1.Construction and in vitro osteogenic activity study of magnesium-strontium co-doped hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen
WANG Meng ; SUN Yifei ; CAO Xiaoqing ; WEI Yiyuan ; CHEN Lei ; ZHANG Zhenglong ; MU Zhao ; ZHU Juanfang ; NIU Lina
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(1):15-28
Objective:
To investigate the efficacy of magnesium-strontium co-doped hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen (MSHA/Col) in improving the bone repair microenvironment and enhancing bone regeneration capacity, providing a strategy to address the insufficient biomimetic composition and limited bioactivity of traditional hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen (HA/Col) scaffolds.
Methods:
A high-molecular-weight polyacrylic acid-stabilized amorphous calcium magnesium strontium phosphate precursor (HPAA/ACMSP) was prepared. Its morphology and elemental distribution were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Recombinant collagen sponge blocks were immersed in the HPAA/ACMSP mineralization solution. Magnesium-strontium co-doped hydroxyapatite was induced to deposit within collagen fibers (experimental group: MSHA/Col; control group: HA/Col). The morphological characteristics of MSHA/Col were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Its crystal structure and chemical composition were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The mineral phase content was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. The scaffold's porosity, ion release, and in vitro degradation performance were also determined. For cytological experiments, CCK-8 assay, live/dead cell staining, alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red S staining, RT-qPCR, and western blotting were used to evaluate the effects of the MSHA/Col scaffold on the proliferation, viability, early osteogenic differentiation activity, late mineralization capacity, and gene and protein expression levels of key osteogenic markers [runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), collagen type Ⅰ (Col-Ⅰ), osteopontin (Opn), and osteocalcin (Ocn)] in mouse embryonic osteoblast precursor cells (MC3T3-E1).
Results:
HPAA/ACMSP appeared as amorphous spherical nanoparticles under TEM, with energy spectrum analysis showing uniform distribution of carbon, oxygen, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and strontium elements. SEM results of MSHA/Col indicated successful complete intrafibrillar mineralization. Elemental analysis showed the mass fractions of magnesium and strontium were 0.72% (matching the magnesium content in natural bone) and 2.89%, respectively. X-ray diffraction revealed characteristic peaks of hydroxyapatite crystals (25.86°, 31°-34°). Infrared spectroscopy results showed characteristic absorption peaks for both collagen and hydroxyapatite. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated a mineral phase content of 78.29% in the material. The scaffold porosity was 91.6% ± 1.1%, close to the level of natural bone tissue. Ion release curves demonstrated sustained release behavior for both magnesium and strontium ions. The in vitro degradation rate matched the ingrowth rate of new bone tissue. Cytological experiments showed that MSHA/Col significantly promoted MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation (130% increase in activity at 72 h, P < 0.001). MSHA/Col exhibited excellent efficacy in promoting osteogenic differentiation, significantly upregulating the expression of osteogenesis-related genes and proteins (Runx2, Col-Ⅰ, Opn, Ocn) (P < 0.01).
Conclusion
The MSHA/Col scaffold achieves dual biomimicry of natural bone in both composition and structure, and effectively promotes osteogenic differentiation at the genetic and protein levels, breaking through the functional limitations of pure hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen. This provides a new strategy for the development of functional bone repair materials
2.A study on the preparation of a BGN-loaded thermosensitive adhesive and its performance in barrier membrane fixation
WANG Yuzhu ; GU Junting ; LI Zhiting ; BAI Que ; DANG Gaopeng ; WANG Yifei ; SUN Xiaotang ; NIU Lina ; FANG Ming
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(1):41-53
Objective:
To investigate the barrier membrane fixation performance and enhanced guided bone regeneration (GBR) capability of a thermosensitive adhesive containing bioactive glass nanoparticles in order to provide a novel solution for membrane fixation during GBR procedures.
Methods:
M2NP@BGN (methoxyethyl acrylate-co-N-isopropylacrylamide-co-protocatechuic acid@Bioactive glass nanoparticle), a thermosensitive adhesive, was synthesized via free radical polymerization by compositing methoxyethyl acrylate, N-isopropylacrylamide, and protocatechuic acid into a basic adhesive that was modified with bioactive glass nanoparticle (BGN). The successful fabrication of basic adhesive M2NP was characterized by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The thermosensitive adhesive M2NP@BGN (BGN concentration of 1 mg/mL) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and a rheometer. By adjusting the BGN concentration (0.1 mg/mL, 0.5 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL, and 2 mg/mL), the adhesive and mechanical strengths were investigated with a universal testing machine. Biocompatibility was evaluated with a cell counting kit-8 assay and hemolysis test to identify the optimal formulation. The optimal material’s extract was co-cultured with mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, and its osteogenic activity was examined in vitro by quantitative real-time PCR, alkaline phosphatase, and alizarin red S staining. The rat mandibular defect model was established, filled with bone graft, and divided into 3 groups based on membrane fixation method: M2NP@BGN (BGN concentration of 1 mg/mL) fixation group (M2NP@BGN), titanium nail fixation group (Nail), and unfixed control group (Negative). Bone regeneration was analyzed after 8 weeks by micro computed tomography and histological staining.
