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.

Plasma Membrane as the Target Site of Cholic Acid Analogs

Tian Hong Zhang,Zhen Qing Zhang,Chun Guang Liu,Jin Xiu Ruan 대한약학회 2011 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.34 No.7

Although the mechanism is unknown, Calculus Bovis and its active components, cholic acid analogs (CAAs), have been used in China to treat a wide range of diseases. Based on the previous finding that the potency of CAA is strongly dependent on the intrinsic surface activity, this paper aimed to investigate the role of the plasma membrane in the pharmacological activity of CAAs. First, CAAs (0.1 mM) caused a surface activity-dependent depression on ATPase activity in the cell membrane extract, but it had no effects on other cellular extracts, suggesting an indispensable role of the membrane environment for pharmacological activity. Second, CAAs lowered the membrane fluidity of cultured Caco-2 cells with the same rank-order of potency sequence. Third, the hypothesis that any functional protein located on the membrane is influenced by changes in cellular membrane fluidity was supported by: ileal contraction that was induced by acetylcholine and mediated by the muscarinic receptor (M-receptor) or the relaxation induced by adrenaline and mediated by the β-adrenergic receptor (β-receptor) was inhibited by CAAs. They also had similar rank-order of potency and the effects on the plasma membrane. Collectively, the plasma membrane may be a target for the CAAs to exert the multiple pharmacological effects which are mediated by the alteration of the membrane mobility and the function of integral membrane proteins.

Predictive Role of ERCC1 and XPD Genetic Polymorphisms in Survival of Chinese Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Zhang, Zhen-Yong,Tian, Xin,Wu, Rong,Liang, Yuan,Jin, Xue-Ying Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.6

Aim: There is increasing evidence that ERCC1 and XPD have roles in response to chemotherapy among patients with NSCLC, but the results are conflicting. Therefore, we conducted the present prospective study in a Chinese population. Methods: A total of 632 primary NSCLC patients were included, followed-up from May 2006 to May 2011. Polymorphisms were detected by real time PCR with TaqMan probse, using genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood samples. The Cox regression model was used to analyze the hazard ratios (HR) for ERCC1 and XPD. Results: The median time of follow-up was 31.6 months. Our results showed the ERCC1 118 T/T(HR=1.65, 95% CI=1.17-2.43) and XPD 751 Gln/Gln genotypes (HR=1.52, 95%CI=1.04-2.08) were associated with an increased risk of death from NSCLC. Moreover, the ERCC118 T allele and XPD 751 Gln allele genotypes had a more higher risk of death from NSCLC among both ex-smokers and current smokers. Conclusion: In summary, ERCC1 and XPD gene polymorphisms might provide better prognostic predictive information for NSCLC patients in Chinese populations, with smoking possibly interacting with the genotypes.

SPON2 Promotes M1-like Macrophage Recruitment and Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis by Distinct Integrin–Rho GTPase–Hippo Pathways

Zhang, Yan-Li,Li, Qing,Yang, Xiao-Mei,Fang, Fang,Li, Jun,Wang, Ya-Hui,Yang, Qin,Zhu, Lei,Nie, Hui-Zhen,Zhang, Xue-Li,Feng, Ming-Xuan,Jiang, Shu-Heng,Tian, Guang-Ang,Hu, Li-Peng,Lee, Ho-Young,Lee, Su-J American Association for Cancer Research 2018 Cancer research Vol.78 No.9

<P>Matricellular protein SPON2 acts as an HCC suppressor and utilizes distinct signaling events to perform dual functions in HCC microenvironment.</P><P>Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) represent key regulators of the complex interplay between cancer and the immune microenvironment. Matricellular protein SPON2 is essential for recruiting lymphocytes and initiating immune responses. Recent studies have shown that SPON2 has complicated roles in cell migration and tumor progression. Here we report that, in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), SPON2 not only promotes infiltration of M1-like macrophages but also inhibits tumor metastasis. SPON2-α4β1 integrin signaling activated RhoA and Rac1, increased F-actin reorganization, and promoted M1-like macrophage recruitment. F-Actin accumulation also activated the Hippo pathway by suppressing LATS1 phosphorylation, promoting YAP nuclear translocation, and initiating downstream gene expression. However, SPON2-α5β1 integrin signaling inactivated RhoA and prevented F-actin assembly, thereby inhibiting HCC cell migration; the Hippo pathway was not noticeably involved in SPON2-mediated HCC cell migration. In HCC patients, SPON2 levels correlated positively with prognosis. Overall, our findings provide evidence that SPON2 is a critical factor in mediating the immune response against tumor cell growth and migration in HCC.</P><P><B>Significance:</B> Matricellular protein SPON2 acts as an HCC suppressor and utilizes distinct signaling events to perform dual functions in HCC microenvironment.</P><P><B>Graphical Abstract:</B> http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/9/2305/F1.large.jpg. <I>Cancer Res; 78(9); 2305–17. ©2018 AACR</I>.</P><P><B>Graphical Abstract</B></P><P> [Figure]</P>

