SOD3 regulates FLT1 to affect bone metabolism by promoting osteogenesis and inhibiting adipogenesis through PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease that seriously affects the quality of life and longevity of the elderly, so exploring the mechanism of osteoporosis is crucial for drug development and treatment. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells are stem cells with multiple differentiation potentials in bone marrow, and changing their differentiation direction can change bone mass. As an extracellular superoxide dismutase, Superoxide Dismutase 3 (SOD3) has been proved to play an important role in multiple organs, but the detailed mechanism of action in bone metabolism is still unclear. In this study, the results of clinical serum samples ELISA and single cell sequencing chip analysis proved that the expression of SOD3 was positively correlated with bone mass, and SOD3 was mainly expressed in osteoblasts and adipocytes and rarely expressed in osteoblasts in BMSCs. In vitro experiments showed that SOD3 can promote osteogenesis and inhibit adipogenesis. Compared with WT mice, the mice that were knocked out of SOD3 had a significant decrease in bone mineral density and significant changes in related parameters. The results of HE and IHC staining suggested that knocking out SOD3 would lead to fat accumulation in the bone marrow cavity and weakened osteogenesis. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that SOD3 affects bone metabolism by promoting osteogenesis and inhibiting adipogenesis. The results of transcriptome sequencing and revalidation showed that SOD3 can affect the expression of FLT1. Through in vitro experiments, we proved that FLT1 can also promote osteogenesis and inhibit adipogenesis. In addition, through the repeated experiments, the interaction between the two molecules (SOD3 and FLT1) was verified again. Finally, it was verified by WB that SOD3 regulates FLT1 to affect bone metabolism through PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways.

ECM1-associated miR-1260b promotes osteogenic differentiation by targeting GDI1

Osteoporosis (OP) is a common disease among older adults. The promotion of osteoblast differentiation plays a crucial role in alleviating OP symptoms. Extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) has been reported to be closely associated with osteogenic differentiation. In this study, we constructed U2OS cell lines with ECM1 knockdown and ECM1a overexpression based on knockdown, and identified the target miRNA (miR-1260b) by sequencing. Overexpression of miR-1260b promoted the osteogenic differentiation of U2OS and MG63 cells, as demonstrated by increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, matrix mineralization, and Runt-Related Transcription Factor 2 (RUNX2), Osteopontin (OPN), Collagen I (COL1A1), and Osteocalcin (OCN) protein expressions, whereas low expression of miR-1260b had the opposite effect. In addition, miR-1260b expression was decreased in OP patients than in non-OP patients. Next, we predicted the target gene of miRNA through TargetScan and miRDB and found that miR-1260b negatively regulated GDP dissociation inhibitor 1 (GDI1) by directly binding to its 3'-untranslated region. Subsequent experiments revealed that GDI1 overexpression decreased ALP activity and calcium deposit, reduced RUNX2, OPN, COL1A1, and OCN expression levels, and reversed the effects of miR-1260b on osteogenic differentiation. In conclusion, ECM1-related miR-1260b promotes osteogenic differentiation by targeting GDI1 in U2OS and MG63 cells. Thus, this study has significant implication for osteoporosis treatment.

PDCD10 promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma by inhibiting apoptosis and activating EMT pathway

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcoma, a common primary malignant tumor, occurs in children and adolescents with a poor prognosis. The current treatment methods are various, while the five-year survival rate of patients has not been significantly improved. As a member of the programmed death factor (PDCD) family, programmed death factor 10 (PDCD10) plays a role in regulating cell apoptosis. Several studies of PDCD10 in CCM and cancers have been reported before. However, there are no relevant research reports on the effects of PDCD10 on osteosarcoma.

METHODS

We used bioinformatics analysis, IHC, and clinical data to confirm the expression of PDCD10 and its correlation with prognosis in osteosarcoma. Then, we used shRNAs and cDNA to knock down or overexpress PDCD10 in U2OS and MG63 cell lines. A series of function assays such as CCK8, Wound healing test, Plate cloning formation assay, and Transwell were done to confirm how PDCD10 affects osteosarcoma. Animal assays were done to confirm the conclusions in cell lines. At last, WB was used to measure the protein expression levels of apoptosis and the EMT pathway.

