1.α-ketoglutarate ameliorated arsenic-induced hepatic lipid deposition in offspring via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Shuangrui BAO ; Hongyan WU ; Ying SUN ; Tong ZHAN ; Qian YANG ; Xinru LIANG ; Zhiyan WAN ; Wenyi CHEN ; Cheng ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):225-231
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) on hepatic lipid deposition in offspring caused by arsenic exposure during pregnancy. Methods8-week-old institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were mated in a ratio of 2∶1 between females and males, and the detection of vaginal plugs confirmed pregnant. A total of 32 pregnant mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, arsenic group, α-KG group, arsenic+α-KG group. On gestational day 0-16 (GD0-GD16), the arsenic and arsenic+α-KG groups were exposed to sodium arsenite (NaAsO2 ,15 mg/L) in drinking water everyday, and the α-KG and arsenic+α-KG groups were gavaged with α-KG (2 g/kg) everyday. On GD16, pregnant mice were euthanized to collect fetal liver, and fetal body weight and crown-rump length were measured. Gene expression differences between the control group and the arsenic group were analyzed by transcriptome. The total triglycerides (TGs) and subtypes in fetal liver were detected by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Oil red O staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the liver. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect the expression level of genes related to lipid synthesis, transport, and degradation, and phosphatidylinositol 3' -kinase/ protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) in the liver of fetus. ResultsTranscriptomics analysis showed that 2 144 genes were downregulated and 1 675 genes were upregulated in the arsenic exposed fetal liver; body weight and crown-rump length were reduced (PTuKey<0.05); the level of hepatic TGs was elevated in arsenic group (PTuKey<0.05); oil-red O staining showed a significant increase in lipid droplets in arsenic group (PTuKey<0.01); the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes were significantly upregulated (PTuKey<0.05); the expression of β-oxidation-related genes and lipid degradation-related genes were downregulated (PTuKey<0.05); the expression of PI3K, AKT decreased(PTuKey<0.05). Compared with the arsenic group, the body weight and crown-rump length of fetus increased in the arsenic+α-KG group (PTuKey<0.05); the level of hepatic TGs decreased in the arsenic+α-KG group (PTuKey<0.05); oil red O staining showed lipid droplets significantly decreased (PTuKey<0.01); the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes were downregulated (PTuKey<0.05), the expression of β-oxidation-related genes and lipid degradation-related genes were upregulated (PTuKey<0.05); the expression levels of PI3K and AKT increased (PTuKey<0.05). Conclusionα-KG alleviated hepatic lipid deposition in offspring exposed to arsenic during pregnancy through activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
2.Application and significance of modified ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation in complex liver resection
Yu ZHANG ; Chong YANG ; Qian HE ; Donghui CHENG ; Jipeng JIANG ; Gang WU ; Bangyou ZUO
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(7):868-873
Complex liver resection (CLR) is a collective term for surgical procedures addre-ssing complex invasion of intrahepatic vasculobiliary structures that cannot be radically resected through conventional methods. The ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation (ELRA) and its modified techniques have significantly enhanced the technical feasibility of CLR implementation. In recent years, advancements in modified ELRA techniques and derivative procedures, including conversion resection, in-situ hypothermic perfusion, and auxiliary liver transplantation, have further diversified CLR methodologies, offering more personalized treatment options for CLR candidates. Given the complexity of such cases and substantial variations in surgical approach selection, improving procedural safety and scalability remains a critical challenge in CLR practice. The authors review the current application of modified techniques based on ELRA in CLR, evaluate the clinical significance based on institutional experiences, and propose future directions and individual selection for advancing the safe implementation of CLR.
