 5 minutes;The model group,human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group,human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group,and human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group were injected with 0.5 mL of 95%ethanol by volume.After 5 minutes,the remaining ethanol was aspirated and washed twice with physiological saline.Then,0.5 mL of PBS,human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma,human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells(1×107 cells/mL),and human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells(1×107 cells/mL)were perfused separately.During the third normal estrus cycle after reperfusion,organs,tissues and serum were collected for testing of relevant indicators.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The macroscopic view of uterine tissue,hematoxylin eosin staining and Masson staining results:the sham operation group had intact structure,moderate endometrial thickness,and clear vascular structure.Compared with the sham operation group,the model group showed uterine atrophy,incomplete structure,significantly reduced endometrial thickness and glandular quantity,disordered vascular structure,and increased fibrosis.Compared with the model group,after treatment with human umbilical cord blood derivatives,the size,structure,and endometrial thickness of the uterus were restored(all P<0.01),and fibrosis was reduced,with the most significant recovery observed in the human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group.The increase in glandular quantity was most significant in the human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group(P<0.000 1).(2)The immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence results of uterine tissue showed that compared with the sham operation group,the expression levels of cell proliferation related indicators such as keratin 9 and vimentin,endometrial receptivity related indicators such as leukemia inhibitory factor and integrin αyβ3,platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule,basic fibroblast growth factor,and vascular endothelial growth factor were all reduced in the model group(all P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the above indicators were significantly increased after treatment with human umbilical cord blood derivatives.Comparison of human umbilical cord blood derivatives among groups showed that keratin 9 and vascular endothelial growth factor protein:human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group>human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group>human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group;Wave shaped protein and leukemia inhibitory factor protein:human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group>human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group>human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group;Integrin αyβ3 protein:human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group>human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group>human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group;Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule protein:human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group>human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group>human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group;Basic fibroblast growth factor protein:human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell group>human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma group>human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell group.(3)Western blot analysis showed that compared with the sham operation group,the protein levels of interleukin-6,interleukin-1β,and tumor necrosis factor alpha in the model group were significantly increased(all P<0.001),and their expression levels decreased after treatment(all P<0.05).(4)ELISA assay showed that compared with the sham operation group,the model group had lower levels of anti Mullerian hormone,estradiol,and progesterone,and increased levels of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone(except for luteinizing hormone,all P<0.05).After treatment,there was a certain degree of recovery in the levels of sex hormones and anti Mullerian hormones.(5)Fertility experiments showed that compared with the sham operation group,the model group had an increase in conception time and a significant decrease in litter size(all P<0.05).After treatment with human umbilical cord blood derivatives,the litter size of all three groups increased(P<0.05),and no significant differences were found between the groups.This study preliminarily reveals that human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells have a certain therapeutic effect on thin endometrium,and human umbilical cord blood platelet rich plasma,human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells,and human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells have different advantages and differences in improving endometrial regeneration function,endometrial receptivity,angiogenesis,inflammation regulation,and improving pregnancy outcomes in thin endometrium.
3.Construction and in vitro osteogenic activity study of magnesium-strontium co-doped hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen
WANG Meng ; SUN Yifei ; CAO Xiaoqing ; WEI Yiyuan ; CHEN Lei ; ZHANG Zhenglong ; MU Zhao ; ZHU Juanfang ; NIU Lina
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(1):15-28
Objective:
To investigate the efficacy of magnesium-strontium co-doped hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen (MSHA/Col) in improving the bone repair microenvironment and enhancing bone regeneration capacity, providing a strategy to address the insufficient biomimetic composition and limited bioactivity of traditional hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen (HA/Col) scaffolds.
Methods:
A high-molecular-weight polyacrylic acid-stabilized amorphous calcium magnesium strontium phosphate precursor (HPAA/ACMSP) was prepared. Its morphology and elemental distribution were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Recombinant collagen sponge blocks were immersed in the HPAA/ACMSP mineralization solution. Magnesium-strontium co-doped hydroxyapatite was induced to deposit within collagen fibers (experimental group: MSHA/Col; control group: HA/Col). The morphological characteristics of MSHA/Col were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Its crystal structure and chemical composition were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The mineral phase content was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. The scaffold's porosity, ion release, and in vitro degradation performance were also determined. For cytological experiments, CCK-8 assay, live/dead cell staining, alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red S staining, RT-qPCR, and western blotting were used to evaluate the effects of the MSHA/Col scaffold on the proliferation, viability, early osteogenic differentiation activity, late mineralization capacity, and gene and protein expression levels of key osteogenic markers [runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), collagen type Ⅰ (Col-Ⅰ), osteopontin (Opn), and osteocalcin (Ocn)] in mouse embryonic osteoblast precursor cells (MC3T3-E1).
