Fibrosis, the pathological scarring of vital organs, is a severe and often irreversible condition that leads to progressive organ dysfunction. It is particularly pronounced in organs like the liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart. Despite its clinical significance, the full understanding of its etiology and complex pathogenesis remains incomplete, posing substantial challenges to diagnosing, treating, and preventing the progression of fibrosis. Among the various molecular players involved, platelet-derived growth factor-C (PDGF-C) has emerged as a crucial factor in fibrotic diseases, contributing to the pathological transformation of tissues in several key organs. PDGF-C is a member of the PDGFs family of growth factors and is synthesized and secreted by various cell types, including fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. It acts through both autocrine and paracrine mechanisms, exerting its biological effects by binding to and activating the PDGF receptors (PDGFRs), specifically PDGFRα and PDGFRβ. This binding triggers multiple intracellular signaling pathways, such as JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT and Ras-MAPK pathways. which are integral to the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, migration, and fibrosis. Notably, PDGF-C has been shown to promote the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, key effector cells in the fibrotic process, thus accelerating the accumulation of extracellular matrix components and the formation of fibrotic tissue. Numerous studies have documented an upregulation of PDGF-C expression in various fibrotic diseases, suggesting its significant role in the initiation and progression of fibrosis. For instance, in liver fibrosis, PDGF-C stimulates hepatic stellate cell activation, contributing to the excessive deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. Similarly, in pulmonary fibrosis, PDGF-C enhances the migration of fibroblasts into the damaged areas of lungs, thereby worsening the pathological process. Such findings highlight the pivotal role of PDGF-C in fibrotic diseases and underscore its potential as a therapeutic target for these conditions. Given its central role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, PDGF-C has become an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Several studies have focused on developing inhibitors that block the PDGF-C/PDGFR signaling pathway. These inhibitors aim to reduce fibroblast activation, prevent the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, and halt the progression of fibrosis. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of such inhibitors in animal models of liver, kidney, and lung fibrosis, with promising results in reducing fibrotic lesions and improving organ function. Furthermore, several clinical inhibitors, such as Olaratumab and Seralutinib, are ongoing to assess the safety and efficacy of these inhibitors in human patients, offering hope for novel therapeutic options in the treatment of fibrotic diseases. In conclusion, PDGF-C plays a critical role in the development and progression of fibrosis in vital organs. Its ability to regulate fibroblast activity and influence key signaling pathways makes it a promising target for therapeutic strategies aiming at combating fibrosis. Ongoing research into the regulation of PDGF-C expression and the development of PDGF-C/PDGFR inhibitors holds the potential to offer new insights and approaches for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fibrotic diseases. Ultimately, these efforts may lead to the development of more effective and targeted therapies that can mitigate the impact of fibrosis and improve patient outcomes.

Aim To express and purify recombinant hCGH-CTP fusion protein in high-density suspension culture of Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-S), and to verify the lipid accumulation effect of rhCGH-CTP on 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes. Methods The recombinant protein expression vector (pcDNA3. 1-rhCGH-CTP) was constructed, achieved by fusing the human glycoprotein hormone beta 5/alpha 2 cDNA with CTP Linker. The expression plasmid was transiently transfected into the suspended CHO-S to express rhCGH-CTP protein and then purified, and the protein biological activity was verified. Intervention with 3T3-L1 mature adipocyte cells for 24 h was performed to detect the changes of intracellular triglyceride (TG) level. Results Western blot results showed that rhCGH-CTP protein was successfully expressed in CHO-S cells, and the yield was up to 715. 4 mg • L~ . The secreted protein was purified by AKTA pure system with higher purity that was up to 90% as identified by SDS-PAGE. In addition, the intracellular cAMP content of mature adipocytes with high expression of TSHR gene significantly increased after intervention with different concentrations of rhCGH-CTP protein by ELISA kit, indicating that rhCGH-CTP protein had biological activity. Oil red 0 staining showed that compared with the control group, the lipid content of mature adipocytes in the intervention groups with different concentrations of rhCGH-CTP protein significantly decreased (P < 0. 05) . Conclusions The rhCGH-CTP protein has been successfully expressed and purified with biological activity, and effectively reduce TG. This research provides an important theoretical basis for further revealing the physiological role of CGH protein and its potential application in clinical practice.

