Alternative Biological Material for Tissue Engineering of the Vagina: Porcine-Derived Acellular Vaginal Matrix

Tian Yanpeng,Liu Yibin,Xiao Yanlai,Li Zhongkang,Zhang Mingle,Chen Liang,Li Zhen,Zhang Wangchao,Zhang Zhiqiang,Kong Desheng,Meng Li,Du Yanfang,Zhang Jingkun,Gao Jingui,Huang Xianghua 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2024 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.21 No.2

Background: Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a severe congenital disorder characterized by vaginal hypoplasia caused by dysplasia of the Müllerian duct. Patients with MRKH syndrome often require nonsurgical or surgical treatment to achieve satisfactory vaginal length and sexual outcomes. The extracellular matrix has been successfully used for vaginal reconstruction. Methods: In this study, we developed a new biological material derived from porcine vagina (acellular vaginal matrix, AVM) to reconstruct the vagina in Bama miniature pigs. The histological characteristics and efficacy of acellularization of AVM were evaluated, and AVM was subsequently transplanted into Bama miniature pigs to reconstruct the vaginas. Results: Macroscopic analysis showed that the neovaginas functioned well in all Bama miniature pigs with AVM implants. Histological analysis and electrophysiological evidence indicated that morphological and functional recovery was restored in normal vaginal tissues. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the neovaginas had mucosal folds characteristics of normal vagina. No significant differences were observed in the expression of CK14, HSP47, and α-actin between the neovaginas and normal vaginal tissues. However, the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) was significantly lower in the neovaginas than in normal vaginal tissues. In addition, AVM promoted the expression of β-catenin, c-Myc, and cyclin D1. These results suggest that AVM might promotes vaginal regeneration by activating the β-catenin/c-Myc/cyclin D1 pathway. Conclusion: This study reveals that porcine-derived AVM has potential application for vaginal regeneration. Background: Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a severe congenital disorder characterized by vaginal hypoplasia caused by dysplasia of the Müllerian duct. Patients with MRKH syndrome often require nonsurgical or surgical treatment to achieve satisfactory vaginal length and sexual outcomes. The extracellular matrix has been successfully used for vaginal reconstruction. Methods: In this study, we developed a new biological material derived from porcine vagina (acellular vaginal matrix, AVM) to reconstruct the vagina in Bama miniature pigs. The histological characteristics and efficacy of acellularization of AVM were evaluated, and AVM was subsequently transplanted into Bama miniature pigs to reconstruct the vaginas. Results: Macroscopic analysis showed that the neovaginas functioned well in all Bama miniature pigs with AVM implants. Histological analysis and electrophysiological evidence indicated that morphological and functional recovery was restored in normal vaginal tissues. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the neovaginas had mucosal folds characteristics of normal vagina. No significant differences were observed in the expression of CK14, HSP47, and α-actin between the neovaginas and normal vaginal tissues. However, the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) was significantly lower in the neovaginas than in normal vaginal tissues. In addition, AVM promoted the expression of β-catenin, c-Myc, and cyclin D1. These results suggest that AVM might promotes vaginal regeneration by activating the β-catenin/c-Myc/cyclin D1 pathway. Conclusion: This study reveals that porcine-derived AVM has potential application for vaginal regeneration.

Experimental study on deformation of concrete for shotcrete use in high geothermal tunnel environments

Shengai Cui,Pin Liu,Xuewei Wang,Yibin Cao,Yuezhong Ye 사단법인 한국계산역학회 2017 Computers and Concrete, An International Journal Vol.19 No.5

