1.Diagnostic Value of Coronary Slow Flow for Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Patients With Angina and Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries
Zhaoxue SHENG ; Yuhui HUANG ; Xingliang LI ; Jingyu WANG ; Qiang CHEN ; Wuqiang CHE ; Zhen ZHANG ; Xuecheng ZHAO ; Shuoyan AN ; Yanxiang GAO ; Jingang ZHENG
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(9):885-891
Objectives:Coronary slow flow(CSF)has long been regarded as a marker of coronary microvascular dysfunction(CMD).This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of CSF for CMD in patients with angina and nonobstructive coronary arteries(ANOCA).Methods:The study data were derived from the ANOCA-CMD prospective cohort study.All enrolled patients underwent coronary angiography and concurrent coronary physiological assessments in the left anterior descending artery using pressure-wire and thermodilution techniques to obtain coronary flow reserve(CFR)and the index of microcirculatory resistance(IMR).Based on the results,CMD was classified into four subtypes:CMD with elevated IMR(IMR≥25),CMD with reduced CFR(CFR<2.5),CMD with either reduced CFR or elevated IMR(CFR<2.5 or IMR≥25),and CMD with both reduced CFR and elevated IMR(CFR<2.5 and IMR≥25).The corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction(TIMI)frame count(CTFC)in the left anterior descending artery was calculated from coronary angiography images,with CSF defined as CTFC>27.This study evaluated the correlation between CTFC,CFR,and IMR,and investigated the diagnostic value of CSF for CMD in ANOCA patients.Results:A total of 103 ANOCA patients were enrolled in this study,with a mean age of(64.2±10.6)years,and 53.4%were female.Among them,57 patients(55.3%)were diagnosed with coronary slow flow.Patients with slow flow had higher IMR(P<0.001)and CFR(P=0.041).Similarly,the proportion of CMD with elevated IMR was higher in the slow flow group(P<0.001),while the proportion of CMD with reduced CFR was lower(P=0.044).There was no significant difference between the groups in the proportions of CMD with either reduced CFR or elevated IMR or CMD with both reduced CFR and elevated IMR(all P>0.05).CTFC was positively correlated with hyperemic mean transit time(r=0.424,P<0.001),IMR(r=0.430,P<0.001),and CFR(r=0.211,P=0.032).The area under the curve(AUC)of CTFC for diagnosing CMD with elevated IMR was 0.721(95%CI:0.623-0.819)with an accuracy of 67%(57%,76%),for diagnosing CMD with reduced CFR was 0.610(95%CI:0.499-0.720)with an accuracy of 60%(50%,70%),for diagnosing CMD with either reduced CFR or elevated IMR was 0.549(95%CI:0.425-0.673)with an accuracy of 47%(37%,57%),and for diagnosing CMD with both reduced CFR and elevated IMR was 0.582(95%CI:0.471-0.693)with an accuracy of 47%(37%,57%).Thus,CSF demonstrated limited diagnostic values across all subtypes of CMD.Conclusions:In ANOCA patients,CSF cannot serve as an effective diagnostic marker for CMD.Therefore,in clinical practice,the slow flow phenomenon should not be directly equated with the presence of coronary microvascular dysfunction in ANOCA patients.
