1.Single-cell transcriptomics identifies PDGFRA+ progenitors orchestrating angiogenesis and periodontal tissue regeneration.
Jianing LIU ; Junxi HE ; Ziqi ZHANG ; Lu LIU ; Yuan CAO ; Xiaohui ZHANG ; Xinyue CAI ; Xinyan LUO ; Xiao LEI ; Nan ZHANG ; Hao WANG ; Ji CHEN ; Peisheng LIU ; Jiongyi TIAN ; Jiexi LIU ; Yuru GAO ; Haokun XU ; Chao MA ; Shengfeng BAI ; Yubohan ZHANG ; Yan JIN ; Chenxi ZHENG ; Bingdong SUI ; Fang JIN
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):56-56
Periodontal bone defects, primarily caused by periodontitis, are highly prevalent in clinical settings and manifest as bone fenestration, dehiscence, or attachment loss, presenting a significant challenge to oral health. In regenerative medicine, harnessing developmental principles for tissue repair offers promising therapeutic potential. Of particular interest is the condensation of progenitor cells, an essential event in organogenesis that has inspired clinically effective cell aggregation approaches in dental regeneration. However, the precise cellular coordination mechanisms during condensation and regeneration remain elusive. Here, taking the tooth as a model organ, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to dissect the cellular composition and heterogeneity of human dental follicle and dental papilla, revealing a distinct Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) population with remarkable odontogenic potential. Interestingly, a reciprocal paracrine interaction between PDGFRA+ dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs) and CD31+ Endomucin+ endothelial cells (ECs) was mediated by Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and Platelet-derived growth factor subunit BB (PDGFBB). This crosstalk not only maintains the functionality of PDGFRA+ DFSCs but also drives specialized angiogenesis. In vivo periodontal bone regeneration experiments further reveal that communication between PDGFRA+ DFSC aggregates and recipient ECs is essential for effective angiogenic-osteogenic coupling and rapid tissue repair. Collectively, our results unravel the importance of MSC-EC crosstalk mediated by the VEGFA and PDGFBB-PDGFRA reciprocal signaling in orchestrating angiogenesis and osteogenesis. These findings not only establish a framework for deciphering and promoting periodontal bone regeneration in potential clinical applications but also offer insights for future therapeutic strategies in dental or broader regenerative medicine.
Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha/metabolism*
;
Humans
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Neovascularization, Physiologic/physiology*
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Dental Sac/cytology*
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Single-Cell Analysis
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Transcriptome
;
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism*
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Bone Regeneration
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Animals
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Dental Papilla/cytology*
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Periodontium/physiology*
;
Stem Cells/metabolism*
;
Regeneration
;
Angiogenesis
2.The Current Status and Prospects of the Application of Digital Technology in the Field of Pharmacovigilance of Rare Diseases
Ying CAO ; Xinru LIU ; Shengfeng WANG ; Lin ZHUO
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):22-29
To summarize the current status in the application of digital and intelligent technologies in the field of pharmacovigilance and to provide reference to the selection and development of methods for pharmacovigilance of rare diseases. Searched five major databases-CNKI, WANFANG, VIP, PubMed, and Embase, selected and the data of application of digital technology in the field of drug vigilance for rare diseases, extracted relevant information and conducted a systematic review. The application of digital technology in drug surveillance has not yet been used in the special field of rare diseases. Relevant case studies are insufficient. Two major challenges need to be addressed. One is the insufficient data sources and the other is technical limitations. Based on the characteristics of drugs for rare diseases, this paper identifies data sources and intelligent technologies suitable for the field of drug vigilance for rare disease, proposes direction for potential development in the future, and makes targeted suggestions.
3.The Progress of Research on Data Sharing of Rare Diseases Driven by Digital Intelligence
Yiwu GU ; Qiaorui WEN ; Qikai LIU ; Mengchun GONG ; Shengfeng WANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):61-69
In recent years, the rapid development of digital intelligence has provided a new path for rare disease data sharing and injected new power into the progress of research of rare diseases. This research is aimed at summarizing and consolidating relevant literatures on data sharing driven by digital intelligence (DI) in China and abroad, and constructing a local theoretical framework of DI-driven data sharing for rare diseases based on the status of rare diseases in China. Searching PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP database, we obtain a total of 214 representative literatures. Through literature review, we find that DI technologies have played important roles in different aspects of rare disease data sharing. China, the United States, and Europe have formed their own DI-driven data sharing systems for rare disease. From the theory of " Information Commons", we analyze the gap between China′s current situation and the goal of a " Rare Disease Data Commons". Based on the analysis, we put forward the idea of framework of " DI-STARS". China should develop the Data Sharing system making DI as the core of the system. Meanwhile, China should strengthen the data standardization system, create an innovation-encouraging environment, and build a bridge between different platforms. Using the DI-STARS theory, China will be able to build the " Rare Disease Data Commons" so that the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases will be enhanced in China to meet the patients′ needs.
