Integrating network pharmacology and experimental validation reveals therapeutic effects of D-mannose on NAFLD through mTOR suppression

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a chronic liver condition and metabolic disorder, has emerged as a significant health issue worldwide. D-mannose, a natural monosaccharide widely existing in plants and animals, has demonstrated metabolic regulatory properties. However, the effect and mechanism by which D-mannose may counteract NAFLD have not been studied. In this study, network pharmacology followed by molecular docking analysis was utilized to identify potential targets of mannose against NAFLD, and the leptin receptor-deficient, genetically obese db/db mice was employed as an animal model of NAFLD to validate the regulation of D-mannose on core targets. As a result, 67 targets of mannose are predicted associated with NAFLD, which are surprisingly centered on the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). Further analyses suggest that mTOR signaling is functionally enriched in potential targets of mannose treating NAFLD, and that mannose putatively binds to mTOR as a core mechanism. Expectedly, repeated oral gavage of supraphysiological D-mannose ameliorates liver steatosis of db/db mice, which is based on suppression of hepatic mTOR signaling. Moreover, daily D-mannose administration reduced hepatic expression of lipogenic regulatory genes in counteracting NAFLD. Together, these findings reveal D-mannose as an effective and potential NAFLD therapeutic through mTOR suppression, which holds translational promise.

[Study on liver tissue derived-extracellular vesicles regulating the osteogenic differentiation ability of mesenchymal stem cells and promoting the healing of jaw bone defects]

Objective: To explore the biological process of liver tissue-derived extracellular vesicle (LT-EV) in promoting osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and healing of jaw defects to provide a feasible treatment method for the clinical treatment of jaw bone defects. Methods: Enzymatic hydrolysis and differential centrifugation were used to extract LT-EV, scanning electron microscopy, Western blotting, and nanoparticle tracking analyzers were used to identify and characterize LT-EV, and further to explore the biological functions of LT-EV through proteomics and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Flow cytometry was used to detect LT-EV plasma concentration and to calculate the plasma half-life of LT-EV. Small animal in vivo imaging system was used to detect the biological distribution of LT-EV 24 hours after injection. Six C57BL/6 mice were divided into control group and LT-EV group (3 mice in each group) by simple random sampling method. All mice underwent jaw bone defect surgery and tail vein injection every 7 days (the control group was injected with phosphoric buffer saline, LT-EV group was injected with LT-EV), micro-CT was used to evaluate the degree of mouse jaw bone healing 28 days after surgery, HE staining was used to analyze the multi-organ biosafety of LT-EV, and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the jaw bone expression of osteogenic marker proteins in the defect area. Human jaw bone mesenchymal stem cells (hJBMSC) induced by osteogenic differentiation were treated with LT-EV (obtained from orthognathic surgery patients provided by the Department of Traumatology and Orthognathic Surgery of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University resected normal jaw bone fragments), and the difference in osteogenic differentiation ability between the hJBMSC group and the control group (phosphate buffer saline treatment) was compared, and the in vitro bone differentiation promoting effect of LT-EV was verified through alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: The yield of LT-EV was high, and proteomics and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes showed that LT-EV contained a series of proteins that regulated cell biological functions. LT-EV injected into the tail vein could reach the mouse jaw bone defect area and promote the regeneration and repair of the jaw bone defect [the bone volume fractions of the LT-EV group and the control group were (36.06±4.20)% and (18.58±5.61)%, respectively; t=4.32, P=0.013], and had good biosafety. LT-EV could promote osteogenic differentiation of hJBMSC in vitro. Compared to the control group, ALP staining and osteogenic gene expression levels were significantly enhanced after osteogenic differentiation of hJBMSC (P<0.05). Conclusions: LT-EV exhibits a high yield, ease of acquisition, high biological safety, and excellent bone-promoting effects. It holds promise as a novel cell-free therapy strategy for regenerating craniofacial bone defects.

[Analysis of the differences in the characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells derived from jaw and long bones based on single-cell RNA-sequencing]

Objective: To study the whole bone marrow cellular composition of jaw and long bones, and further analyze the heterogeneity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from these two tissue, aiming at exploring the differences in functional characteristics of bone MSCs from different lineage sources. Methods: The Seurat package of R language was used to analyze the mandibular and femur whole bone marrow single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets in the literature, and the subpopulations were annotated by reference to the marker genes reported by previous studies. The differentially expressed genes between mandible-derived MSCs (M-MSCs) and femur-derived MSCs (F-MSCs) were calculated, and cell-cell communication analysis between M-MSCs or F-MSCs with other cell populations was performed. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed on up-regulated and down-regulated differentially expressed genes of M-MSCs, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed on M-MSCs or F-MSCs. Results: cRNA-seq analysis showed that the mandible and femur had the same bone marrow cell composition, but there were differences in the proportion of specific cell populations. Also, there were significantly differentially expressed genes between M-MSCs and F-MSCs. In addition, cell-cell communication analysis revealed differences in numbers of ligand-receptor pairs between M-MSCs or F-MSCs with other cell populations. Furthermore, GO, KEGG and GSEA analysis showed that M-MSCs had higher extracellular matrix production potential than F-MSCs, but had lower ability to regulate other cells in the bone marrow, especially immune cells. Conclusions: M-MSCs and F-MSCs showed distinct differences in the gene expression pattern and up-regulated signaling pathways, which may be closely related to the developmental sources and functional characteristics of jaw and long bones.

A Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibits the Viability of Breast Cancer Cells

Breast cancer, the most prevalent malignancy in women, often progresses to bone metastases, especially in older individuals. Dormancy, a critical aspect of bone-metastasized breast cancer cells (BCCs), enables them to evade treatment and recur. This dormant state is regulated by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) through the secretion of various factors, including those associated with senescence. However, the specific mechanisms by which BMMSCs induce dormancy in BCCs remain unclear. To address this gap, a bone-specific senescence-accelerated murine model, SAMP6, was utilized to minimize confounding systemic age-related factors. Confirming senescence-accelerated osteoporosis, distinct BMMSC phenotypes were observed in SAMP6 mice compared to SAMR1 counterparts. Notably, SAMP6-BMMSCs exhibited premature senescence primarily due to telomerase activity loss and activation of the p21 signaling pathway. Furthermore, the effects of conditioned medium (CM) derived from SAMP6-BMMSCs versus SAMR1-BMMSCs on BCC proliferation were examined. Intriguingly, only CM from SAMP6-BMMSCs inhibited BCC proliferation by upregulating p21 expression in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. These findings suggest that the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) of BMMSCs suppresses BCC viability by inducing p21, a pivotal cell cycle inhibitor and tumor suppressor. This highlights a heightened susceptibility of BCCs to dormancy in a senescent microenvironment, potentially contributing to the increased incidence of breast cancer bone metastasis and recurrence observed with aging.

Effect of bimatoprost sustained-release intracameral implant on intraocular pressure and medication burden in patients with prior glaucoma surgery

The present retrospective study evaluated intraocular pressure (IOP) and medication burden after bimatoprost sustained-release (bimatoprost SR, Durysta, Allergan) implantation in patients with glaucoma. A secondary objective was to examine an effect of bimatoprost SR in a subset of patients with prior minimally invasive and incisional glaucoma surgery. A retrospective chart review of 122 eyes that received bimatoprost SR by 6 glaucoma specialists at Wills Eye Hospital between March 2020 and September 2021 was performed. One hundred and eighteen eyes from 84 patients had a reduction in IOP (18.5±5.7mmHg vs. 16.0±5.4mmHg, P<0.01) and required fewer glaucoma medications (2.1±1.4 vs. 1.2±1.2, P<0.01) after bimatoprost SR implantation. In 41 eyes from 31 patients who previously underwent glaucoma surgery (including iStent, goniotomy, trabeculectomy, Xen Gel Stent, or tube shunt surgery), medication burden was decreased after bimatoprost SR implantation (1.9±1.3 vs. 1.0±1.0, P<0.001). These data suggest that bimatoprost SR is an efficacious treatment modality for glaucoma, even in post-surgical patients.

Managing spindle cell sarcoma with surgery and high-intensity focused ultrasound: A case report

BACKGROUND

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas, also known as spindle cell sarcomas, are a relatively uncommon subtype of soft tissue sarcomas in clinical practice.

CASE SUMMARY

We present a case report of a 69-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with undifferentiated spindle cell soft tissue sarcoma on her left thigh. Surgical excision was initially performed, but the patient experienced a local recurrence following multiple surgeries and radioactive particle implantations. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) was subsequently administered, resulting in complete ablation of the sarcoma without any significant complications other than bone damage at the treated site. However, approximately four months later, the patient experienced a broken lesion at the original location. After further diagnostic workup, the patient underwent additional surgery and is currently stable with a good quality of life.

CONCLUSION

HIFU has shown positive outcomes in achieving local control of limb spindle cell sarcoma, making it an effective non-invasive treatment option.

Region-specific sympatho-adrenergic regulation of specialized vasculature in bone homeostasis and regeneration

Type H vessels couple angiogenesis with osteogenesis, while sympathetic cues regulate vascular and skeletal function. The crosstalk between sympathetic nerves and type H vessels in bone remains unclear. Here, we first identify close spatial connections between sympathetic nerves and type H vessels in bone, particularly in metaphysis. Sympathoexcitation, mimicked by isoproterenol (ISO) injection, reduces type H vessels and bone mass. Conversely, beta-2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) deficiency maintains type H vessels and bone mass in the physiological condition. In vitro experiments reveal indirect sympathetic modulation of angiogenesis via paracrine effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which alter the transcription of multiple angiogenic genes in endothelial cells (ECs). Furthermore, Notch signaling in ECs underlies sympathoexcitation-regulated type H vessel formation, impacting osteogenesis and bone mass. Finally, propranolol (PRO) inhibits beta-adrenergic activity and protects type H vessels and bone mass against estrogen deficiency. These findings unravel the specialized neurovascular coupling in bone homeostasis and regeneration.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Aggregation-Released Extracellular Vesicles Induce CD31+ EMCN+ Vessels in Skin Regeneration and Improve Diabetic Wound Healing

The blood vessel system is essential for skin homeostasis and regeneration. While the heterogeneity of vascular endothelial cells has been emergingly revealed, whether a regeneration-relevant vessel subtype exists in skin remains unknown. Herein, a specialized vasculature in skin featured by simultaneous CD31 and EMCN expression contributing to the regeneration process is identified, the decline of which functionally underlies the impaired angiogenesis of diabetic nonhealing wounds. Moreover, enlightened by the developmental process that mesenchymal condensation induces angiogenesis, it is demonstrated that mesenchymal stem/stromal cell aggregates (CAs) provide an efficacious therapy to enhance regrowth of CD31+ EMCN+ vessels in diabetic wounds, which is surprisingly suppressed by pharmacological inhibition of extracellular vesicle (EV) release. It is further shown that CAs promote secretion of angiogenic protein-enriched EVs by proteomic analysis, which directly exert high efficacy in boosting CD31+ EMCN+ vessels and treating nonhealing diabetic wounds. These results add to the current knowledge on skin vasculature and help establish feasible strategies to benefit wound healing under diabetic condition.