RESULTS

PDCD10 was highly expressed in patients with osteosarcoma and correlated with prognosis; PDCD10 knockdown inhibited osteosarcoma growth, proliferation, migration, and invasion; PDCD10 overexpression promoted osteosarcoma growth, proliferation, migration, and invasion. In vivo experiments confirmed the conclusions in cell lines; PDCD10 inhibited apoptosis and activated the EMT pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, it was found that PDCD10 was highly expressed in patients with osteosarcoma, and it was closely related to patient prognosis. PDCD10 inhibited tumor cell apoptosis and promoted tumor progression by activating the EMT pathway. These findings may provide a potential target for gene therapy of osteosarcoma.

[Consensus of experts on the oral health management and medical risk prevention for the patients with chronic airway diseases (2022 edition)]

Today, there is greater awareness on the association between oral diseases and respiration diseases after the outbreak of COVID-19. However, confusion regarding the oral health management and medical risk prevention for patients with chronic airway diseases has been remained among dental clinicians. Therefore, the dental experts of the Fifth General Dentistry Special Committee, Chinese Stomatological Association, combined with the experts of respiratory and critical care medicine, undertook the formation of consensus on the oral health management of patients with chronic airway diseases in order to help dental clinicians to evaluate medical risks and make better treatment decision in clinical practice. In the present consensus report, the relationship of oral diseases and chronic airway diseases, the oral health management and the treatment recommendations of patients with chronic airway diseases are provided.

[Consensus of experts on the medical risk prevention for the patients with cardiovascular diseases during dental treatment (2022 edition)]

With the aging process of population in the society, the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in China is increasing continuously and the number of dental patients with CVD is increasing gradually too. Due to the lack of guidelines for dental patients with CVD in our country, how to implement standardized preoperative evaluation and perioperative risk prevention remains a problem to be solved for dentists at present. The present expert consensus was reached by combining the clinical experiences of the expert group of the Fifth General Dentistry Special Committee, Chinese Stomatological Association and respiratory and cardiology experts in diagnosis and treatment for CVD patients, and by systematically summarizing the relevant international guidelines and literature regarding the relationship between CVD and oral diseases and the diagnosis and treatment of dental patients with heart failure, hypertension and antithrombotic therapy. The consensus aims to provide, for the dental clinicians, the criteria on diagnosis and treatment of CVD in dental patients in China so as to reduce the risk and complications, and finally to improve the treatment levels of dental patients with CVD in China.

Effect of computer-assisted design and manufacturing cutting and drilling guides accompanied with pre-bent titanium plates on the correction of skeletal class II malocclusion: a randomized controlled trial

This study was performed to assess the effect of correcting skeletal class II malocclusion based on the application of computer-assisted design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) cutting and drilling guides accompanied with pre-bent titanium plates. Fifty patients with skeletal class II malocclusion were recruited into this prospective randomized controlled clinical trial and assigned to two groups. Patients underwent bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy directed by CAD/CAM cutting and drilling guides accompanied with pre-bent titanium plates (group A) or CAD/CAM splints (group B). Postoperative assessments were performed. Differences between the virtually simulated and postoperative models were measured. Patients in both groups had a satisfactory occlusion and appearance. More accurate repositioning of the proximal segment was found in group A than in group B when comparing linear and angular differences to reference planes; however, no significant difference was revealed for the distal segment. In conclusion, CAD/CAM cutting and drilling guides with pre-bent titanium plates can provide considerable surgical accuracy for the positional control of the proximal segments in bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy for the correction of skeletal class II deformities.

0214 The Relationship Between Work Stress and Sleep Quality in Shift Working Nurses: The Intermediate Effect of Circadian Rhythm Amplitude and Stability

Introduction

Research suggests that work stress may be an important factor in poor sleep in shift working nurses. However, evidence is limited about the underlying mechanism. Circadian rhythm might be effective. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between work stress and sleep quality in shift working nurses and the mediation effect of circadian rhythm amplitude and stability respectively.

Methods

A total of 529 nurses working in shifts from seven hospitals were selected by convenient sampling in Shanghai, China. Participants were assessed with the Circadian Type Inventory (CTI), Chinese Nursing Stressor Scale (CNSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The Amos24.0 software was applied to construct structural equation models with circadian rhythm amplitude (LV) and circadian rhythm stability (FR) as intermediate variables respectively.

