1.Application of Recombinant Collagen in Biomedicine
Huan HU ; Hong ZHANG ; Jian WANG ; Li-Wen WANG ; Qian LIU ; Ning-Wen CHENG ; Xin-Yue ZHANG ; Yun-Lan LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):395-416
Collagen is a major structural protein in the matrix of animal cells and the most widely distributed and abundant functional protein in mammals. Collagen’s good biocompatibility, biodegradability and biological activity make it a very valuable biomaterial. According to the source of collagen, it can be broadly categorized into two types: one is animal collagen; the other is recombinant collagen. Animal collagen is mainly extracted and purified from animal connective tissues by chemical methods, such as acid, alkali and enzyme methods, etc. Recombinant collagen refers to collagen produced by gene splicing technology, where the amino acid sequence is first designed and improved according to one’s own needs, and the gene sequence of improved recombinant collagen is highly consistent with that of human beings, and then the designed gene sequence is cloned into the appropriate vector, and then transferred to the appropriate expression vector. The designed gene sequence is cloned into a suitable vector, and then transferred to a suitable expression system for full expression, and finally the target protein is obtained by extraction and purification technology. Recombinant collagen has excellent histocompatibility and water solubility, can be directly absorbed by the human body and participate in the construction of collagen, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, cell growth, wound healing and site filling, etc., which has demonstrated significant effects, and has become the focus of the development of modern biomedical materials. This paper firstly elaborates the structure, type, and tissue distribution of human collagen, as well as the associated genetic diseases of different types of collagen, then introduces the specific process of producing animal source collagen and recombinant collagen, explains the advantages of recombinant collagen production method, and then introduces the various systems of expressing recombinant collagen, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, and finally briefly introduces the application of animal collagen, focusing on the use of animal collagen in the development of biopharmaceutical materials. In terms of application, it focuses on the use of animal disease models exploring the application effects of recombinant collagen in wound hemostasis, wound repair, corneal therapy, female pelvic floor dysfunction (FPFD), vaginal atrophy (VA) and vaginal dryness, thin endometritis (TE), chronic endometritis (CE), bone tissue regeneration in vivo, cardiovascular diseases, breast cancer (BC) and anti-aging. The mechanism of action of recombinant collagen in the treatment of FPFD and CE was introduced, and the clinical application and curative effect of recombinant collagen in skin burn, skin wound, dermatitis, acne and menopausal urogenital syndrome (GSM) were summarized. From the exploratory studies and clinical applications, it is evident that recombinant collagen has demonstrated surprising effects in the treatment of all types of diseases, such as reducing inflammation, promoting cell proliferation, migration and adhesion, increasing collagen deposition, and remodeling the extracellular matrix. At the end of the review, the challenges faced by recombinant collagen are summarized: to develop new recombinant collagen types and dosage forms, to explore the mechanism of action of recombinant collagen, and to provide an outlook for the future development and application of recombinant collagen.