2.Establishment of a rapid fluorescence immunochromatographic assay for avian influenza virus subtype H5N6
Hui LI ; Li LIU ; Yi-sheng ZHOU ; Zhi-hong ZHANG ; Qian-qian SI ; Ru-xia WANG ; Zhi-qiang DENG ; Yi-bing FAN ; Liang JIN ; Jie SUN ; Chun-hua YANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(3):243-248,283
In view of the characteristics of H5N6 subtype avian influenza virus(AIV)that it has both high pathogenicity and the risk of cross-species transmission,posing a serious threat to the poultry farming industry and public health security,in order to effectively prevent and control the spread of H5N6 avian influenza,a rapid,sensitive and specific detection technolo-gy was established in this study.The specific monoclonal antibodies against the neuraminidase N6 protein of avian influenza A virus subtype H5N6 were obtained through hybridoma and monoclonal antibody technology.These antibodies were coupled and labeled with carboxyl-functionalized fluorescent quantum dots,along with previously prepared specific antibodies against the hemagglutinin H5 protein.A rapid fluorescence immunochromatographic detection method for the H5N6 subtype of avian influ-enza virus was established according to the principle of double-antibody sandwich immunochromatography.This method a-chieved a detection sensitivity of 1 ng/mL for recombinant hemagglutinin H5 subtype protein and 0.1 ng/mL for recombinant neuraminidase N6 subtype protein.Moreover,the method exhibited no cross-reactivity with other influenza subtypes or patho-gens,such as Newcastle disease(ND),infectious bronchitis(IB),and infectious laryngotracheitis(ILT),thus demonstrating good specificity.The method effectively identified the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5 subtype and directly distin-guished the H5N6 subtype with good accuracy.The fluorescent quantum dot immunochromatographic typing detection method established herein met the sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy requirements for H5N6 subtype detection,and can be further used for rapid detection of the H5 and H5N6 subtypes of avian influenza virus.
3.Role and mechanism of RNA m6A methyltransferase WTAP in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of glioblastoma cells
Cong-Wei LIU ; Wen-Ying LYU ; Shu-Wei WANG ; Sheng-Qiang XIE ; CHENG-GANG ; Jian-Ning ZHANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(11):1433-1443
Objective To explore the role and mechanism of RNA m6A methyltransferase Wilms'tumor 1-associated protein(WTAP)in epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)of glioblastoma cells and its association with transcription factor JUNB.Methods(1)Based on the Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)and Genotype-Tissue Expression(GTEx)databases,the expression levels of transforming growth factor β(TGF-β),WTAP,and JUNB in glioblastoma multiforme(GBM)and normal brain tissues were analyzed,as well as their diagnostic and prognostic values for GBM.The correlation of TGF-β,WTAP,and JUNB with gliomas of different WHO grades was analyzed using the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas(CGGA)database.Spearman correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlation between TGF-β and m6A methyltransferases.(2)An EMT model was established in human astrocytoma U87-MG cells through TGF-β1 induction.qRT-PCR and Western blotting were employed to detect the expression levels of WTAP,JUNB,matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP2),and N-cadherin.The migration capacity of U87-MG cells was evaluated by wound-healing and Transwell assays.An m6A RNA methylation quantification kit(colorimetric)was used to detect RNA m6A methylation modification levels.A stable cell line with low expression of WTAP was constructed to investigate the effects of WTAP knockdown on the migration ability of U87-MG cells,as well as the expression of JUNB.(3)A protein-protein interaction network was constructed using STRING database and GeneMANIA database,followed by gene ontology(GO)and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses to explore the biological processes,molecular functions,cellular components,and signaling pathways potentially involved in TGF-β/WTAP/JUNB.Gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)was performed on JUNB-related genes to investigate their potential downstream signaling pathways.Results(1)The expression levels of TGF-β,WTAP,and JUNB were significantly higher in GBM(P<0.001),positively correlated with WHO grades of glioma(P<0.001).Glioma patients with high expression of all three genes had shorter overall and disease-free survival(P<0.001).Spearman analysis showed that the expression of TGF-β in GBM was positively correlated with WTAP(r=0.175,P=0.023),but no significant correlation with other m6A methyltransferases(P>0.05).(2)After TGF-β1 treatment,the level of m6A methylation modification of total RNA in U87-MG cells significantly increased(P<0.001).Wound-healing assay and Transwell assay results showed that the migration ability of U87-MG cells was significantly increased after TGF-β1 treatment(P<0.01),while WTAP knockdown significantly reduced the migration ability of U87-MG cells(P<0.01).qRT-PCR and Western blotting results showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of WTAP,N-Cadherin,MMP2,and JUNB in U87-MG cells were significantly increased after 48 h of TGF-β1 induction(P<0.001),while WTAP knockdown significantly reduced the mRNA and protein expression of JUNB(P<0.001).(3)The TGF-β/WTAP/JUNB-related protein-protein interaction network was constructed,which was primary involved in mRNA modification and EMT.GSEA results showed that JUNB-related signaling pathways were closely associated with glioma malignant progression.Conclusions TGF-β,WTAP,and JUNB are all associated with GBM malignant progression and poor patient prognosis.TGF-β may enhance total RNA m6A modification by promoting the expression of m6A methyltransferase WTAP,and WTAP subsquentaly upregulates transcription factor JUNB,thereby promoting EMT and malignant progression of GBM.