Results:
M2NP@BGN (BGN concentration of 1 mg/mL) was successfully synthesized and demonstrated rapid gelation under warm, humid conditions. The adhesive with a BGN concentration of 1 mg/mL exhibited the highest adhesive strength (P < 0.001) and significantly enhanced mechanical strength (P < 0.001) under 37℃ wet conditions. All formulations showed excellent biocompatibility, with cell viability > 80% and hemolysis ratio < 5%. M2NP@BGN (BGN concentration of 1 mg/mL) significantly upregulated the expression of Runx2 and Col I (P < 0.001) and enhanced the activity of osteogenic differentiation markers (P < 0.05). In the animal model, the M2NP@BGN group (BGN concentration of 1 mg/mL) achieved significantly higher bone volume fraction and better bone maturity compared to the negative and nail groups (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
M2NP@BGN (BGN concentration of 1 mg/mL) combines excellent wet adhesion with potent osteogenic activity, enhances the bone augmentation efficacy of membranes, and presents a novel fixation strategy with significant clinical translation potential for GBR therapy.
3.Making ethics work: a conversation with Professor Eric Meslin on the history and future of Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications
Yingjie LI ; Fuge YANG ; Yifei NIU
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(10):1279-1288
Centered on the core theme of “making ethics work,” the interview systematically reviewed Professor Eric Meslin’s personal experiences and deep reflections on the American Human Genome Project and the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) program. As a key practitioner in the field of American bioethics and science policy at the end of the 20th century, Professor Meslin recounted the historical origins, institutionalized operation, and funding mechanisms of ELSI, explained the formation process of interdisciplinary collaboration, policy translation, and governance innovation, and offered insights into the evolution framework of ELSI research over the past three decades. The interview also specifically discussed the expanding trend of bioethics governance in emerging technologies such as genomics, rare disease research, and artificial intelligence, as well as the regulatory challenges of international cooperation, data sharing, and ethical review. This interview provided valuable firsthand materials for understanding the historical experience and future directions of ELSI, offering references for the development of governance systems in medical science and technology ethics in China.
4.Taohong Siwutang Exerts Anti-inflammatory Effect and Regulates Caspase-14 and EVPL Expression in Treatment of Psoriasis
Fanqi NIU ; Bingnan LI ; Sinong WANG ; Yifei LI ; Wenli ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(20):12-21
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Taohong Siwutang in regulating the levels of inflammatory mediators, cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific protease Caspase-14, and recombinant envoplakin (EVPL) in the mouse model of psoriasis. MethodForty-eight BALB/c mice were randomized into blank, model, methotrexate tablets(3.6×10-4 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose Taohong Siwutang groups(7.14,14.28,28.56 g·kg-1). The mouse model of psoriasis-like skin lesion was induced by applying 5% imiquimod cream on the back of mice, and drug intervention was carried out at the same time. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) was scored by photographing. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes of the skin, which was evaluated based on the Baker score. The levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23 in the peripheral blood of mice were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemical staining was adopted to detect the positive expression of Caspase-14 and EVPL in mouse skin lesions. Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction were employed to determine the protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of IL-2, IL-17, IL-22, IL-23, Caspase-14, and EVPL in mouse skin lesions. ResultCompared with the blank group, the model group showed increased PASI score and Baker score, elevated levels of IL-2, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23 in the peripheral blood, up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of IL-2, IL-17, IL-22 and IL-23, and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels and positive expression of Caspase-14 and EVPL in skin lesions (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, drug interventions reduced the PASI score and Baker score, lowered the levels of IL-2, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23 in the peripheral blood, down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of IL-2, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23, and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels and positive expression of Caspase-14 and EVPL in skin lesions (P<0.05). ConclusionTaohong Siwutang demonstrates good anti-inflammatory effect and skin barrier repair function in the treatment of psoriasis. It can significantly reduce the levels of inflammatory mediators in the peripheral blood and skin lesions and promote the expression of Caspase-14 and EVPL involved in skin barrier repair in the mouse model of psoriasis.
