BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent type of cancer with a high mortality rate in its late stages. One of the major challenges in OSCC treatment is the resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. Therefore, it is imperative to elucidate the mechanism underlying drug resistance and develop appropriate precision therapy strategies to enhance clinical efficacy. METHODS: To evaluate the efficacy of the combination of the Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CAMK2) inhibitor KN93 and EGFR inhibitors, we performed in vitro and in vivo experiments using two FAT atypical cadherin 1 ( FAT1 )-deficient (SCC9 and SCC25) and two FAT1 wild-type (SCC47 and HN12) OSCC cell lines. We assessed the effects of EGFR inhibitors (afatinib or cetuximab), KN93, or their combination on the malignant phenotype of OSCC in vivo and in vitro . The alterations in protein expression levels of members of the EGFR signaling pathway and SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX2) were analyzed. Changes in the yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) protein were characterized. Moreover, we analyzed mitochondrial dysfunction. Besides, the effects of combination therapy on mitochondrial dynamics were also evaluated. RESULTS: OSCC with FAT1 mutations exhibited resistance to EGFR inhibitors treatment. The combination of KN93 and EGFR inhibitors significantly inhibited the proliferation, survival, and migration of FAT1 -mutated OSCC cells and suppressed tumor growth in vivo . Mechanistically, combination therapy enhanced the therapeutic sensitivity of FAT1 -mutated OSCC cells to EGFR inhibitors by modulating the EGFR pathway and downregulated tumor stemness-related proteins. Furthermore, combination therapy induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and disrupted mitochondrial dynamics, ultimately resulting in tumor suppression. CONCLUSION Combination therapy with EGFR inhibitors and KN93 could be a novel precision therapeutic strategy and a potential clinical solution for EGFR-resistant OSCC patients with FAT1 mutations.
Humans ; ErbB Receptors/metabolism* ; Mouth Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Animals ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics* ; Cadherins/metabolism* ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism* ; Mice ; Mutation/genetics* ; Mice, Nude ; Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Cetuximab/pharmacology* ; Afatinib/therapeutic use* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects*

Osteoporosis and cardiovascular calcification,two major age-related chronic diseases that China is confronting today,pose serious threats to public health.Previous studies have reported overlapping connections in the pathological processes and molecular mechanisms of these two diseases,particularly concerning inflammation,oxidative stress,and dysregulation of mineral metabolism,and that these two diseases tend to share common pathogenic factors.However,research exploring the comorbidity mechanisms of the two diseases remains limited in both depth and scope,largely due to the lack of widely accepted comorbidity animal models.Herein,we analyzed the latest research findings on the comorbidity mechanisms of vascular calcification and osteoporosis,focusing on summarizing the animal disease models currently in extensive use and the relevant evaluation criteria.We aim to provide new references for comorbidity research models and offer scientific evidence for future studies on pathological mechanisms and the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Bone formation and deposition are initiated by sensory nerve infiltration in adaptive bone remodeling. Here, we focused on the role of Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), expressed by sensory nerves, in mechanical loads-induced bone formation and nerve withdrawal using orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) model. Firstly, bone formation was activated after the 3rd day of OTM, coinciding with a decrease in sensory nerves and an increase in pain threshold. Sema3A, rather than nerve growth factor (NGF), highly expressed in both trigeminal ganglion and the axons of periodontal ligament following the 3rd day of OTM. Moreover, in vitro mechanical loads upregulated Sema3A in neurons instead of in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) within 24 hours. Furthermore, exogenous Sema3A restored the suppressed alveolar bone formation and the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs induced by mechanical overload. Mechanistically, Sema3A prevented overstretching of F-actin induced by mechanical overload through ROCK2 pathway, maintaining mitochondrial dynamics as mitochondrial fusion. Therefore, Sema3A exhibits dual therapeutic effects in mechanical loads-induced bone formation, both as a pain-sensitive analgesic and a positive regulator for bone formation.
