1.Effect of fluoride exposure on endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial calcium transfer and apoptosis in primary nerve cells
Yongheng LU ; Shuang ZHU ; Feiyan ZHAO ; Fujun AI ; Yanjie LIU ; Yangting DONG ; Zhizhong GUAN ; Na WEI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):111-119
BACKGROUND:Previous studies have found that neuronal damage caused by continuous excessive fluoride exposure is related to Ca2+overload,but the mechanism of Ca2+flow conversion between intracellular calcium stores and cell apoptosis damage is still unclear.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of fluoride exposure on Ca2+transport channel proteins and apoptosis levels in the mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane of primary cultured neural cells.METHODS:Primary nerve cells of neonatal SD rats were cultured in vitro and identified by immunofluorescence staining with neuronal nucleus-specific antibody up to day 7.The nerve cells were divided into control group(containing 0 mmol/L sodium fluoride),low fluoride group(containing 0.5 mmol/L sodium fluoride),and high fluoride group(containing 1 mmol/L sodium fluoride).The cell morphological changes were observed by light microscope 24 hours after fluorine exposure.The expression levels of apoptosis-related protein BAX/BCL-2 and calcium transfer-related pathways VDAC1,GRP 75,and IP3R were detected using western blot assay.The expression levels of VDAC1,GRP 75,and IP3R mRNA were detected by RT-PCR.Ca2+levels were detected by Rhood-2AM Ca2+probe.Mitochondrial membrane potential detection kit was used to detect the change in mitochondrial membrane potential.The level of apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and TUNEL staining.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The purity of neurons cultured on day 7 had been determined to be over 90%,with few impurities,good growth status,and tight cell network connections,meeting the requirements of subsequent experiments.(2)Compared with the control group,growth of neural cell clusters in the low-fluoride group and the high-fluoride group increased;the processes were broken;the cell body was rounded,and the connection network between cells was destroyed.Compared with the low-fluoride group,the cell damage changes in the high-fluoride group were more obvious.(3)Compared with the control group,the protein expressions of VDAC1,GRP75,and IP3R were increased in the low-fluoride group and the high-fluoride group(P<0.05),and the ratio of apoptosis-related protein BAX/BCL-2 was increased(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the expression of VDAC1 and GRP75 mRNA in the low-fluoride group was significantly increased(P<0.05);the expression levels of VDAC1,GRP75,and IP3R mRNA in the high-fluoride group were significantly increased(P<0.01).(4)The level of cell apoptosis increased significantly after fluoride exposure,and the high-fluoride group was significantly higher than the control and low-fluoride groups(P<0.01).(5)After fluoride exposure,the concentration of mitochondrial Ca2+in nerve cells increased significantly(P<0.05),the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased(P<0.01),and the degree of damage in the high-fluoride group was more obvious(P<0.05).The results show that fluoride exposure impairs the morphological structure of primary neural cells,resulting in upregulation of Ca2+transfer pathway protein expression between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria,mitochondrial Ca2+overload,mitochondrial damage,and increased levels of apoptosis.