Mesenchymal condensation in tooth development and regeneration: a focus on translational aspects of organogenesis

The teeth are vertebrate-specific, highly specialized organs performing fundamental functions of mastication and speech, the maintenance of which is crucial for orofacial homeostasis and is further linked to systemic health and human psychosocial well-being. However, with limited ability for self-repair, the teeth can often be impaired by traumatic, inflammatory, and progressive insults, leading to high prevalence of tooth loss and defects worldwide. Regenerative medicine holds the promise to achieve physiological restoration of lost or damaged organs, and in particular an evolving framework of developmental engineering has pioneered functional tooth regeneration by harnessing the odontogenic program. As a key event of tooth morphogenesis, mesenchymal condensation dictates dental tissue formation and patterning through cellular self-organization and signaling interaction with the epithelium, which provides a representative to decipher organogenetic mechanisms and can be leveraged for regenerative purposes. In this review, we summarize how mesenchymal condensation spatiotemporally assembles from dental stem cells (DSCs) and sequentially mediates tooth development. We highlight condensation-mimetic engineering efforts and mechanisms based on ex vivo aggregation of DSCs, which have achieved functionally robust and physiologically relevant tooth regeneration after implantation in animals and in humans. The discussion of this aspect will add to the knowledge of development-inspired tissue engineering strategies and will offer benefits to propel clinical organ regeneration.

Proteomic analysis identifies Stomatin as a biological marker for psychological stress

Psychological stress emerges to be a common health burden in the current society for its highly related risk of mental and physical disease outcomes. However, how the quickly-adaptive stress response process connects to the long-observed organismal alterations still remains unclear. Here, we investigated the profile of circulatory extracellular vesicles (EVs) after acute stress (AS) of restraint mice by phenotypic and proteomic analyses. We surprisingly discovered that AS-EVs demonstrated significant changes in size distribution and plasma concentration compared to control group (CN) EVs. AS-EVs were further characterized by various differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) closely associated with biological, metabolic and immune regulations and were functionally important in potentially underlying multiple diseases. Notably, we first identified the lipid raft protein Stomatin as an essential biomarker expressed on the surface of AS-EVs. These findings collectively reveal that EVs are a significant function-related liquid biopsy indicator that mediate circulation alterations impinged by psychological stress, while also supporting the idea that psychological stress-associated EV-stomatin can be used as a biomarker for potentially predicting acute stress responses and monitoring psychological status. Our study will pave an avenue for implementing routine plasma EV-based theranostics in the clinic.

Optimized immunofluorescence staining protocol for identifying resident mesenchymal stem cells in bone using LacZ transgenic mice

Glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1) marks a subpopulation of endogenous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) characterized by perivascular location. Here, we present an optimized immunofluorescence staining protocol to identify resident Gli1⁺ MSCs in fixed/frozen bone sections from LacZ transgenic mice. This protocol describes the preparation of fixed/frozen tissue sections and the use of LacZ immunofluorescent staining for the in vivo characterization of endogenous MSCs, regarding their specific identity and specialized niches, and is applicable to LacZ-expressing cells of diverse organs. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Chen et al. (2020).

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes: A novel and potential remedy for cutaneous wound healing and regeneration

Poor healing of cutaneous wounds is a common medical problem in the field of traumatology. Due to the intricate pathophysiological processes of wound healing, the use of conventional treatment methods, such as chemical molecule drugs and traditional dressings, have been unable to achieve satisfactory outcomes. Within recent years, explicit evidence suggests that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great therapeutic potentials on skin wound healing and regeneration. However, the direct application of MSCs still faces many challenges and difficulties. Intriguingly, exosomes as cell-secreted granular vesicles with a lipid bilayer membrane structure and containing specific components from the source cells may emerge to be excellent substitutes for MSCs. Exosomes derived from MSCs (MSC-exosomes) have been demonstrated to be beneficial for cutaneous wound healing and accelerate the process through a variety of mechanisms. These mechanisms include alleviating inflammation, promoting vascularization, and promoting proliferation and migration of epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Therefore, the application of MSC-exosomes may be a promising alternative to cell therapy in the treatment of cutaneous wounds and could promote wound healing through multiple mechanisms simultaneously. This review will provide an overview of the role and the mechanisms of MSC-derived exosomes in cutaneous wound healing, and elaborate the potentials and future perspectives of MSC-exosomes application in clinical practice.

Sympathetic Neurostress Drives Osteoblastic Exosomal MiR-21 Transfer to Disrupt Bone Homeostasis and Promote Osteopenia

Innervation and extracellular vesicle secretion co-exist in the local tissue microenvironment for message transfer, but whether they are interconnected to regulate organ homeostasis remains unknown. Sympatho-adrenergic activation is implicated in stress-induced depression and leads to bone loss, but the mechanisms and therapeutics are incompletely elucidated. Here, it is revealed that sympathetic neurostress through the β_1/2 -adrenergic receptor (β1/2-AR) signaling triggers the transcription response of a microRNA, miR-21, in osteoblasts, which is transferred to osteoclast progenitors via exosomes for dictating osteoclastogenesis. After confirming that miR-21 deficiency retards the β1/2-AR agonist isoproterenol (ISO)-induced osteopenia, it is shown that the pharmacological inhibition of exosome release by two clinically-relevant drugs, dimethyl amiloride and omeprazole, suppresses osteoblastic miR-21 transfer and ameliorates bone loss under both ISO and chronic variable stress (CVS)-induced depression conditions. A targeted delivery approach to specifically silence osteoblastic miR-21 is further applied, which is effective in rescuing the bone remodeling balance and ameliorating ISO- and CVS-induced osteopenias. These results decipher a previously unrecognized paradigm that neural cues drive exosomal microRNA communication to regulate organ homeostasis and help to establish feasible strategies to counteract bone loss under psychological stresses.