3.Comparative efficacy of different doses of tranexamic acid for traumatic hemorrhagic shock in the early phase of trauma following acute exposure to high altitude in rabbits
Zhen LIU ; Chao NIE ; Lijia YUAN ; Ling YANG ; Hui JIANG ; Cheng QIAN ; Linghu CAI ; Yi ZHANG ; Minghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(3):305-317
Objective:To compare the efficacy of different doses of tranexamic acid (TXA) for traumatic hemorrhagic shock (THS) in the early phase of trauma following acute exposure to high altitude in rabbits.Methods:Twenty-five healthy male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into plain control group ( n=5) and acute high-altitude THS group ( n=20) according to the random number table method. The plain control group did not undergo THS modeling throughout the experiment while the acute high-altitude THS group was raised in a hypoxia simulation chamber with a volume fraction of 10% for 3 days to establish the THS model. Based on the different doses of TXA administered intravenously at 30 minutes after THS modeling, the acute high-altitude THS group was further divided into four subgroups: acute high-altitude THS+0 mg/kg TXA subgroup, acute high-altitude THS+45 mg/kg TXA subgroup, acute high-altitude THS+90 mg/kg TXA subgroup and acute high-altitude THS+135 mg/kg TXA subgroup, with 5 rabbits in each. The vital signs [mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate, rectal temperature] and blood cell counts [red blood cell count (RBC), platelet count (PLT)], 4 coagulation parameters [fibrinogen (FIB), D-dimer, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT)], thromboelastography [clotting reaction time (R value), clot formation time (K value), maximum amplitude (MA value)], syndecan-1, inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were recorded before blood loss, at 30 minutes and 120 minutes after blood loss. At 6 hours after THS, the lungs, terminal ileum, and kidneys of the rabbits were collected to observe tissue damage, and the wet/dry weight ratio (W/D) and total water content (TLW) of the lung tissue were measured. Results:(1) Vital signs: Before blood loss, there were no significant differences in MAP, heart rate, or rectal temperature between the acute high-altitude THS subgroups and the plain control group ( P>0.05). At 30 minutes and 120 minutes after blood loss, the acute high-altitude THS subgroups exhibited significantly lower MAP, heart rate, and rectal temperature compared to those in the plain control group ( P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in MAP, heart rate or rectal temperature among the acute high-altitude THS subgroups at any time point ( P>0.05). In the acute high-altitude THS subgroups, MAP, heart rate and rectal temperature were significantly decreased at 30 minutes and 120 minutes after blood loss compared to those before blood loss ( P<0.05); At 120 minutes after blood loss, these parameters were further significantly decreased compared to those at 30 minutes after blood loss ( P<0.05). (2) Blood cell counts: Before blood loss, the RBC count was significantly higher in the acute high-altitude THS subgroups compared to that in the plain control group ( P<0.05), while the PLT was significantly lower ( P<0.05). At 30 minutes after blood loss, there was no significant difference in RBC count between the acute high-altitude THS subgroups and the plain control group ( P>0.05), but the PLT remained significantly lower in the acute high-altitude THS subgroups ( P<0.05). At 120 minutes after blood loss, the RBC count was significantly lower in the acute high-altitude THS subgroups compared to that in the plain control group ( P<0.05), with no significant differences among the acute high-altitude THS subgroups ( P>0.05). The PLT count was significantly lower in the acute high-altitude THS+0 mg/kg TXA subgroup compared to the other subgroups ( P<0.05). The PLT count in the acute high-altitude THS+45 mg/kg TXA subgroup was significantly lower than those in the acute high-altitude THS+90 mg/kg TXA and acute high-altitude THS+135 mg/kg TXA subgroups ( P<0.05), with no significant differences between the latter two subgroups ( P>0.05). (3) Four Coagulation parameters: Before blood loss, D-dimer level was significantly higher in the acute high-altitude THS subgroups compared to that in the plain control group ( P<0.05), while no significant difference was observed in FIB ( P>0.05). APTT and PT were significantly shortened in the acute high-altitude THS subgroups ( P<0.05). At 30 minutes after blood loss, D-dimer level remained significantly higher in the acute high-altitude THS subgroups compared to that in the plain control group ( P<0.05), while FIB was significantly lower ( P<0.05), with significant increase of APTT and PT compared to those before blood loss ( P<0.05). At 120 minutes after blood loss, the acute high-altitude THS+0 mg/kg TXA subgroup exhibited significantly higher D-dimer level compared to the other subgroups ( P<0.05), with significantly lower FIB and higher APTT and PT ( P<0.05). The acute high-altitude THS+45 mg/kg TXA subgroup also showed significantly higher D-dimer level compared to those in the acute high-altitude THS+90 mg/kg TXA and acute high-altitude THS+135 mg/kg TXA subgroups ( P<0.05), with significantly lower FIB and increased APTT and PT ( P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in D-dimer, FIB, APTT or PT between the acute high-altitude THS+90 mg/kg TXA and acute high-altitude THS+135 mg/kg TXA subgroups ( P>0.05). (4) Thromboelastography parameters: Before blood loss, the R value was significantly shorter in the acute high-altitude THS subgroups compared to that in the plain control group ( P<0.05), while no significant differences were observed in K value or MA value ( P>0.05). At 30 minutes after blood loss, both R value and K value were significantly shorter in the acute high-altitude THS subgroups compared to those in the plain control group ( P<0.05), with no significant differences in MA value ( P>0.05). At 120 minutes after blood loss, the acute high-altitude THS+0 mg/kg TXA subgroup exhibited significantly increased R value and K value compared to those in the other subgroups ( P<0.05), while MA value was significantly decreased ( P<0.05). The remaining acute high-altitude THS subgroups showed significant decrease of R value and K value compared to those in the plain control group ( P<0.05), while MA value was significantly lower ( P<0.05). The acute high-altitude THS+45 mg/kg TXA subgroup exhibited significantly lower R value and K value compared to those in the acute high-altitude THS+90 mg/kg TXA and acute high-altitude THS+135 mg/kg TXA subgroups ( P<0.05), with no significant differences in R value, K value and MA value between the later two groups ( P<0.05). (5) Changes in Syndecan-1, inflammatory factors and PAI-1: Before blood loss, syndecan-1 was significantly higher in the acute high-altitude THS subgroups compared to that in the plain control group ( P<0.05), while no significant differences were observed in IL-6, TNF-α, or PAI-1 ( P>0.05). At 30 minutes after blood loss, syndecan-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and PAI-1 were significantly higher in the acute high-altitude THS subgroups compared to those in the plain control group ( P<0.05). At 120 minutes after blood loss, syndecan-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and PAI-1 were significantly higher in the acute high-altitude THS subgroups compared to those in the plain control group ( P<0.05). Among them, the acute high-altitude THS+0 mg/kg TXA group exhibited significantly higher levels of syndecan-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and PAI-1 compared to the other acute high-altitude THS subgroups ( P<0.05). The acute high-altitude THS+45 mg/kg TXA subgroup had significantly higher syndecan-1, IL-6, and TNF-α compared to those in the acute high-altitude THS+90 mg/kg TXA and acute high-altitude THS+135 mg/kg TXA subgroups ( P<0.05), with no significant difference in PAI-1 ( P>0.05). No significant differences were observed in syndecan-1, IL-6, TNF-α or PAI-1 between the acute high-altitude THS+90 mg/kg TXA and acute high-altitude THS+135 mg/kg TXA subgroups ( P>0.05). (6) Tissue injury: At 6 hours after THS, acute high-altitude THS+0 mg/kg TXA group exhibited significant interstitial thickening of the lung with extensive inflammatory cell infiltration, localized loss of intestinal brush border accompanied by cellular disruption, and marked structural disruption of renal corpuscles with focal cellular injury and necrosis. At 6 hours after THS, the acute high-altitude THS+0 mg/kg TXA subgroup exhibited significantly higher lung injury scores, Chiu′s intestinal injury scores, and kidney injury scores compared to those of the other subgroups ( P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the tissue injury scores of the lungs, intestines and kidneys among the other subgroups ( P>0.05). The acute high-altitude THS+0 mg/kg TXA subgroup also had significantly higher lung W/D and TLW compared to those in the other subgroups ( P<0.05). At 6 hours after THS, the acute high-altitude THS+45 mg/kg TXA group exhibited significantly higher W/D and TLW of the lung tissues compared to those in the acute high-altitude THS+90 mg/kg TXA and acute high-altitude THS+135 mg/kg TXA groups ( P<0.05), with no significant differences between the latter two subgroups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:At 3 days after acute exposure to high altitude, rabbits show a hypercoagulable state of the blood, accompanied by endothelial barrier dysfunction. At 30 minutes after the induction of acute high-altitude THS, a single slow intravenous bolus injection of TXA at doses of 90 mg/kg and 135 mg/kg is more effective in improving coagulation and fibrinolysis function, inflammatory response, endothelial injury, and reduced the risk of pulmonary edema than that at a dose of 45 mg/kg.