Results

About 73.3% (388/529) of the nurses’ PSQI scores were above 5, indicating poor sleep quality. The correlations between work stress, circadian rhythm amplitude, circadian rhythm amplitude and sleep quality were all significant (all P<0.01).Sleep quality total score was positively correlated with work stress(γ=0.348) and circadian rhythm amplitude (γ=0.330). Work stress was positively correlated with circadian rhythm amplitude (γ=0.297,P<0.01). Sleep quality total score was negatively correlated circadian rhythm amplitude (γ=-0.204,P<0.01);Work stress was negatively correlated with circadian rhythm amplitude (γ= -0.284,P<0.01).Work stress showed significant indirect effects on sleep quality through the mediating effect of circadian rhythm amplitude (β=0.188,P<0.01) and circadian rhythm amplitude (β= 0.082,P<0.05).

Conclusion

It suggests that nurses working in shifts have poor sleep quality. Work stress and the amplitude and stability of circadian rhythm could affect sleep quality, and circadian rhythm amplitude and stability could mediate the relationship between work stress and sleep quality.

Support

The work was supported by Xinglin Young Talent Program of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(to Caiqin Wu) and The 12th Innovative activities of college students of Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine(2019SHUTCM094).

Inhibition of CRY2 by STAT3/miRNA-7-5p Promotes Osteoblast Differentiation through Upregulation of CLOCK/BMAL1/P300 Expression

Accumulating evidence indicates that cryptochrome circadian regulatory (CRY) proteins have emerged as crucial regulators of osteogenic differentiation. However, the associated mechanisms are quite elusive. In this study, we show that knockdown of CRY2 downregulated the expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), and osteopontin (OPN) to facilitate osteoblast differentiation. Further study identified that CRY2 was directly targeted by microRNA (miR)-7-5p, which was highly induced during osteoblast differentiation. The expression of Runx2, ALP, collagen type I alpha 1 (Col1a1), and OCN was upregulated by overexpression of miR-7-5p and induction of osteoblast differentiation. Moreover, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) transcriptionally activated miR-7-5p to significantly enhance the expression of above osteogenic marker genes and mineral formation. However, overexpression of CRY2 abolished the osteogenic differentiation induced by miR-7-5p overexpression. Silencing of CRY2 unraveled the binding of CRY2 with the circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK)/brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (BMAL1) complex to release CLOCK/BMAL1, which facilitated the binding of CLOCK/BMAL1 to the promoter region of the P300 E-box to stimulate the transcription of P300. P300 subsequently promoted the acetylation of histone 3 and the formation of a transcriptional complex with Runx2 to enhance osteogenesis. Taken together, our study revealed that CRY2 is repressed by STAT3/miR-7-5p to promote osteogenic differentiation through CLOCK/BMAL1/P300 signaling. The involved molecules may be potentially targeted for treatment of osteoporosis.

Fundamental supply of skin blood flow in the Chinese Han population: Measurements by a full-field laser perfusion imager

BACKGROUND

Skin blood flow is believed to link with many diseases, and shows a significant heterogeneity. There are several papers on basal cutaneous microcirculation perfusion in different races, while the data in Chinese is vacant.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to establish the database of absolute fundamental supply of skin blood flow in the Chinese Han population.

METHODS

With a full-field laser perfusion imager (FLPI), the skin blood flow can be quantified. Cutaneous perfusion values were determined in 17 selected skin areas in 406 healthy participants aged between 20 and 80 years (mean 35.05 ± 11.33). Essential parameters such as weight, height were also measured and values of BMI were calculated. The perfusion values were reported in Arbitrary Perfusion Units (APU).

RESULTS

The highest cutaneous perfusion value fell on eyelid (931.20 ± 242.59 in male and 967.83 ± 225.49 in female), and pretibial had the lowest value (89.09 ± 30.28 in male and 85.08 ± 33.59 in female). The values were higher in men than women on the bank of fingertips, nose, forehead, cheek, neck and earlobe (P < .05). Perfusion values on stretch and flexion side of forearm had negative correlation with age (P = .01 and P = 4.88 × 10^-3 , respectively) in male. Abdomen was negatively correlated with BMI in both gender (P = .02, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Skin blood flow values vary with skin regions. There is a tendency to measure higher perfusion values in men than in women. And the values are irrelevant with age or BMI.

Evaluation and selection of indicators for land degradation and desertification monitoring: types of degradation, causes, and implications for management

Indicator-based approaches are often used to monitor land degradation and desertification from the global to the very local scale. However, there is still little agreement on which indicators may best reflect both status and trends of these phenomena. In this study, various processes of land degradation and desertification have been analyzed in 17 study sites around the world using a wide set of biophysical and socioeconomic indicators. The database described earlier in this issue by Kosmas and others (Environ Manage, 2013) for defining desertification risk was further analyzed to define the most important indicators related to the following degradation processes: water erosion in various land uses, tillage erosion, soil salinization, water stress, forest fires, and overgrazing. A correlation analysis was applied to the selected indicators in order to identify the most important variables contributing to each land degradation process. The analysis indicates that the most important indicators are: (i) rain seasonality affecting water erosion, water stress, and forest fires, (ii) slope gradient affecting water erosion, tillage erosion and water stress, and (iii) water scarcity soil salinization, water stress, and forest fires. Implementation of existing regulations or policies concerned with resources development and environmental sustainability was identified as the most important indicator of land protection.