4.Role and mechanism of RNA m6A methyltransferase WTAP in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of glioblastoma cells
Cong-Wei LIU ; Wen-Ying LYU ; Shu-Wei WANG ; Sheng-Qiang XIE ; CHENG-GANG ; Jian-Ning ZHANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(11):1433-1443
Objective To explore the role and mechanism of RNA m6A methyltransferase Wilms'tumor 1-associated protein(WTAP)in epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)of glioblastoma cells and its association with transcription factor JUNB.Methods(1)Based on the Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)and Genotype-Tissue Expression(GTEx)databases,the expression levels of transforming growth factor β(TGF-β),WTAP,and JUNB in glioblastoma multiforme(GBM)and normal brain tissues were analyzed,as well as their diagnostic and prognostic values for GBM.The correlation of TGF-β,WTAP,and JUNB with gliomas of different WHO grades was analyzed using the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas(CGGA)database.Spearman correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlation between TGF-β and m6A methyltransferases.(2)An EMT model was established in human astrocytoma U87-MG cells through TGF-β1 induction.qRT-PCR and Western blotting were employed to detect the expression levels of WTAP,JUNB,matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP2),and N-cadherin.The migration capacity of U87-MG cells was evaluated by wound-healing and Transwell assays.An m6A RNA methylation quantification kit(colorimetric)was used to detect RNA m6A methylation modification levels.A stable cell line with low expression of WTAP was constructed to investigate the effects of WTAP knockdown on the migration ability of U87-MG cells,as well as the expression of JUNB.(3)A protein-protein interaction network was constructed using STRING database and GeneMANIA database,followed by gene ontology(GO)and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses to explore the biological processes,molecular functions,cellular components,and signaling pathways potentially involved in TGF-β/WTAP/JUNB.Gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)was performed on JUNB-related genes to investigate their potential downstream signaling pathways.Results(1)The expression levels of TGF-β,WTAP,and JUNB were significantly higher in GBM(P<0.001),positively correlated with WHO grades of glioma(P<0.001).Glioma patients with high expression of all three genes had shorter overall and disease-free survival(P<0.001).Spearman analysis showed that the expression of TGF-β in GBM was positively correlated with WTAP(r=0.175,P=0.023),but no significant correlation with other m6A methyltransferases(P>0.05).(2)After TGF-β1 treatment,the level of m6A methylation modification of total RNA in U87-MG cells significantly increased(P<0.001).Wound-healing assay and Transwell assay results showed that the migration ability of U87-MG cells was significantly increased after TGF-β1 treatment(P<0.01),while WTAP knockdown significantly reduced the migration ability of U87-MG cells(P<0.01).qRT-PCR and Western blotting results showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of WTAP,N-Cadherin,MMP2,and JUNB in U87-MG cells were significantly increased after 48 h of TGF-β1 induction(P<0.001),while WTAP knockdown significantly reduced the mRNA and protein expression of JUNB(P<0.001).(3)The TGF-β/WTAP/JUNB-related protein-protein interaction network was constructed,which was primary involved in mRNA modification and EMT.GSEA results showed that JUNB-related signaling pathways were closely associated with glioma malignant progression.Conclusions TGF-β,WTAP,and JUNB are all associated with GBM malignant progression and poor patient prognosis.TGF-β may enhance total RNA m6A modification by promoting the expression of m6A methyltransferase WTAP,and WTAP subsquentaly upregulates transcription factor JUNB,thereby promoting EMT and malignant progression of GBM.