This study investigated the effect of different carrier materials on the in vitro properties of progesterone solid dispersions. The solid dispersions of the insoluble drug progesterone were prepared by hot melt extrusion technique using rheological properties as the index of investigation, and the in vitro properties of the solid dispersions were characterized. Scanning electron microscope revealed solid dispersions with rough surfaces and agglomerated microstructures into irregular lumpy particles. Differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction showed the change of progesterone crystalline form in solid dispersions from crystalline to amorphous state. In vitro dissolution studies showed that solid dispersions prepared with different carrier materials can effectively improve the dissolution rate of drugs. The results of the study showed that the type of carrier material had a significant effect on the in vitro properties of solid dispersions, providing a reference for the study of solid dispersions in the controlled release of insoluble drugs.

BACKGROUND:High ankle sprain is easily missed and leads to ankle dysfunction.Arthroscopy can detect hidden high ankle sprain.Suture-button elastic fixation can restore the biomechanical stability of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. OBJECTIVE:To explore the clinical efficacy of Suture-button elastic fixation for high ankle sprain under ankle arthroscopy. METHODS:A retrospective analysis was performed on 40 cases of high ankle sprain patients treated with Suture-button elastic fixation under ankle arthroscopy from August 2019 to August 2021 in the Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery,Wuhan Fourth Hospital.All patients underwent Suture-button elastic fixation.The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society function score,Visual Analog Scale pain score,ankle range of motion,preoperative imaging data,and arthroscopic tibiofibular syndesmosis separation degree were recorded.Meislin criteria were used to evaluate the curative effect and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)40 patients were followed up for 16-48 months after operation.(2)At the last follow-up,American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score was(88.95±6.64 points).Visual Analog Scale score was(1.78±1.23 points).Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was(33.50±5.79 degrees).Ankle plantarflexion range of motion was(34.50±5.97 degrees).There were statistically significant differences before and after surgery(P<0.05).(3)There was a low positive correlation between the radiographic separation index and the degree of arthroscopic separation(r=0.612,P<0.01).(4)The curative effect was evaluated by Meislin standard,with an excellent and good rate of 95%(38/40).Postoperative ankle joint pain was relieved,and ankle joint activities were significantly improved.(5)During the follow-up period,all patients had no nerve injury or incision infection.In 1 patient,the internal fixation was removed due to skin irritation and squatting sensation after operation.(6)It is concluded that Suture-button elastic fixation for high ankle sprain is effective under ankle arthroscopy in restoring ankle function and maintaining joint stability without the need for secondary removal,and it is worth clinical application.

Objective To analyze the antigen recognition sites of commercial and homemade antibodies against aquaporin(AQP)9,and to identify the application effect.Methods Western blotting was used to compare the efficacy of three commercial antibodies and self-made antibody in identifying AQP9 genotypes.The antigen recognition sites of four antibodies and their specificities in practical applications were analyzed.Results Western blotting showed that protein bands of three commercial antibodies were detected in both WT and Aqp9-/-mice.The keyhole limpet hemocyanin(KLH)conjugated synthetic peptides corresponding to the three commercial antibodies were derived from rat,human and human,respectively.And The sequences of these three synthetic peptides were different from those of mice.AQP3/7 and AQP9 have similar molecular weight and were expressed in the liver with high homology.An obvious band of self-made antibody was observed at the 27 kD position in WT mice,but no band was observed at the corresponding position in Aqp9-/-mice.Conclusion Commercial antibodies 1 and 3 can be used to assist in the identification of genotypes in Aqp9-/-mice.Homemade antibodies can accurately identify genotypes at the protein level.