2.Determination method of clopidogrel and its metabolites in rat plasma and its pharmacokinetic study
Huan YI ; Lan MIAO ; Changying REN ; Li LIN ; Mingqian SUN ; Qing PENG ; Ying ZHANG ; Jianxun LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1599-1603
OBJECTIVE To establish a method for determining the contents of clopidogrel (CLP), clopidogrel carboxylate (CLP-C), clopidogrel acyl-β-D-glucuronide (CLP-G) and contents of clopidogrel active metabolite (CAM) in rat plasma, and to investigate their in vivo pharmacokinetic characteristics. METHODS The Shisedo CAPCELL ADME column was used with a mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile (both containing 0.1% formic acid) in a gradient elution. The flow rate was 0.4 mL/min, and the column temperature was maintained at 20 ℃. The injection volume was 2 μL. The analysis was performed in positive ion mode using electrospray ionization with multiple reaction monitoring. The ion pairs for quantitative analysis were m/z 322.1→211.9 (for CLP), m/z 308.1→197.9 (for CLP-C), m/z 322.1→154.8 (for CLP-G), m/z 504.1→154.9 [for racemic CAM derivative (CAMD)]. Six rats were administered a single intragastric dose of CLP (10 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected before medication and at 0.08, 0.33, 0.66, 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 23 and 35 hours after medication. The established method was used to detect the serum contents of various components in rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters were then calculated using WinNonlin 6.1 software. RESULTS The linear ranges for CLP, CLP-C and CAMD were 0.08-20.00, 205.00-8 000.00, and 0.04-25.00 ng/mL, respectively (r≥0.990). The relative standard deviations for both intra-day and inter-day precision tests were all less than 15%, and the relative errors for accuracy ranged from -11.68% to 14.40%. The coefficients of variation for the matrix factors were all less than 15%, meeting the requirements for bioanalytical method validation. The results of the pharmacokinetic study revealed that, following a single intagastric administration of CLP in rats, the exposure to the parent CLP in plasma was extremely low. Both the area under the drug concentration-time curve (AUC0-35 h) and the peak concentration of the parent CLP were lower than those of its metabolites. The AUC0-35 h of the active metabolite CAM was approximately 43 times that of CLP, though it had a shorter half-life (2.53 h). The inactive metabolite CLP-C exhibited the highest exposure level, but it reached its peak concentration the latest and was eliminated slowly. The AUC0-35 h of CLP-G was about four times that of CAM, and its half-life was similar to that of CLP-C. CONCLUSIONS This study successfully established an liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of CLP and its three metabolites, and revealed their pharmacokinetic characteristics in rats. Specifically, the parent drug CLP was rapidly eliminated, while the inactive metabolites CLP-C and CLP-G exhibited long half-lives, and active metabolite CAM displayed a transient exposure pattern.
3.Potassium dehydroandrographolide succinate regulates the MyD88/CDH13 signaling pathway to enhance vascular injury-induced pathological vascular remodeling.
Qiru GUO ; Jiali LI ; Zheng WANG ; Xiao WU ; Zhong JIN ; Song ZHU ; Hongfei LI ; Delai ZHANG ; Wangming HU ; Huan XU ; Lan YANG ; Liangqin SHI ; Yong WANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2024;22(1):62-74
Pathological vascular remodeling is a hallmark of various vascular diseases. Previous research has established the significance of andrographolide in maintaining gastric vascular homeostasis and its pivotal role in modulating endothelial barrier dysfunction, which leads to pathological vascular remodeling. Potassium dehydroandrographolide succinate (PDA), a derivative of andrographolide, has been clinically utilized in the treatment of inflammatory diseases precipitated by viral infections. This study investigates the potential of PDA in regulating pathological vascular remodeling. The effect of PDA on vascular remodeling was assessed through the complete ligation of the carotid artery in C57BL/6 mice. Experimental approaches, including rat aortic primary smooth muscle cell culture, flow cytometry, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay, Boyden chamber cell migration assay, spheroid sprouting assay, and Matrigel-based tube formation assay, were employed to evaluate the influence of PDA on the proliferation and motility of smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Molecular docking simulations and co-immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to examine protein interactions. The results revealed that PDA exacerbates vascular injury-induced pathological remodeling, as evidenced by enhanced neointima formation. PDA treatment significantly increased the proliferation and migration of SMCs. Further mechanistic studies disclosed that PDA upregulated myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) expression in SMCs and interacted with T-cadherin (CDH13). This interaction augmented proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix deposition, culminating in pathological vascular remodeling. Our findings underscore the critical role of PDA in the regulation of pathological vascular remodeling, mediated through the MyD88/CDH13 signaling pathway.