5.An Epithelial Senescence Model Induced by Doxorubicin in MCF 10A Cells
Zeng-Sheng WANG ; Zu-Biao NIU ; Bo ZHANG ; Jia-Hui HAO ; Yi-Chao ZHU ; Rui-Gang YANG ; He REN ; Chen-Yu LIU ; Qiang SUN ; Li-Cheng REN
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(1):147-155
This research aims to construct a stable epithelial cell senescence model for screening and e-valuation of senolytics.We explored the optimal conditions for doxorubicin-induced senescence of non-transformed epithelial cells MCF 10A,including the optimal induction concentration,the optimal inter-vention time,and the optimal senescence duration,and confirmed the feasibility of MCF 10A as an epi-thelial senescence model by multiple ways.The optimal condition for Doxorubicin-induced senescence of MCF 10A cells was treatment with 0.6 μmol/L Doxorubicin for 16 h to achieve the best senescence state on the 8th day.Under the optimal induction conditions,the positive rate of senescence-associated β-gal-actosidase(SA-β-gal)staining in the treated group reached 97%.At the same time,biochemical results of detecting the expression of mRNA,proteins,and immunofluorescence demonstrated that the expression levels of senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP),p16,p21 and p53 in the treated group were significantly higher than those in the control cells,and Lamin B1 was significantly decreased(P<0.001),which were consistent with the specific characteristics of senescence.In summary,an epithelial senescence model was successfully induced in MCF 10A cells by Doxorubicin in this study,which will promote the screening of senolytics for senescent epithelial cells.
6.Risk Factors and Predictive Model Establishment of Postoperative Acute LungInjury in Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection Surgery
Sheng-qiang ZHANG ; Shao-feng YANG ; Chong-wen SHEN ; Chao CAI ; Wen-jie DIAO ; Ge LIU ; Chao SHI
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(17):2797-2804
Objective:Analyze the risk factors for acute lung injury of postoperative acute lung injury(ALI)in patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection(STAAD),and construct a nomogram predictive model.Methods:A retrospective cohort study design was adopted.A total of 112 patients with STAAD who underwent surgical treatment in our hopital from January 2021 to August 2024 were included.They were divided into two groups according to the occurrence of ALI after the surgical:non-ALI group(73 cases)and ALI group(39 cases).Clinical data were collected from both groups of patients.The influencing factors of postoperative ALI in patients with STAAD were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression.Established nomogram prediction model based on influencing factors and validated.Results:Among 112 patients with STAAD who underwent surgical treatment,39 case postoperative ALI occurred,with an incidence rate of 34.82%.Age,preoperative creatinine,body mass index(BMI),preoperative white blood cell count,preoperative lactate and other aspects compared,The difference were statistically significant(P<0.05).The length of stay in the intensive care unit(ICU)of the ALI group was longer than that of the non ALI group(P<0.05).The intraoperative red blood cell transfusion volume and extracorporeal circulation time in the ALI group were higher than those in the non ALI group(P<0.05).Long intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass time,high BMI,high intraoperative red blood cell transfusion volume and high preoperative white blood cell count were risk factors for postoperative ALI(P<0.05).The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis results show that,the Area under the curve(AUC)of the nomogram prediction model was 0.871.When the optimal critical value was 0.472,its sensitivity and specificity wew 0.887 and 0.776,respectively.The internal validation results of Bootstrap show that,the C-index of the column chart prediction model was 0.862,with an absolute error of 0.032.The calibration curve is close to the ideal curve and the original curve,with a slope close to 1.Conclusions:Long intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass time,high BMI,high intraoperative red blood cell transfusion volume and high preoperative white blood cell count are independent risk factors for postoperative ALI in patients with STAAD.The nomogram model constructed based on the above risk factors can effectively evaluate the risk of postoperative ALI in patients with STAAD.