Is Axillary Dissection Necessary for Breast Cancer in Old Women? A Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Zhang, Pei-Zhen,Chong, Le,Zhao, Ye,Gu, Jing,Tian, Jin-Hui,Yang, Ke-Hu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.2

Background: We performed this meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness and safety of axillary dissection in old women. Methods: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database were searched and all randomized controlled trials of axillary dissection in old women (at least 60 years old) were considered. Meta-analyses were completed using RevMan5.1. Results: Three eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 5,337 patients were considered. There was weak evidence in favour of axillary dissection (AD) in old women. The meta-analysis showed that the overall survival (OS) after 1, 3, 5 and 7 years and the disease free survival (DFS) after 1, 3 and 5 year were not statistically significantly different between AD and no AD groups. However, there was a difference in the 7 year DFS. Conclusions: Axillary dissection did not provide survival benefit to the old women with breast cancer analysed. Therefore, axillary dissection is not well-indicated in old women with breast cancer.

A study of P release from Fe-P and Ca-P via the organic acids secreted by Aspergillus niger

Tian Da,Wang Liyan,Hu Jun,Zhang Liangliang,Zhou Ningning,Xia Jingjing,Xu Meiyue,Yusef Kianpoor Kalkhajeh,Wang Shimei,Li Zhen,Gao Hongjian 한국미생물학회 2021 The journal of microbiology Vol.59 No.9

Phosphate solubilizing fungi (PSF) have been widely applied to dissolve insoluble phosphates (IPs). However, the PSF usually demonstrates a different phosphate solubilizing capacity for various IPs. This study explored the mechanisms of Aspergillus niger for the dissolution of ferric phosphate (FePO4, Fe-P), and tricalcium phosphate (Ca3[PO4]2, Ca-P) regarding the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Aspergillus niger has higher phosphorus (P) content released from Ca-P, reached the maximum value of 861 mg/L after seven days of incubation, compared with the 169 mg/L from Fe-P. Oxalic acid promoted the release of P from Ca-P through the formation of calcium oxalate. The presence of Fe-P can stimulate A. niger to secrete large amounts of citric acid, confirmed by the enhancement of citrate synthase (CS) activity. However, citric acid only promotes 0.5% of P released from Fe-P. Meanwhile, although oxalic acid still dominates the release of P from Fe-P, its abundance was significantly declined. In contrast, oxalic acid also shows a higher P release ratio in Ca-P than citric acid, i.e., 36% vs. 22%. This study points to the future usage of A. niger to dissolve IPs in soil required to enhance oxalic acid secretion.

Reference gene selection for RT-qPCR analysis in two invasive whiteflies after the acquisition of vectored or non-vectored viruses

Zhen-Hong Lv,Hui-Peng Pan,Wei Zhang,Tian-Bo Ding,Dong Chu 한국응용곤충학회 2018 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.21 No.1

Custom reference gene selection is essential for reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) in different species of insects and various experiment conditions. In this study, 14 candidate referencegenes (HSP40, HSP20, HSP70, HSP90, v-ATPase, RPL29, EF-1, SDHA, Actin, PPIA, GAPDH, MyosinL,NADH, and γ-tubulin) were analyzed using five different programs including ΔCt method, BestKeeper, geNorm,NormFinder, and ReFinder to validate their use as reference genes in two invasive whiteflies, Bemisia tabaci Band Q, after acquiring the vectored virus, Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), or ingesting the non-vectoredvirus, Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), respectively. The results showed that HSP40, v-ATPase, and EF-1 werethe most stable genes in B. tabaci B (B. tabaci B feeding on the healthy, TYLCV- and TSWV-infected tomatoplant), PPIA, SDHA, and RPL29 were the most stable genes in B. tabaci Q (B. tabaci Q feeding on the healthy,TYLCV- and TSWV-infected tomato plant). In addition, EF-1, RPL29, and HSP20 were the most stable referencegenes in B. tabaci B and Q. These findings provide the basis for future RT-qPCR-based studies on whitefly-virus interactions. Meanwhile,this report may set a precedent for reference gene selection in insects after the ingestion of non-vectored viruses.