4.Distribution characteristics of smoking behavior among adult twins in China
Shunkai LIU ; Wenjing GAO ; Weihua CAO ; Jun LYU ; Canqing YU ; Shengfeng WANG ; Tao HUANG ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Chunxiao LIAO ; Yuanjie PANG ; Ruqin GAO ; Min YU ; Jinyi ZHOU ; Xianping WU ; Zhong DONG ; Fan WU ; Dezheng WANG ; Zhihua XU ; Yu LIU ; Jianrui WANG ; Jie YIN ; Shengli YIN ; Liming LI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(7):1090-1096
This study aims to describe the population and regional distribution characteristics of smoking behavior among adult twins in the China Twin Registry (CNTR), as well as the concordance rates for smoking behavior in monozygotic and dizygotic twins, and estimate the heritability. The study population included adult twins in CNTR who had smoking questionnaire data. A random-effects regression model was used to describe the distribution of smoking behavior among different subgroups based on various characteristics. The concordance of smoking behavior between different zygosity groups was calculated, and heritability was estimated. A total of 28 444 twin pairs were included in this study, with an average age of (36.6±12.0) years. Among male twins, 41.2% were current smokers, while only 1.2% of females smoked. Higher smoking rates were observed among male smokers in the 50-59 age group ( z=23.0, P<0.001), northern regions ( z=2.9, P<0.01), rural areas ( z=-5.2, P<0.001), those who were divorced/widowed ( z=3.8, P<0.001), and first-born twins ( z=-4.3, P<0.001), while lower smoking rates were found in those with higher education ( z=-16.1, P<0.001) and unmarried individuals ( z=-16.0, P<0.001). The smoking concordance rate for male monozygotic twins was 69.6%, significantly higher than the 57.3% concordance rate for dizygotic twins ( χ 2=105.0, P<0.05). The heritability of smoking behavior in male twins was estimated at 28.9% (95% CI: 24.3%-33.4%). Stratified analyses showed differences in heritability across regions and age groups: the heritability in northern regions was 32.6% (95% CI: 27.3%-38.0%), higher than the 21.0% (95% CI: 12.4%-29.5%) observed in southern regions; the highest heritability of 35.1% (95% CI: 26.3%-43.9%) was found in the 18-29 age group, with heritability decreasing with age. In conclusion, the smoking rate and influencing factors in the twin population are similar to those in the general population, with unique characteristics, such as higher smoking rates in first-born twins. Genetic factors have a significant impact on smoking behavior.
5.Distribution characteristics and heritability of alcohol consumption behavior in adult twins in China
Yuanchen LI ; Wenjing GAO ; Weihua CAO ; Jun LYU ; Canqing YU ; Shengfeng WANG ; Tao HUANG ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Chunxiao LIAO ; Yuanjie PANG ; Ruqin GAO ; Min YU ; Jinyi ZHOU ; Xianping WU ; Zhong DONG ; Fan WU ; Dezheng WANG ; Zhihua XU ; Yu LIU ; Yanxia MA ; Jie YIN ; Shengli YIN ; Liming LI
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(1):73-80
Objective:To describe the distribution characteristics of alcohol consumption in adult twins in the Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR), and further explore the influence of genetic factors on alcohol consumption in adult twins.Methods:The subjects of the study were twins registered by CNTR in 11 project areas across China from 2010 to 2018. A total of 56 966 twins (28 483 pairs) aged 18 years and above who answered questions about drinking behavior were included, and the random effect model was used to describe the population and regional distribution characteristics of alcohol consumption. Intra-pair analysis was performed to calculate the concordance rate and heritability of their alcohol consumption.Results:The age of all subjects was (36.6±12.0) years, and current drinkers accounted for 16.6% (9 461/56 966) of all subjects. In men, those aged 50-59 years, those in northern China, those living in rural area, those with low education level and those with high BMI, the proportions of current drinkers were higher. After excluding 468 pairs of twins who had stopped alcohol use and 21 764 pairs of twins who had no drink or had small amount drink, an intra-pair analysis was conducted in 4 929 pairs of same-sex twins, and found that the concordance rate of alcohol consumption was 64.0% (2 059/3 215) in monozygotic twins, and 52.6% (902/1 714) in dizygotic twins, the difference was significant ( P<0.001), and the heritability of alcohol consumption was 24.1% (95% CI: 18.9%- 29.3%). The further stratified analysis found that in southern men, the heritability was highest in those aged 40-49 years (36.1%, 95% CI: 21.6%-50.7%), while in northern men, the heritability was highest in those aged 50-59 years (34.2%, 95% CI: 18.1%-50.3%). Conclusions:In adult twins in China, there were population and regional differences in the distribution of alcohol consumption behavior, and alcohol consumption was influenced by genetic factors, and gender, age and region had potential modifying effects.