7.Diagnostic Value of Coronary Slow Flow for Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Patients With Angina and Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries
Zhaoxue SHENG ; Yuhui HUANG ; Xingliang LI ; Jingyu WANG ; Qiang CHEN ; Wuqiang CHE ; Zhen ZHANG ; Xuecheng ZHAO ; Shuoyan AN ; Yanxiang GAO ; Jingang ZHENG
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(9):885-891
Objectives:Coronary slow flow(CSF)has long been regarded as a marker of coronary microvascular dysfunction(CMD).This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of CSF for CMD in patients with angina and nonobstructive coronary arteries(ANOCA).Methods:The study data were derived from the ANOCA-CMD prospective cohort study.All enrolled patients underwent coronary angiography and concurrent coronary physiological assessments in the left anterior descending artery using pressure-wire and thermodilution techniques to obtain coronary flow reserve(CFR)and the index of microcirculatory resistance(IMR).Based on the results,CMD was classified into four subtypes:CMD with elevated IMR(IMR≥25),CMD with reduced CFR(CFR<2.5),CMD with either reduced CFR or elevated IMR(CFR<2.5 or IMR≥25),and CMD with both reduced CFR and elevated IMR(CFR<2.5 and IMR≥25).The corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction(TIMI)frame count(CTFC)in the left anterior descending artery was calculated from coronary angiography images,with CSF defined as CTFC>27.This study evaluated the correlation between CTFC,CFR,and IMR,and investigated the diagnostic value of CSF for CMD in ANOCA patients.Results:A total of 103 ANOCA patients were enrolled in this study,with a mean age of(64.2±10.6)years,and 53.4%were female.Among them,57 patients(55.3%)were diagnosed with coronary slow flow.Patients with slow flow had higher IMR(P<0.001)and CFR(P=0.041).Similarly,the proportion of CMD with elevated IMR was higher in the slow flow group(P<0.001),while the proportion of CMD with reduced CFR was lower(P=0.044).There was no significant difference between the groups in the proportions of CMD with either reduced CFR or elevated IMR or CMD with both reduced CFR and elevated IMR(all P>0.05).CTFC was positively correlated with hyperemic mean transit time(r=0.424,P<0.001),IMR(r=0.430,P<0.001),and CFR(r=0.211,P=0.032).The area under the curve(AUC)of CTFC for diagnosing CMD with elevated IMR was 0.721(95%CI:0.623-0.819)with an accuracy of 67%(57%,76%),for diagnosing CMD with reduced CFR was 0.610(95%CI:0.499-0.720)with an accuracy of 60%(50%,70%),for diagnosing CMD with either reduced CFR or elevated IMR was 0.549(95%CI:0.425-0.673)with an accuracy of 47%(37%,57%),and for diagnosing CMD with both reduced CFR and elevated IMR was 0.582(95%CI:0.471-0.693)with an accuracy of 47%(37%,57%).Thus,CSF demonstrated limited diagnostic values across all subtypes of CMD.Conclusions:In ANOCA patients,CSF cannot serve as an effective diagnostic marker for CMD.Therefore,in clinical practice,the slow flow phenomenon should not be directly equated with the presence of coronary microvascular dysfunction in ANOCA patients.