Objective To compare the effects of 20 mg qd and 10 mg bidadministration of iprrazole enteric-coated tablets on the control of gastric acid in healthy subjects.Methods A randomized,single-center,parallel controlled trial was designed to include 8 healthy subjects.Randomly divided into 2 groups,20 mg qd administration group:20 mg enteric-coated tablets of iprrazole in the morning;10 mg bid administration group:10 mg enteric-coated tablets of iprrazole in the morning and 10 mg in the evening.The pH values in the stomach of the subjects before and 24 h after administration were monitored by pH meter.The plasma concentration of iprazole after administration was determined by HPLC-MS/MS.The main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by Phoenix WinNonlin(V8.0)software.Results The PK parameters of iprrazole enteric-coated tablets and reference preparations in fasting group were as follows:The Cmax of 20 mg qd group and 10 mg bid group were(595.75±131.15)and(283.50±96.98)ng·mL-1;AUC0-t were(5 531.94±784.35)and(4 686.67±898.23)h·ng·mL-1;AUC0-∞ were(6 003.19±538.59)and(7 361.48±1 816.77)h·ng·mL-1,respectively.The mean time percentage of gastric pH＞3 after 20 mg qd and 10 mg bid were 82.64％and 61.92％,and the median gastric pH within 24 h were 6.25±1.49 and 3.53±2.05,respectively.The mean gastric pH values within 24 h were 5.71±1.36 and 4.23±1.45,respectively.The correlation analysis of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics showed that there was no significant correlation between the peak concentration of drug in plasma and the inhibitory effect of acid.Conclusion Compared with the 20 mg qd group and the 10 mg bid group,the acid inhibition effect is better,the administration times are less,and the safety of the two administration regimes is good.

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of empagliflozin and linagliptin in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)with heart failure(HF).Methods Patients with T2DM and HF were randomly into control group and treatment group.Both groups were treated with individualized anti-HF and metformin-based hypoglycemic therapy.On this basis,the control group was given linagliptin orally(5 mg each time,once a day),while the treatment group was given oral administration of empagliflozin 10 mg every day.Patients in both groups were treated continuously for 6 months.The clinical efficacy and blood glucose indicators[fasting blood glucose(FBG),2 h postprandial blood glucose(2 h PBG),hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)],cardiac molecular markers[N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),fibroblast growth factor 23(FGF23),copeptin(CPP)]and caridac function indicators[left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular remodeling index(LVRI)]before and after treatment were compared,and the adverse drug reactions were recorded.Results There were 40 cases in treatment group and 40 cases in control group.After treatment,the total effective rates in treatment group and control group were 97.50％(39 cases/40 cases)and 80.00％(32 cases/40 cases),with no significant difference(P＜0.05).The FBG levels in treatment group and control group were(7.64±1.18)and(7.83±1.24)mmol·L-1;2 h PBG levels were(8.97±1.46)and(9.04±1.35)mmol·L-1;HbA1c levels were(7.58±1.27)％and(7.65±1.42)％,all with no significant difference(all P＞0.05).The NT-proBNP levels in treatment group and control group were(612.53±204.62)and(1 045.24±316.75)pg·mL-1;FGF23 levels were(362.74±62.61)and(493.27±74.64)μg·L-1;CPP levels were(12.58±3.43)and(16.87±4.36)pmol·L-1;LVEDD values were(51.19±2.36)and(53.35±2.24)mm;LVEF values were(52.69±3.38)％and(50.28±3.75)％;LVRI values were(2.62±0.29)and(2.96±0.33)kg·L-1,all with significant difference(all P＜0.05).The incidence rates of adverse reactions in treatment group and control group were 5.00％(2 cases/40 cases)and 10.00％(4 cases/40 cases),with no significant difference(P＞0.05).Conclusion Both empagliflozin and linagliptin can effectively reduce the blood glucose in patients with T2DM complicated with HF.Empagliflozin can better promote the improvement of cardiac function in patients without significantly increase the incidence of adverse drug reactions.

