1.The effect of Bushen Huoxue prescription on proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis of nucleus pulposus cells by regulating circ_0036763/miR-583 axis
Canrong LIANG ; Junjie HE ; Xueyuan ZHU ; Haojian FENG ; Weijun GUO ; Dongling CAI ; Chenghua ZHU ; Xiaofeng CHEN
Journal of Chinese Physician 2024;26(1):63-69
Objective:To explore the possible effects of Bushen Huoxue Formula (the kidney tonifying and blood activating prescription) on the proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis of nucleus pulposus cells by regulating the circ_0036763/miR-583 axis.Methods:Real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of circ0036763 and miR-583 in normal and intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) nucleus pulposus cells; IDD nucleus pulposus cells were divided into pcDNA group, pcDNA circ_0036763 group, pcDNA circ_0036763+ mimic NC group, and pcDNA circ_0036763+ miR-583 mimic group. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression levels of circ_0036763 and miR-583 in nucleus pulposus cells in each group, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) was used to detect cell proliferation (A value), and Western blot was used to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), collagen Ⅰ, and collagen Ⅱ proteins in nucleus pulposus cells, The dual luciferase assay reported experimental validation of the targeting relationship between circ_0036763 and miR-583. 27 mice were divided into sham surgery group, IDD group, and kidney tonifying and blood activating formula group. IDD models were established in all groups except for the sham surgery group. After successful modeling, the sham surgery group and IDD group were given physiological saline by gavage, while the kidney tonifying and blood activating formula group was given 1.5 g/ml of kidney tonifying and blood activating formula by gavage for 3 consecutive weeks. QRT-PCR was used to detect the expression levels of circ0036763 and miR-583 in the nucleus pulposus cells of mice in each group, MTT was used to detect cell proliferation, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of PCNA, collagen Ⅰ, and collagen Ⅱ proteins.Results:The expression level of circ_0036763 in IDD nucleus pulposus cells decreased, while the expression level of miR-583 increased (all P<0.05); Overexpression of circ_0036763 can promote proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis of nucleus pulposus cells (all P<0.05); Circ_0036763 targets miR-583 and upregulates miR-583 reversible overexpression. Circ_0036763 enhances the proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis ability of IDD nucleus pulposus cells. Compared with the sham surgery group, the IDD group showed an increase in collagen Ⅰ protein expression and miR-583 expression levels (all P<0.05), while the cell A value, PCNA and collagen Ⅱ protein expression, and circ_0036763 expression levels decreased (all P<0.05); Compared with the IDD group, the Kidney Tonifying and Blood Activating Formula group showed a decrease in collagen Ⅰ protein expression and miR-583 expression levels (all P<0.05), while the cell A value, PCNA and collagen Ⅱ protein expression, and circ_0036763 expression levels increased (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The kidney tonifying and blood activating formula (Bushen Huoxue) may induce proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis of nucleus pulposus cells by regulating the circ_0036763/miR-583 axis.
2.Correlation Study of Calpain and Noise-induced Cochlear Synaptopathy in Inner Hair Cells
Ruijie CAI ; Hongchao LIU ; Weijun ZHOU ; Huihui LIU ; Hao WU
Journal of Audiology and Speech Pathology 2024;32(5):448-453
Objective To investigate the related factor underlying the differential vulnerability of inner hair cell(IHC)ribbon synapses to noise exposure.Methods Twenty-eight C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the noise exposure group(NED1)and the control group(CTR)with 14 mice in each group.The noise exposure group was exposed to bandpass noise of 2~20 kHz at 103 dB SPL for two hours while the control group was bred in a quiet environment.Before and after noise exposure,auditory brainstem response was conducted to detect the audi-tory function,whole-mount immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the number of inner hair cell ribbon synapses in different turns.The calcium influx of inner hair cells in the apical and middle turn using whole-cell patch clamp recording was analyzed.Furthermore,the immunofluorescence intensity of calpain in inner hair cells from dif-ferent mouse cochlear turns using whole-mount immunofluorescence staining was compared.Western blotting was used to verify that CtBP2 was degraded by calpain.Results After noise exposure,the ABR threshold of 11.3,16.0,22.6,32.0 kHz increased significantly and the number of ribbon synapses of inner hair cells at the middle turn and basal turn of the cochlea decreased significantly.However,whole-cell patch clamp recordings showed that calcium ion channels were fewer but single-channel current was higher at the apical turn of the cochlea.The open probability of calcium ion channels in IHCs showed no significant difference between the apical turn and the middle turn of the cochlea.But the expression level of calpain of the inner hair cells at the middle and basal turn of the basi-lar membrane was significantly higher than that at the apical turn after noise exposure.The western blotting results also showed that CtBP2 was cleaved in a Ca2+-dependent manner by calpain.Conclusion Calpain may be the main related factor that accounts for the vulnerability of ribbon synapses in inner hair cells in the high frequency region of basal membrane.