2.Effect of mussel-derived antimicrobial peptide-coated modified prosthesis on prevention of early periprosthetic joint infection and regulation of bone transfer
Bo LIU ; WUHUZI·WULAMU ; Guangzhao ZHU ; Xiaobin GUO ; Ziyue SONG ; Xingbu MENG ; Junjie HU ; Xiaogang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):278-287
BACKGROUND:Periprosthetic joint infection is the most common cause of early failure after total knee replacement.The current methods of preventing periprosthetic joint infection by improving the surface of the prosthesis have limitations to varying degrees.OBJECTIVE:To construct a coating material that can stably improve the surface of the implant,prevent the initial floating bacterial infection of periprosthetic infection,and regulate the bone transfer function around the implant.METHODS:(1)Material preparation:YGF polypeptide(which promotes bone formation),LL-37 polypeptide(with antibacterial properties)and YGF+LL-37 composite peptide were prepared by Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis technology.The titanium-based materials were immersed in the three polypeptide solutions for 2 hours to obtain YGF coating,LL-37 coating and composite peptide coating coated titanium sheets.(2)In vitro experiment:Uncoated titanium sheets and coated titanium sheets were co-cultured with Escherichia coli(or Staphylococcus aureus)and the colonies were counted by plate method.MC3T3 cells were inoculated on the surface of uncoated titanium sheet and coated titanium sheet,respectively.Alizarin red staining was used to observe the calcium salt deposition on the surface of the material.Western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression of RUNX2,osteocalcin,osteopontin,and bone morphogenetic protein 2.(3)Animal experiment:24 SD rats were randomly divided into three groups:the blank group(n=8)was implanted with uncoated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal;the control group(n=8)was implanted with uncoated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal+intra-articular injection of Staphylococcus aureus suspension;the experimental group(n=8)was implanted with composite peptide coated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal+intra-articular injection of Staphylococcus aureus suspension.After 5 weeks of implantation,micro-CT examination,hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining of femur specimens were performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro experiment:Compared with uncoated titanium sheet and YGF coated titanium sheet,LL-37 coated and composite peptide coated titanium sheet could significantly inhibit the growth and reproduction of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.Compared with uncoated titanium sheets and LL-37-coated titanium sheets,YGF-coated and composite peptide-coated titanium sheets could promote calcium salt deposition in osteoblasts and increase the protein expression of RUNX2,osteocalcin,osteopontin and bone morphogenetic protein 2.(2)Animal experiment:Micro-CT test showed that the control group had less bone mass than the blank group and the experimental group.Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that there was a large amount of fibrous tissue around the nail channel in the control group,only a small amount of tissue fibrosis around the nail channel in the blank group,and only a small amount of tissue fibrosis around the nail channel in the experimental group.Immunohistochemical staining showed that the protein expression of interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor α in the control group was higher than that in the blank group and the experimental group,and the expression of osteocalcin,RUNX2 and osteopontin in the experimental group was higher than that in the blank group and the control group.(3)The results show that the titanium-based material coated with YGF+LL-37 composite peptide coating has good antibacterial ability and can promote bone transfer around the implant.
3.Intra-articular injection of different concentrations of silicon-based bioceramics in treatment of knee osteoarthritis in rats
Jingwen GUO ; Qingwei WANG ; Zijun HE ; Zihang HU ; Zhi CHEN ; Rong ZHU ; Yuming WANG ; Wenfei LIU ; Qinglu LUO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):288-295
BACKGROUND:Currently,treatment method for knee osteoarthritis includes oral medicine,joint cavity drug injection,and physiotherapy,but the curative effect is limited.Existing studies have confirmed that silicon-based bioceramics can promote cartilage and subchondral bone repair and vascular regeneration.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of different concentrations of silicon-based bioceramics injected into the knee joint cavity in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in rats.METHODS:Silicon-based bioceramics-calcium silicate was prepared.Twenty-five SD rats were randomly divided into five groups,with five rats in each group.The healthy group did not receive any intervention,and the modeling group,low-dose calcium silicate group,high-dose calcium silicate group,and saline group used anterior cruciate ligament transection to establish bilateral knee osteoarthritis models.Four weeks after modeling,0.05 mL of 50 and 100 mg/mL calcium silicate solution were injected into the knee joint cavity in the low-dose calcium silicate group and high-dose calcium silicate group,respectively,and 0.05 mL of saline was injected into the knee joint cavity in the saline group,once a week for 4 consecutive weeks.In the fifth week of administration,bilateral knee joint Micro-CT detection,knee joint cartilage hematoxylin-eosin staining,and modified Mankin score were performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Micro-CT quantitative analysis showed that compared with the healthy group,the volume fraction and number of trabeculae of the medial tibial plateau in the modeling group decreased(P<0.05),and the separation of trabeculae increased(P<0.05).Compared with the modeling group,the volume fraction and number of trabeculae of the medial tibial plateau in the low-dose calcium silicate group and the saline group increased(P<0.05),and the separation of trabeculae decreased(P<0.05).(2)Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the cartilage surface of the healthy group and the low-dose calcium silicate group was relatively smooth and flat,the chondrocytes were evenly distributed,without clustered chondrocytes,the tide line was complete,and the staining was uniform;the cartilage surface of the high-dose calcium silicate group was slightly uneven,the middle and deep cells were disordered,with a small number of clustered chondrocytes,the tide line was discontinuous,and the staining was uneven;the cartilage surface of the saline group and the modeling group was obviously rough,the cells were disordered,with a large number of clustered chondrocytes,the tide line disappeared,and the staining was uneven.The modified Mankin score of the healthy group was lower than that of the high-dose calcium silicate group,the saline group,and the modeling group(P<0.05).The modified Mankin score of the high-dose calcium silicate group and the low-dose calcium silicate group was lower than that of the saline group and the modeling group(P<0.05).(3)The results show that calcium silicate knee joint injection has a certain effect in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.Compared with 100 mg/mL calcium silicate solution,50 mg/mL calcium silicate solution can promote the recovery of subchondral bone and cartilage.