Taking high geothermal tunnels as background, the deformation of concrete for shotcrete use was studied by simulating hot-humid and hot-dry environments in a laboratory. The research is made up by two parts, one is the influence of two kinds of high geothermal environments on the deformation of shotcrete, and the other is the shrinkage inhibited effect of fiber materials (steel fibers, polypropylene fibers, and the mixture of both) on the concrete in hot-dry environments. The research results show that: (1) in hot and humid environments, wet expansion and thermal expansion happened on concrete, but the deformation is smooth throughout the whole curing age. (2) In hot and dry environments, the concrete suffers from shrinkage. The deformation obeys linear relationship with the natural logarithm of curing age in the first 28 days, and it becomes stable after the 28th day. (3) The shrinkage of concrete in a hot and dry environment can be inhibited by adding fiber materials especially steel fibers, and it also obeys linear relationship with the natural logarithm of curing age before it becomes stable. However, compared with no-fiber condition, it takes 14 days, half of 28 days, to make the shrinkage become stable, and the shrinkage ratio of concrete at 180-day age decreases by 63.2% as well. (4) According to submicroscopic and microscopic analysis, there is great bond strength at the interface between steel fiber and concrete. The fiber meshes are formed in concrete by disorderly distributed fibers, which not only can effectively restrain the shrinkage, but also prevent the micro and macro cracks from extending.

Molecular mechanisms of 1,2-dichloroethane-induced neurotoxicity

Xiang Yang,Zhang Xiaoshun,Tian Zhiling,Cheng Yibin,Liu Ningguo,Meng Xiaojing 한국독성학회 2023 Toxicological Research Vol.39 No.4

The production of industrial solvents and adhesives often utilizes 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE), a highly toxic halogenated hydrocarbon compound. Occupational 1,2-DCE poisoning occurs frequently and is a public health concern. Exposure to 1,2-DCE can damage the brain, liver, and kidneys. The main and most severe damage caused by exposure to 1,2-DCE is to the nervous system, especially the central nervous system. Current research on 1,2-DCE mainly focuses on the mechanism of brain edema. Several possible mechanisms of 1,2-DCE neurotoxicity have been proposed, including oxidative stress, calcium overload, blood–brain barrier damage, and neurotransmitter changes. This article reviews the research progress on 1,2-DCE neurotoxicity and the mechanism behind it to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of 1,2-DCE poisoning.

Optimization analysis of the absorption-stabilization process for fluid catalytic cracking unit

Hussain Muhammad Saddam,Ahmed Ashfaq,Yibin Liu,Amin Muhammad Nadeem,Zahoor Tahir,Saleem Muhammad Afnan,Roh Kosan,Hussain Murid,Abu Bakar Muhammad Saifullah,박영권 한국화학공학회 2023 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.40 No.7

The absorption-stabilization process (ASP), an important part of petroleum refinery used in the end-use products of petroleum (such as stable gasoline, liquid petroleum gas, and dry gas), is energy-intensive and has low product quality. Aspen Plus process simulator was used for the development of the ASP process model. The developed process model was validated with the actual plant data. The validated model was used to optimize to minimize the cost of the ASP. This work shows that the optimization analysis of the ASP can further improve the product quality and reduce thermal energy consumption. In the new process, changing feeding parameters of supplementary absorption oil, stripping tower intermediate reboiler, and feeding position of stabilization tower reduced the C3 contents of dry gas considerably and lowered the C2 and lighter contents of LPG. Additionally, the new process saved 1.32 MW of thermal energy consumption compared with the existing process. The operating cost has been reduced from 10.921 million USD annually to 9.830 million USD per year. Furthermore, the cost-saving effect of this optimization is about 9.99% (1.091 million USD per year).

A Novel Flow Diverter (Tubridge) for the Treatment of Recurrent Aneurysms: A Single-Center Experience

Yongxin Zhang,Qing-Hai Huang,Yibin Fang,Pengfei Yang,Yi Xu,Bo Hong,Jianmin Liu 대한영상의학회 2017 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.18 No.5

Objective: The Tubridge flow diverter (FD) is a novel device aimed at reconstructing the parent artery and occluding complex aneurysms. Retreatment of recurrent aneurysms using the FD is challenging. We report our initial experience in the repair of aneurysm recurrence with the FD. Materials and Methods: A database was reviewed prospectively, and 8 patients with 8 recurrent aneurysms (mean size, 16.7 mm) were identified. Four aneurysms had previously ruptured. The previous aneurysm treatment consisted of coiling in 1 aneurysm and single-stent-assisted coiling in 7 aneurysms. The procedural complications and clinical and angiographic outcomes were analyzed. Results: Six aneurysms were treated by using a single Tubridge FD alone, while the remaining 2 were treated with FD + coiling. The immediate results of the 8 aneurysms were that they all showed incomplete occlusion. Neither major ischemic nor hemorrhagic complications occurred; however, 1 patient experienced a vasospasm. Follow-up angiographies were available for 7 aneurysms; the mean follow-up was 16.9 months (7–36 months). Five aneurysms were completely occluded, whereas 2 had a residual neck. Severe asymptomatic stenosis of 1 parent artery of a vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm was found. All visible branches covered by the FD were patent. All patients were clinically assessed as having attained a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2) at discharge and follow-up. Conclusion: In selected patients, the Tubridge FD can provide a safe and efficient option for the retreatment of recurrent aneurysms. Nevertheless, attention should be paid to several technical points.