3.Role of astrocytes in the repair of auditory synapses in the cochlear nucleus after noise damage
Weijun ZHOU ; Sidi LIU ; Ruijie CAI ; Hongchao LIU ; Meijian WANG ; Hao WU ; Huihui LIU ; Zhaoyan WANG
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2024;44(4):454-461
Objective·To investigate the pathological and physiological changes underlying noise-induced cochlear nucleus damage and the regulating function of astrocytes on the damage,using a combination of morphological analysis,and molecular biology techniques.Methods·Forty-eight male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into two groups and exposed to 110 dB SPL(sound pressure level)broadband noise for 2 hours.Auditory brainstem response(ABR)tests were performed on the mice on days 1,7,14,30,and 90 after the noise exposure.Immunofluorescence staining of cochlear nuclear tissue was conducted to observe cochlear nuclear neurons and auditory synapses,as well as astrocyte activation levels.In addition,the damage to the cochlear nuclear neurons and synapses caused by noise was verified through Western blotting.Results·A significant decrease in cochlear nuclear Bushy cells after noise exposure was observed.The Western blotting results showed that there was severe loss of nerve fibers in cochlear nuclear neurons,indicating that noise caused significant damage to cochlear nucleus neurons.Moreover,a significant loss of auditory synapses labeled with vesicular glutamate transporter 1(Vglutl)was observed,which was the severest on day 14 after noise exposure and slowly recovered on day 90.Interestingly,astrocytes in the cochlear nucleus displayed obvious clustering and activation after noise exposure.By staining with glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),most astrocytes were distributed around the cochlear nucleus,granule cell area,and auditory nerve root before noise exposure,and they had a small size.However,on day 14 after noise exposure,a large number of activated astrocytes aggregated in the ventral cochlear nucleus,and they all showed a pattern of growth around the synapses.Conclusion·Noise exposure leads to significant damage in the cochlear nucleus,and it is possible that astrocytes are involved in its damage and repair processes.These findings will provide a crucial foundation for further understanding the mechanisms of sound signal analysis,integration,and neural plasticity in the cochlear nucleus.
4.The effects of pulsed electromagnetic irradiation on neuropeptide Y regulation, the apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells and degradation of the extracellular matrix in rats with intervertebral disc degeneration
Zhengkun WANG ; Zhi YAO ; Mengcheng WEI ; Shishuang ZHANG ; Junlong ZHOU ; Qingbo LI ; Lei CAI ; Chuankun ZHOU ; Bowen KOU ; Weijun LIU
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2024;46(7):601-607
Objective:To document any effect of a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on the regulation of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue, NP cell apoptosis and matrix degradation using rats with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD).Methods:Eighteen Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group, an IDD model group (the model group), and a PEMF group. IDD was induced in both the model and PEMF groups. Right after the modeling, the PEMF group received 14 days of PEMF treatment, while the control group and model group were given no special treatment. Meanwhile, the primary rat nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) were cultured using Dulbecco′s Modified Eagle Medium at 37℃ and 5% CO 2. When the fusion rate reached 90% after passage, the NPCs were divided into a control group, a TNF-α model group (referred to as model group) and TNF-α + PEMF group (referred to as PEMF group) and treated accordingly. Eight weeks after the modeling, safranin-o/fast green staining was used to assess any pathological morphology changes. The expression of NPY, neuropeptide Y receptor Y2 (NPY2R), bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), collagen type II (Col-II) and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) in the intervertebral disc and the cultivated nucleus pulposus cells of the 3 groups were determined. Results:The intervertebral disc cells in the model group were ruptured and folded, with significantly increased polysaccharide and protein components, and significantly increased bone fibers. In the PEMF group the cell boundaries were clearer, with less fibrin fracture and increased cartilage tissue. NPY was expressed in the fibrous annulus and the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc in the model group. The average expression levels of NPY and NPY2R were significantly higher than in the control group and the model group. Compared with the control group, there was a significant increase in the level of Bax and a significant decrease in the expression of Bcl-2 in the model group, and there was a significant decrease in the level of Bax in the PEMF group. Compared with the control group, there was a significant decrease in the Col-II level but a significant increase in the MMP3 protein expression in the model group. The average Col-II mRNA expression was significantly higher in the PEMF group compared with the model group, but the average MMP3 protein expression was significantly less. Those results are consistent with observations in vivo.Conclusion:PEMF may reverse the imbalance of ECM metabolism and delay IDD degeneration by up-regulating the expression of NPY and Bcl-2, as well as blocking the Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathway to inhibit apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells.