4.Effect of fluoride exposure on endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial calcium transfer and apoptosis in primary nerve cells
Yongheng LU ; Shuang ZHU ; Feiyan ZHAO ; Fujun AI ; Yanjie LIU ; Yangting DONG ; Zhizhong GUAN ; Na WEI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):111-119
BACKGROUND:Previous studies have found that neuronal damage caused by continuous excessive fluoride exposure is related to Ca2+overload,but the mechanism of Ca2+flow conversion between intracellular calcium stores and cell apoptosis damage is still unclear.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of fluoride exposure on Ca2+transport channel proteins and apoptosis levels in the mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane of primary cultured neural cells.METHODS:Primary nerve cells of neonatal SD rats were cultured in vitro and identified by immunofluorescence staining with neuronal nucleus-specific antibody up to day 7.The nerve cells were divided into control group(containing 0 mmol/L sodium fluoride),low fluoride group(containing 0.5 mmol/L sodium fluoride),and high fluoride group(containing 1 mmol/L sodium fluoride).The cell morphological changes were observed by light microscope 24 hours after fluorine exposure.The expression levels of apoptosis-related protein BAX/BCL-2 and calcium transfer-related pathways VDAC1,GRP 75,and IP3R were detected using western blot assay.The expression levels of VDAC1,GRP 75,and IP3R mRNA were detected by RT-PCR.Ca2+levels were detected by Rhood-2AM Ca2+probe.Mitochondrial membrane potential detection kit was used to detect the change in mitochondrial membrane potential.The level of apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and TUNEL staining.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The purity of neurons cultured on day 7 had been determined to be over 90%,with few impurities,good growth status,and tight cell network connections,meeting the requirements of subsequent experiments.(2)Compared with the control group,growth of neural cell clusters in the low-fluoride group and the high-fluoride group increased;the processes were broken;the cell body was rounded,and the connection network between cells was destroyed.Compared with the low-fluoride group,the cell damage changes in the high-fluoride group were more obvious.(3)Compared with the control group,the protein expressions of VDAC1,GRP75,and IP3R were increased in the low-fluoride group and the high-fluoride group(P<0.05),and the ratio of apoptosis-related protein BAX/BCL-2 was increased(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the expression of VDAC1 and GRP75 mRNA in the low-fluoride group was significantly increased(P<0.05);the expression levels of VDAC1,GRP75,and IP3R mRNA in the high-fluoride group were significantly increased(P<0.01).(4)The level of cell apoptosis increased significantly after fluoride exposure,and the high-fluoride group was significantly higher than the control and low-fluoride groups(P<0.01).(5)After fluoride exposure,the concentration of mitochondrial Ca2+in nerve cells increased significantly(P<0.05),the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased(P<0.01),and the degree of damage in the high-fluoride group was more obvious(P<0.05).The results show that fluoride exposure impairs the morphological structure of primary neural cells,resulting in upregulation of Ca2+transfer pathway protein expression between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria,mitochondrial Ca2+overload,mitochondrial damage,and increased levels of apoptosis.
