STEMedicine (ISSN Online: 2705-1188) is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal published by Innovation Publishing House Pte. Ltd., Singapore. Established in 2020, the journal is dedicated to advancing knowledge across the broad field of medical sciences by publishing high-quality, original, and evidence-based research. The journal provides a global platform for researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals, educators, and policymakers to disseminate scientific discoveries that improve clinical practice, healthcare delivery, biomedical innovation, and public health. STEMedicine welcomes contributions from authors worldwide and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration to address emerging challenges in medicine and healthcare. The journal publishes original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical studies, case reports, short communications, review articles, editorials, perspectives, and letters to the editor. All submitted manuscripts undergo a rigorous double-blind peer-review process conducted by independent experts to ensure scientific quality, originality, ethical integrity, and relevance. STEMedicine is committed to the principles of open access, enabling unrestricted, immediate, and permanent access to published research without subscription barriers. The journal supports transparency, research integrity, ethical publishing practices, and the global dissemination of scientific knowledge to advance healthcare and medical research. Journal Information Journal Title: STEMedicine ISSN (Online): 2705-1188 ISSN-L: 2705-1188 Publisher: Innovation Publishing House Pte. Ltd. Country of Publication: Singapore Established: 2020 Subject Area: Medical Sciences Publication Model: Open Access Peer Review: Double-Blind Peer Review Language: English Publisher Website: https://innovationpublishing.org/index.php
Curcumin-loaded nanoparticles inhibit proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Background: Curcumin has demonstrated potential anticancer activity, but its clinical application is limited by poor solubility and bioavailability. Nanoparticle-based delivery may improve its cellular activity.Methods: Hepatocellular carcinoma cells were treated with free curcumin or curcumin-loaded nanoparticles. Cell viability, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were evaluated.Results: Curcumin-loaded nanoparticles produced greater inhibition of cellular proliferation and migration than free curcumin and increased apoptotic activity.Conclusion: Nanoparticle-mediated delivery may enhance the anticancer activity of curcumin against hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
Curcumin; Nanoparticles; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Cell migration; Apoptosis
Copyright (c) 2024 Chen Xiaoyu, Wu Lei, Koh Jun Wei, Lim Jia Hui (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Long-term clinical outcomes and prognostic factors associated with minimally invasive surgical treatment of patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis
Background: Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis is a common cause of pain and functional disability in older adults. Minimally invasive surgical techniques have increasingly been adopted to reduce perioperative morbidity.Methods: Patients undergoing minimally invasive decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis were followed clinically. Pain severity, functional scores, postoperative complications, and patient-related prognostic factors were evaluated.Results: Most patients demonstrated sustained improvement in pain and functional status during follow-up. Lower baseline functional impairment and absence of major postoperative complications were associated with better outcomes.Conclusion: Minimally invasive decompression provides sustained clinical improvement in appropriately selected patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.
Lumbar spinal stenosis; Minimally invasive surgery; Decompression; Clinical outcome; Prognostic factors
Copyright (c) 2024 Wang Jian, Liu Zhen, Huang Rui (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
miR-29b promotes osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
Background: MicroRNAs are important regulators of stem cell differentiation and tissue regeneration. This study investigated the role of miR-29b in the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.Methods: Mesenchymal stem cells were cultured under osteogenic conditions following miR-29b modulation. Alkaline phosphatase activity, mineral deposition, and osteogenic marker expression were evaluated.Results: Increased miR-29b expression enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization, and expression of RUNX2 and osteocalcin.Conclusion: miR-29b may promote osteogenic differentiation and could have potential applications in bone tissue regeneration.