5.α/Sulfono-γ-AA peptide hybrids agonist of GLP-1R with prolonged action both in vitro and in vivo.
Yan SHI ; Candy LEE ; Peng SANG ; Zaid AMSO ; David HUANG ; Weixia ZHONG ; Meng GU ; Lulu WEI ; Vân T B NGUYEN-TRAN ; Jingyao ZHANG ; Weijun SHEN ; Jianfeng CAI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2023;13(4):1648-1659
Peptides are increasingly important resources for biological and therapeutic development, however, their intrinsic susceptibility to proteolytic degradation represents a big hurdle. As a natural agonist for GLP-1R, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is of significant clinical interest for the treatment of type-2 diabetes mellitus, but its in vivo instability and short half-life have largely prevented its therapeutic application. Here, we describe the rational design of a series of α/sulfono-γ-AA peptide hybrid analogues of GLP-1 as the GLP-1R agonists. Certain GLP-1 hybrid analogues exhibited enhanced stability (t 1/2 > 14 days) compared to t 1/2 (<1 day) of GLP-1 in the blood plasma and in vivo. These newly developed peptide hybrids may be viable alternative of semaglutide for type-2 diabetes treatment. Additionally, our findings suggest that sulfono-γ-AA residues could be adopted to substitute canonical amino acids residues to improve the pharmacological activity of peptide-based drugs.
6.Pulsed electromagnetic field activation of the A2A adenosine receptors can retard intervertebral disc degeneration
Qingbo LI ; Lei CAI ; Zhengkun WANG ; Weizhi FANG ; Chuankun ZHOU ; Yichi ZHOU ; Zhi YAO ; Mengcheng WEI ; Shishuang ZHANG ; Weijun LIU
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2023;45(9):769-775
Objective:To explore any effect of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation on intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD).Methods:Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group, an IDD model group, a PEMF group and an observation group. An IDD model was induced in all except those in the control group. Both the PEMF and observation groups were given PEMF stimulation, while the latter was additionally injected with the A2AR agonist CGS-21680. Eight weeks after the modelling any pathological changes in the morphology of the rats′ intervertebral disc tissues were evaluated using saffron solid green staining. The expression of A2AR, cyclic adenosine phosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA), cysteine aspartate proteolytic enzyme-3 (Caspase-3), type II collagen (COL-II) and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) in the intervertebral discs were evaluated.Results:The nucleus pulposus had shrunk, while fibrous tissues and chondrocytes had increased in the IDD model group. In the observation group the nucleus pulposus was intact and of basically normal shape. A2AR mRNA and protein levels were higher in the intervertebral disc tissue of the model group than among the control group, on average, while the levels in the observation group were significantly higher than in the other groups. In the PEMF and observation groups cAMP and PKA mRNA were significantly higher than in the IDD model group. The p38 MAPK and P-P38 MAPK levels of the IDD model group and its average P-P38 MAPK/p38 MAPK ratio were significantly higher than in the control group. In the PEMF and observation groups those indices had decreased to varying degrees, with those of the observation group significantly lower than among the model and PEMF groups on average, except for the p38 MAPK values. Caspase-3 and its mRNA were significantly higher in the model group than in the control group, on average, and those values were significantly lower in the PEMF and observation groups than in the IDD model group. The average MMP3 contents of the IDD model group had increased significantly compared with the control group, while the Col-Ⅱ level had decreased significantly. Compared with the IDD model group, the MMP3 level had decreased but Col-Ⅱ expression had increased in both the PEMF and observation groups, with significant differences between the IDD model and observation groups.Conclusions:The activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway by inflammatory factors to induce apoptosis is one of the important reasons for the aggravation of IDD lesions. PEMF combined with A2AR agonists can activate the A2AR/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway, inhibit p38 MAPK phosphorylation, reduce apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells, and relieve IDD damage.