Gli1+ Cells Couple with Type H Vessels and Are Required for Type H Vessel Formation

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) reside in the perivascular niche and modulate tissue/organ homeostasis; however, little is known about whether and how their localization and function are linked. Particularly, whether specific MSC subsets couple with and regulate specialized vessel subtypes is unclear. Here, we show that Gli1⁺ cells, which are a subpopulation of MSCs couple with and regulate a specialized form of vasculature. The specific capillaries, i.e., CD31^hiEMCN^hi type H vessels, are the preferable vascular subtype which Gli1⁺ cells are adjacent to in bone. Gli1⁺ cells are further identified to be phenotypically coupled with type H endothelium during bone growth and defect healing. Importantly, Gli1⁺ cell ablation inhibits type H vessel formation associated with suppressed bone generation and regeneration. Mechanistically, Gli1⁺ cells initiate angiogenesis through Gli and HIF-1α signaling. These findings suggest a morphological and functional framework of Gli1⁺ cells modulating coupled type H vasculature for tissue homeostasis and regenerative repair.

Mesenchymal stromal cell-mediated immune regulation: A promising remedy in the therapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major threat to global public health, with increasing prevalence as well as high morbidity and mortality, to which immune dysfunction has been recognized as a crucial contributor. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), obtained from various sources and possessing potent immunomodulatory abilities, have displayed great therapeutic potential for T2DM. Interestingly, the immunomodulatory capabilities of MSCs are endowed and plastic. Among the multiple mechanisms involved in MSC-mediated immune regulation, the paracrine effects of MSCs have attracted much attention. Of note, extracellular vesicles (EVs), an important component of MSC secretome, have emerged as pivotal mediators of their immunoregulatory effects. Particularly, the necrobiology of MSCs, especially apoptosis, has recently been revealed to affect their immunomodulatory functions in vivo. In specific, a variety of preclinical studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of MSCs on improving islet function and ameliorating insulin resistance. More importantly, clinical trials have further uncovered the therapeutic potential of MSCs for T2DM. In this review, we outline current knowledge regarding the plasticity and underlying mechanisms of MSC-mediated immune modulation, focusing on the paracrine effects. We also summarize the applications of MSC-based therapies for T2DM in both preclinical studies and clinical trials, with particular emphasis on the modulation of immune system.

Mitochondrial Regulation of Stem Cells in Bone Homeostasis

Mitochondria have emerged as key contributors to the organismal homeostasis, in which mitochondrial regulation of stem cells is becoming increasingly important. Originated from mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) lineage commitments and interactions, bone is a representative organ where the mitochondrial essentiality to stem cell function has most recently been discovered, underlying skeletal health, aging, and diseases. Furthermore, mitochondrial medications based on modulating stem cell specification are emerging to provide promising therapies to counteract bone aging and pathologies. Here we review the cutting-edge knowledge regarding mitochondrial regulation of stem cells in bone homeostasis, highlighting mechanistic insights as well as mitochondrial strategies for augmented bone healing and tissue regeneration.

[Prevalence and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy in hospital patients]

Objective: To analyze the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in ophthalmic patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed. Diabetic patients who were admitted to Department of Ophthalmology, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Muping between October 2012 and June 2013 were included. General information and medical history were obtained from each subject by questionaires. Laboratory and detailed ophthalmic examinations were performed during the study. DR was diagnosed and graded by mydriatic fundus photography. Prevalence of DR was calculated and logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between DR and various factors. Results: A total of 676 diabetic patients were included, and 455 of them presented with DR at a morbidity rate of 67.31%. Among DR patients, the number of mild, moderate, severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) patients and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients were 211 (46.37%), 167 (36.70%), 57 (12.53%) and 20 (4.40%), respectively. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of DR among different age groups (χ(2)=6.527, P=0.089). However, there was a significant difference between different disease duration groups (χ(2)=39.401, P<0.001), as well as between insulin therapy group and non-insulin therapy group (χ(2)=7.378, P=0.007). The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated the independent risk factors for DR occurrence were hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (OR=1.131, 95%CI: 1.022-1.252, P=0.011) and duration of diabetes (OR=1.077, 95%CI: 1.046-1.108, P<0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of DR in ophthalmic patients was associated with duration of diabetes, HbA1c, obesity, smoke, nephropaty and insulin therapy. Increased HbA1c level and longer duration of diabetes were independent risk factors for DR in diabetic patients.

NDRG2 suppression as a molecular hallmark of photoreceptor-specific cell death in the mouse retina

Photoreceptor cell death is recognized as the key pathogenesis of retinal degeneration, but the molecular basis underlying photoreceptor-specific cell loss in retinal damaging conditions is virtually unknown. The N-myc downstream regulated gene (NDRG) family has recently been reported to regulate cell viability, in particular NDRG1 has been uncovered expression in photoreceptor cells. Accordingly, we herein examined the potential roles of NDRGs in mediating photoreceptor-specific cell loss in retinal damages. By using mouse models of retinal degeneration and the 661 W photoreceptor cell line, we showed that photoreceptor cells are indeed highly sensitive to light exposure and the related oxidative stress, and that photoreceptor cells are even selectively diminished by phototoxins of the alkylating agent N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU). Unexpectedly, we discovered that of all the NDRG family members, NDRG2, but not the originally hypothesized NDRG1 or other NDRG subtypes, was selectively expressed and specifically responded to retinal damaging conditions in photoreceptor cells. Furthermore, functional experiments proved that NDRG2 was essential for photoreceptor cell viability, which could be attributed to NDRG2 control of the photo-oxidative stress, and that it was the suppression of NDRG2 which led to photoreceptor cell loss in damaging conditions. More importantly, NDRG2 preservation contributed to photoreceptor-specific cell maintenance and retinal protection both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings revealed a previously unrecognized role of NDRG2 in mediating photoreceptor cell homeostasis and established for the first time the molecular hallmark of photoreceptor-specific cell death as NDRG2 suppression, shedding light on improved understanding and therapy of retinal degeneration.