miR-29b; Mesenchymal stem cells; Osteogenic differentiation; Bone regeneration; RUNX2
Copyright (c) 2024 Li Wei, Zhang Yuhan, Chen Hao, Lim Wei Ming (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Protective effects of quercetin on traumatic brain injury-inducedinflammation and oxidative stress in cortex through activatingNrf2/HO-1 pathway
Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been a serious public health issue. Clinically, there is an urgent need for agents to ameliorate the neuroinflammation and oxidative stress induced by TBI. Our previous research has demonstrated that quercetin could protect the neurological function. However,the detailed mechanism underlying this process remains poorly understood. This research was designed to investigate the mechanisms of quercetin to protect the cortical neurons. Methods: A modified weight-drop device was used for the TBI model. 5, 20, or 50 mg/kg quercetin was injected intraperitoneally to rats at 0.5, 12, and 24 h post-TBI. Rats were sacrificed 3 days post-injury,and their cerebral cortex was obtained from the injured side. The rats were randomly assigned into three groups of equal number: TBI and quercetin group, TBI group, and Sham group. The brain water content was calculated to estimate the brain damage induced by TBI. Immunohistochemical and Western blot assays were utilized to investigate the neurobehavioral status. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were performed to evaluate the inflammatory responses. The cortical oxidative stress was measured by estimating the activities of malondialdehyde,superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione-Px. Western blot was utilized to evaluate the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1).Results: Quercetin attenuated the brain edema and microgliosis in TBI rats. Quercetin treatment attenuated cortical inflammatory responses and oxidative stress induced by TBI insults. Quercetin treatmentactivated the cortical Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in TBI rats.Conclusions: Quercetin ameliorated the TBI-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the cortex through activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Quercetin; traumatic brain injury; neuroinflammation; oxidative stress
Copyright (c) 2024 Jianqiang Song, Guoliang Du, Haiyun Wu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effects of extracellular vesicles derived from human mesenchymal stem cells on inflammatory responses and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells
Background: Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles have emerged as important mediators of intercellular communication and tissue regeneration. This study investigated their effects on inflammatory responses and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells.Methods: Bone marrow stromal cells were treated with extracellular vesicles isolated from cultured mesenchymal stem cells. Cell viability, inflammatory cytokine production, alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization, and osteogenic marker expression were subsequently evaluated.Results: Extracellular vesicle treatment reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine production and significantly enhanced osteogenic differentiation, with increased alkaline phosphatase activity and mineral deposition.Conclusion: Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles may promote a favorable microenvironment for bone regeneration through simultaneous modulation of inflammation and osteogenesis.
Extracellular vesicles; Mesenchymal stem cells; Osteogenesis; Inflammation; Bone regeneration
Copyright (c) 2023 Xiaoyu Wang, Yuki Sato, Chen Hao, Wei Zhang, Minseo Kim (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bioactive polymer scaffolds for cartilage tissue regeneration
Background: The limited regenerative capacity of cartilage has encouraged the development of tissue-engineering approaches using biomaterial scaffolds. This study evaluated a bioactive polymer scaffold for cartilage regeneration.Methods: Chondrocytes were cultured on bioactive scaffolds, and cell viability, adhesion, extracellular matrix formation, and cartilage-specific marker expression were assessed.Results: The bioactive scaffold demonstrated good cellular compatibility and promoted extracellular matrix production. Increased expression of collagen type II and aggrecan was observed compared with the control material.Conclusion: Bioactive polymer scaffolds may provide a suitable platform for supporting cartilage tissue regeneration.
Cartilage regeneration; Biomaterials; Polymer scaffold; Chondrocytes; Tissue engineering
Copyright (c) 2023 Ziyun Liu, Kenji Nakamura, Haichao Wang, Jun Pu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MicroRNA-21 regulates myocardial injury following ischemia-reperfusion
Background: Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury contributes significantly to cardiac tissue damage following restoration of blood flow. MicroRNAs have emerged as important regulators of cardiac cellular responses.Methods: Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury was experimentally induced, followed by assessment of microRNA-21 expression, inflammatory mediators, apoptotic markers, and myocardial tissue damage.Results: Altered microRNA-21 expression was associated with changes in inflammatory and apoptotic signaling and was accompanied by differences in myocardial injury markers.Conclusion: MicroRNA-21 may contribute to the molecular response to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and could represent a potential therapeutic target.
microRNA-21; Myocardial injury; Ischemia-reperfusion; Apoptosis; Cardiac injury
Copyright (c) 2023 Yuki Tanaka, Lucas Ferreira (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells through modulation of Wnt signaling
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells have considerable potential for bone regeneration, although their osteogenic differentiation is regulated by multiple signaling pathways. This study investigated the effect of Wnt pathway modulation on osteogenic differentiation.Methods: Mesenchymal stem cells were cultured under osteogenic conditions with or without a Wnt signaling modulator. Cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, mineral deposition, and osteogenic marker expression were evaluated.Results: Wnt pathway modulation enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity and extracellular matrix mineralization, accompanied by increased expression of RUNX2 and osteocalcin.Conclusion: Modulation of Wnt signaling may promote osteogenic differentiation and represents a potential strategy for bone tissue engineering.
