1.Therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of low-intensity focused ultrasound on knee arthrofibrosis in rats
Qiuyu TANG ; Lin MAO ; Dingqun BAI ; Weiwei YI
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(11):1208-1216
Objective To assess the therapeutic efficacy of low-intensity focused ultrasound(LIFU)on knee arthrofibrosis in rats and explore its underlying mechanisms.Methods Fifteen male SD rats(8 weeks old,weighing 250~300 g)were randomly divided into a blank control group,a model group,and an ultrasound treatment group,with 5 animals in each group.Rat model of knee joint stiffness was established in the model and ultrasound treatment group.The rats in the ultrasound group received LIFU intervention(frequency:1 MHz,power:1.5 W,20 min per session,5 times/week)for 4 weeks.The knee ranges of motion(ROM,flexion and extension)were measured in all 3 groups at 0,14 and 28 d after intervention.Histological analysis was conducted for the morphological changes in the posterior capsular area of the knee.After the synovial fibroblasts were primary isolated from rat knee joints,the cells were divided into blank control,LIFU,TGF-β(10 ng/mL),and TGF-β+LIFU groups.Changes in fibrosis-related indicators and the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway were assessed in each group.Results In the animal experiments,LIFU intervention for 14 d resulted in significantly improved flexion-extension ROM in knee joints when compared with the rats in the model group(P<0.05),and the improvement was more obvious at 28 d after intervention(P<0.05).After 28 d of LIFU intervention,the fibrosis of the posterior capsule of the knee joint was notably improved in the ultrasound group than the model group,and the expression levels of fibrosis-related indicators(α-SMA,TGF-β)were decreased(P<0.05).In the cellular experiments,the TGF-β group exhibited remarkable up-regulation of fibrosis-related molecules(α-SMA,COL1A1,COL3A1)at both protein and mRNA levels(P<0.05),and activation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway when compared to the blank control group.While LIFU intervention inhibited the expression of TGF-β-induced upregulation of fibrotic indicators(α-SMA,COL1A1,COL3A1)and the activation of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway(P<0.05).Conclusion LIFU can effectively improve knee arthrofibrosis in rats,which potentially through the inhibition of fibroblast activation and modulation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.
2.Advances in 3D printed hydroxyapatite-collagen scaffolds in bone regeneration
Ziyang CHENG ; Xiaoyan HAN ; Keming MAO ; Laikui LIU ; Weiwei LIANG
STOMATOLOGY 2025;45(1):75-80
Bone tissue engineering(BTE)is expected to be used as an autologous bone graft substitute for bone defects,and in the se-lection of BTE scaffold materials,collagen(Col)and hydroxyapatite(HA)have attracted attention due to their unique biomimetic ad-vantages.Collagen/hydroxyapatite(CHA)composite scaffolds made by combining the two have been shown to have excellent biocompat-ibility and bone-enhancing potential in various in vitro,in vivo,and clinical studies.With the development of three-dimensional(3D)printing technology in the field of tissue engineering,bone scaffolds constructed using 3D printing methods have been shown to possess superior clinical potential.This review describes new advances in 3D printed CHA composite scaffolds and introduces the application of 3D printed CHA scaffolds in oral and maxillofacial bone regenerative repair.
3.Research progress on bidirectional regulation of animal cognitive behavior by microbial-gut-brain axis
Yuqiang WANG ; Xuxin LU ; Cuie DENG ; Yingxian MAO ; Weiwei ZHANG
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2025;27(5):527-534
Cognitive impairment is one of the manifestations of nervous system injury,which is mainly closely related to neurodegeneration,and the incidence rate is increasing year by year,which has seriously affected the health level of the population.The gut microbiota plays an important role in the health of the body and participates in the regulation of the cognitive behavior of body.The microbiome-gut-brain axis acts as a bridge connecting gut microbiota and the nervous system,and plays a regulatory role between gut microbiota and the nervous system.Therefore,this review summarizes the latest progress in the effects of gut microbiota and nervous system on the cognitive ability of body through the bidirectional regulation of neurotransmitters,gut microbiota derivatives,neuroinflammation,oxidative stress,autophagy and their crosstalk through the microbial-intestinal-brain axis,and providing a reference for the clinical research of targeted transplantation of gut microbiota for preventing and treating cognitive disorders.