4.Clinicopathologic characteristics,gene mutation profile,and prognostic analysis of patients with adrenal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Jiayin HE ; Siyuan CHEN ; Qing SHI ; Muchen ZHANG ; Hongmei YI ; Lei DONG ; Ying QIAN ; Li WANG ; Shu CHENG ; Pengpeng XU ; Weili ZHAO
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(9):1194-1201
Objective·To analyze the clinicopathologic characteristics,gene mutation profile,and prognostic factors of patients with adrenal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL).Methods·From March 2002 to December 2022,a total of 105 patients with adrenal DLBCL admitted to Ruijin Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine were retrospectively analyzed for their clinicopathological data,survival outcomes,and prognostic factors.Patients'gene mutation profiles were evaluated by targeted sequencing of 152 lymphoma-related genes.Results·The median age of the patients was 62(15?82)years and the male-to-female ratio was 2.3∶1.Among them,63 patients(60.0%)were over 60 years old,22 patients(21.0%)had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group(ECOG)performance status of two or higher,87 patients(82.9%)were staged Ann Arbor Ⅲ?Ⅳ,92 patients(87.6%)had elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)levels(above the upper limit of reference),84 patients(80.0%)had extranodal invasion in at least two organs,67 patients(63.8%)were of non-germinal center B-cell(non-GCB)origin,and 95 patients(90.5%)had an international prognosis index(IPI)scored over 2.With a median follow-up of 28.3(0.7?191.9)months,the estimated 2-year overall survival(OS)rate and progression-free survival(PFS)rate were 68.3%and 53.1%,respectively.The estimated 5-year OS rate and PFS rate were 52.6%and 44.0%,respectively.Among 93 patients who could be evaluated for clinical outcomes,62(66.7%)got a complete response(CR).Univariate analysis and multivariate Cox analysis revealed that age over 60 years was an adverse prognostic factor for PFS,and ECOG performance status of two or higher was an adverse prognostic factor for both OS and PFS.Targeted gene sequencing in 46 adrenal diffuse DLBCL patients showed high mutation frequencies in lysine methyltransferase 2D(KMT2D;n=17,37%),Pim-1 proto-oncogene,serine/threonine kinase(PIM1;n=17,37%),MYD88 innate immune signal transduction adaptor(MYD88;n=15,33%),CD79b molecule(CD79B;n=13,28%),and BTG anti-proliferation factor 2(BTG2;n=10,22%).Conclusion·Age over 60 years is an adverse prognostic factor for PFS,and ECOG performance status of two or higher is an adverse prognostic factor for both OS and PFS in patients with adrenal DLBCL.Patients exhibited high frequencies of KMT2D,PIM1,MYD88,CD79B,and BTG2 mutations,as well as an increased proportion of the MCD-like subtype.