Humans ; Bone Remodeling ; Cell Differentiation ; Osteogenesis ; Semaphorin-3A/pharmacology* ; Trigeminal Ganglion/metabolism*

Objective To explore the changes in macrophage infiltration behavior during the dynamic evolution of thrombi following the formation of acute carotid artery thrombosis occlusion(ACTO).Methods 15 healthy male New Zealand rabbits were selected to establish an ACTO model by causing injury to the rabbit carotid artery using surgical sutures treated with ferric chloride.All rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups according to the end-point time using the random number table method,namely 24-hour group,1 week group,4week group,8 week group,and 12week group postoperatively,with 3 rabbits in each group.At 24 hours post-operation,the ACTO model was examined by DS A.At 24 hours,1 week,4 weeks,8 weeks,and 12 weeks post-operation,samples were taken from the thrombotic arterial segment of the 3 rabbits in each group and embedded in paraffin.The thrombus samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin(HE)and Martius scarlet blue(MSB)to analyze changes in thrombus morphology and composition(including red blood cells,fibrin and collagen fibers).Orbit Imaging Analysis software was used for semi-quantitative analysis of the thrombus composition components.Using immunohistochemistry to detect the distribution of MO and M2 macrophages in thrombi,aimed to summarize the dynamic evolution of thrombus morphology,composition,and macrophage infiltration behavior at different stages following ACTO occurrence.Results The 24-hour DSA results indicated that all experimental rabbits successfully established the ACTO model.(1)HE staining showed a continuous increase in thrombus size from 24 hours to 1 week.By 4 weeks,signs of thrombus dissolution appeared,and at 8 weeks,neovascularization was observed within the thrombus.By 12 weeks,signs of fibrosis were evident in the thrombus.(2)MSB staining revealed that during the acute phase of thrombus formation(within 24 hours after surgery),red blood cells were the predominant component initially,but after this period,fibrin and collagen fibers became the main components.(3)The detection results of MO macrophages showed that 24 hours after surgery,MO macrophages in the thrombus were not evenly distributed throughout the thrombus,but mainly gathered at the thrombus edge;at 1 week after surgery,the positive area percentage of MO macrophage in the thrombus increased compared with 24 hours after surgery(thrombus edge:[41.7±27.0]％vs.[24.6±16.7]％,thrombus core:[35.7±19.6]％vs.[11.1±10.4]％,all P＜0.001),and evenly distributed within the thrombus;at 4 weeks after surgery,MO macrophages in the thrombus decreased compared with 1 week after surgery(thrombosis edge:[10.7±6.1]％vs.[41.7±27.0]％,thrombus core:[12.1±8.5]％vs.[35.7±19.6]％,all P＜0.001),the differences were statistically significant.At 4,8,and 12 weeks after surgery,MO macrophages within the thrombus did not change significantly with time(thrombus edge:[10.7±6.1]％,[8.0±7.7]％,and[8.9±5.3]％;thrombus core:[12.1±8.5]％,[9.5±4.2]％,and[15.7±11.0]％),and the differences were not statistically significant(all P＞0.05).In addition,at 12 weeks after surgery,MO macrophages at the thrombus edge was less than the thrombus core([8.9+5.3]％vs.[15.7±11.0]％,P＜0.01).The detection results of M2 macrophages showed that 24 hours after surgery,M2 macrophages in the thrombus were widely distributed throughout the thrombus;at 1 week after surgery,the positive area percentage of M2 macrophages in the thrombus increased compared with 24 hours after surgery(thrombus edge:[22.1±11.3]％vs.[11.4±8.7]％,P＜0.001;thrombus core:[24.5±9.8]％vs.[7.6±6.0]％,P＜0.001);at 4 weeks after surgery,M2 macrophage in the thrombus decreased compared with 1 week after surgery(thrombosis edge:[10.6±3.7]％vs.[22.1±11.3]％,P＜0.001;thrombus core:[9.2±4.3]％vs.[24.5±9.8]％,P＜0.001);at 8 weeks after surgery,M2 macrophages in the thrombus increased compared with 4 weeks after surgery([17.9±8.8]％vs.[9.2±4.3]％,P＜0.001),and the differences were statistically significant.However,M2 macrophages in the thrombus did not change significantly from 8 weeks to 12 weeks after surgery(thrombus edge:[9.4±6.3]％vs.[8.5±5.3]％,P＞0.05;thrombus core:[17.9±8.8]％vs.[14.4±10.0]％,P＞0.05).In addition,at 8 and 12 weeks after surgery,M2 macrophages in the thrombus core was greater than the thrombus edge(8 weeks after surgery:[17.9±8.8]％vs.[9.4±6.3]％,P＜0.001;12weeks after surgery:[14.4±10.0]％vs.[8.5±5.3]％,P＜0.001).Conclusions This study successfully established an ACTO animal model and demonstrated for the first time the dynamic evolution of macrophages within 12 weeks post-thrombus formation.Macrophages may played a significant role in both thrombus formation and fibrinolysis,as well as in the promotion of thrombus dissolution and the formation of new blood vessels within the thrombus which may potentially promote the spontaneous reperfusion of the occluded vessels.The results of this study need further verification.