Resveratrol enhances the functionality and improves the regeneration of mesenchymal stem cell aggregates

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based regeneration, specifically cell aggregate or cell sheet engineering, is a promising approach for tissue reconstruction. Considering the advantages of ease of harvest and lack of immune rejection, the application of autologous MSCs (i.e., patients' own MSCs) in regenerative medicine has developed considerable interest. However, the impaired cell viability and regenerative potential following MSCs impacted by disease remain a major challenge. Resveratrol (RSV) exhibits reliable and extensive rejuvenative activities that have received increasing clinical attention. Here, we uncovered that resveratrol enhances the functionality and improves the regeneration of mesenchymal stem cell aggregates. Periodontal ligament MSCs (PDLSCs) from normal control subjects (N-PDLSCs) and periodontitis patients (P-PDLSCs) were investigated. Compared to N-PDLSCs, P-PDLSCs were less capable of forming cell aggregates, and P-PDLSC aggregates showed impaired osteogenesis and regeneration. These functional declines could be mimicked in N-PDLSCs by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) treatment. Notably, a TNF-α-induced functional decline in N-PDLSC aggregates was rescued by RSV application. More importantly, in both N-PDLSCs and P-PDLSCs, RSV promoted cell aggregate formation and improved their osteogenic potential. Furthermore, as proven ectopically in vivo, the tissue regenerative capability of P-PDLSC aggregates was also enhanced after RSV treatment during aggregate formation in vitro. Finally, in a rat in situ regeneration model, we successfully applied both N-PDLSC aggregates and P-PDLSC aggregates to repair periodontal defects upon long-term functional improvements by RSV preconditioning. Together, our data unravel a novel methodology for using pharmacology (i.e., RSV)-based cell aggregate engineering to improve the functionality and facilitate the regeneration of MSCs from both healthy and inflammatory microenvironments, shedding light on improving the application of autologous MSC-mediated regenerative medicine.

Reconstruction of structure and function in tissue engineering of solid organs: Toward simulation of natural development based on decellularization

Failure of solid organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidney, remains a major cause of the world's mortality due to critical shortage of donor organs. Tissue engineering, which uses elements including cells, scaffolds, and growth factors to fabricate functional organs in vitro, is a promising strategy to mitigate the scarcity of transplantable organs. Within recent years, different construction strategies that guide the combination of tissue engineering elements have been applied in solid organ tissue engineering and have achieved much progress. Most attractively, construction strategy based on whole-organ decellularization has become a popular and promising approach, because the overall structure of extracellular matrix can be well preserved. However, despite the preservation of whole structure, the current constructs derived from decellularization-based strategy still perform partial functions of solid organs, due to several challenges, including preservation of functional extracellular matrix structure, implementation of functional recellularization, formation of functional vascular network, and realization of long-term functional integration. This review overviews the status quo of solid organ tissue engineering, including both advances and challenges. We have also put forward a few techniques with potential to solve the challenges, mainly focusing on decellularization-based construction strategy. We propose that the primary concept for constructing tissue-engineered solid organs is fabricating functional organs based on intact structure via simulating the natural development and regeneration processes.

Lentiviral Vectors and Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors: Useful Tools for Gene Transfer in Pain Research

Pain, especially chronic pain, has always been a heated point in both basic and clinical researches since it puts heavy burdens on both individuals and the whole society. A better understanding of the role of biological molecules and various ionic channels involved in pain can shed light on the mechanism under pain and advocate the development of pain management. Using viral vectors to transfer specific genes at targeted sites is a promising method for both research and clinical applications. Lentiviral vectors and adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vectors which allow stable and long‐term expression of transgene in non‐dividing cells are widely applied in pain research. In this review, we thoroughly outline the structure, category, advantages and disadvantages and the delivery methods of lentiviral and AAV vectors. The methods through which lentiviral and AAV vectors are delivered to targeted sites are closely related with the sites, level and period of transgene expression. Focus is placed on the various delivery methods applied to deliver vectors to spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion both of which play important roles in primary nociception. Our goal is to provide insight into the features of these two viral vectors and which administration approach can be chosen for different pain researches. Anat Rec, 301:825–836, 2018. © 2017 The Authors. The Anatomical Record published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists.