7.Overview of the Application of Automated Intelligent Drug Cabinet in the Field of Hospital Medicine Management
DONG Zhiyong ; LI Weijun ; TENG Tianli ; LYU Ning ; CHEN Liangfang ; CHEN Feifei ; CAI Beibo ; HE Hangkai ; YUAN Hongye ; JIANG Saiping
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2023;40(17):2378-2383
OBJECTIVE To review the application and development of automatic intelligent drug cabinet in hospitals at home and abroad. METHODS The relevant research articles published from 2010 to 2022 were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed and other databases. RESULTS The application of automatic intelligent drug cabinet could shorten the execution time of inpatient medical orders, improve the work efficiency of pharmacists and doctors and nurses, improve the quality of drug management in wards and promote the transformation of hospital pharmaceutical care. CONCLUSION The construction of decentralized dispensing mode with automated intelligent drug cabinets as the core has important theoretical guiding significance and broad application prospects for the automation, informatization, intelligence and whole process management of drugs in medical institutions, and also helps to improve the level of medical pharmacy service management.
8.Bionic double eyelid operation with "8" -shaped suture and anchorage
Weijun HU ; Yang LIU ; Yangqun CAI ; Shang SONG ; Xuling LYU
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2023;39(7):755-761
Objective:To explore the surgical method and clinical effect of bionic double eyelid operation with "8" suture and anchoring.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on the received double eyelid operation with "8" -shaped suture and anchor in the Department of Plastic Surgery People’s Hospital of Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province (Jinhua Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University) during November 2016 to October 2020. The upper eyelid layer is dissected, the normal double eyelid structure of oriental is simulate. Using "8" -shaped suture anchorage technique, through horizontal mattress "8" -shaped suture, the orbital septum-upper eyelid levator aponeurosis complex (A) and the orbicularis oculi muscle (M) of the lower lip of the incision were relocated and healed on the tarsal plate (including pretarsal fascia) (T) the dynamic structure of the oriental double eyelid was reconstructed. In follow up, the upper eyelid flatness, the upper eyesight extent, the distance between the eye and eyebrow, the forced sensation of opening the eyes, bilateral eyes’ symmetry, the curve and the stability of the double eyelid, the eyelash curl, incisional scar and complications were recorded and evaluated.Results:A total of 103 patients, 5 males and 98 females, with a mean age of 29.5 years (17-65 years), were included. After the postoperative follow-up of 6 to 24 months, the upper eyelid was smooth, plump and moderate, the upper vision increased, the distance between the eyebrow and eyes was relatively shorter than the preoperative, the eyes openings were widened, the two sides were basically symmetrical, the double eyelid line was natural and smooth, the crease was stable, the eyelashes were slightly curled, the incision scar was not obvious. complications, such as infection and ptosis did occur.Conclusion:The "8" -shaped suture anchoring bionic double eyelid operation introduces the concept of "breaking" then "building", the upper eyelid can be dissected clearly, the reduction is accurate, the fixation is accurate, and the mechanical structure is stable. Postopertively, the shape of the upper eyelid was natural and stable.