5.Effect of mussel-derived antimicrobial peptide-coated modified prosthesis on prevention of early periprosthetic joint infection and regulation of bone transfer
Bo LIU ; WUHUZI·WULAMU ; Guangzhao ZHU ; Xiaobin GUO ; Ziyue SONG ; Xingbu MENG ; Junjie HU ; Xiaogang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):278-287
BACKGROUND:Periprosthetic joint infection is the most common cause of early failure after total knee replacement.The current methods of preventing periprosthetic joint infection by improving the surface of the prosthesis have limitations to varying degrees.OBJECTIVE:To construct a coating material that can stably improve the surface of the implant,prevent the initial floating bacterial infection of periprosthetic infection,and regulate the bone transfer function around the implant.METHODS:(1)Material preparation:YGF polypeptide(which promotes bone formation),LL-37 polypeptide(with antibacterial properties)and YGF+LL-37 composite peptide were prepared by Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis technology.The titanium-based materials were immersed in the three polypeptide solutions for 2 hours to obtain YGF coating,LL-37 coating and composite peptide coating coated titanium sheets.(2)In vitro experiment:Uncoated titanium sheets and coated titanium sheets were co-cultured with Escherichia coli(or Staphylococcus aureus)and the colonies were counted by plate method.MC3T3 cells were inoculated on the surface of uncoated titanium sheet and coated titanium sheet,respectively.Alizarin red staining was used to observe the calcium salt deposition on the surface of the material.Western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression of RUNX2,osteocalcin,osteopontin,and bone morphogenetic protein 2.(3)Animal experiment:24 SD rats were randomly divided into three groups:the blank group(n=8)was implanted with uncoated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal;the control group(n=8)was implanted with uncoated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal+intra-articular injection of Staphylococcus aureus suspension;the experimental group(n=8)was implanted with composite peptide coated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal+intra-articular injection of Staphylococcus aureus suspension.After 5 weeks of implantation,micro-CT examination,hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining of femur specimens were performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro experiment:Compared with uncoated titanium sheet and YGF coated titanium sheet,LL-37 coated and composite peptide coated titanium sheet could significantly inhibit the growth and reproduction of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.Compared with uncoated titanium sheets and LL-37-coated titanium sheets,YGF-coated and composite peptide-coated titanium sheets could promote calcium salt deposition in osteoblasts and increase the protein expression of RUNX2,osteocalcin,osteopontin and bone morphogenetic protein 2.(2)Animal experiment:Micro-CT test showed that the control group had less bone mass than the blank group and the experimental group.Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that there was a large amount of fibrous tissue around the nail channel in the control group,only a small amount of tissue fibrosis around the nail channel in the blank group,and only a small amount of tissue fibrosis around the nail channel in the experimental group.Immunohistochemical staining showed that the protein expression of interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor α in the control group was higher than that in the blank group and the experimental group,and the expression of osteocalcin,RUNX2 and osteopontin in the experimental group was higher than that in the blank group and the control group.(3)The results show that the titanium-based material coated with YGF+LL-37 composite peptide coating has good antibacterial ability and can promote bone transfer around the implant.