8.Risk Factors and Predictive Model Establishment of Postoperative Acute LungInjury in Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection Surgery
Sheng-qiang ZHANG ; Shao-feng YANG ; Chong-wen SHEN ; Chao CAI ; Wen-jie DIAO ; Ge LIU ; Chao SHI
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(17):2797-2804
Objective:Analyze the risk factors for acute lung injury of postoperative acute lung injury(ALI)in patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection(STAAD),and construct a nomogram predictive model.Methods:A retrospective cohort study design was adopted.A total of 112 patients with STAAD who underwent surgical treatment in our hopital from January 2021 to August 2024 were included.They were divided into two groups according to the occurrence of ALI after the surgical:non-ALI group(73 cases)and ALI group(39 cases).Clinical data were collected from both groups of patients.The influencing factors of postoperative ALI in patients with STAAD were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression.Established nomogram prediction model based on influencing factors and validated.Results:Among 112 patients with STAAD who underwent surgical treatment,39 case postoperative ALI occurred,with an incidence rate of 34.82%.Age,preoperative creatinine,body mass index(BMI),preoperative white blood cell count,preoperative lactate and other aspects compared,The difference were statistically significant(P<0.05).The length of stay in the intensive care unit(ICU)of the ALI group was longer than that of the non ALI group(P<0.05).The intraoperative red blood cell transfusion volume and extracorporeal circulation time in the ALI group were higher than those in the non ALI group(P<0.05).Long intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass time,high BMI,high intraoperative red blood cell transfusion volume and high preoperative white blood cell count were risk factors for postoperative ALI(P<0.05).The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis results show that,the Area under the curve(AUC)of the nomogram prediction model was 0.871.When the optimal critical value was 0.472,its sensitivity and specificity wew 0.887 and 0.776,respectively.The internal validation results of Bootstrap show that,the C-index of the column chart prediction model was 0.862,with an absolute error of 0.032.The calibration curve is close to the ideal curve and the original curve,with a slope close to 1.Conclusions:Long intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass time,high BMI,high intraoperative red blood cell transfusion volume and high preoperative white blood cell count are independent risk factors for postoperative ALI in patients with STAAD.The nomogram model constructed based on the above risk factors can effectively evaluate the risk of postoperative ALI in patients with STAAD.
9.Establishment of a rapid fluorescence immunochromatographic assay for avian influenza virus subtype H5N6
Hui LI ; Li LIU ; Yi-sheng ZHOU ; Zhi-hong ZHANG ; Qian-qian SI ; Ru-xia WANG ; Zhi-qiang DENG ; Yi-bing FAN ; Liang JIN ; Jie SUN ; Chun-hua YANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(3):243-248,283
In view of the characteristics of H5N6 subtype avian influenza virus(AIV)that it has both high pathogenicity and the risk of cross-species transmission,posing a serious threat to the poultry farming industry and public health security,in order to effectively prevent and control the spread of H5N6 avian influenza,a rapid,sensitive and specific detection technolo-gy was established in this study.The specific monoclonal antibodies against the neuraminidase N6 protein of avian influenza A virus subtype H5N6 were obtained through hybridoma and monoclonal antibody technology.These antibodies were coupled and labeled with carboxyl-functionalized fluorescent quantum dots,along with previously prepared specific antibodies against the hemagglutinin H5 protein.A rapid fluorescence immunochromatographic detection method for the H5N6 subtype of avian influ-enza virus was established according to the principle of double-antibody sandwich immunochromatography.This method a-chieved a detection sensitivity of 1 ng/mL for recombinant hemagglutinin H5 subtype protein and 0.1 ng/mL for recombinant neuraminidase N6 subtype protein.Moreover,the method exhibited no cross-reactivity with other influenza subtypes or patho-gens,such as Newcastle disease(ND),infectious bronchitis(IB),and infectious laryngotracheitis(ILT),thus demonstrating good specificity.The method effectively identified the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5 subtype and directly distin-guished the H5N6 subtype with good accuracy.The fluorescent quantum dot immunochromatographic typing detection method established herein met the sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy requirements for H5N6 subtype detection,and can be further used for rapid detection of the H5 and H5N6 subtypes of avian influenza virus.