5.The clinical outcomes analysis of drug-coated balloon de novo coronary lesions left with untreated dissection
Zhi-yuan CHENG ; Wen-rui MA ; Zi-lei PAN ; Chang-sheng NAI ; Shang CHANG ; Li LIANG ; Yao-jun ZHANG ; Qian LI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(10):568-573
Objective To investigate the clinical prognosis of untreated residual coronary artery dissection treated with drug coated balloon(DCB).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical and imaging data of patients with primary coronary artery lesions(2.5-4.0 mm)treated with DCB under angiography guidance at Xuzhou Cancer Hospital,Xuzhou New Health Geriatric Hospital,and Peixian Guotai Hospital from September 2017 to April 2023.According to the observation of coronary artery dissection through angiography,the patients were divided into a dissection group and a non dissection group.The main endpoint of this study was the major adverse cardiovascular event(MACE)during a 12-month follow-up.Results A total of 381 patients were enrolled in the three research centers,with 30 cases(30 lesions)in the dissection group and 351 cases(367 lesions)in the non dissection group.There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age,gender,hypertension,hyperlipidemia,diabetes,smoking,previous myocardial infarction,previous percutaneous coronary intervention,coronary artery bypass grafting and other baseline clinical characteristics(all P>0.05).Except for the reference vessel diameter(P=0.049)and DCB pressure(P=0.032),there was no statistically significant difference in the characteristics of coronary angiography lesions between the two groups of patients(both P>0.05).During a 12-month follow-up,there was no statistically significant difference(P>0.05)in the incidence of MACE between the dissection group and the non dissection group after DCB treatment for primary coronary artery lesions in situ.Conclusions Untreated residual dissection after DCB treatment of de novo coronary lesions does not lead to an increase in clinical MACE.
6.Characteristics of peripheral blood leukocyte morphology and scatterplot in severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome
Chen CHENG ; Wenwen SHANG ; Xiang QIAN ; Jiexin ZHANG ; Lixia ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(12):1793-1797
OBJECTIVE To analyze the characteristics of peripheral blood leukocyte morphology,scatterplot and leukocyte cell population data(CPD)in patients with severe fever and thrombocytopenia syndrome(SFTS),infec-tious mononucleosis(IM)and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome(HFRS),and to explore their differences.METHODS Blood routine examination data were collected,including microscopic cell images,scatter-plots and leukocyte CPD study parameters from 44 patients diagnosed with SFTS,17 with IM and 11 with HFRS at the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University from Mar.2023 to May 2024.These data were compared with those of healthy controls to explore specific differences in the characteristics of peripheral blood leu-kocyte.RESULTS All 3 viral infections exhibited a left shift in the nucleus under the microscope,yet the blood routine scatterplot and microscopic leukocyte characteristics differed.SFTS commonly presented with a plasmacy-toid reactive lymphocyte with scattered points appearing in the upper reactive lymphocyte area of the scatterplot.IM showed a predominant irregular fried-egg-like reactive lymphocyte under the microscope,with the scatterplot typically presenting a rocket-like shape,in patients with HFRS,there was a significant increase in im-mature granulocytes in peripheral blood and plasmacytoid reactive lymphocyte scatter points with blue immature granulocyte scatter points visible.The fluorescence distribution width(MO-WY)of monocytes in the SFTS group was lower than those in the IM,HFRS and healthy control groups(P<0.05).Compared to SFTS,IM and healthy control groups,the lateral scattered light distribution width(NE-WX)and fluorescence distribution width(NE-WY)of neutrophils in the HFRS group were both increased(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS There are signifi-cant differences in the characteristics of peripheral blood leukocyte morphology,scatterplot and CPD study param-eters among three viral infection diseases SFTS,IM and HFRS.These differences can provide early clinical advice and assist in clinical differentiation.