6.Intra-articular injection of different concentrations of silicon-based bioceramics in treatment of knee osteoarthritis in rats
Jingwen GUO ; Qingwei WANG ; Zijun HE ; Zihang HU ; Zhi CHEN ; Rong ZHU ; Yuming WANG ; Wenfei LIU ; Qinglu LUO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):288-295
BACKGROUND:Currently,treatment method for knee osteoarthritis includes oral medicine,joint cavity drug injection,and physiotherapy,but the curative effect is limited.Existing studies have confirmed that silicon-based bioceramics can promote cartilage and subchondral bone repair and vascular regeneration.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of different concentrations of silicon-based bioceramics injected into the knee joint cavity in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in rats.METHODS:Silicon-based bioceramics-calcium silicate was prepared.Twenty-five SD rats were randomly divided into five groups,with five rats in each group.The healthy group did not receive any intervention,and the modeling group,low-dose calcium silicate group,high-dose calcium silicate group,and saline group used anterior cruciate ligament transection to establish bilateral knee osteoarthritis models.Four weeks after modeling,0.05 mL of 50 and 100 mg/mL calcium silicate solution were injected into the knee joint cavity in the low-dose calcium silicate group and high-dose calcium silicate group,respectively,and 0.05 mL of saline was injected into the knee joint cavity in the saline group,once a week for 4 consecutive weeks.In the fifth week of administration,bilateral knee joint Micro-CT detection,knee joint cartilage hematoxylin-eosin staining,and modified Mankin score were performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Micro-CT quantitative analysis showed that compared with the healthy group,the volume fraction and number of trabeculae of the medial tibial plateau in the modeling group decreased(P<0.05),and the separation of trabeculae increased(P<0.05).Compared with the modeling group,the volume fraction and number of trabeculae of the medial tibial plateau in the low-dose calcium silicate group and the saline group increased(P<0.05),and the separation of trabeculae decreased(P<0.05).(2)Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the cartilage surface of the healthy group and the low-dose calcium silicate group was relatively smooth and flat,the chondrocytes were evenly distributed,without clustered chondrocytes,the tide line was complete,and the staining was uniform;the cartilage surface of the high-dose calcium silicate group was slightly uneven,the middle and deep cells were disordered,with a small number of clustered chondrocytes,the tide line was discontinuous,and the staining was uneven;the cartilage surface of the saline group and the modeling group was obviously rough,the cells were disordered,with a large number of clustered chondrocytes,the tide line disappeared,and the staining was uneven.The modified Mankin score of the healthy group was lower than that of the high-dose calcium silicate group,the saline group,and the modeling group(P<0.05).The modified Mankin score of the high-dose calcium silicate group and the low-dose calcium silicate group was lower than that of the saline group and the modeling group(P<0.05).(3)The results show that calcium silicate knee joint injection has a certain effect in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.Compared with 100 mg/mL calcium silicate solution,50 mg/mL calcium silicate solution can promote the recovery of subchondral bone and cartilage.
7.Ershen Zhenwu Decoction Treats Chronic Heart Failure by Regulating miR-423-5p/Smad7/TGF-β1/Smads Axis and Myocardial Fibrosis Indicators
Lan GE ; Zhenpeng ZHU ; Xinyue WANG ; Dan CHENG ; Yulong LIU ; Maomao ZHANG ; Xiaoyu CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):157-165
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical effect of Ershen Zhenwu Decoction on chronic heart failure (CHF) due to heart-kidney Yang deficiency and blood stasis and its regulatory effects on miR-423-5p/Smad7/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads axis and myocardial fibrosis indicators. MethodsOne hundred and fourteen patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) were randomly allocated into a control group and an observation group. The control group was treated with dapagliflozin tablets, sacubitril-valsartan sodium tablets, metoprolol succinate, and spironolactone, and the observation group was treated with Ershen Zhenwu Decoction on the basis of the therapy in the control group. The course of treatment was 8 weeks in both groups. The 6-min walking distance, New York Heart Association (NYHA) heart function grade, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs), interventricular septum thickness at diastole (IVSd), left ventricular end-diastolic posterior wall thickness (LVPWd), left ventricular shortening fraction (FS), miR-423-5p, Smad7, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, TGF-β1, Ang Ⅱ, type Ⅰ collagen (Col Ⅰ), type Ⅲ collagen (Col Ⅲ), mRNA levels of fibronectin (Fn) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the myocardial tissue were observed before and after treatment in both groups to evaluate the efficacy of cardiac function and drug safety. ResultsAfter treatment, both groups showed declined levels of NT-proBNP, Ang Ⅱ, miR-423-5p, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, TGF-β1, Col Ⅰ, Col Ⅲ, and mRNA levels of Fn and α-SMA (P0.05), and the levels of the indicators above were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P0.05). After treatment, the Smad7 level increased obviously in both groups (P0.05) and was higher in the observation group than in the control group (P0.05). After treatment, both groups showed decreased MLHFQ scores and increased 6-min walking distance (P0.05), and the observation group had lower MLHFQ score and longer 6-min walking distance than the control group (P0.05). After treatment, the control group showed increased LVEF and FS (P0.05) and the observation group showcased decreased LVIDd and LVIDs and increased LVEF and FS (P0.05). Moreover, the observation group had lower LVIDd and LVIDs (P0.05) and higher LVEF and FS (P0.05) than the control group. The total response rate of cardiac function in the observation group was 90.38% (47/52), which was higher than that (70.59%, 36/51) in the control group (P0.05). No adverse reactions associated with Ershen Zhenwu Decoction were observed during the study period. ConclusionErshen Zhenwu Decoction can improve the cardiac function, exercise tolerance, and quality of life, regulate neuroendocrine factors, and slow down/reverse myocardial remodeling in the patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF (syndrome of heart-kidney Yang deficiency and blood stasis by regulating the miR-423-5p/Smad7/TGF-β1/Smads axis, inhibiting α-SMA and Fn expression, and alleviating myocardial fibrosis. It is worthy of further study.