4.Research progress on bidirectional regulation of animal cognitive behavior by microbial-gut-brain axis
Yuqiang WANG ; Xuxin LU ; Cuie DENG ; Yingxian MAO ; Weiwei ZHANG
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2025;27(5):527-534
Cognitive impairment is one of the manifestations of nervous system injury,which is mainly closely related to neurodegeneration,and the incidence rate is increasing year by year,which has seriously affected the health level of the population.The gut microbiota plays an important role in the health of the body and participates in the regulation of the cognitive behavior of body.The microbiome-gut-brain axis acts as a bridge connecting gut microbiota and the nervous system,and plays a regulatory role between gut microbiota and the nervous system.Therefore,this review summarizes the latest progress in the effects of gut microbiota and nervous system on the cognitive ability of body through the bidirectional regulation of neurotransmitters,gut microbiota derivatives,neuroinflammation,oxidative stress,autophagy and their crosstalk through the microbial-intestinal-brain axis,and providing a reference for the clinical research of targeted transplantation of gut microbiota for preventing and treating cognitive disorders.
5.Repurposing drugs for the human dopamine transporter through WHALES descriptors-based virtual screening and bioactivity evaluation.
Ding LUO ; Zhou SHA ; Junli MAO ; Jialing LIU ; Yue ZHOU ; Haibo WU ; Weiwei XUE
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):101368-101368
Computational approaches, encompassing both physics-based and machine learning (ML) methodologies, have gained substantial traction in drug repurposing efforts targeting specific therapeutic entities. The human dopamine (DA) transporter (hDAT) is the primary therapeutic target of numerous psychiatric medications. However, traditional hDAT-targeting drugs, which interact with the primary binding site, encounter significant limitations, including addictive potential and stimulant effects. In this study, we propose an integrated workflow combining virtual screening based on weighted holistic atom localization and entity shape (WHALES) descriptors with in vitro experimental validation to repurpose novel hDAT-targeting drugs. Initially, WHALES descriptors facilitated a similarity search, employing four benztropine-like atypical inhibitors known to bind hDAT's allosteric site as templates. Consequently, from a compound library of 4,921 marketed and clinically tested drugs, we identified 27 candidate atypical inhibitors. Subsequently, ADMETlab was employed to predict the pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of these candidates, while induced-fit docking (IFD) was performed to estimate their binding affinities. Six compounds were selected for in vitro assessments of neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitory activities. Among these, three exhibited significant inhibitory potency, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.753 μM, 0.542 μM, and 1.210 μM, respectively. Finally, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and end-point binding free energy analyses were conducted to elucidate and confirm the inhibitory mechanisms of the repurposed drugs against hDAT in its inward-open conformation. In conclusion, our study not only identifies promising active compounds as potential atypical inhibitors for novel therapeutic drug development targeting hDAT but also validates the effectiveness of our integrated computational and experimental workflow for drug repurposing.
6.Repurposing drugs for the human dopamine transporter through WHALES descriptors-based virtual screening and bioactivity evaluation
Ding LUO ; Zhou SHA ; Junli MAO ; Jialing LIU ; Yue ZHOU ; Haibo WU ; Weiwei XUE
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):1916-1925
Computational approaches,encompassing both physics-based and machine learning(ML)methodolo-gies,have gained substantial traction in drug repurposing efforts targeting specific therapeutic entities.The human dopamine(DA)transporter(hDAT)is the primary therapeutic target of numerous psychi-atric medications.However,traditional hDAT-targeting drugs,which interact with the primary binding site,encounter significant limitations,including addictive potential and stimulant effects.In this study,we propose an integrated workflow combining virtual screening based on weighted holistic atom localization and entity shape(WHALES)descriptors with in vitro experimental validation to repurpose novel hDAT-targeting drugs.Initially,WHALES descriptors facilitated a similarity search,employing four benztropine-like atypical inhibitors known to bind hDAT's allosteric site as templates.Consequently,from a compound library of 4,921 marketed and clinically tested drugs,we identified 27 candidate atypical inhibitors.Subsequently,ADMETlab was employed to predict the pharmacokinetic and toxi-cological properties of these candidates,while induced-fit docking(IFD)was performed to estimate their binding affinities.Six compounds were selected for in vitro assessments of neurotransmitter re-uptake inhibitory activities.Among these,three exhibited significant inhibitory potency,with half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)values of 0.753 μM,0.542 μM,and 1.210 μM,respectively.Finally,molecular dynamics(MD)simulations and end-point binding free energy analyses were con-ducted to elucidate and confirm the inhibitory mechanisms of the repurposed drugs against hDAT in its inward-open conformation.In conclusion,our study not only identifies promising active compounds as potential atypical inhibitors for novel therapeutic drug development targeting hDAT but also validates the effectiveness of our integrated computational and experimental workflow for drug repurposing.