7.Clinical application of hair follicle-bearing microskin in the treatment of hypertrophic scars
Hanxiao CHENG ; Xifei QIAN ; Yanjiao MAO ; Jie LONG ; Weili XU ; Rui YAN ; Zhentao ZHOU ; Zhongxin SUN ; Jufang ZHANG ; Chunsheng HOU
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(4):340-347
Objective:To investigate the protocol and clinical efficacy of hair follicle-bearing microskin (HF-MS) transplantation in the treatment of hypertrophic scars.Methods:Prospective randomized controlled trial. From January to November 2024, patients with hypertrophic scars were recruited from the Medical Cosmetic Center of Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital with Westlake University School of Medicine and the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Ningbo Sixth Hospital. Patients were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group using a random number table. In the observation group, 1.0 mm punch decompression was performed on the hypertrophic scar area, followed by implantation of HF-MS extracted from the scalp donor site using follicular unit excision (FUE) into the decompression pores. The control group underwent only 1.0 mm punch decompression. Vancouver scar scale (VSS) scores (total score 0-15, higher scores indicating more severe scarring) were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Efficacy at 6 months, improvement in hypertrophic scar area, hair survival rate (observation group), adverse reactions, and patients’ satisfaction rates were evaluated. Categorical data were expressed as frequency (%) and analyzed using chi-square tests; normally distributed measurement data were expressed as Mean ± SD and analyzed using independent samples t-tests. Results:A total of 50 patients were included (25 per group), with 22 males and 28 females, aged 18-60 years (mean age: 33 years). The effective rate was 92% (23/25) in the observation group and 68% (17/25) in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). Preoperative VSS scores did not differ significantly between the observation and control groups [(6.67±3.19) vs. (7.12±2.89), P>0.05]. At 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, the observation group had VSS scores of (5.48±2.60), (4.64±2.39), and (3.80±2.10), respectively, compared to (6.36±2.53), (5.84±2.28), and (5.32±2.09) in the control group. The 6-month postoperative VSS scores differed significantly between groups ( P<0.05). Preoperative hypertrophic scar areas showed no significant difference [(5.75±2.83) cm 2 vs. (6.91±3.31) cm 2,P>0.05]. At 6 months postoperatively, the observation group had significantly smaller scar areas than the control group [(3.15±1.55) cm 2 vs. (5.37±2.93) cm 2,P<0.01]. The average hair survival rate in the observation group was 41% at 6 months. Adverse reactions occurred in 3 cases in the observation group (2 skin indurations, 1 hyperpigmentation) and 7 cases in the control group (4 hyperpigmentation, 2 skin atrophy, 1 skin induration). The observation group had a significantly lower adverse reaction rate [12% (3/25) vs. 28% (7/25), P<0.05]. Patient satisfaction rates were 88% (22/25) in the observation group and 64% (16/25) in the control group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:HF-MS transplantation demonstrates definitive clinical efficacy in treating hypertrophic scars, effectively improving scar morphology, clinical symptoms, and patient quality of life.
8.Clinical effect of microneedle combined with topical minoxidil in the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia
Chongxiang FAN ; Xifei QIAN ; Zhounan JIANG ; Hanxiao CHENG ; Jufang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(4):382-389