ObjectiveTaking Shengxuebao as the model traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）， this study aims to explore the methodologies and transfer patterns in the composition changes of TCM compound preparations from liquid to solid dosage forms. MethodBased on the previously established ultra-high performance liquid chromatography（UPLC） qualitative and quantitative methods for Shengxuebao， the fingerprint profiles of three preparations of Shengxuebao（homemade decoction， commercially available granules and mixtures） were established， and nineteen components were quantitatively analyzed. The similarities of fingerprint profiles among these three preparations were assessed using the Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of TCM（2012 edition） and the total quantum statistical moment similarity method， respectively. The molecular connectivity index （MCI） and the average molar MCI of the chemical components in the three preparations were calculated. Seventy-two MCI values across 0-8 orders， including 8 subclasses， were calculated. The average molar MCI of 0-3 orders was used to study the "imprint template" structural characteristics and transfer patterns of the medicinal component groups. ResultThe similarities of the fingerprint profile of the decoction with those of the control， granules， and mixtures were 0.971， 0.888 and 0.799， respectively， indicating that the chemical composition of the granules and mixtures differed from that of the decoction， and that the 19 components were able to basically respond to the overall situation of the component group of Shengxuebao decoction. The total mass fractions of the detectable major components in Shengxuebao decoction， granules and mixtures was measured to be 5.498 6， 2.282 0， 1.416 6 mg·g^-1， respectively. The average molar MCI of 0-3 orders showed a gradual decrease across the three preparations， with the trend of decoction>granules>mixtures， indicating subtle changes in the overall structural characteristics of the chemical components in the samples of the three preparations. ConclusionAmong the three formulations of Shengxuebao， the traditional decoction contained the highest variety and quantity of components and carried the most substantial amount of component information， with a decreasing order observed in the granules and mixtures. This study further validates that traditional decoction is a reliable and fundamental dosage form， providing a reference for the modernization of TCM dosage forms and the quality consistency evaluation of compound preparations.

Bone formation and deposition are initiated by sensory nerve infiltration in adaptive bone remodeling.Here,we focused on the role of Semaphorin 3A(Sema3A),expressed by sensory nerves,in mechanical loads-induced bone formation and nerve withdrawal using orthodontic tooth movement(OTM)model.Firstly,bone formation was activated after the 3rd day of OTM,coinciding with a decrease in sensory nerves and an increase in pain threshold.Sema3A,rather than nerve growth factor(NGF),highly expressed in both trigeminal ganglion and the axons of periodontal ligament following the 3rd day of OTM.Moreover,in vitro mechanical loads upregulated Sema3A in neurons instead of in human periodontal ligament cells(hPDLCs)within 24 hours.Furthermore,exogenous Sema3A restored the suppressed alveolar bone formation and the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs induced by mechanical overload.Mechanistically,Sema3A prevented overstretching of F-actin induced by mechanical overload through ROCK2 pathway,maintaining mitochondrial dynamics as mitochondrial fusion.Therefore,Sema3A exhibits dual therapeutic effects in mechanical loads-induced bone formation,both as a pain-sensitive analgesic and a positive regulator for bone formation.