7.Advances in 3D printed hydroxyapatite-collagen scaffolds in bone regeneration
Ziyang CHENG ; Xiaoyan HAN ; Keming MAO ; Laikui LIU ; Weiwei LIANG
STOMATOLOGY 2025;45(1):75-80
Bone tissue engineering(BTE)is expected to be used as an autologous bone graft substitute for bone defects,and in the se-lection of BTE scaffold materials,collagen(Col)and hydroxyapatite(HA)have attracted attention due to their unique biomimetic ad-vantages.Collagen/hydroxyapatite(CHA)composite scaffolds made by combining the two have been shown to have excellent biocompat-ibility and bone-enhancing potential in various in vitro,in vivo,and clinical studies.With the development of three-dimensional(3D)printing technology in the field of tissue engineering,bone scaffolds constructed using 3D printing methods have been shown to possess superior clinical potential.This review describes new advances in 3D printed CHA composite scaffolds and introduces the application of 3D printed CHA scaffolds in oral and maxillofacial bone regenerative repair.
8.Evaluation of arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament repair separately for chronic lateral ankle instability in conjunction with subtalar instability
Weiwei MAO ; Junjie TANG ; Yong ZHANG ; Wei LI ; Ying ZHU ; Ying WANG ; Jianchao GUI ; Jianzhong QIN
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2024;62(6):565-571
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of simultaneous arthroscopic repair of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) for treating chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) in conjunction with subtalar instability (STI).Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. The clinical data of 15 patients with ankle arthroscopic in the Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2019 to December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 11 male cases and 4 female cases, aged (28.6±1.5) years (range: 19 to 39 years). All the patients were evaluated by manual inversion stress X-ray and MRI before operation. Arthroscopically observing and then repairing the ATFL and CFL separately after further diagnostic confirmation. One year after operation, MRI was performed, and pain visual analogue score(VAS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle hindfoot scale (AOFAS-AH) and Karlsson ankle functional scale(KAFS) were evaluated. Data were compared using paired sample t test. Results:The follow-up period was (23.6±2.3) months (range: 12 to 30 months). At last follow-up,the VAS decreased from 6.1±1.4 preoperatively to 1.4±1.2( t=9.482, P<0.01).The AOFAS-AH improved from 50.5±11.7 preoperatively to 94.2±6.1( t=-13.132, P<0.01), and the KAFS improved from preoperatively 44.3±10.8 to 90.8±6.4 ( t=-12.510, P<0.01). There was no complication such as recurred instability or joint stiffness. Conclusions:Arthroscopically repairing the ATFL and CFL separately can effectively restore the stability of the ankle and subtalar joint with small trauma. Patients can recover quickly after surgery. It provides a new idea for the clinical treatment of CLAI combined with STI.
9.RP11-79H23.3 regulates the development and progression of prostate cancer by inhibiting the expression of miR-410
Qin KE ; Qing MAO ; Xiaogang CHEN ; Wei JIANG ; Weiwei LIU ; Yong LIU
International Journal of Surgery 2024;51(11):746-751
Objective:To explore the mechanism of long non-coding RNA RP11-79H23.3 in the development and progression of prostate cancer.Methods:The lnCAR database was used to analyze the RP11-79H23.3 content in prostate cancer tissues and adjacent tissues. RP11-79H23.3 content in prostate cancer cell lines C4-2B, LNCaP, DU-145, and 22Rv1 was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Taking 22Rv1 as the research target, colony formation experiments and scratch experiments were used to detect the effects of overexpression of RP11-79H23.3 on the proliferation and migration of 22Rv1 cells. The LncRNome and lncACTdb databases were used to predict the downstream gene and binding sequences of RP11-79H23.3. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to analyze the correlation between RP11-79H23.3 and miR-410 expression in prostate cancer tissues. The binding of RP11-79H23.3 and miR-410 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment. The effect of RP11-79H23.3 on the expression of miR-410 was detected by RT-qPCR. Western blotting was used to detect the effect of RP11-79H23.3 on the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PTEN/AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway proteins in 22Rv1 cells. The measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation ( ± s), paired sample t-test was used for comparison between two groups, and one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups. Results:Compared with adjacent tissues, RP11-79H23.3 was lowly expressed in prostate cancer tissues ( P<0.01). Compared with normal prostate epithelial cells RWPE-1, RP11-79H23.3 was lowly expressed in prostate cancer cell lines C4-2B, LNCaP, DU-145, and 22Rv1 ( P<0.05). The expression of RP11-79H23.3 in 22Rv1 cells in the control group and RP11-79H23.3 group were 1.02 ± 0.30 and 8.94±1.95, respectively. 