6.The Impact of Electroacupuncture Preconditioning at Tianshu(ST25)or Neiguan(PC6)Acupoints on the UCP1/BMP3b Signaling Pathway in Brown Adipose Tissue of Mice with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Yuhang YAN ; Danying QIAN ; Xiaohan LU ; Xiao'er LIU ; Lingyue ZOU ; Hua BAI ; Meiling YU ; Shengfeng LU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(5):600-608
OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)preconditioning at Tianshu(ST25)and Neiguan(PC6)on cardiac function and UCP1/BMP3b signaling pathway in brown adipose tissue(BAT)in mice with acute myocardial infarc-tion(AMI),so as to explore the potential mechanism of EA at different acupoints in improving myocardial infarction.METHODS Healthy adult mice and BAT excision mice were selected as the research objects,and they were divided into sham operation group,model group,PC6 group,and ST25 group.After one week of adaptive feeding,the mice in the intervention group were pretreated with bilateral EA at PC6 or ST25 for 20 minutes,respectively,and the AMI model was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery.In the BAT resection group,BAT resection of the scapular region was performed before EA,and the rest of the intervention remained the same as before.Echocardiography was used to detect the changes in cardiac function.TTC staining was used to observe the myocardial infarct size.ELISA was used to detect the serum levels of cTnT and BMP3b in each group.The qPCR was used to detect the relative expression of β3-AR,UCP1 and BMP3b mRNA in mouse BAT.The protein expression of BMP3b in BAT and p-Smad1/5 in the heart were detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the sham operation group,the left ven-tricular EF and FS of the model group mice were decreased(P<0.001),the white infarct area was increased(P<0.001),the cTnT level in serum was increased(P<0.001),the mRNA expression levels of β3-AR,UCP1,and BMP3b in BAT were increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the protein expression of BMP3b was increased(P<0.01).The BMP3b content in serum was increased(P<0.001),and the protein expression of p-Smad1/5 in the heart was increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the left ventricular EF and FS of mice in the ST25 and PC6 group were increased(P<0.001),the area of white infarction was reduced(P<0.001),and the cTnT level in serum was decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The mRNA contents of β3-AR,UCP1,and BMP3b in BAT of the ST25 group were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001),the protein expression of BMP3b was increased(P<0.01),and the protein expression of p-Smad1/5 in the heart was increased(P<0.01),while there was no significant change in the PC6 group.After BAT resection,compared with the model group,the left ventricular EF and FS of the mice in the PC6 group were increased(P<0.001),the area of white infarction was reduced(P<0.001),and the cTnT in serum was decreased(P<0.001),while there was no significant change in the ST25 group;there was no significant change in the protein expression of p-Smad1/5 in the heart and the BMP3b content in the serum of the PC6 and ST25 groups.CONCLUSION EA pretreatment at either ST25 or PC6 acupoints can produce myocardial protective effects.The protective effect of ST25 may be through influencing the UCP1/BMP3b signaling path-way in BAT,while PC6 does not depend on this pathway.