To establish a simple,convenient,sensitive,and specific method for rapid detection of Zi-ka virus(ZIKV),the whole genome sequences of ZIKV isolated from different times and regions were analyzed.The specific primers and probes were designed based on the screened target se-quences located in the conserved region of the ZIKV NS5 gene.By combining RT-LAMP isother-mal amplification technology and immunochromatography technology,a reverse transcription loop mediated isothermal amplification nucleic acid and flow visualization strip(RT-LAMP-VF)detec-tion method for ZIKV was established.The results showed that the method had good specificity and sensitivity.When the ratio of inner,outer,and ring primers(FIP∶LF∶F3)was 4∶2∶1,the detection method can specifically detect 102 copies/pL RNA transcripts or 2.15 pfu ZIKV at 61 ℃for 45 minutes,with no cross reaction with other flaviviruses such as Japanese encephalitis virus and classical swine fever virus.Other RNAs in blood tissue samples did not affect the sensitivity and specificity of RT-LAMP-VF,indicating that the method can be applied to clinical practice.The ZIKV RT-LAMP-VF detection method established in this study is easy to perform and does not require special instruments and equipment.It is particularly suitable for the rapid detection of ZIKV in grassroots units,providing technical support and material support for the establishment of on-site rapid detection and early warning and prediction systems for ZIKV disease.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Jiawei Tianwang Buxin Dan(JWBXD)on insomnia in rats exposed to simulated high-altitude conditions.METHODS ① Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into the normal control,model,model+Jiawei Tianwang Buxin Dan(JWBXD,9.6 mg·kg-1),model+Tianwang Buxin Dan(TWBXD,9.6 mg·kg-1),and model+diazepam(DZP,3 mg·kg-1)groups.Rats,except for the normal control group,were subjected to a low-pressure,low-oxygen animal experimental chamber simulating a 5000 m altitude.Respective drugs were ig administrated once daily at 9:00 for seven days,and signal acquisition and sleep analysis were conducted by a wireless physiological sig-nal telemetry system.②Forty rats were randomly divided into five groups as described in ①.Through-out the experiment,the general condition and body mass of the rats were observed daily.Drug adminis-tration lasted for seven days,and grip strength was tested one hour after the final administration.ELISA was used to measure the levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH),adrenocorticotropic hor-mone(ACTH),corticosterone(CORT),and melatonin(MLT)in serum.Western blotting was performed to measure the expression levels of core clock proteins period circadian regulator 2(Per2),circadian locomotor output cycles(Clock),cryptochrome 2(Cry2),brain-muscle arnt-like protein 1(Bmal1),nuclear receptor subfamily 1,group D member 1(NR1D1),glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β),as well as acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase(ASMT)in the hypothalamus and pineal gland,respectively.RESULTS ① Compared with the normal control group,the model group exhibited a decrease in total sleep time(P<0.01),an increase in wakefulness(P<0.01),a significant reduction in slow wave sleep(SWS)(P<0.05)and the mean bouts duration(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,both DZP and JWBXD(P<0.01)prolonged sleep time and suppressed wakefulness(P<0.01)in the hypoxic envi-ronment.DZP and JWBXD prolonged SWS(P<0.05,P<0.01),while TWBXD had no significant effect.JWBXD improved the mean bouts duration of SWS in the model rats(P<0.01),whereas no such improvement was observed in model+DZP and model+TWBXD groups.② Compared with the normal control group,the model group showed a significant decrease in forelimb grip strength(P<0.01),increased levels of serum ACTH(P<0.05),CRH,and CORT(P<0.01),and decreased MLT levels(P<0.05).The expression levels of Per2,Cry2,GSK-3β,and NR1D1 in the hypothalamus were downregu-lated(P<0.05,P<0.01),while Bmal1 and Clock were upregulated(P<0.05,P<0.01).ASMT expression in the pineal gland was decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,JWBXD and TWBXD enhanced forelimb grip strength(P<0.01),reduced serum CORT and ACTH levels(P<0.05),decreased CRH levels(P<0.01),and restored MLT levels(P<0.01).JWBXD upregulated the expression levels of Per2,Cry2,GSK-3β and NR1D1 in the hypothalamus(P<0.05,P<0.01),but downregulated Bmal1 and Clock expression(P<0.05,P<0.01).TWBXD downregulated Bmal1 expression in the hypothalamus(P<0.01)and increased NR1D1 expression(P<0.05).DZP significantly enhanced the expression levels of Per2,Cry2 and NR1D1 in the hypothalamus(P<0.01).JWBXD,TWBXD and DZP improved ASMT expression in the pineal gland(P<0.05).CONCLUSION JWBXD can improve sleep structure and prolong the duration of SWS in rats exposed to simulated high-altitude conditions.The mechanisms may involve the regulation of core clock protein expressions in the hypothalamus,promotion of mela-tonin secretion,and inhibition of HPA axis hyperactivity.