Ginsenoside compound K protects against cerebral ischemia/ reperfusion injury via Mul1/Mfn2-mediated mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergy

Qingxia Huang,Jing Li,Jinjin Chen,Zepeng Zhang,Peng Xu,Hongyu Qi,Zhaoqiang Chen,Jiaqi Liu,Jing Lu,Mengqi Shi,Yibin Zhang,Ying Ma,Daqing Zhao,Xiangyan Li The Korean Society of Ginseng 2023 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.47 No.3

Background: Ginsenoside compound K (CK), the main active metabolite in Panax ginseng, has shown good safety and bioavailability in clinical trials and exerts neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemic stroke. However, its potential role in the prevention of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remains unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of ginsenoside CK against cerebral I/R injury. Methods: We used a combination of in vitro and in vivo models, including oxygen and glucose deprivation/reperfusion induced PC12 cell model and middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion induced rat model, to mimic I/R injury. Intracellular oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rate were analyzed by Seahorse multifunctional energy metabolism system; ATP production was detected by luciferase method. The number and size of mitochondria were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and MitoTracker probe combined with confocal laser microscopy. The potential mechanisms of ginsenoside CK on mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergy were evaluated by RNA interference, pharmacological antagonism combined with co-immunoprecipitation analysis and phenotypic analysis. Results: Ginsenoside CK pretreatment could attenuate mitochondrial translocation of DRP1, mitophagy, mitochondrial apoptosis, and neuronal bioenergy imbalance against cerebral I/R injury in both in vitro and in vivo models. Our data also confirmed that ginsenoside CK administration could reduce the binding affinity of Mul1 and Mfn2 to inhibit the ubiquitination and degradation of Mfn2, thereby elevating the protein level of Mfn2 in cerebral I/R injury. Conclusion: These data provide evidence that ginsenoside CK may be a promising therapeutic agent against cerebral I/R injury via Mul1/Mfn2 mediated mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergy.

RhoGDI2 induced malignant phenotypes of pancreatic cancer cells via regulating Snail expression

Yi Bin,Hu You,Zhu Dongming,Yao Jun,Zhou Jian,Zhang Yi,He Zhilong,Zhang Lifeng,Zhang Zixiang,Yang Jian,Tang Yuchen,Huang Yujie,Li Dechun,Liu Qiuhua 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.5

Background: Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor 2 (RhoGDI2) has been shown to contribute to the aggressive phenotypes of human cancers, such as tumor metastasis and chemoresistance. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of RhoGDI2 on tumor progression and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer cells. Methods: The expression of RhoGDI2 in pancreatic cancer cells was detected by Western blot analysis. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches were done to examine the malignant phenotypes of the RhoGDI2-expressing or RhoGDI2-depleting cells. The correlation between RhoGDI2 and Snail was also analyzed. Results: Differential expression of RhoGDI2 protein in pancreatic cancer cell lines was identified. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments showed that RhoGDI2 induced the malignant phenotypes of pancreatic cancer cells, including proliferation, migration, invasion, and gemcitabine (GEM) chemoresistance. The upregulation of RhoGDI2 stimulated the expression of Snail, resulting in the altered expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin and mesenchymal marker Vimentin, which were characteristics of the tumorigenic activity of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The expression of RhoGDI2 and Snail was upregulated in clinical tumor samples, and higher expression of RhoGDI2 or Snail was significantly associated with poor patient survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Conclusion: The findings indicated that RhoGDI2 promoted GEM resistance and tumor progression in pancreatic cancer and that RhoGDI2 might be a potential therapeutic target in patients with PDAC.