7.The Impact of Electroacupuncture Preconditioning at Tianshu(ST25)or Neiguan(PC6)Acupoints on the UCP1/BMP3b Signaling Pathway in Brown Adipose Tissue of Mice with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Yuhang YAN ; Danying QIAN ; Xiaohan LU ; Xiao'er LIU ; Lingyue ZOU ; Hua BAI ; Meiling YU ; Shengfeng LU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(5):600-608
OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)preconditioning at Tianshu(ST25)and Neiguan(PC6)on cardiac function and UCP1/BMP3b signaling pathway in brown adipose tissue(BAT)in mice with acute myocardial infarc-tion(AMI),so as to explore the potential mechanism of EA at different acupoints in improving myocardial infarction.METHODS Healthy adult mice and BAT excision mice were selected as the research objects,and they were divided into sham operation group,model group,PC6 group,and ST25 group.After one week of adaptive feeding,the mice in the intervention group were pretreated with bilateral EA at PC6 or ST25 for 20 minutes,respectively,and the AMI model was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery.In the BAT resection group,BAT resection of the scapular region was performed before EA,and the rest of the intervention remained the same as before.Echocardiography was used to detect the changes in cardiac function.TTC staining was used to observe the myocardial infarct size.ELISA was used to detect the serum levels of cTnT and BMP3b in each group.The qPCR was used to detect the relative expression of β3-AR,UCP1 and BMP3b mRNA in mouse BAT.The protein expression of BMP3b in BAT and p-Smad1/5 in the heart were detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the sham operation group,the left ven-tricular EF and FS of the model group mice were decreased(P<0.001),the white infarct area was increased(P<0.001),the cTnT level in serum was increased(P<0.001),the mRNA expression levels of β3-AR,UCP1,and BMP3b in BAT were increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the protein expression of BMP3b was increased(P<0.01).The BMP3b content in serum was increased(P<0.001),and the protein expression of p-Smad1/5 in the heart was increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the left ventricular EF and FS of mice in the ST25 and PC6 group were increased(P<0.001),the area of white infarction was reduced(P<0.001),and the cTnT level in serum was decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The mRNA contents of β3-AR,UCP1,and BMP3b in BAT of the ST25 group were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001),the protein expression of BMP3b was increased(P<0.01),and the protein expression of p-Smad1/5 in the heart was increased(P<0.01),while there was no significant change in the PC6 group.After BAT resection,compared with the model group,the left ventricular EF and FS of the mice in the PC6 group were increased(P<0.001),the area of white infarction was reduced(P<0.001),and the cTnT in serum was decreased(P<0.001),while there was no significant change in the ST25 group;there was no significant change in the protein expression of p-Smad1/5 in the heart and the BMP3b content in the serum of the PC6 and ST25 groups.CONCLUSION EA pretreatment at either ST25 or PC6 acupoints can produce myocardial protective effects.The protective effect of ST25 may be through influencing the UCP1/BMP3b signaling path-way in BAT,while PC6 does not depend on this pathway.
8.Distribution characteristics of smoking behavior among adult twins in China
Shunkai LIU ; Wenjing GAO ; Weihua CAO ; Jun LYU ; Canqing YU ; Shengfeng WANG ; Tao HUANG ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Chunxiao LIAO ; Yuanjie PANG ; Ruqin GAO ; Min YU ; Jinyi ZHOU ; Xianping WU ; Zhong DONG ; Fan WU ; Dezheng WANG ; Zhihua XU ; Yu LIU ; Jianrui WANG ; Jie YIN ; Shengli YIN ; Liming LI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(7):1090-1096
This study aims to describe the population and regional distribution characteristics of smoking behavior among adult twins in the China Twin Registry (CNTR), as well as the concordance rates for smoking behavior in monozygotic and dizygotic twins, and estimate the heritability. The study population included adult twins in CNTR who had smoking questionnaire data. A random-effects regression model was used to describe the distribution of smoking behavior among different subgroups based on various characteristics. The concordance of smoking behavior between different zygosity groups was calculated, and heritability was estimated. A total of 28 444 twin pairs were included in this study, with an average age of (36.6±12.0) years. Among male twins, 41.2% were current smokers, while only 1.2% of females smoked. Higher smoking rates were observed among male smokers in the 50-59 age group ( z=23.0, P<0.001), northern regions ( z=2.9, P<0.01), rural areas ( z=-5.2, P<0.001), those who were divorced/widowed ( z=3.8, P<0.001), and first-born twins ( z=-4.3, P<0.001), while lower smoking rates were found in those with higher education ( z=-16.1, P<0.001) and unmarried individuals ( z=-16.0, P<0.001). The smoking concordance rate for male monozygotic twins was 69.6%, significantly higher than the 57.3% concordance rate for dizygotic twins ( χ 2=105.0, P<0.05). The heritability of smoking behavior in male twins was estimated at 28.9% (95% CI: 24.3%-33.4%). Stratified analyses showed differences in heritability across regions and age groups: the heritability in northern regions was 32.6% (95% CI: 27.3%-38.0%), higher than the 21.0% (95% CI: 12.4%-29.5%) observed in southern regions; the highest heritability of 35.1% (95% CI: 26.3%-43.9%) was found in the 18-29 age group, with heritability decreasing with age. In conclusion, the smoking rate and influencing factors in the twin population are similar to those in the general population, with unique characteristics, such as higher smoking rates in first-born twins. Genetic factors have a significant impact on smoking behavior.