22Rv1 cells were successfully overexpressed RP11-79H23.3 compared with the control group ( t=4.04, P<0.01). The number of 22Rv1 cell clones in the control group and RP11-79H23.3 group were 166.10 ± 18.35 and 35.03±6.98, respectively. Overexpression of RP11-79H23.3 could inhibit the proliferation of 22Rv1 cells compared with the control group ( t=6.67, P<0.01). The migration rates of 22Rv1 cells in the control group and RP11-79H23.3 group were (67.40 ± 6.29)% and (26.42 ± 6.24)%, respectively. Overexpression of RP11-79H23.3 could inhibit the migration of 22Rv1 cells compared with the control group ( t=5.71, P<0.01) .Dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment showed that RP11-79H23.3 directly binds to miR-410 ( t=6.20, P<0.01). The expression of miR-410 in 22Rv1 cells in the control group and RP11-79H23.3 group were 6.22±1.39 and 1.05±0.23, respectively. RP11-79H23.3 could inhibit the expression of miR-410 in 22Rv1 cells compared with the control group ( t=3.68, P<0.01). At the same time, RP11-79H23.3 can inhibit the transduction of the PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in 22Rv1 cells. Conclusion:RP11-79H23.3 blocks the PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by inhibiting the expression of miR-410, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and migration of prostate cancer 22Rv1 cells.
10.Trends in the distribution of Oncomelania hupensis in forestlands in Songjiang District, Shanghai Municipality from 2009 to 2023
Qi MAO ; Caiying SUN ; Anqi LI ; Weiwei LU ; Xihong LÜ ; Xuehui LU ; Yanjun JIN ; Qing YU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2024;36(2):165-168
Objective To investigate the changes in distribution of Oncomelania hupensis snails in forestlands in Songjiang District, Shanghai Municipality from 2009 to 2023, so as to provide insights into formulation of O. hupensis snail surveillance programs. Methods The reports on O. hupensis snail surveillance in Songjiang District, Shanghai Municipality from 2009 to 2023 were collected, and the snail surveillance data in forestlands were extracted. The trends in the proportion of areas with snails in forestlands in total areas with snails, occurrence of frames with living snails and density of living snails were evaluated using a Joinpoint regression model in Songjiang District from 2009 to 2023, and the annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC). Results A total of 40 sites with snails were found in forestlands in 14 administrative villages of 4 townships, Songjiang District, Shanghai Municipality from 2009 to 2023. A total of 39 065 frames were surveyed for snails in settings covering an area of 609 600 m2, and there were 6 084 frames with snails, covering 151 250 m2 snail habitats. A total of 22 210 snails were captured, with the highest density of 260.00 snails/0.1 m2, and 6 262 snails were dissected, with no Schistosoma japonicum infection identified in snails. The proportion of areas with snails in forestlands in total areas with snails appeared a tendency towards a rise in forestlands in Songjiang District, Shanghai Municipality from 2009 to 2023 (APC = AAPC = 24.9%, P > 0.05); however, there were no turning points in the trend curve, with the highest proportion seen in 2009 (53.81%), the lowest in 2011 and 2023 (both 0) and a mean proportion of 24.81%. The occurrence of frames with living snails appeared a tendency towards a rise from 2009 to 2023 (APC = AAPC = 41.5%, P > 0.05); however, there were no turning points in the trend curve, with the highest occurrence in 2009 (53.81%), the lowest in 2011 and 2013 (both 0), and the mean occurrence of 15.57%. In addition, the density of living snails appeared a tendency towards a rise from 2009 to 2023 (APC = AAPC = 55.0%, P > 0.05); however, there were no turning points in the trend curve, with the highest density in 2023 (0.96 snails/0.1 m2), the lowest in 2011 and 2013 (both 0), and a mean density of 0.57 snails/0.1 m2. Conclusions The difficulty in O. hupensis snail control and risk of imported snails appeared a tendency towards a rise in forestlands in Songjiang District, Shanghai Municipality over years from 2009 to 2023. Supervision and assessment prior to seedling transplantation and intensified surveillance post-transplantation are recommended to reduce the risk of O. hupensis snail importation and spread.

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