Stem cell-based bone regeneration in diseased microenvironments: Challenges and solutions

Restoration of extensive bone loss and defects remain as an unfulfilled challenge in modern medicine. Given the critical contributions to bone homeostasis and diseases, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown great promise to jumpstart and facilitate bone healing, with immense regenerative potential in both pharmacology-based endogenous MSC rescue/mobilization in skeletal diseases and emerging application of MSC transplantation in bone tissue engineering and cytotherapy. However, efficacy of MSC-based bone regeneration was not always achieved; particularly, fulfillment of MSC-mediated bone healing in diseased microenvironments of host comorbidities remains as a major challenge. Indeed, impacts of diseased microenvironments on MSC function rely not only on the dynamic regulation of resident MSCs by surrounding niche to convoy pathological signals of bone, but also on the profound interplay between transplanted MSCs and recipient components that mediates and modulates therapeutic effects on skeletal conditions. Accordingly, novel solutions have recently been developed, including improving resistance of MSCs to diseased microenvironments, recreating beneficial microenvironments to guarantee MSC-based regeneration, and usage of subcellular vesicles of MSCs in cell-free therapies. In this review, we summarize state-of-the-art knowledge regarding applications and challenges of MSC-mediated bone healing, further offering principles and effective strategies to optimize MSC-based bone regeneration in aging and diseases.

Anti-aging pharmacology in cutaneous wound healing: effects of metformin, resveratrol, and rapamycin by local application

Cutaneous wounds are among the most common soft tissue injuries and are particularly hard to heal in aging. Caloric restriction (CR) is well documented to extend longevity; pharmacologically, profound rejuvenative effects of CR mimetics have been uncovered, especially metformin (MET), resveratrol (RSV), and rapamycin (RAPA). However, locally applied impacts and functional differences of these agents on wound healing remain to be established. Here, we discovered that chronic topical administration of MET and RSV, but not RAPA, accelerated wound healing with improved epidermis, hair follicles, and collagen deposition in young rodents, and MET exerted more profound effects. Furthermore, locally applied MET and RSV improved vascularization of the wound beds, which were attributed to stimulation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, the key mediator of wound healing. Notably, in aged skin, AMPK pathway was inhibited, correlated with impaired vasculature and reduced healing ability. As therapeutic approaches, local treatments of MET and RSV prevented age-related AMPK suppression and angiogenic inhibition in wound beds. Moreover, in aged rats, rejuvenative effects of topically applied MET and RSV on cell viability of wound beds were confirmed, of which MET showed more prominent anti-aging effects. We further verified that only MET promoted wound healing and cutaneous integrity in aged skin. These findings clarified differential effects of CR-based anti-aging pharmacology in wound healing, identified critical angiogenic and rejuvenative mechanisms through AMPK pathway in both young and aged skin, and unraveled chronic local application of MET as the optimal and promising regenerative agent in treating cutaneous wound defects.

Recipient Glycemic Micro-environments Govern Therapeutic Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Infusion on Osteopenia

Therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) infusion have been revealed in various human disorders, but impacts of diseased micro-environments are only beginning to be noticed. Donor diabetic hyperglycemia is reported to impair therapeutic efficacy of stem cells. However, whether recipient diabetic condition also affects MSC-mediated therapy is unknown. We and others have previously shown that MSC infusion could cure osteopenia, particularly in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Here, we discovered impaired MSC therapeutic effects on osteopenia in recipient type 1 diabetes (T1D). Through intensive glycemic control by daily insulin treatments, therapeutic effects of MSCs on osteopenia were maintained. Interestingly, by only transiently restoration of recipient euglycemia using single insulin injection, MSC infusion could also rescue T1D-induced osteopenia. Conversely, under recipient hyperglycemia induced by glucose injection in OVX mice, MSC-mediated therapeutic effects on osteopenia were diminished. Mechanistically, recipient hyperglycemic micro-environments reduce anti-inflammatory capacity of MSCs in osteoporotic therapy through suppressing MSC interaction with T cells via the Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. We further revealed in diabetic micro-environments, double infusion of MSCs ameliorated osteopenia by anti-inflammation, attributed to the first transplanted MSCs which normalized the recipient glucose homeostasis. Collectively, our findings uncover a previously unrecognized role of recipient glycemic conditions controlling MSC-mediated therapy, and unravel that fulfillment of potent therapeutic effects of MSCs requires tight control of recipient micro-environments.

miR-21 deficiency inhibits osteoclast function and prevents bone loss in mice

MicroRNAs emerge as critical post-transcriptional regulators in bone metabolism. We have previously reported in vitro that miR-21 promotes osteogenesis, while studies have also revealed miR-21 as a regulator of osteoclastogenesis and a promoter of osteoclast differentiation in vitro. However, in vivo data are still lacking in identifying skeletal function of miR-21, particularly its effects on osteoporosis. Here, using miR-21 knockout (miR-21^-/-) mice, we investigated effects of miR-21 on bone development, bone remodeling and bone loss. Unexpectedly, miR-21^-/- mice demonstrated normal skeletal phenotype in development and maintained osteoblastogenesis in vivo. Besides, miR-21^-/- mice showed increased receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and decreased osteoprotegerin (OPG) through miR-21 targeting Sprouty 1 (Spry1). Nevertheless, interestingly, miR-21 deficiency promoted trabecular bone mass accrual physiologically. Furthermore, in pathological states, the protection of bone mass was prominent in miR-21^-/- mice. These skeletal effects were attributed to inhibition of bone resorption and osteoclast function by miR-21 deficiency through miR-21 targeting programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), despite the existence of RANKL. As far as we know, this is the first in vivo evidence of a pro-osteoclastic microRNA. Together, these findings clarified function of miR-21 in bone metabolism, particularly uncovering osteo-protective potential of miR-21 inactivation in osteoporosis.