Mesenchymal stem cells; Osteogenesis; Wnt signaling; Bone regeneration; Tissue engineering
Copyright (c) 2023 Wei Chen, Xiaoyu Zhang, Elena Rossi, Daniel Miller (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MicroRNA-124-3p alleviates repetitive bleomycin-inducedidiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in mouse by repressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling component AXIN1
Background: MicroRNA (miR)-124-3p is a crucial player in the transforming growth factor β1-induced in vitro fibrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. In the current study, we aimed to further verify the in vivo role of miR-124-3p in a mouse model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).Methods: Mouse IPF model was established using repetitive intratracheal bleomycin (BLM) dosing,followed by in vivo delivery of miR-124-3p. Masson’s trichrome staining, hematoxylin-eosin (H&E),and modified Ashcroft score were performed on lung tissues to assess extent of pulmonary fibrosis.Collagen deposition was examined using hydroxyproline assay. Inflammatory cell counts were evaluated in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed to assess apoptosis in lung tissues.Results: Repetitive BLM injection induced elevated fibrosis score and collagen deposition, elevated numbers of inflammatory cells in the BAL fluid, and promoted in lung tissues of mice. MiR-124-3p, to a considerable extent, reversed the BLM-induced IPF symptoms in terms of fibrosis score and collagen deposition in the lung tissues, reduced the BLM-elevated inflammatory cells in the BAL fluid and the percentage of BLM-induced apoptotic cells in lung tissues. AXIN1, a pivotal component in Wnt signaling, was also significantly inhibited by miR-124-3p in the experimental mice.Conclusion: MiR-124-3p serves as a therapeutic target in the mouse model of IPF by repressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling component AXIN1 and holds great clinical potential in molecular therapies to treat human IPF patients.
idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; Wnt/β-catenin signaling; bleomycin; microRNA; C57BL/6 mouse
Copyright (c) 2023 Dharma Jaggi, Kavita Aggarwal , Lavanya Goyal (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparison between three cannulated screws and targon lockingplate for displaced intracapsular hip fracture: a retrospective study
Purpose: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes between three cannulated screws (TCS) and a combination of two cannulated screws along with one fully threaded cannulated screw with a TARGON locking plate (TCS-TLP) for the treatment of displaced intracapsular hip fractures.Methods: Seventy-five patients with displaced intracapsular hip fractures were treated surgically between January 2013 and January 2019. Thirty-five patients underwent TCS-TLP, while the remaining 40 patients were treated with TCS. Injuries were assessed according to the AO classification, and outcome measurements included the modified Harris hip score (MHHS), visual analogue score (VAS), and radiological data.Results: The TCS-TLP group showed significantly better MHHS improvement than the TCS group at 12 months (85.6 vs. 75.6, P < 0.05) and 24 months (89.4 vs. 81.1, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the TCS-TLP group had a lower incidence of complications compared to the TCS group, with 5 patients experiencing complications in the TCS-TLP group versus 14 cases in the TCS group (P < 0.05). Similarly, the femoral neck shorten rate was significantly lower in the TCS-TLP group at each follow-up visit (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Patients who are treated with a combination of two cannulated screws, including one fully threaded cannulated screw along with a TCS-TLP, can experience improved functional outcomes,reduced orthopedic complications, and prevention of femoral neck shortening.
displaced intracapsular hip fracture; cannulated screw; Targon locking plate; femoral neck shorting
Copyright (c) 2023 Xiuxiu Hou, Guojun Shi, Yadi Zhang, Baorui Xing (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparison of the effects of botulinum toxin type A hamstringmuscle injection combined with periarticular injection and simpleperiarticular injection on early pain and functional recovery aftertotal knee arthroplasty
Objective: This study was designed to compare the effects of hamstring muscle injection of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) combined with periarticular injection to those of simple periarticular injection alone, in terms of early pain reduction and functional recovery following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods: This study included 40 patients who underwent elective unilateral TKA at our hospital from February 2021 to December 2021. The patients were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (BoNT/A injection into the hamstring muscle + periarticular injection, n = 20 cases) or the control group (0.9% normal saline injection into the hamstring muscle + periarticular injection, n = 20 cases). The preoperative and postoperative 3-day HSS scores were compared between the two groups.Postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were observed and compared between the two groups. The Lovett grading method was used to evaluate the postoperative muscle strength of both groups. Additionally, postoperative knee joint pain scores, maximum active flexion angle, and any postoperative adverse reactions were observed and compared between the two groups.Results: The experimental group showed significantly lower VAS pain scores than the control group at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after the operation, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Furthermore,compared to the control group, the patients in the experimental group exhibited larger knee joint active flexion angles at 1 day, 3 days, and 5 days post-operation, also demonstrating a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). These findings hold scientific significance (P < 0.05). Additionally, the combined administration of BoNT/A hamstring muscle injection with periarticular injection exhibited a low incidence of adverse reactions during the perioperative period and had no significant effect on quadriceps muscle strength.Conclusion: The combination of BoNT/A hamstring muscle injection with periarticular injection effectively alleviates early postoperative pain following TKA and promotes early functional recovery of the knee joint.