Results:
HPAA/ACMSP appeared as amorphous spherical nanoparticles under TEM, with energy spectrum analysis showing uniform distribution of carbon, oxygen, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and strontium elements. SEM results of MSHA/Col indicated successful complete intrafibrillar mineralization. Elemental analysis showed the mass fractions of magnesium and strontium were 0.72% (matching the magnesium content in natural bone) and 2.89%, respectively. X-ray diffraction revealed characteristic peaks of hydroxyapatite crystals (25.86°, 31°-34°). Infrared spectroscopy results showed characteristic absorption peaks for both collagen and hydroxyapatite. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated a mineral phase content of 78.29% in the material. The scaffold porosity was 91.6% ± 1.1%, close to the level of natural bone tissue. Ion release curves demonstrated sustained release behavior for both magnesium and strontium ions. The in vitro degradation rate matched the ingrowth rate of new bone tissue. Cytological experiments showed that MSHA/Col significantly promoted MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation (130% increase in activity at 72 h, P < 0.001). MSHA/Col exhibited excellent efficacy in promoting osteogenic differentiation, significantly upregulating the expression of osteogenesis-related genes and proteins (Runx2, Col-Ⅰ, Opn, Ocn) (P < 0.01).
Conclusion
The MSHA/Col scaffold achieves dual biomimicry of natural bone in both composition and structure, and effectively promotes osteogenic differentiation at the genetic and protein levels, breaking through the functional limitations of pure hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen. This provides a new strategy for the development of functional bone repair materials
4.Effect and mechanism of transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells with overexpression of the Numb gene in treatment of cholestatic liver fibrosis
Shihao ZHANG ; Changqing ZHAO ; Mingyan YANG ; Feifei XING ; Wei LIU ; Gaofeng CHEN ; Jiamei CHEN ; Ping LIU ; Yongping MU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):80-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC) with overexpression of the Numb gene in the treatment of cholestatic liver fibrosis (CLF). MethodsThe technique of lentiviral transfection was used to induce the overexpression of the Numb gene in hUC-MSC (hUC-MSCNumb-OE), and hUC-MSC transfected with empty vector (hUC-MSCOE-EV) was used as negative control. Bile duct ligation (BDL) was performed to establish a rat model of CLF, and then the rats were randomly divided into BDL group, hUC-MSC group, hUC-MSCOE-EV group, and hUC-MSCNumb-OE group, while a sham-operation group was also established. The rats in the intervention groups were given a single splenic injection of the corresponding cells after BDL, and samples were collected at the end of week 4. Related indicators were measured, including serum biochemistry, liver histopathology, the content of hydroxyproline (Hyp) in the liver, hepatic stellate cell activation, ductular reaction, liver regeneration, and the expression levels of key molecules in the Numb-p53 signaling axis. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the BDL group, the hUC-MSC group and the hUC-MSCOE-EV group had significant reductions in the levels of serum biochemical parameters (aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, total bile acid, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin), liver fibrosis markers (the content of Hyp and the expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor-beta 1), and ductular reaction markers (the expression levels of CK7 and CK19) (all P <0.05), and compared with the hUC-MSCOE-EV group, the hUC-MSCNumb-OE group had significantly greater improvements in the above indicators (all P <0.05). In addition, compared with the hUC-MSCOE-EV group, the hUC-MSCNumb-OE group had significant improvements in the expression levels of liver regeneration-related markers (albumin and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α) and the molecules associated with the Numb-p53 signaling axis (Numb, pNumb, Mdm2, and p53) (all P <0.05). ConclusionOverexpression of the Numb gene can enhance the therapeutic effect of hUC-MSC on CLF, possibly by activating the Numb-PTBL-p53-HNF4α axis, promoting the hepatic differentiation of hUC-MSCs and subsequently enhancing liver regeneration.