9.Bionic double eyelid operation with "8" -shaped suture and anchorage
Weijun HU ; Yang LIU ; Yangqun CAI ; Shang SONG ; Xuling LYU
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2023;39(7):755-761
Objective:To explore the surgical method and clinical effect of bionic double eyelid operation with "8" suture and anchoring.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on the received double eyelid operation with "8" -shaped suture and anchor in the Department of Plastic Surgery People’s Hospital of Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province (Jinhua Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University) during November 2016 to October 2020. The upper eyelid layer is dissected, the normal double eyelid structure of oriental is simulate. Using "8" -shaped suture anchorage technique, through horizontal mattress "8" -shaped suture, the orbital septum-upper eyelid levator aponeurosis complex (A) and the orbicularis oculi muscle (M) of the lower lip of the incision were relocated and healed on the tarsal plate (including pretarsal fascia) (T) the dynamic structure of the oriental double eyelid was reconstructed. In follow up, the upper eyelid flatness, the upper eyesight extent, the distance between the eye and eyebrow, the forced sensation of opening the eyes, bilateral eyes’ symmetry, the curve and the stability of the double eyelid, the eyelash curl, incisional scar and complications were recorded and evaluated.Results:A total of 103 patients, 5 males and 98 females, with a mean age of 29.5 years (17-65 years), were included. After the postoperative follow-up of 6 to 24 months, the upper eyelid was smooth, plump and moderate, the upper vision increased, the distance between the eyebrow and eyes was relatively shorter than the preoperative, the eyes openings were widened, the two sides were basically symmetrical, the double eyelid line was natural and smooth, the crease was stable, the eyelashes were slightly curled, the incision scar was not obvious. complications, such as infection and ptosis did occur.Conclusion:The "8" -shaped suture anchoring bionic double eyelid operation introduces the concept of "breaking" then "building", the upper eyelid can be dissected clearly, the reduction is accurate, the fixation is accurate, and the mechanical structure is stable. Postopertively, the shape of the upper eyelid was natural and stable.
10.Effects of a pulsed electromagnetic field on intervertebral disc degeneration and A2A adenosine receptor-mediated reactive oxygen signaling
Lei CAI ; Weizhi FANG ; Qingbo LI ; Zhengkun WANG ; Zhi YAO ; Mengcheng WEI ; Shishuang ZHANG ; Hongbo JIAO ; Weijun LIU
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2022;44(11):966-972
Objective:To observe any regulatory effect of a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on A2A adenosine receptors (A2ARs) in the nucleus pulposus of rats with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), and to explore any combination with the A2ARs′ agonist-mediating ROS/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Methods:Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group, an intervertebral disc degeneration group (the model group), an A2AR agonist CGS-21680 treatment group (the agonist group), a PEMF group and a PEMF combined with CGS-21680 treatment group (the observation group). IDD was modeled in all except the rats in the control group. 100μL of CGS-21680 (100μg/kg) was injected into the L 5-6 intervertebral discs of the agonist group, while the PEMF group was given 30 minutes of PEMF intervention daily for 14 days at 1.5mT and 75Hz with a pulse width of 150μs. The observation group was injected with CGS-21680 and then given the same PEMF intervention. Primary nucleus pulposus cells from each group (50ng/mL) were cultured and the expressions of 8-OHDG, SOD, MDA and ROS were detected by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence or with an ELISA kit. The A2AR, PI3K, AKT and p-AKT protein levels were detected using western blotting. Results:The nucleus pulposus cells and the annulus fibrosus were obviously wrinkled, necrotic and broken in the model group but the annulus fibrosus was intact and the nucleus pulposus was almost normal in the observation group. Compared with the model group, the levels of SOD and A2AR, PI3K, p-AKT and AKT protein were higher in the agonist, PEMF and observation groups, while the expressions of MDA, ROS and 8-OHDG were weaker. The ROS level in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the agonist and PEMF groups, and the phosphorylation level of p-AKT in the observation group was significantly higher than in the agonist and PEMF groups. The average levels of SOD, A2AR, PI3K, p-AKT and AKT protein in the nucleus pulposus cells of the agonist, PEMF and observation groups were significantly higher than the IL-1β group′s average, while the average levels of MDA, ROS and 8-OHDG were significantly lower. The ROS levels in the observation group were significantly lower than in the agonist and PEMF groups, while the A2AR protein content and p-AKT phosphorylation in the observation group were significantly greater. The average Bax levels in the nucleus pulposus cells of the agonist, PEMF and observation groups were significantly lower than that in the IL-1β group, and the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly increased. There was significantly less apoptosis observed in the observation group than in the agonist and PEMF groups, while the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly higher.Conclusions:PEMF plays an anti-oxidative stress role by up-regulating A2AR activity and reducing ROS generation. Treatment with PEMF and A2AR agonist could further activate the phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt, down-regulate Bax and up-regulate Bcl-2, thus inhibiting the apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells and alleviating the malignant progression of IDD.


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