Objective:To assess the value of optical genome mapping (OGM) for the detection of chromosomal structural abnormalities including ring chromosomes, balanced translocations, and insertional translocations.Methods:Clinical data of four patients who underwent pre-implantation genetic testing concurrently with OGM and chromosomal microarray analysis at the Center of Reproductive Medicine of the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January to October 2022 due to chromosomal structural abnormalities were selected as the study subjects. Some of the results were verified by multi-color fluorescence in situ hybridization. Results:The OGM has successfully detected a balanced translocation and fine mapped the breakpoints in a patient. Among two patients with insertional translocations, OGM has provided more refined breakpoint locations than karyotyping analysis in a patient who had chromosome 3 inserted into chromosome 6 and determined the direction of the inserted fragment. However, OGM has failed to detect the chromosomal abnormalit in a patient with chromosome 8 inserted into the Y chromosome. It has also failed to detect circular signals in a patient with ring chromosome mosaicism.Conclusion:OGM has successfully detected chromosomal structural variations in the four patients and provided assistance for their diagnosis.

ObjectiveDetection and quantification of RNA synthesis in cells is a widely used technique for monitoring cell viability, health, and metabolic rate.After exposure to environmental stimuli, both the internal reference gene and target gene would be degraded. As a result, it is imperative to consider the accurate capture of nascent RNA and the detection of transcriptional levels of RNA following environmental stimulation. This study aims to create a Click Chemistry method that utilizes its property to capture nascent RNA from total RNA that was stimulated by the environment. MethodsThe new RNA was labeled with 5-ethyluridine (5-EU) instead of uracil, and the azido-biotin medium ligand was connected to the magnetic sphere using a combination of “Click Chemistry” and magnetic bead screening. Then the new RNA was captured and the transcription rate of 16S rRNA was detected by fluorescence molecular beacon (M.B.) and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). ResultsThe bacterial nascent RNA captured by “Click Chemistry” screening can be used as a reverse transcription template to form cDNA. Combined with the fluorescent molecular beacon M.B.1, the synthesis rate of rRNA at 37℃ is 1.2 times higher than that at 15℃. The 16S rRNA gene and cspI gene can be detected by fluorescent quantitative PCR,it was found that the measured relative gene expression changes were significantly enhanced at 25℃ and 16℃ when analyzed with nascent RNA rather than total RNA, enabling accurate detection of RNA transcription rates. ConclusionCompared to other article reported experimental methods that utilize screening magnetic columns, the technical scheme employed in this study is more suitable for bacteria, and the operation steps are simple and easy to implement, making it an effective RNA capture method for researchers.

Objective To design a novel oxygenator to solve the existing problems of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)machine in high transmembrane pressure difference,low efficiency of blood oxygen exchange and susceptibility to thrombosis.Methods The main body of the oxygenator vascular access flow field was gifted with a flat cylindrical shape.The topology of the vascular access was modeled in three dimensions,and the whole flow field was cut into a blood inlet section,an inlet buffer,a heat exchange zone,a blood oxygen exchange zone,an outlet buffer and a blood outlet section.The oxygenator was compared with Quadrox oxygenator by means of ANSYS FLUENT-based simulation and prototype experiments.Results Simulation calculations showed the oxygenator designed was comparable to the clinically used ones in general,and gained advantages in transmembrane pressure difference,blood oxygen exchange and flow uniformity.Experimental results indicated that the oxygenator behaved better than Quadrox oxygenator in transmembrane pressure difference and blood oxygen exchange.Conclusion The oxygenator has advantages in transmem-brane pressure difference,temperature change,blood oxygen ex-change and low probability of thrombosis.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(3):23-28]