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of microneedling combined with topical 5% minoxidil tincture in the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia (AGA).Methods:This study was a prospective study. Male patients with newly diagnosed androgenetic alopecia at the Medical Cosmetic Center, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital Westlake University School of Medicine, from April 2022 to April 2024 were selected. Age and BASP score were used as matching variables, and every 3 cases were matched as a group. In the study group, 1.0 mm microneedle combined with topical 5% minoxidil tincture was used for 2-3 times of acupuncture operation in the hair loss area, and then about 1 ml of 5% minoxidil tincture was applied to the scalp to promote absorption. From the second day, about 1 ml of 5% minoxidil tincture was evenly sprayed on the hair roots of the scalp in the hair loss area and massaged until absorption, once in the morning and evening every day. Control group 1 was evenly sprayed with 5% minoxidil tincture on the hair roots of the alopecia area, once a day in the morning and evening, about 1 ml each time. Patients in control group 2 received oral finasteride 1 mg once daily. The three groups were treated for 13 weeks, and adverse reactions were recorded during the treatment. Before and immediately after 13 weeks of treatment, the final hair density, velus hair density, hair follicle density, hair shaft average diameter, single hair follicle density and double hair follicle density of the three groups were measured by dermoscopy. Paired sample t-test was used for statistical analysis. After 13 weeks of treatment, the above measurement indexes of study group, control group 1 and control group 2 were analyzed by LSD multiple comparison method. Results:A total of 99 male patients were enrolled, with 33 in the study group [mean age: (31.6 ± 5.8) years, range: 18-45], 33 in control group 1[mean age: (31.7 ± 5.6) years, range: 20-44], and 33 in control group 2 [mean age: (32.2 ± 5.4 )years, range: 19-45].In the study group, three patients experienced transient pain in the treated areas during and after microneedling, which resolved spontaneously within two hours. Two patients developed scalp flaking three days post-treatment, which improved with increased washing frequency and targeted shampoo selection. No significant adverse reactions were observed in control groups 1 and 2.After 13 weeks of treatment, significant increases were observed in the study group compared to baseline for terminal hair density [(104.5 ± 29.6) hairs/cm 2 vs. (72.5 ± 27.9) hairs/cm 2], mean hair shaft diameter [(53.6 ± 11.4) μm vs. (45.7 ± 12.9) μm], follicular unit density [(71.4 ± 18.5) units/cm 2 vs. (57.8 ± 17.4) units/cm 2], and single-hair follicular unit density [(46.7 ± 11.1) units/cm 2 vs. (31.4 ± 12.3) units/cm 2], all with statistically significant differences ( P < 0.05). Control group 1 also showed significant increases in terminal hair density [(87.3 ± 24.5) hairs/cm 2 vs. (70.7 ± 26.0) hairs/cm 2], vellus hair density [(55.3 ± 13.9) hairs/cm 2 vs. (30.2 ± 8.8) hairs/cm 2], follicular unit density [(58.9 ± 17.1) units/cm 2 vs. (52.6 ± 15.5) units/cm 2], mean hair shaft diameter [(52.8 ± 15.7) μm vs. (50.1 ± 16.0) μm], and single-hair follicular unit density [(40.1 ± 11.1) units/cm 2 vs. (34.2 ± 12.0) units/cm 2], all with statistically significant differences ( P < 0.05).Control group 2 showed significant improvements in terminal hair density [(106.3 ± 22.5) hairs/cm 2 vs. (73.7 ± 26.9) hairs/cm 2], follicular unit density [(68.4 ± 18.1) units/cm 2 vs. (53.7 ± 15.4) units/cm 2], mean hair shaft diameter [(57.9 ± 16.2) μm vs. (50.6 ± 15.7) μm], single-hair follicular unit density [(48.1 ± 11.5) units/cm 2 vs. (34.2 ± 12.6) units/cm 2], and double-hair follicular unit density [(23.5 ± 6.4) units/cm 2 vs. (17.2 ± 6.8) units/cm 2], all with statistically significant differences ( P < 0.05). When comparing post-treatment outcomes, the study group exhibited significantly higher terminal hair density, vellus hair density, mean hair shaft diameter, follicular unit density, and single-hair follicular unit density than control group 1, while vellus hair density was significantly lower ( P < 0.05). The study group and control group 2 showed no statistically significant differences in most parameters except for double-hair follicular unit density, which was significantly lower in the study group ( P< 0.05). Conclusion:Microneedling combined with topical 5% minoxidil tincture is an effective treatment for male androgenetic alopecia, demonstrating significant improvements in hair density, follicular unit density, and hair shaft thickness.