8.Ershen Zhenwu Decoction Treats Chronic Heart Failure by Regulating miR-423-5p/Smad7/TGF-β1/Smads Axis and Myocardial Fibrosis Indicators
Lan GE ; Zhenpeng ZHU ; Xinyue WANG ; Dan CHENG ; Yulong LIU ; Maomao ZHANG ; Xiaoyu CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):157-165
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical effect of Ershen Zhenwu Decoction on chronic heart failure (CHF) due to heart-kidney Yang deficiency and blood stasis and its regulatory effects on miR-423-5p/Smad7/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads axis and myocardial fibrosis indicators. MethodsOne hundred and fourteen patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) were randomly allocated into a control group and an observation group. The control group was treated with dapagliflozin tablets, sacubitril-valsartan sodium tablets, metoprolol succinate, and spironolactone, and the observation group was treated with Ershen Zhenwu Decoction on the basis of the therapy in the control group. The course of treatment was 8 weeks in both groups. The 6-min walking distance, New York Heart Association (NYHA) heart function grade, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs), interventricular septum thickness at diastole (IVSd), left ventricular end-diastolic posterior wall thickness (LVPWd), left ventricular shortening fraction (FS), miR-423-5p, Smad7, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, TGF-β1, Ang Ⅱ, type Ⅰ collagen (Col Ⅰ), type Ⅲ collagen (Col Ⅲ), mRNA levels of fibronectin (Fn) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the myocardial tissue were observed before and after treatment in both groups to evaluate the efficacy of cardiac function and drug safety. ResultsAfter treatment, both groups showed declined levels of NT-proBNP, Ang Ⅱ, miR-423-5p, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, TGF-β1, Col Ⅰ, Col Ⅲ, and mRNA levels of Fn and α-SMA (P0.05), and the levels of the indicators above were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P0.05). After treatment, the Smad7 level increased obviously in both groups (P0.05) and was higher in the observation group than in the control group (P0.05). After treatment, both groups showed decreased MLHFQ scores and increased 6-min walking distance (P0.05), and the observation group had lower MLHFQ score and longer 6-min walking distance than the control group (P0.05). After treatment, the control group showed increased LVEF and FS (P0.05) and the observation group showcased decreased LVIDd and LVIDs and increased LVEF and FS (P0.05). Moreover, the observation group had lower LVIDd and LVIDs (P0.05) and higher LVEF and FS (P0.05) than the control group. The total response rate of cardiac function in the observation group was 90.38% (47/52), which was higher than that (70.59%, 36/51) in the control group (P0.05). No adverse reactions associated with Ershen Zhenwu Decoction were observed during the study period. ConclusionErshen Zhenwu Decoction can improve the cardiac function, exercise tolerance, and quality of life, regulate neuroendocrine factors, and slow down/reverse myocardial remodeling in the patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF (syndrome of heart-kidney Yang deficiency and blood stasis by regulating the miR-423-5p/Smad7/TGF-β1/Smads axis, inhibiting α-SMA and Fn expression, and alleviating myocardial fibrosis. It is worthy of further study.