Neuro-Fuzzy Network-based Depression Diagnosis Algorithm Using Optimal Features of HRV

장진흥(Zhen-Xing Zhang),전설위(Xue-Wei Tian),임준식(Joon S. Lim) 한국콘텐츠학회 2012 한국콘텐츠학회논문지 Vol.12 No.2

본 논문은 가중 퍼지소속함수 기반 신경망 (Neural Network with Weighted Fuzzy Membership functions, NEWFM)과 심박수 변이도(Heart Rate Variability, HRV)를 이용하여 우울증 진단알고리즘을 제안하고 있다. 본 알고리즘에서 사용할 NEWFM의 입력특징을 추출하기 위해서 주파수도메인 특징추출, 시간도메인 특징추출, 웨이블릿변환 특징추출, 포인케어변환 특징추출 방법을 이용하여 22개의 초기 HRV특징들을 추출하였다. 또한 NEWFM에서 제공하는 비중복면적 분산측정법 (Non-overlap Area Distribution Measurement, NADM)에 의해 입력특징의 중요도를 평가하여 22개의 초기특징으로부터 중요도가 가장 높은 6개 최적입력특징을 선택하였다. 이 6개 특징을 이용하여 우울증을 진단한 결과는 95.8%의 정확도를 나타내었다. This paper presents an algorithm for depression diagnosis using the Neural Network with Weighted Fuzzy Membership functions (NEWFM) and heart rate variability (HRV). In the algorithm, 22 different features were initially extracted from the HRV signal by frequency domain, time domain, wavelet transformed, and Poincare transformed feature extraction methods; of these 6 optimal features were selected by significance evaluation using Non-overlap Area Distribution Measurement (NADM) based on NEWFM. The proposed algorithm uses these 6 optimal features to diagnose depression with an accuracy of 95.83%.

Comparing the efficacy of two different temperature stimulation in warm acupuncture on acute low back pain: A randomized controlled trial

Li Tian,Wang Siyao,Cheng Ke,Sun Lu,Jin Daopeng,Zhang Shen,Yang Zhen,Huang Zouqin 한국한의학연구원 2022 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.11 No.1

Background: Warm acupuncture, a combination of the mechanical stimulation of acupuncture and thermal stimulation of moxibustion, is commonly used in treating acute low back pain (LBP). This trial aimed to compare the efficacy of stronger (above 43°C) and weaker (above 40°C) heat stimulation in warm acupuncture on the function and pain in patients with acute LBP due to lumbosacral disc degeneration (LDD). Methods: One hundred and fifty-nine adults were randomly assigned to receive warm acupuncture treatment with silver needle (SvN) or with stainless steel needle (SSN) (1:1). Both groups received a 3-week therapy with 3 sessions per week. The primary outcome was the modified Oswestry Disability Index at week 4. The secondary outcomes included average pain, three physical sign tests and adverse events. Participants were followed up at week 16 and week 28 after randomization. Results: The LBP related disability and pain intensity significantly relieved more in the SvN warm acupuncture group than in the SSN group, in both the short and long term (p<0.001). The between-groups difference in physical signs showed statistical significance only in the short term (p = 0.024), but not in long term (p = 0.081; p = 0.069). Conclusion: Compared with warm acupuncture with stainless-steel needle at above 40°C, warm acupuncture with silver needle at above 43°C relieved more disability and pain in patients with acute LBP due to LDD. Study registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800019051).

Chemical constituents from the aerial parts of Melandrium firmum

Chang Hao Zhang,Gao Li,Jie Luo,Tian Li,Yong Cui,Mei Jin,Da Lei Yao,Ming Shan Zheng,Zhen-Hua Lin,Jiong Mo Cui 대한약학회 2015 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.38 No.10

Two new anthraquinones, melrubiellin C (1) andmelrubiellin D (2), were isolated from the aerial parts of Melandriumfirmum Rohrbach, together with eight known compounds(3–10). The structures of these compounds wereelucidated using 1Dand 2DNMR(COSY,HMQC,HMBCandNOESY) experiments. All isolated compounds were tested fortheir cytotoxicity against NCI-H460, Hep G2, MKN-28 andA-549 cells.Of these 10 compounds,1 and 2 exhibitedmoderatecytotoxicity with IC50 values ranging from 9.54 to 32.41 lM.