Mice
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Rats
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Animals
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Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88/metabolism*
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Vascular Remodeling
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Cell Proliferation
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Vascular System Injuries/pathology*
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Carotid Artery Injuries/pathology*
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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Muscle, Smooth, Vascular
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Cell Movement
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Signal Transduction
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Succinates/pharmacology*
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Potassium/pharmacology*
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Cells, Cultured
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Diterpenes
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Cadherins
4. Dynamic changes in cytoskeletal elements following acute cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in rats
Yong ZHANG ; Xue-Qin FU ; Xu-Huan ZOU ; Man-Man WANG ; Wei-Wei WANG ; Rui LAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(2):263-272
Aim To investigate the dynamic time-course changes in neuronal cytoskeleton after acute ischemia and reperfusion in rats. Methods Reperfusion was performedin rats by blocking the middle cerebralarteryfor 90 min, then therats wereobserved and collected at different time points. The brain damage wasobserved by Nissl staining,and neurobehavioural function was evaluated with neurological deficit score and forelimb placement test. The cellular changes in the alternations of cytoskeletal elements including microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2) and neurofilament heavy chain (NF-H) were observed by immunohistochemistry staining and Western blot. Impaired axons, dendrites and cytoskeletal alternations were detected by electron microscope. Results Brain damage and neurobehavioural function were gradually aggravated with the prolongation of reperfusion. Brain damage appeared earlier and more severe in striatum than in cortex. Moreover, decreased MAP2-related and increased NF-H-related immunoreactive intensities were found in the ischemic areas. Impaired cytoskeletal arrangement and reduced dense were indicated. Damaged cytoskeletal components such as microtubules and neurofilament arrangement, decreased axonal filament density, and swelled dendrites were observed after cerebral ischemia reperfusion by ultrastructural observations. Conclusions Different brain regions have diverse tolerance to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Major elements of neuronal cytoskeleton show dynamic responses to ischemia and reperfusion, which may further contribute to brain damage and neurological impairment following MCAO and reperfusion.
5.Repeatability of wavefront aberration measured by adaptive optics visual simulator and agreement of OPD-Scan Ⅲ
Yan WANG ; Xuan LIAO ; Changjun LAN ; Biao LI ; Zhuang MIAO ; Qingqing TAN ; Suyun QIN ; Huan HUANG
International Eye Science 2024;24(5):810-815
AIM: To assess the repeatability and agreement of higher-order aberration obtained by adaptive optics visual simulator(VAO)compared with OPD-Scan Ⅲ.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September 2023, including a total of 204 patients(204 eyes)with myopia whose right eyes were measured. The examinations were performed by the same skilled examiner using both devices separately. The VAO device was used to measure higher order aberrations of orders 3 to 6 at a pupil diameter of 4.5 mm, while both the VAO and OPD-Scan Ⅲ devices were utilized to measure total higher-order aberration(tHOA), spherical aberration(SA), coma aberration(Coma), and trefoil aberration(Trefoil)of the entire eye at pupil diameters ranging from 3 to 6 mm. Furthermore, the repeatability of whole eye aberration measurements obtained with the VAO device was evaluated and the agreement of the two devices was assessed.RESULTS: The whole-eye higher-order aberrations measured by VAO demonstrated excellent repeatability(0.767≤ICC≤0.941, Sw<0.01 μm, TRT<0.1 μm). There was no statistically significant difference in Coma measured by VAO or OPD-Scan Ⅲ for pupil diameters ranging from 4 to 6 mm(P>0.05), while a statistically significant difference was observed in whole-eye tHOA of other pupil diameters(all P<0.05). The agreement of aberration measurements for each order between VAO and OPD-Scan Ⅲ for 3 mm pupil diameters, SA at 4 and 5 mm pupil diameter and Coma at 4 mm pupil diameter showed a 95% limit of agreement(LoA)<0.1, indicating good agreement; however, poor agreement was found for the remaining aberration measurements at different pupil diameters, with a 95%LoA>0.1, and there were significant differences in higher-order aberrations measured by two devices under a pupil diameter of 3 mm(r=0.218-0.317, P<0.01), 4 mm(r=0.406-0.672, P<0.01), 5 mm(r=0.538-0.839, P<0.01 and r=0.030-0.109, P>0.01)and 6 mm(r=0.369-0.766, P<0.01).CONCLUSION: The VAO demonstrates favorable repeatability when assessing whole-eye higher order aberration under pupil diameters of 3-6 mm. However, there is inadequate agreement and interchangeability in whole-eye higher order aberration at 3-6 mm pupil diameter between VAO and OPD-Scan Ⅲ for clinical purposes.