Microenvironmental Views on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation in Aging

Aging is characterized by common environmental changes, such as hormonal, immunologic, and metabolic disorders. These pathologic factors impair the capability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to generate and maintain functionalized tissue components, contributing to age-related tissue degeneration (e.g., osteoporosis). However, in organismal aging, whether the microenvironmental signals induce common or differential MSC compromise and how they interact at the molecular level in mediating the functional decline of MSCs are not fully understood. In this review, we discuss the respective contribution of microenvironmental pathologic factors to age-related MSC dysfunction-particularly, the shifted differentiation from osteoblasts to adipocytes of bone marrow-derived MSCs. The authors summarize recent works regarding mechanisms underlying MSC-biased differentiation under altered microenvironments, which involve the activation of key signaling pathways, intracellular oxidative stress, and posttranscriptional regulations. In addition, we compare the differential influences of systemic and local microenvironments on MSC differentiation based on our findings. The authors also propose strategies to rescue differentiation disorders of MSCs in aging via modulating microenvironments, by using signaling modulators, anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, and metabolic regulators and by promoting mobilization of systemic MSCs to local injury sites. The authors hope that these insights contribute to MSC-based organismal aging research and treatments.

Selecting the optimum conditions for two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis of proteins expressed in Populus euphratica

We selected the optimum conditions for two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) of proteins expressed in the heteromorphic leaves of Populus euphratica Oliv. by adjusting the isoelectric focusing, the loading quantity, the concentration of the electrophoretic gel, and other parameters. The results of our study showed that protein separation was improved with many clear protein spots observed, and the differentiations were obvious. The findings of this study will be useful for future studies of protein expression in the heteromorphic leaves of P. euphratica.

Origin of quantum ring formation during droplet epitaxy

Droplet epitaxy of GaAs is studied in real time using in situ surface electron microscopy. The resulting movies motivate a theoretical model for quantum ring formation which can explain the origin of nanoscale features such as double rings observed under a variety of experimental conditions. Inner rings correspond to GaAs deposition at the droplet edge, while outer rings result from the reaction of Ga and As atoms diffusing along the surface. The observed variety of morphologies primarily reflects relative changes in the outer rings with temperature and As flux.

Abstract P3-08-06: Triple Negative Breast Cancer and BRCA Status: Implications for Genetic Counseling

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists whether women newly diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) should be referred to genetic counseling as they may be more likely to be BRCA carriers. However, prior studies included small numbers of carriers and their results have had limited influence on practice guidelines. The objective of this study was to determine the association of breast cancer molecular subtype and BRCA status in a large group of medically insured women.

METHODS: We examined a cohort of 2,105 women with breast cancer history tested for BRCA mutations in a large California health plan from 1997–2011. BRCA test results were recorded in the health plan's clinical genetics registry. Of the 2,105 breast cancer patients, 249 were BRCA mutation carriers (143 BRCA1 carriers, and 106 BRCA2 carriers). We conducted data linkages of all patients with the health plan's NCI-SEER affiliated tumor registry and identified ER, PR, and HER2. HER2 status was also captured from pathology reports using natural language processing. ER, PR, and HER2 status were assessed by immunohistochemical or FISH techniques. Patients were classified into four main biologic subtypes: triple negative (ER−/PR−/HER2−); luminal A (ER+ and/or PR+/HER2−); luminal B (ER+ and/or PR+/HER2+); and HER2-enriched (HER2+/ER−). We examined the association between molecular subtypes (collapsed into TNBC vs. non TNBC categories) and BRCA1/2 mutation status using contingency table analyses. P-values (two-sided) were estimated using chi-square analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimated adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS: TNBC subtype was strongly associated with BRCA status (P &lt; 0.0001). Women with TNBC tumors were five-fold more likely to be BRCA carriers than women who had non-TNBC breast tumors (OR = 5.6, 95% CI: 4.1–7.5). Specifically, the association of TNBC with BRCA1 was more robust (OR = 12.2, 95% CI: 8.3–17.9). Adjusting for age and stage of breast cancer diagnosis and race/ethnicity did not materially modify the association between TNBC and BRCA1 status. TNBC was not associated with BRCA2 status (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 0.9–2.7).

Circulating thrombomodulin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and renal vascular lesion in patients with lupus nephritis

Currently, the detection of renal vascular lesions (VLS) in lupus nephritis (LN) mainly depends on biopsy examination, and lack surrogate biomarkers for clinical dynamic evaluation. The aim of the present study is to explore the correlation between circulatory endothelial damage biomarkers and VLS. Soluble E-selectin, thrombomodulin (TM) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) were measured by ELISA. TM and VCAM-1 levels both were significantly elevated in LN with VLS than in LN without VLS (P < 0.01). However, the serum E-selectin was not significantly changed in LN patients with and without VLS. A positive correlation was found between TM and serum creatinine (r = 0.617, P < 0.05) in patients with vascular lesions. In order to further analyse the relationship between TM level and severity degree of vascular lesions in LN patients, we subdivided the patients with vascular lesions into two groups: with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) and without TMA. TM level of the patients with TMA is significantly higher than those without TMA (P < 0.01). In conclusion, combined with renal pathological examination, monitoring the circulatory levels of TM and VCAM-1, can provide circulating biomarkers of VLS in LN patients.

High efficient encapsulation of plasmid DNA in PLGA microparticles by organic phase self-emulsification

To overcome the drawbacks of encapsulating plasmid DNA (pDNA) in poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) by water-in-oil-in-water double-emulsion solvent-evaporation method, we have developed a novel procedure for encapsulating pDNA in PLGA microparticles called DNA organic phase self-emulsification (DOPSM). This method was based on both the extraction plasmid DNA from aqueous phase into organic phase and the spontaneous emulsification DNA in organic phase by solvent diffusion method. The efficiency of extraction plasmid DNA into organic phase is 99% and the concentration of pDNA in organic phase is up to 2.4 mg/ml. The efficiency of microencapsulation of plasmid DNA in PLGA is up to 76% and can be enhanced by lowering the pH of aqueous solution of emulsion. The microparticles size of PLGA of pDNA is in a narrow range of 1-2 microm. This procedure does not involve the high mechanical energy to emulsify which may damage the integrity of pDNA. This method can be applied to encapsulate the pDNA into microparticles of other biocompatible polymers with high efficiency.