Evaluation and selection of indicators for land degradation and desertification monitoring: methodological approach

An approach to derive relationships for defining land degradation and desertification risk and developing appropriate tools for assessing the effectiveness of the various land management practices using indicators is presented in the present paper. In order to investigate which indicators are most effective in assessing the level of desertification risk, a total of 70 candidate indicators was selected providing information for the biophysical environment, socio-economic conditions, and land management characteristics. The indicators were defined in 1,672 field sites located in 17 study areas in the Mediterranean region, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Based on an existing geo-referenced database, classes were designated for each indicator and a sensitivity score to desertification was assigned to each class based on existing research. The obtained data were analyzed for the various processes of land degradation at farm level. The derived methodology was assessed using independent indicators, such as the measured soil erosion rate, and the organic matter content of the soil. Based on regression analyses, the collected indicator set can be reduced to a number of effective indicators ranging from 8 to 17 in the various processes of land degradation. Among the most important indicators identified as affecting land degradation and desertification risk were rain seasonality, slope gradient, plant cover, rate of land abandonment, land-use intensity, and the level of policy implementation.

The fixed herbal drug composition "Saikokaryukotsuboreito" prevents bone loss with an association of serum IL-6 reductions in ovariectomized mice model

PURPOSE

Saikokaryukotsuboreito (SRB) is a traditional Japanese herbal medicine that has been used to treat hyperlipidemia. As some studies have shown that lipid-lowering drugs reduce osteoporosis, we investigated the effect of SRB on bone metabolism in the postmenopausal period using an ovariectomized (OVX) murine model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifteen aged 9 weeks female mice were divided into three groups (n=5 each). The OVX group and SRB group underwent bilateral ovariectomy, after which the OVX group was fed a normal diet and the SRB group fed a normal diet containing 2% SRB. The sham group underwent sham surgery and was then fed a normal diet. Eight weeks after surgery, all mice were sacrificed, and bone volume, bone histomorphometric parameters, and bone-associated phenotype were compared among the groups.

RESULTS

Compared with the OVX group, the SRB group showed suppression of bone volume loss at the tibia (SRB group: 12.7+/-0.7%, OVX group: 9.8+/-0.4%; p=0.005, ANOVA) and lumbar spine (SRB group: 15.1+/-0.9%, OVX group: 11.3+/-0.1%; p=0.031, ANOVA). A significant decrease in eroded surface was also observed in SRB-treated ovariectomized mice compared with the OVX group (p=0.022, ANOVA). We also found that serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, a primary mediator of bone resorption, in the SRB group were significantly lower than in the OVX group (SRB: 52.5+/-6.8pg/ml; OVX: 138.0+/-23.1pg/ml; p=0.011, ANOVA). However, unexpectedly, SRB did not affect estradiol and total cholesterol in ovariectomized mice.

CONCLUSION

SRB can prevent loss of bone volume and suppress serum IL-6 levels in this postmenopausal model and is a promising candidate for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Natural killer and natural killer-T cells in psoriasis

Psoriasis is characterized by a dermal and epidermal infiltrate comprised predominantly of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, respectively. These cells behave in an antigen-dependent manner, which suggests that psoriasis may be a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease. Psoriasis shares certain immunological features with recognized autoimmune conditions such as type I diabetes mellitus and multiple sclerosis, in both of which a pathogenic role is postulated for natural killer (NK) cells and natural killer-like T (NK-T) cells. However, there are few studies assessing the role of NK and NK-T cells in psoriasis. We sought to determine whether NK and NK-T cells are present in psoriasis. Skin biopsies were taken from the active edge of a psoriasis plaque and from uninvolved skin at least 5 cm away from involved skin of ten patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. Skin from four normal subjects was used as controls. Using an immunoperoxidase technique, cryostat sections were stained using antibodies to T-cell markers CD2, CD3, CD4 and CD8; cutaneous leucocyte associated antigen; NK cell markers CD16, CD56, CD57, CD94 and CD158a; and the NK-T cell marker CD161. There were significantly more cells expressing T cell markers, NK cell markers CD16, CD57, CD94 and CD158a and NK-T cell marker CD161 in involved skin than in uninvolved or normal skin ( P<0.01). There was no difference in the number of cells expressing CD56. Cells expressing NK markers were found most commonly in the papillary dermis immediately subjacent to the dermoepidermal junction. Cells expressing CD57 were found in significantly higher numbers in the epidermis and reticular dermis of involved skin. This study demonstrates that cells expressing NK markers and NK-T cell markers are present in plaques of psoriasis. The exact roles of NK and NK-T cells in psoriasis are unclear, although they may modulate autoimmune inflammation and act as a source of Th(1) cytokines important in the psoriatic process.