6.Near Infrared Spectral Analysis Based on Data Augmentation Strategy and Convolutional Neural Network
Yun ZHENG ; Si-Yu YANG ; Tao WANG ; Zhuo-Wen DENG ; Wei-Jie LAN ; Yong-Huan YUN ; Lei-Qing PAN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2024;52(9):1266-1276
Near infrared spectroscopy(NIRS)technology combined with chemometrics algorithms has been widely used in quantitative and qualitative analysis of food and medicine.However,traditional chemometrics methods,especially linear classification methods,often yield unsatisfactory results when addressing multi-class classification problems.Convolutional neural network(CNN)is adept at extracting deep-level features from data and suitable for handling non-linear relationships.The modeling performance of CNN depends on the size and diversity of sample,while the collection and preprocessing of NIRS sample data is often time-consuming and labor-intensive.This study proposed a NIRS qualitative analysis method based on data augmentation strategies and CNN.The data augmentation strategy included two steps.Firstly,applying Bootstrap resampling and generative adversarial network(GAN)methods to augment three NIRS datasets(Medicine,coffee and grape).Secondly,combining the original samples(Y)with the Bootstrap augmented samples(B)and GAN augmented samples(G)to obtain three augmented datasets(Y-B,Y-G and Y-B-G).Based on this,a CNN model structure suitable for these datasets was designed,consisting of 2 one-dimensional convolutional layers,1 max-pooling layer,and 1 fully connected layer.The results showed that compared to the optimal models of partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA),support vector machine(SVM),and back propagation neural network(BP),the CNN model based on Y-B dataset achieved average accuracy improvements of 3.998%,9.364%,and 4.689%for medicine(Binary classification);the CNN model based on the Y-B-G dataset achieved average accuracy improvements of 6.001%,2.004%,and 7.523%for coffee(7-class classification);and the CNN model based on the Y-B dataset achieved average accuracy improvements of 33.408%,51.994%,and 34.378%for grapes(20-class classification).It was evident that the models established based on data augmentation strategies and CNN demonstrated better classification accuracy and generalization performance with different datasets and classification categories.
7.Establishment and evaluation of intestinal barrier dysfunction model in colonoids with irritable bowel syndrome
Kehan RAO ; Yongyin XU ; Zhao LAN ; Kai ZHAN ; Huan ZHENG ; Shumin QIN ; Shaogang HUANG ; Haomeng WU
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(8):1559-1568
AIM:To establish and evaluate a colonoids model of intestinal barrier dysfunction with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).METHODS:The colonic recess of 20~22 g male C57BL/6 mice were isolated and cultured in ma-trix glue to proliferate and differentiate into 3D hollow spheres with colonic epithelioid structure.The following experi-ments were carried out:(1)Colonoids and colonic tissues of mice were detected by immunofluorescence to identify colo-noids.(2)Fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran 4(FD4)evaluated the epithelial barrier function of colonoids.(3)To ex-plore the changes in the epithelial barrier of colonoids induced by interferon-γ(IFN-γ)at different concentrations and time points.FD4 and HE staining were used to evaluate the barrier function.RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expres-sion of occludin and zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)in tight junctions of colonoids.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the distribution and localization of occludin and ZO-1 proteins.RESULTS:(1)The expression of EdU proliferation and in-testinal epithelial cell lineage markers in colonoids was consistent with that in mouse colonic tissues.(2)In the control group,FD4 did not infiltrate the colonoids lumen,but FD4 significantly infiltrated the colonoids lumen induced by ethyl-ene glycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid(EGTA).(3)From 18 h,the IFN-γ at 60,100,200 and 240 ng/mL could significantly infiltrate into the cavity of colonoids(0.033,0.032,0.042 and 0.001),and the barri-er injury of colonoids could be seen by HE staining.After 18 h,all concentrations of IFN-γ could significantly decrease the mRNA expression of occludin and ZO-1,and the fluorescence of occludin and ZO-1 decreased significantly(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:(1)The cultured organoids are colonoids with complete epithelial barrier.(2)IFN-γ could in-duce the decrease of the transcriptional levels of occludin and ZO-1 in the tight junction of colonoids,the decrease of the expression of corresponding proteins,and the change of localization and distribution,thus increasing the epithelial perme-ability of colonoids.This model is highly consistent with the pathophysiological state of IBS colonic mucosal barrier dys-function,which provides a new tool and method for studying the direction of colonic mucosal barrier dysfunction in IBS.