5.The effect of body mass index and inferior pulmonary ligament division on the residual lung expansion after right upper lobectomy: A retrospective cohort study in a single center
Guang MU ; Wenhao ZHANG ; Hongchang WANG ; Yan GU ; Chenghao FU ; Wentao XUE ; Shiyuan XIE ; Tong WANG ; Ke WEI ; Yang XIA ; Liang CHEN ; Jun WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):261-266
Objective To analyze the effect of releasing the lower pulmonary ligament on right residual lung expansion after right upper lobe resection under different body mass index (BMI) levels. Methods The clinical data of patients who underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobe resection in the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University from 2021 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into a group A (17 kg/m2<BMI≤23 kg/m2), a group B (23 kg/m2<BMI≤29 kg/m2) and a group C (BMI>29 kg/m2) according to BMI. The presence of residual cavity was judged by chest X-ray at 7-10 days after operation, the degree of compensation change of the right main bronchus angle was measured, and the changes in lung volume were determined by CT three-dimensional reconstruction. Results A total of 157 patients who underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobe resection were included, including 71 males and 86 females, with an average age of (59.7±11.2) years. There were 50 patients in the group A, 75 patients in the group B, and 32 patients in the group C. In the group A, compared with those without releasing the lower pulmonary ligament, patients with releasing had a lower incidence of postoperative residual cavity (P=0.016), greater changes in bronchus angle (P<0.001), and smaller changes in lung volume (P<0.001). In the group B and C, there was no significant effect of releasing the lower pulmonary ligament on postoperative residual cavity, bronchus angle, and lung volume changes (P>0.05). Conclusion For patients with thin and long body shape and low BMI, releasing the lower pulmonary ligament is helpful to promote the expansion of the residual lung after right upper lobe resection and reduce the occurrence of postoperative residual cavity in patients.
6.Effect and mechanism of Wnt5a knockdown on the efficacy of M1 bone marrow-derived macrophage in treatment of liver cirrhosis
Feifei XING ; Danyang WANG ; Xinrui ZHENG ; Yannan XU ; Shihao ZHANG ; Junyi ZHAN ; Wei LIU ; Gaofeng CHEN ; Jiamei CHEN ; Ping LIU ; Yongping MU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):618-628
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of M1 bone marrow-derived macrophages (M1-BMDM) with Wnt5a knockdown on liver fibrosis and regeneration in a rat model of liver cirrhosis, and to investigate its gain-of-function effect compared with unmodified M1-BMDM. MethodsPrimary bone marrow-derived macrophages were isolated from rats and were polarized to M1 phenotype to construct M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD cells. A rat model of liver cirrhosis induced by CCl4/2-AAF was established, and at the end of week 8, rats were randomly divided into model group, M1-BMDM group, M1-BMDM Wnt5a-knockdown empty vector group (M1-BMDMKD-EV group), and M1-BMDM Wnt5a-knockdown group (M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group), with 6 rats in each group. On the first day of week 9, the rats in each group were given a single injection of the corresponding cells via the caudal vein, along with an intraperitoneal injection of a CCR2 inhibitor. Six rats without any treatment were used as normal control group. Samples were collected at the end of week 12 to assess liver histopathology, serum liver function parameters, hepatic stellate cell activation, and the expression levels of mature hepatocyte markers. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had significant alleviation of liver inflammatory response and significant reductions in the activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum (all P<0.01), and the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significantly lower serum level of AST than the M1-BMDM group (P<0.05). The semi-quantitative analysis based on immunohistochemical staining showed that compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had a significant reduction in the percentage of CD68-positive area (all P<0.05), and compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significant reduction in the percentage of CD68-positive area and a significant increase in the percentage of CD163-positive area (both P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of CD68 and tumor necrosis factor-α (all P<0.05) and the protein expression level of CD68 (all P<0.01); compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significant increases in the protein and mRNA expression levels of CD163 (both P<0.05), significant reductions in the protein and mRNA expression levels of CD68 (both P<0.05), and a significant reduction in the protein expression level of tumor necrosis factor-α (P<0.01). Sirius Red collagen staining and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunohistochemical staining showed that compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had significant alleviation of liver collagen deposition and α-SMA-positive area, with the most significant changes in the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group, and compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significantly smaller Sirius Red-positive area and α-SMA-positive area and a significantly lower content of hydroxyproline in liver tissue (all P<0.05). Compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significant reductions in the protein and mRNA expression levels of α-SMA and the mRNA expression level of COL-I and TGF-β (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had a significant increase in the protein expression level of HNF-4α in liver tissue (all P<0.05), and the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significantly higher protein and mRNA expression levels of HNF-4α and hepatocyte specific antigen than the M1-BMDMKD-EV group (both P<0.05). The M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significantly higher serum level of albumin than the M1-BMDMKD-EV group (P<0.01). Immunofluorescence co-staining showed that compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had a significant increase in the number of cells stained positive for HNF and HNF-4α and Ki67 (all P<0.01), and the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significantly higher number of such cells than the M1-BMDMKD-EV group (P<0.05). ConclusionInhibition of Wnt5a expression enhances the therapeutic effect of M1-BMDM on rats with liver cirrhosis induced by CCl4/2-AAF, which provides new ideas for enhancing the anti-cirrhotic effect of M1-BMDM through genetic modification.