9.Distribution characteristics and heritability of alcohol consumption behavior in adult twins in China
Yuanchen LI ; Wenjing GAO ; Weihua CAO ; Jun LYU ; Canqing YU ; Shengfeng WANG ; Tao HUANG ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Chunxiao LIAO ; Yuanjie PANG ; Ruqin GAO ; Min YU ; Jinyi ZHOU ; Xianping WU ; Zhong DONG ; Fan WU ; Dezheng WANG ; Zhihua XU ; Yu LIU ; Yanxia MA ; Jie YIN ; Shengli YIN ; Liming LI
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(1):73-80
Objective:To describe the distribution characteristics of alcohol consumption in adult twins in the Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR), and further explore the influence of genetic factors on alcohol consumption in adult twins.Methods:The subjects of the study were twins registered by CNTR in 11 project areas across China from 2010 to 2018. A total of 56 966 twins (28 483 pairs) aged 18 years and above who answered questions about drinking behavior were included, and the random effect model was used to describe the population and regional distribution characteristics of alcohol consumption. Intra-pair analysis was performed to calculate the concordance rate and heritability of their alcohol consumption.Results:The age of all subjects was (36.6±12.0) years, and current drinkers accounted for 16.6% (9 461/56 966) of all subjects. In men, those aged 50-59 years, those in northern China, those living in rural area, those with low education level and those with high BMI, the proportions of current drinkers were higher. After excluding 468 pairs of twins who had stopped alcohol use and 21 764 pairs of twins who had no drink or had small amount drink, an intra-pair analysis was conducted in 4 929 pairs of same-sex twins, and found that the concordance rate of alcohol consumption was 64.0% (2 059/3 215) in monozygotic twins, and 52.6% (902/1 714) in dizygotic twins, the difference was significant ( P<0.001), and the heritability of alcohol consumption was 24.1% (95% CI: 18.9%- 29.3%). The further stratified analysis found that in southern men, the heritability was highest in those aged 40-49 years (36.1%, 95% CI: 21.6%-50.7%), while in northern men, the heritability was highest in those aged 50-59 years (34.2%, 95% CI: 18.1%-50.3%). Conclusions:In adult twins in China, there were population and regional differences in the distribution of alcohol consumption behavior, and alcohol consumption was influenced by genetic factors, and gender, age and region had potential modifying effects.
10.Analysis on the application value of quantitative assessment of ultrasound in patients with dysphagia after stroke
Xiaodan LI ; Ying ZHOU ; Shengfeng LIU ; Haiyan WEI ; Yunqiang CHEN
China Medical Equipment 2024;21(7):71-75
Objective:To compare with video-fluoroscopic swallowing function test(VFSS),so as to evaluate the application value of ultrasonography in the test of dysphagia after stroke.Methods:A total of seventy-two patients with dysphagia after stroke who admitted to The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University from January 2022 to July 2023 were selected as cases group,and a total of 45 healthy aged with normal swallowing function were selected as healthy control group at the same time.All of them underwent video X-ray fluoroscopic examination of swallowing function and quantitative assessment of ultrasound.Quantitative assessment of ultrasound was performed by twice to compare the internal consistency of ultrasound test.Meanwhile,the correlation between ultrasound and VFSS results was tested to verify the validity of ultrasound quantitative assessment.The VFSS was used as gold standard to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound assessment.The differences of abnormal grade of Geniohyoid muscle;movement time,movement distance and the change of tongue muscle thickness of semi quantitative description of ultrasound between two groups were compared.Results:The intra group correlation coefficient(ICC),movement time,movement distance and movement speed of grade description of muscle abnormalities of cases group were respectively 0.90,(1.743±0.235)s,(6.323±0.823)mm and(3.826±0.778)mm/s,which intra reliabilities were high correlation(ICC=0.90,0.82,0.87,0.85,P<0.01),which inter reliabilities of these indicators were high correlation(ICC=0.86,0.85,0.88,0.87,P<0.01),respectively.The positive results of ultrasound test highly correlated with the results of VFSS examination(r=0.91,P<0.01).The movement distance,the average movement speed and the changes of the thickness of tongue muscle in patients of cases group were significantly smaller than those of healthy control group,but the movement time was larger than that of healthy control group(t=9.03,30.49,-7.02,22.69,P<0.05),respectively.The results of the ultrasound on the muscles of all patients in cases group existed abnormality.Conclusion:Ultrasound technique can quantitatively assess dysphagia after stroke.Compared with VFSS technique,ultrasonography can measure and determine the related data of the movement of swallowing muscle,and dynamically record movement parameters of geniohyoid muscle and the changes of the thickness of tongue muscle.At the same time,it can detect the grade of muscle abnormalities of patients with dysphagia,which will contribute to further explore the potential pathological mechanism about muscle,and promote the healthy management for patients with dysphagia.

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