8.Immunological characteristics of the PhoP protein of two-component system in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Xue LI ; Huan-Huan NING ; Jian KANG ; Ming-Ze XU ; Ruo-Nan CUI ; Ting DAI ; Yan-Zhi LU ; Sa XUE ; Yin-Lan BAI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(4):352-358
In this study,the immunological characteristics of the PhoP protein were explored with a two-component system of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb).Bioinformatics was used to predict the B and T cell epitopes of the PhoP protein.A re-combinant expression plasmid was constructed by PCR analysis of the phoP sequence and cloning into the prokaryotic expres-sion vector pET-28a(+).Competent Escherichia coli BL21 cells were transformed with the recombinant plasmid and expres-sion was induced with IPTG.The recombinant PhoP protein was purified by affinity chromatography.Serum levels of PhoP-specific antibodies in Mtb-infected mice and tuberculosis(TB)patients were analyzed with an ELISA.BALB/c mice were im-munized with the PhoP recombinant protein by intramuscular injection.Sera of mice were collected and antibody titers were detected with an ELISA and specificity was assessed by West-ern blot analysis.Mouse splenocytes were isolated and the pro-portions of IFN-y-positive cells and cytokine levels were detec-ted with an ELISpot and ELISA,respectively.Bioinformatics i-dentified 24 B cell and 11 T cell epitopes of the PhoP protein.A prokaryotic recombinant vector of PhoP was successfully con-structed and the recombinant PhoP protein was obtained by purification.Specific antibody levels to PhoP in sera of Mtb in-fected mice and TB patients increased significantly,with preci-sion of 99.9%and 82.5%,and specificity of 100%,respectively.PhoP protein immunization successfully induced production of specific antibodies in mice.Stimulated by antigens in vitro,IL-2 and IFN-γ levels were significantly increased in the splenocytes of immunized mice.Immunization with the PhoP protein induce a humoral immune response and Thl-dominated cellular immu-nity,indicating that the PhoP protein was immunogenic with diagnostic efficacy for TB.These results lay a foundation to clari-fy the role of PhoP in Mtb infection and application for diagnosis and prevention of TB.