7.Progress of Ground-Glass Nodules and Lung Cancer Evolution: Molecular and Imaging Studies
Jiaxing MU ; Hao LI ; Kezhong CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):607-616
Ground-glass nodules (GGNs) are common imaging manifestation in the early screening of lung adenocarcinoma. With the widespread use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in lung cancer screening, the detection rate of GGNs has significantly increased. According to the presence or absence of a solid component, GGNs are mainly classified into pure ground-glass nodules (pGGNs) and mixed ground-glassnodules (mGGNs), which differ in their natural course and biological behavior. In general, pGGNs tend to progress more slowly, whereas mGGNs are more likely to develop invasive features. The vast majority of pGGNs remain stable for years, but some pGGNs and mGGNs may show an increase in size or in the solid component. The "indolence" observed on the surface of GGNs hides complex genomic, metabolic, and immune changes, which are difficult to capture with traditional image-based data. In recent years, multi-omics analysis, radiomics, and artificial intelligence models have provided new tools for identifying high-risk GGNs. However, there is still controversy over the clinical generalizability, interpretability, and standardization of these models. Furthermore, there is no consensus on whether surgical resection is required. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms, metabolic, and immune microenvironment changes involved in the progression of GGNs, discusses the advantages and limitations of imaging prediction models, and combines domestic and international guidelines and survival studies to explore the controversial points in follow-up and surgical strategies, aiming to provide references for the personalized management of GGNs.
8.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates AMPK Signaling Pathway to Prevent and Treat Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Review
Lijuan DAN ; Shuanglan CHEN ; Tianyuan WANG ; Xiaojie YOU ; Xiuyan LI ; Hongfei SONG ; Dong WANG ; Jie MU ; Qiao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):133-143
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent forms of liver diseases globally. Its progression can lead to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, and there is currently a lack of effective pharmacological treatments. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), as a regulatory hub for maintaining cellular energy homeostasis, can coordinate key cellular processes such as adipogenesis, glucose metabolism, and mitochondrial functions. Its activation exerts metabolic regulatory effects through pathways including inhibiting lipogenesis, enhancing mitochondrial β-oxidation, regulating inflammation and oxidative stress, and promoting autophagy. Accordingly, AMPK emerges as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with low toxicity, high accessibility, and multi-component, multi-target synergistic effects, has demonstrated unique value in NAFLD treatment, particularly showing notable advantages in regulating the AMPK signaling pathway. Sichuan is known as the treasure house of TCM, and the active components of its authentic medicinal materials such as Coptidis Rhizoma not only reflect regional characteristics in AMPK signaling regulation but also form a multi-level metabolic regulatory network through crosstalk with pathways such as sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). They can achieve specific regulation by directly activating AMPK and modulating upstream and downstream targets, exerting prominent effects in ameliorating hepatic steatosis and inflammation. This study systematically reviews the research findings on TCM for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD over the past five years, elaborating the mechanisms by which TCM treats NAFLD through regulating the AMPK signaling pathway. It aims to provide new perspectives and references for clinical diagnosis and treatment, basic research, and drug development.