9.Application of Recombinant Collagen in Biomedicine
Huan HU ; Hong ZHANG ; Jian WANG ; Li-Wen WANG ; Qian LIU ; Ning-Wen CHENG ; Xin-Yue ZHANG ; Yun-Lan LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):395-416
Collagen is a major structural protein in the matrix of animal cells and the most widely distributed and abundant functional protein in mammals. Collagen’s good biocompatibility, biodegradability and biological activity make it a very valuable biomaterial. According to the source of collagen, it can be broadly categorized into two types: one is animal collagen; the other is recombinant collagen. Animal collagen is mainly extracted and purified from animal connective tissues by chemical methods, such as acid, alkali and enzyme methods, etc. Recombinant collagen refers to collagen produced by gene splicing technology, where the amino acid sequence is first designed and improved according to one’s own needs, and the gene sequence of improved recombinant collagen is highly consistent with that of human beings, and then the designed gene sequence is cloned into the appropriate vector, and then transferred to the appropriate expression vector. The designed gene sequence is cloned into a suitable vector, and then transferred to a suitable expression system for full expression, and finally the target protein is obtained by extraction and purification technology. Recombinant collagen has excellent histocompatibility and water solubility, can be directly absorbed by the human body and participate in the construction of collagen, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, cell growth, wound healing and site filling, etc., which has demonstrated significant effects, and has become the focus of the development of modern biomedical materials. This paper firstly elaborates the structure, type, and tissue distribution of human collagen, as well as the associated genetic diseases of different types of collagen, then introduces the specific process of producing animal source collagen and recombinant collagen, explains the advantages of recombinant collagen production method, and then introduces the various systems of expressing recombinant collagen, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, and finally briefly introduces the application of animal collagen, focusing on the use of animal collagen in the development of biopharmaceutical materials. In terms of application, it focuses on the use of animal disease models exploring the application effects of recombinant collagen in wound hemostasis, wound repair, corneal therapy, female pelvic floor dysfunction (FPFD), vaginal atrophy (VA) and vaginal dryness, thin endometritis (TE), chronic endometritis (CE), bone tissue regeneration in vivo, cardiovascular diseases, breast cancer (BC) and anti-aging. The mechanism of action of recombinant collagen in the treatment of FPFD and CE was introduced, and the clinical application and curative effect of recombinant collagen in skin burn, skin wound, dermatitis, acne and menopausal urogenital syndrome (GSM) were summarized. From the exploratory studies and clinical applications, it is evident that recombinant collagen has demonstrated surprising effects in the treatment of all types of diseases, such as reducing inflammation, promoting cell proliferation, migration and adhesion, increasing collagen deposition, and remodeling the extracellular matrix. At the end of the review, the challenges faced by recombinant collagen are summarized: to develop new recombinant collagen types and dosage forms, to explore the mechanism of action of recombinant collagen, and to provide an outlook for the future development and application of recombinant collagen.
10.Dysregulation of Iron Homeostasis Mediated by FTH Increases Ferroptosis Sensitivity in TP53-Mutant Glioblastoma.
Xuejie HUAN ; Jiangang LI ; Zhaobin CHU ; Hongliang ZHANG ; Lei CHENG ; Peng LUN ; Xixun DU ; Xi CHEN ; Qian JIAO ; Hong JIANG
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(4):569-582
Iron metabolism is a critical factor in tumorigenesis and development. Although TP53 mutations are prevalent in glioblastoma (GBM), the mechanisms by which TP53 regulates iron metabolism remain elusive. We reveal an imbalance iron homeostasis in GBM via TCGA database analysis. TP53 mutations disrupted iron homeostasis in GBM, characterized by elevated total iron levels and reduced ferritin (FTH). The gain-of-function effect triggered by TP53 mutations upregulates itchy E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase (ITCH) protein expression in astrocytes, leading to FTH degradation and an increase in free iron levels. TP53-mut astrocytes were more tolerant to the high iron environment induced by exogenous ferric ammonium citrate (FAC), but the increase in intracellular free iron made them more sensitive to Erastin-induced ferroptosis. Interestingly, we found that Erastin combined with FAC treatment significantly increased ferroptosis. These findings provide new insights for drug development and therapeutic modalities for GBM patients with TP53 mutations from iron metabolism perspectives.
Ferroptosis/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Iron/metabolism*
;
Glioblastoma/metabolism*
;
Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism*
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Homeostasis/physiology*
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Ferritins/metabolism*
;
Brain Neoplasms/genetics*
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Mutation
;
Astrocytes/drug effects*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Piperazines/pharmacology*
;
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds/pharmacology*
;
Ferric Compounds

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