[Effects of XW630 on mechanical properties and trabecular structure parameters of bone tissue in ovariectomized rats]

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed at investigating the effects of a new anti-osteoporotic drug, XW630 on promoting the osteogenic activity of bone tissue in ovariectomized rats.

METHODS

Thirty-six female SD rats, three months old, were randomly divided into four groups: sham-operated group (sham), the ovariectomized group (OVX), the esterone-therapy group (OVX + CFT) and the XW630-therapy group (OVX + XW630). Three rats in each group were killed on the 30th, 60th, and 90th day after the operation. The femur of one side was taken for the three-point bending resistance test, and the bilateral tibias were taken for the HE stain and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) examination.

RESULTS

The HE and SEM results indicated that the bone loss appeared in the OVX group 30 days after the operation, which lasted for the whole observing period. While after application of ester-one and XW630, there were different degrees of bone repairing around the trabeculae, and the osteogenic activity was obviously active in the XW630 group than that in the esterone group. During the experimental period, the three-point bending resistance of the OVX group gradually decreased and there was a significant difference compared with that of the sham group (P < 0.01), while the three-point bending resistance of the two therapy group gradually increased and there was significant difference between the OVX group and the XW630 group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

XW630 can effectively promote osteogenic action and prevent osteoporostic fracture in ovariectomized rats.

[Regulation of XW630 on TGF-beta 1 and collagen I gene expression in osteoblasts]

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this part of study was to investigate the mechanism of a new anti-osteoporotic drug, XW630 on promoting osteogenic activity.

METHODS

Total RNA were isolated from osteoblasts of the mice after the reaction with XW630 in 24 and 72 hours, that were hybridized with the extracted and digoxigenin-labeled TGF-beta 1 and the collagen I cDNA probes.

RESULTS

XW630 significantly promoted TGF-beta 1 and collagen I gene expression in osteoblasts, and this drug was superior than other two kinds of estrogen in promoting osteogenic activity (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

XW630 promote osteogenic activity of osteoblasts, probably by enhancing the mRNA expression of TGF-beta 1 and collagen I.

[Tetracycline tracing of artificial bone composite with high biological induction in repairing bone defect]

The tetracycline tracing method was adopted to study the new bone formation at the early stage of two different composite artificial bones (HA-bBMP-Co and HA-Co)in repairing segmental bone defect in 8 rabbits. The results indicated that from the early stage even just one week after implantation, HA-bBMP-Co acted much faster than HA-Co did in inducing new bone formation, suggesting that HA-bBMP-Co be of good quality in ferms of histo-compatibility and osteoinduction.

[Ultramicrostructure study of artificial bone composite with high biological induction in repairing bone defect]

The scanning electric microscopy (SEM). X-ray energy graph and Ca, P contents analysis were adopted in studying the mechanism and superiority of two different composite artificial bones (HA-bBMP-Co and HA-Co) to repair segmental bone defect in rabbits. The results indicated that HA-bBMP-Co had a double effects of bone induction and bone conduction. No difference of P content in two weeks after reconstructive surgery was found, but in other periods, there was an obvious difference in Ca and P content between HA-bBMP-Co group and HA-Co group (P < 0.05).

[Experimental study of artificial bone composite with high biological induction in repairing bone defect]

On the basis of the animal model of segmental ultra defects in rabbits, two different composite artificial bones (HA-bBMP-Co and HA-Co) were first used to repair the segmental bone defect respectively in 12 rabbits. The results of X-ray, gross, stereomicroscopic and histological examination were found that HA-bBMP-Co was much faster and much better than HA-Co, involving induction of new bone formation in quality and quantity. It is suggested that there is a widespread prospect in use of HA-bBMP-Co as a bone substitute material.