10.Molecular mechanism of magnesium alloy promoting macrophage M2 polarization through modulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway for tendon-bone healing in rotator cuff injury repair.
Xianhao SHENG ; Wen ZHANG ; Shoulong SONG ; Fei ZHANG ; Baoxiang ZHANG ; Xiaoying TIAN ; Wentao XIONG ; Yingguang ZHU ; Yuxin XIE ; Zi'ang LI ; Lili TAN ; Qiang ZHANG ; Yan WANG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(2):174-186
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the effect of biodegradable magnesium alloy materials in promoting tendon-bone healing during rotator cuff tear repair and to investigate their potential underlying biological mechanisms.
METHODS:
Forty-eight 8-week-old Sprague Dawley rats were taken and randomly divided into groups A, B, and C. Rotator cuff tear models were created and repaired using magnesium alloy sutures in group A and Vicryl Plus 4-0 absorbable sutures in group B, while only subcutaneous incisions and sutures were performed in group C. Organ samples of groups A and B were taken for HE staining at 1 and 2 weeks after operation to evaluate the safety of magnesium alloy, and specimens from the supraspinatus tendon and proximal humerus were harvested at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after operation. The specimens were observed macroscopically at 4 and 12 weeks after operation. Biomechanical tests were performed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks to test the ultimate load and stiffness of the healing sites in groups A and B. At 2, 4, and 12 weeks, the specimens were subjected to the following tests: Micro-CT to evaluate the formation of bone tunnels in groups A and B, HE staining and Masson staining to observe the regeneration of fibrocartilage at the tendon-bone interface after decalcification and sectioning, and Goldner trichrome staining to evaluate the calcification. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expressions of angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), as well as osteogenic factors at the tendon-bone interface. Additionally, immunofluorescence staining was used to examine the expressions of Arginase 1 and Integrin beta-2 to assess M1 and M2 macrophage polarization at the tendon-bone interface. The role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway in tendon-bone healing was further analyzed using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.
RESULTS:
Analysis of visceral sections revealed that magnesium ions released during the degradation of magnesium alloys did not cause significant toxic effects on organs such as the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys, indicating good biosafety. Histological analysis further demonstrated that fibrocartilage regeneration at the tendon-bone interface in group A occurred earlier, and the amount of fibrocartilage was significantly greater compared to group B, suggesting a positive effect of magnesium alloy material on tendon-bone interface repair. Additionally, Micro-CT analysis results revealed that bone tunnel formation occurred more rapidly in group A compared to group B, further supporting the beneficial effect of magnesium alloy on bone healing. Biomechanical testing showed that the ultimate load in group A was consistently higher than in group B, and the stiffness of group A was also greater than that of group B at 4 weeks, indicating stronger tissue-carrying capacity following tendon-bone interface repair and highlighting the potential of magnesium alloy in enhancing tendon-bone healing. Immunohistochemical staining results indicated that the expressions of VEGF and BMP-2 were significantly upregulated during the early stages of healing, suggesting that magnesium alloy effectively promoted angiogenesis and bone formation, thereby accelerating the tendon-bone healing process. Immunofluorescence staining further revealed that magnesium ions exerted significant anti-inflammatory effects by regulating macrophage polarization, promoting their shift toward the M2 phenotype. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR results demonstrated that magnesium ions could facilitate tendon-bone healing by modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
CONCLUSION
Biodegradable magnesium alloy material accelerated fibrocartilage regeneration and calcification at the tendon-bone interface in rat rotator cuff tear repair by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby significantly enhancing tendon-bone healing.
Animals
;
Rotator Cuff Injuries/metabolism*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Signal Transduction
;
Wound Healing/drug effects*
;
Alloys/pharmacology*
;
Rats
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism*
;
Rotator Cuff/metabolism*
;
Macrophages/metabolism*
;
Magnesium/pharmacology*
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism*
;
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Biocompatible Materials
;
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/metabolism*

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