9.Prediction of lymph node metastasis in invasive lung adenocarcinoma based on radiomics of the primary lesion, peritumoral region, and tumor habitat: A single-center retrospective study
Hongchang WANG ; Yan GU ; Wenhao ZHANG ; Guang MU ; Wentao XUE ; Mengen WANG ; Chenghao FU ; Liang CHEN ; Mei YUAN ; Jun WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(08):1079-1085
Objective To predict the lymph node metastasis status of patients with invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma by constructing machine learning models based on primary tumor radiomics, peritumoral radiomics, and habitat radiomics, and to evaluate the predictive performance and generalization ability of different imaging features. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 1 263 patients with invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Province Hospital, from 2016 to 2019. Habitat regions were delineated by applying K-means clustering (average cluster number of 2) to the grayscale values of CT images. The peritumoral region was defined as a uniformly expanded area of 3 mm around the primary tumor. The primary tumor region was automatically segmented using V-net combined with manual correction and annotation. Subsequently, radiomics features were extracted based on these regions, and stacked machine learning models were constructed. Model performance was evaluated on the training, testing, and internal validation sets using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), F1 score, recall, and precision. Results After excluding patients who did not meet the screening criteria, a total of 651 patients were included. The training set consisted of 468 patients (181 males, 287 females) with an average age of (58.39±11.23) years, ranging from 29 to 78 years, the testing set included 140 patients (56 males, 84 females) with an average age of (58.81±10.70) years, ranging from 34 to 82 years, and the internal validation set comprised 43 patients (14 males, 29 females) with an average age of (60.16±10.68) years, ranging from 29 to 78 years. Although the habitat radiomics model did not show the optimal performance in the training set, it exhibited superior performance in the internal validation set, with an AUC of 0.952 [95%CI (0.87, 1.00)], an F1 score of 84.62%, and a precision-recall AUC of 0.892, outperforming the models based on the primary tumor and peritumoral regions. Conclusion The model constructed based on habitat radiomics demonstrated superior performance in the internal validation set, suggesting its potential for better generalization ability and clinical application in predicting lymph node metastasis status in pulmonary adenocarcinoma.
10.Safety and efficacy of intense pulsed light therapy for primary Sjögren's syndrome-related dry eye
Mei SUN ; Yusong HE ; Li CHEN ; Yan SUN ; Ning MU ; Yumeng WANG ; Mingxin LI ; He WANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(11):1740-1747
AIM: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of intense pulsed light(IPL)therapy in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome-related dry eye(SS-DE).METHODS:In this prospective randomized trial, 82 cases(82 eyes)diagnosed with moderate-to-severe SS-DE at our hospital from January 2023 to December 2023 were selected. If both eyes meet the criteria, one eye will be randomly selected for inclusion, and if one eye meets the inclusion criteria, the eye will be selected for enrollment. They were randomly assigned to either an experiment group receiving dextran hydroxypropyl methylcellulose eye drops and 0.05% cyclosporine A eye drops plus IPL therapy, or a control group receiving dextran hydroxypropyl methylcellulose eye drops and 0.05% cyclosporine A eye drops. Ocular surface disease index(OSDI)score, tear meniscus height(TMH), noninvasive tear breakup time(NITBUT), meibomian gland loss score, Schirmer I test(SⅠt), corneal fluorescein staining(CFS)score, conjunctival lissamine green staining(CLGS)score, lipid layer thickness(LLT), blink frequency, corneal Langerhans cell density(CLCD)and complications of both groups were assessed at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 wk after treatment.RESULTS:There were 6 cases lost to follow-up in the experiment group, with a missing rate of 14.6%, and 1 case was lost to follow-up in the control group, with a missing rate of 2.4%, and valid data were eventually obtained from 35 cases(35 eyes)in the experiment group and 40 cases(40 eyes)in the control group. Baseline parameters did not differ significantly between the two groups of patients(all P>0.05). At 4, 8 and 12 wk after treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in OSDI scores, CFS scores, CLGS score, blink frequency, and CLCD, while the reductions were significantly greater in the experiment group compared to the control group(all P<0.05). The experiment group also demonstrated significant increases in TMH, SⅠt, and NITBUT at 4, 8 and 12 wk after treatment, which were significantly greater than those observed in the control group(all P<0.05). No significant intergroup differences were observed in LLT, meibomian gland loss score in the experiment group at any time point(all P>0.05). Furthermore, no severe ocular or cutaneous complications were associated with IPL treatment.CONCLUSION:IPL significantly improves ocular signs and symptoms, enhances aqueous tear secretion, and reduces ocular surface inflammation in patients with SS-DE, with no significant adverse reactions observed.


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