Objective To observe the efficacy of 577 nm subthreshold micropulse laser photocoagulation(SMLP)on central serous chorioretinopathy(CSC)and explore the baseline characteristics and prognostic features of multimodal ima-ging-based CSC.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 44 patients(46 eyes)with CSC diagnosed at the Ophthalmology Department of the General Hospital of Central Theater Command,PLA from June 2017 to May 2022.The pa-tients were classified into the simple CSC group(23 eyes)and the complex CSC group(23 eyes)based on the multimodal imaging classification.All patients underwent 577 nm SMLP treatment.The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and cen-tral macular thickness(CMT)of patients between the two groups were compared before treatment and at 1,3 and 6 months after treatment.The intra-group and inter-group changes and the complete absorption rate of subretinal fluid(SRF)in CSC eyes of patients between the two groups were assessed before treatment and at 6 months after follow-up.Results The BCVA of patients in the simple CSC group significantly improved at 6 months after treatment compared with the base-line(P=0.010);the BCVA of patients in the complex CSC group significantly improved at 3 and 6 months after treatment compared with the baseline(both P＜0.01).The CMT of patients in the simple CSC group was significantly lower than the baseline at 1,3,and 6 months after treatment(all P＜0.05);the CMT of patients in the complex CSC group was signifi-cantly lower than the baseline at 1 and 6 months after treatment(both P＜0.05);the change in CMT from baseline after 6 months of treatment for simple CSC was(-163.74±88.10)μm,the change in CMT from baseline after 6 months of treat-ment for complex CSC was(-71.96±164.30)μm,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P=0.023).During the follow-up period,the number of eyes with persistent SRF in the simple CSC group was significant-ly lower than that in the complex CSC group(P＜0.05).The complete absorption rate of SRF at 6 months after treatment in the simple CSC group was greater than that in the complex CSC group(P＜0.05).Conclusion The prognosis of sim-ple CSC treated with 577 nm SMLP is better than that of complex CSC,and the new multimodal imaging classification has a certain value in predicting the prognosis of CSC after SMLP.

Objective To observe the effects of AnMeiDan(AMD),a representative formula of Peiyuan Guben Tranquilisation method,on the learning memory of zebrafish model of sleep deprivation(SD),and to explore the possible mechanism and the optimal apparent dose based on the Orexin signalling pathway.Methods 120 4-month-old wild-type AB line zebrafish were randomly divided into blank group,model group,AMD low-dose group(0.009 mg·mL-1·d-1),AMD medium-dose group(0.027 mg·mL-1·d-1),AMD high-dose group(0.081 mg·mL-1·d-1),and melatonin group(0.4 mg·mL-1·d-1).Zebrafish SD model was established by LED light induction method,24 h behavioural changes of zebrafish in each group were monitored by zebrafish behavioural tracking system,differences in learning and memory ability of zebrafish in each group were detected by T-maze,the state and number of neurons in the brain of zebrafish in each group were observed by Hematoxylin-Eosin(HE)staining method,the structural changes of neurons in the brain of zebrafish in each group were observed by transmission electron microscopy,and changes in neuron structure in the brain of zebrafish in each group were detected by ELISA method.The levels of Orexin A(OXA)and Orexin B(OXB)in zebrafish were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and the protein and mRNA expression levels of OXA/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(P38 MAPK)/extracellular regulated protein kinase(ERK1/2)were detected by protein immunoblotting and real-time fluorescence quantitative assay(RT-PCR)in zebrafish.Results Compared with the blank group,the total number of rests,duration and distance were reduced in the model group(P<0.05),and the latency to enter the target region(OR)was prolonged(P<0.01);the number of neuronal cells was reduced,the nuclei were degenerated(P<0.01),cytoplasmic hyalinosis was increased(P<0.01),and light colouring was observed,the nuclei were collapsed,the nuclear membranes were ruptured and lysed,the chromatin was solidified,and the mitochondria were swollen and deformed with internal cavities,and lamellipod-like myelin-like structure was formed;the brain tissue OXA,OXA,and ERK1/2 expression levels of the mRNAs and the mRNAs of these signaling pathways were increased(P<0.01).brain tissue OXA and OXB proteins were significantly elevated,OXA mRNA and protein were significantly up-regulated,and P38 MAPK and ERK1/2 mRNA and protein were significantly down-regulated(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the drug intervention could prolong the total resting exercise time of SD zebrafish(P<0.05);shorten the latency of zebrafish to reach OR(P<0.05);protect the structure and morphology of neuronal cells,and alleviate the damage of brain tissues;reduce the content of OXA and OXB in the brain tissues(P<0.01);and down-regulate the expression of OXA mRNA and protein(P<0.01),and up-regulate the P38 MAPK and ERK1/2 mRNA and protein expression of P38 MAPK and ERK1/2(P<0.01);and the quantity-effect relationship was obvious,and the effect of high dose of AMD was optimal.Conclusion AMD can improve the learning and memory ability in zebrafish SD model,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of OXA/P38 MAPK/ERK1/2 signalling pathway and alleviation of neuronal damage in the brain,and the high dose group of AMD showed the best effect.