9.Dynamic changes of neuronal cells at different time points following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats
Xu-Huan ZOU ; Rui LAN ; Xue-Qin FU ; Wei-Wei WANG ; Man-Man WANG ; Chen TANG ; Shuang LIU ; Hong-Yu LI ; Xiao-Ming SHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(6):1056-1066
Aim To investigate the dynamic changes of neuronal cells at different time points following acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by establishing a model of brain ischemia-reperfusion injury.Methods Thirty male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were ran-domly divided into six groups:sham group and cere-bral ischemia-reperfusion injury(IR)groups at differ-ent time points.Focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model was established using the middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)technique.The Longa sco-ring method was used to assess neurobehavioral scores in rats.After successful model preparation,routine paraffin sections were made,and TUNEL staining and immunohistochemistry staining with NeuN antibody were performed to observe cell apoptosis and neuronal cell survival,respectively.Immunohistochemistry stai-ning was also performed to investigate the changes in glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)as a marker for astrocytes,ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(IBA-1)as a marker for microglia,and CD31 as a marker for endothelial cells at different time points.Results No significant changes were observed in neu-ronal cells of the sham group at different time points.In the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury groups,cell apoptosis was activated at IR3h and increased in quan-tity with morphological damage as time progressed.Ne-uN+neurons showed signs of ischemic injury after IR3h,with abnormal cell morphology.From 12 h,Ne-uN+neurons decreased in a time-dependent manner and reached their peak severity at 24 h.GFAP+astro-cytes decreased significantly after IR3h,while poorly labeled GFAP+astrocytes increased at IR 6 h and al-most disappeared in the infarcted area at 24 h and 48 h.The number of IBA-1+microglia-positive cells de-creased at IR3h,and their volume increased at IR6h.Microglial cell death was observed in the infarcted area at IR12h.CD31+endothelial cells around the infarc-ted cortex and striatum increased significantly after IR3h and persisted until 48 h.Conclusions After cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury,the number of ap-optotic cells increases with the prolongation of time,and NeuN+neurons exhibit the most severe damage at 24 h.GFAP+astrocytes and microglial cells gradually die over time.The number of CD31+endothelial cells increases significantly around the infarcted cortex and striatum after 3 h of reperfusion and persists until 48 h.
10.Shared and distinct abnormalities of brain magnetization transfer ratio in schizophrenia and major depressive disorder: a comparative voxel-based meta-analysis.
Huan LAN ; Xueling SUO ; Chao ZUO ; Weishi NI ; Song WANG ; Graham J KEMP ; Qiyong GONG
Chinese Medical Journal 2023;136(23):2824-2833
BACKGROUND:
Patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) and major depressive disorder (MDD) share significant clinical overlap, although it remains unknown to what extent this overlap reflects shared neural profiles. To identify the shared and specific abnormalities in SCZ and MDD, we performed a whole-brain voxel-based meta-analysis using magnetization transfer imaging, a technique that characterizes the macromolecular structural integrity of brain tissue in terms of the magnetization transfer ratio (MTR).
METHODS:
A systematic search based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, International Scientific Index (ISI) Web of Science, and MEDLINE for relevant studies up to March 2022. Two researchers independently screened the articles. Rigorous scrutiny and data extraction were performed for the studies that met the inclusion criteria. Voxel-wise meta-analyses were conducted using anisotropic effect size-signed differential mapping with a unified template. Meta-regression was used to explore the potential effects of demographic and clinical characteristics.
RESULTS:
A total of 15 studies with 17 datasets describing 365 SCZ patients, 224 MDD patients, and 550 healthy controls (HCs) were identified. The conjunction analysis showed that both disorders shared higher MTR than HC in the left cerebellum ( P =0.0006) and left fusiform gyrus ( P =0.0004). Additionally, SCZ patients showed disorder-specific lower MTR in the anterior cingulate/paracingulate gyrus, right superior temporal gyrus, and right superior frontal gyrus, and higher MTR in the left thalamus, precuneus/cuneus, posterior cingulate gyrus, and paracentral lobule; and MDD patients showed higher MTR in the left middle occipital region. Meta-regression showed no statistical significance in either group.
CONCLUSIONS
The results revealed a structural neural basis shared between SCZ and MDD patients, emphasizing the importance of shared neural substrates across psychopathology. Meanwhile, distinct disease-specific characteristics could have implications for future differential diagnosis and targeted treatment.
Humans
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Depressive Disorder, Major/drug therapy*
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Schizophrenia/pathology*
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Brain/pathology*
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Prefrontal Cortex
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Frontal Lobe
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods*

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