9.Allogeneic lung transplantation in miniature pigs and postoperative monitoring
Yaobo ZHAO ; Ullah SALMAN ; Kaiyan BAO ; Hua KUI ; Taiyun WEI ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Xiaoting TAO ; Xinzhong NING ; Yong LIU ; Guimei ZHANG ; He XIAO ; Jiaoxiang WANG ; Chang YANG ; Feiyan ZHU ; Kaixiang XU ; Kun QIAO ; Hongjiang WEI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):95-105
Objective To explore the feasibility and reference value of allogeneic lung transplantation and postoperative monitoring in miniature pigs for lung transplantation research. Methods Two miniature pigs (R1 and R2) underwent left lung allogeneic transplantation. Complement-dependent cytotoxicity tests and blood cross-matching were performed before surgery. The main operative times and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) after opening the pulmonary artery were recorded during surgery. Postoperatively, routine blood tests, biochemical blood indicators and inflammatory factors were detected, and pathological examinations of multiple organs were conducted. Results The complement-dependent cytotoxicity test showed that the survival rate of lymphocytes between donors and recipients was 42.5%-47.3%, and no agglutination reaction occurred in the cross-matching. The first warm ischemia times of D1 and D2 were 17 min and 10 min, respectively, and the cold ischemia times were 246 min and 216 min, respectively. Ultimately, R1 and R2 survived for 1.5 h and 104 h, respectively. Postoperatively, in R1, albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLB) decreased, and alanine aminotransferase increased; in R2, ALB, GLB and aspartate aminotransferase all increased. Urea nitrogen and serum creatinine increased in both recipients. Pathological results showed that in R1, the transplanted lung had partial consolidation with inflammatory cell infiltration, and multiple organs were congested and damaged. In R2, the transplanted lung had severe necrosis with fibrosis, and multiple organs had mild to moderate damage. The expression levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 increased in the transplanted lungs. Conclusions The allogeneic lung transplantation model in miniature pigs may systematically evaluate immunological compatibility, intraoperative function and postoperative organ damage. The data obtained may provide technical references for subsequent lung transplantation research.
10.Study on the risk factors and predictive model for acute kidney injury during tacrolimus treatment for pediatric steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome
Yuqing LIU ; Lei ZHU ; Zhaohuan HAN ; Lei ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):66-71
OBJECTIVE To explore the risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) in children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) during tacrolimus treatment and construct a predictive model. METHODS A retrospective selection was made of 155 children diagnosed with SRNS and treated with tacrolimus at Xuzhou Children’s Hospital from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023, serving as the study subjects. Various clinical data of the children were collected by reviewing the medical record system. Children who developed AKI during medication were assigned to the AKI group (n=26), and those who did not develop AKI were assigned to the control group (n=129). Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to screen independent risk factors. A clinical predictive model was constructed based on significant variables, and nomogram, calibration curve, receiver operator characteristic curve, and decision curve were drawn to evaluate the model’s performance. RESULTS Univariate analysis showed that blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the maximum trough concentration (cmin) of tacrolimus, CYP3A5*3/*3 genotype, concurrent infection, concurrent hypertension, and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were influencing factors for AKI in children with SRNS during tacrolimus treatment (P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that BUN≥9.58 mmol/L, Scr≥125 μmol/L, eGFR<37 mL/(min·1.73 m2), tacrolimus maximum cmin≥11.26 ng/mL,CYP3A5*3/*3 genotype, concurrent infection, and concurrent hypertension were independent risk factors for AKI in children with SRNS during tacrolimus treatment (P<0.05). The constructed clinical predictive model had an area under the curve of 0.747, showing good agreement between predicted and actual AKI occurrence and demonstrating favorable clinical net benefit in predicting AKI in children. CONCLUSIONS Impaired baseline renal function (elevated BUN, elevated Scr, and decreased eGFR), elevated maximum cmin of tacrolimus, CYP3A5*3/*3 genotype, concurrent infection, and hypertension during treatment are independent risk factors for AKI in children with SRNS during tacrolimus treatment. The established clinical predictive model provides a scientific basis for implementing risk stratification management.

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