[The application of adaptive line enhancement filter in extracting cutaneous electrogastrogram]

Based on the principle of adaptive filtering, The higher signal-to-noise ratio of electrogastrogram data can be extracted from abdomen skin with the adaptive line enhancement filter. The design method of feedback factor and filtering coefficient is introduced in this paper. Experimental and practical results show the method is effective.

[Analytic solution and experimental verification of pressure control function of the sealed module of manned space vehicle]

OBJECTIVE

The analytic solution of the overall pressure and oxygen partial pressure in the scaled module of manned space vehicle was deduced, it can be used by ECLSS overall engineering designer to predict the pressure control parameters when space flight or ground test is operating.

METHOD

According to different gas supply situations and the role of pressure control zone prescribed by ECLSS, the flight duration was divided into several segments under the role of pressure control zone, and the differential equations were solved.

RESULT

The analytic solutions of the total pressure and partial pressure of oxygen were obtained, and the theoretical curve corresponds well to the test value.

CONCLUSION

The analytic solutions obtained were valid, and satisfied the requirement of engineering accuracy.

Bispectrum analysis of focal ischemic cerebral EEG signal using third-order recursion method

In this paper, a model for Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat focal ischemic cerebral injury is presented. Based on this experimental model, the electroencephalogram (EEG) from the ischemic region and from a normal region are collected during the first 30 min of ischemia. The EEG bispectrum analysis is carefully investigated by using the third-order recursion method. We found that some characteristics of the bispectrum are very sensitive to focal ischemic cerebral injury. The maximum magnitude and the weighted center of EEG bispectrum (WCOB) change according to the extent and the place of the injury region. The bispectrum analysis results have been verified by the heat shock protein (HSP) test. The study indicates that the EEG bispectrum analysis may be useful to distinguish the ischemic region from the normal one and to estimate the ischemic extent.

[Exercise ECG test as a method for non-invasive detection of myocardial ischemia]

OBJECTIVE

To improve the exercise ECG analysis for non-invasively detection of myocardial ischemia.

METHOD

The newly developed measuring system of exercise ECG defines ST segment area and STA/HR slope as the new characteristic parameters, thus can sensitively detect myocardial ischemia. Some methods were proposed to reduce noise and artifacts for effective sampling of exercise ECG.

RESULT

14 exercise ECG records were sampled and analyzed in clinical exercise test. It was found that the new parameters are very effective and sensitive to myocardial ischemia. The results show that the method is reliable and stable.

CONCLUSION

The method improves one of the evaluating indexes of exercise ECG analysis. It is quite promising for clinical application in future.

[Adult diarrhea rotavirus in Jilin, China]

In May 1986, an outbreak of epidemic acute diarrhea occurred in one city and three counties in Yanbian area. The diarrheal cases were seen in all age groups, the majority of the cases were seen in adult age group. No bacterial pathogens were isolated in 22 fecal samples examined, however rotavirus like particles of 52-68 nm in diameter were found in 50% (11/22) of fecal samples by the immunoelectron microscopy using convalescent sera. Examination by the adult diarrhea rotavirus (ADRV) ELISA kit showed positive reaction in 86% (6/7) of fecal extracts, however in all 22 fecal extracts examination using ELISA kit for detection of group A rotavirus showed negative reaction. The PAGE patterns of viral RNAs similar to those of ADRV were seen in 13 out of 22 fecal extracts. The detection rate by PAGE analysis was 59%. Based on the above data, the etiological agent of the epidemic acute diarrhea, which occurred in Yanbian area, was identified to be ADRV.

Isolation and purification of a small peptide with activity of increasing E-receptor expression from calf thymus

A small peptide of molecular mass lower than 1,000 daltons was isolated and purified from a crude extract of calf thymus. It has been demonstrated to have the activity of increasing E-rosette formation and E-receptor expression of human and porcine T-lymphocytes with three different in vitro assays. Amino acid composition analysis showed that this peptide consists of glutamic acid, aspartic acid and glycine residues at a molecular ratio of 3:3:2. A hypothesis of a multi-factoral and multi-staged mechanism of regulation of thymocyte differentiation and maturation in the thymus is proposed.

Inhibition of the production of a soluble helper mediator by cyclosporin A results in the failure to generate alloreactive cytolytic cells in mixed-lymphocyte culture

The mechanism of action of cyclosporin A (CsA) in inhibiting the induction of alloreactive cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) in mixed-lymphocyte culture (MLC) was investigated. CsA at concentrations of 10(-3) to 10(-1) micrograms/ml completely prevented the generation of CTL. However, the addition of culture supernatants from mitogen-activated lymphocytes to MLC not only significantly reversed the suppressive effect of CsA but also fully restored the reactivity of lymphocytes already treated with CsA. By measuring the presence of a soluble helper mediator (SHF) in MLC supernatants, we found that CsA-treated lymphocytes produced no SHF, possibly interleukin 2 (IL-2). The effect of CsA on receptors for IL-2 was subsequently studied and it was found that the binding capacity of 125I-labeled IL-2 to lymphocytes was not altered by the presence of CsA. These findings suggest that the prevention of helper cells from producing SHF, rather than the inhibition of the response of effector cells to SHF, is a possible explanation for the immunosuppression mediated by CsA.