5.Clinical Analysis of alpha-Fetoprotein-producing Gastric Cancer
Lu NIU ; Shujuan GAO ; Yifei LÜ ; Xue WANG ; Ting QIU ; Yu ZHANG ; Guisheng LIU
Chinese Journal of Gastroenterology 2024;29(11):682-684
Background:alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer(AFPGC)is relatively rare and special type of gastric cancer,and its clinical symptoms are lack specificity.Aims:To summarize the clinical characteristics and prognosis of AFPGC.Methods:The data of patients with AFPGC from July 2017 to June 2023 at Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed,including clinical manifestations,laboratory and examination results,endoscopic results,pathology and treatment.Results:In 17 patients with AFPGC,14 were male and 3 were female.The clinical manifestations were mainly abdominal pain,hematochezia,upper abdominal discomfort,fatigue,etc.AFP was 200-2000 ng/mL.The laboratory examination tests showed that anemia in 16 patients,elevated CEA in 1 patient,abnormal liver function in 2 patients,Hepatitis B Virus-positive in 1 patient,CT showed liver metastasis in 11 patients,lymph node metastasis in 12 patients,cirrhosis in 1 patient.Conclusions:For patients with gastric cancer indicated by examination,if AFP is elevated,AFPGC should be considered.Early detection and surgical treatment can improve the prognosis of AFPGC.
6.Clinical Analysis of alpha-Fetoprotein-producing Gastric Cancer
Lu NIU ; Shujuan GAO ; Yifei LÜ ; Xue WANG ; Ting QIU ; Yu ZHANG ; Guisheng LIU
Chinese Journal of Gastroenterology 2024;29(11):682-684
Background:alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer(AFPGC)is relatively rare and special type of gastric cancer,and its clinical symptoms are lack specificity.Aims:To summarize the clinical characteristics and prognosis of AFPGC.Methods:The data of patients with AFPGC from July 2017 to June 2023 at Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed,including clinical manifestations,laboratory and examination results,endoscopic results,pathology and treatment.Results:In 17 patients with AFPGC,14 were male and 3 were female.The clinical manifestations were mainly abdominal pain,hematochezia,upper abdominal discomfort,fatigue,etc.AFP was 200-2000 ng/mL.The laboratory examination tests showed that anemia in 16 patients,elevated CEA in 1 patient,abnormal liver function in 2 patients,Hepatitis B Virus-positive in 1 patient,CT showed liver metastasis in 11 patients,lymph node metastasis in 12 patients,cirrhosis in 1 patient.Conclusions:For patients with gastric cancer indicated by examination,if AFP is elevated,AFPGC should be considered.Early detection and surgical treatment can improve the prognosis of AFPGC.
7.Significance of multiple indexes of fine needle aspiration eluent in the identification of benign and malignant cervical nodules
Li SU ; Chenggang HUANG ; Yifei DAI ; Wenqiang NIU ; Hanzhong LIU ; Xiaoyan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2021;44(5):421-425
Objective:To explore the identification value of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag), cytokeratin 19 fragment (Cyfra211), thyroglobulin (TG), ferritin (Fer) and procalcitonin (PCT) in fine needle aspiration eluent in benign and malignant cervical nodules, and acquire the optimal diagnostic model.Methods:Three hundred and ninety-six single cervical nodule patients who underwent fine needle aspiration biopsy from August 2017 to August 2019 in the Center Hospital of Xiaogan City of Hubei Province were selected. The fine needle aspiration eluent levels of CEA, SCC-Ag, Cyfra211, TG, Fer and PCT were detected by electrogenerated chemiluminescence method. The results of cytopathological diagnosis were regard as "gold standard", and the diagnostic efficiency of single and combined indexes in fine needle aspiration eluent were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:Among the 396 patients, malignant nodules was in 101 cases, and benign nodules was in 295 cases. The fine needle aspiration eluent levels of CEA, SCC-Ag, Cyfra211, TG and Fer in patients with malignant nodules were significantly higher than those in patients with benign nodules: (27.73 ± 10.63) μg/L vs. (16.81 ± 8.18) μg/L, (1.59 ± 0.74) μg/L vs. (1.09 ± 0.83) μg/L, (3.31 ± 1.48) μg/L vs. (1.66 ± 0.59) μg/L, (144.96 ± 38.93) μg/L vs. (95.03 ± 47.23) μg/L and (191.18 ± 80.13) μg/L vs. (137.87 ± 63.22) μg/L, the PCT was significantly lower than that in patients with benign nodules: (0.61 ± 0.24) μg/L vs. (1.01 ± 0.52) μg/L, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). The ROC curve analysis result showed that the CEA, Cyfra211 and TG had super diagnostic value (area under curve>0.7, Youden index>0.5); the area under curve of CEA, Cyfra211 combined with TG was significantly higher than other combined detection of 2 indexes ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The combined detection of CEA, Cyfra211 and TG in fine needle aspiration eluent can effectively distinguish the benign and malignant cervical nodules.


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