total knee arthroplasty; botulinum toxin type A; periarticular injections; hamstring injections; analgesia; functional rehabilitation
Copyright (c) 2023 Xiaofeng Jiang, TaoTao Jiang, Xiaojun Qi, Pengzhou Gai, Hongliang Sun, Guangda Wang (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Therapeutic evaluation of postoperative chemotherapy andchemoradiotherapy on cardiopulmonary complications in patientswith esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Background: Postoperative chemotherapy (pCT), together with chemoradiotherapy (pCRT), is well used for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma in the esophagus. However, these adjuvant therapies may cause serious adverse effects resulting in higher postoperative morbidity.Methods: In this study, we aim to assess and compare the postoperative cardiopulmonary complications as a result of pCT and pCRT in patients with esophageal cancer. PCT (n = 182) or pCRT (n = 153) was conducted to treat patients with esophageal cancer.Results: A significantly higher percentage of pneumonia was diagnosed in patients with the pCRT treatment compared with pCT group (P < 0.01). In comparison to the pCT treated group, pCRT treatment patients showed significantly decreased early diastolic filling velocity (P < 0.01) and higher plasma level of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (P < 0.01). Moreover, pCRT treatment was associated with higher pneumonia risk and increased NT-proBNP level significantly by a multivariate analysis.Conclusion: pCRT treatment increased the percentage of cardiopulmonary complications in comparison with pCT treatment.
chemotherapy; chemoradiotherapy; postoperative; esophageal cancer
Copyright (c) 2023 Gustavo Martins Aransiola, Mariana Alonso Nogueira (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Regulatory effect of anisotropic structure on cardiomyocytematuration
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Due to the limited regenerative capacity of the adult heart, treatments based on human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have become the focus of a great deal of research. Human pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) can provide an ideal cell source for CVD model construction, cardiac tissue repair, and drug cardiotoxicology research. However, the immaturity of hPSC-CMs seriously restricts its clinical application. The maturation of cardiomyocytes depends on the orderly arrangement of myofilaments and the increase of the expression of connexin, so the geometric regulation of bioengineering substrate is one of the keys to the maturation of engineered myocardial tissue. This review focuses on the key indicators of anisotropic structures provided by biomaterials to improve the maturation characteristics of cardiomyocytes, so as to promote the maturation of cardiomyocytes, and looks forward to the development direction in this field.
Cardiovascular disease, human pluripotent stem cells, cardiomyocytes, bioengineering, anisotropic structure
Copyright (c) 2023 Yue Xu, Miao Xiao, Xiaoyun Li, Ziyun Jiang (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phase I/II study of c-MET inhibitor (DE605) combined withsorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Background: DE605 is a c-MET inhibitor that can be taken orally. Sorafenib is the only treatment that has been proven to increase overall survival rates in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the effectiveness of sorafenib in a clinical setting is limited. By targeting multiple signaling pathways through combination therapy, patient outcomes may improve. This study aimed to establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of DE605 when administered alongside sorafenib and to assess the safety and efficacy of this combination in treating patients with advanced HCC.Patients and methods: Patients with advanced HCC received treatment that combined increasing doses of DE605 and sorafenib. The first phase of the study aimed to establish the MTD of this combination.In the second phase, patients were treated with the MTD to assess the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.Results: In the first phase of the study, 27 patients were treated with sorafenib and increasing doses of DE605. In the second phase, 32 patients were enrolled. The MTD was determined to be 240 mg of DE605 once daily (QD) in combination with 400 mg of sorafenib twice daily (BID). Of the patients treated with the MTD, 9.4% had a partial response, 65.6% had stable disease, and 25% had progressive disease. The median time to progression was 2.5 months and the median overall survival was 11.6 months.Conclusion: The combination of 240 mg of DE605 QD and the standard dose of 400 mg of sorafenib BID showed significant clinical effectiveness in treating patients with advanced HCC. The early indications of antitumor activity suggest that further development of this combination therapy may be warranted.
c-MET inhibitor; DE605; sorafenib; hepatocellular carcinoma
Copyright (c) 2023 Bahar Karayel, Sena Durgun, Orhan Öcalgiray (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Pinocembrin inhibits migration and invasion of nonsmallcell lung cancer cells by inhibiting STAT3 signaling
Background: In cancer treatment, targeting the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is crucial as it promotes tumor progression and metastasis through the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Pinocembrin, a dihydroxyflavanone found naturally in propolis and honey, is known for its antioxidant and vasodilating properties. The objective of this study is to explore the potential of pinocembrin in regulating the STAT3 signaling pathway to inhibit migration and invasion of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells.Methods: Hematoxylin staining was used to determine the migration and invasion of A549 cells. The relative expression of EMT-related proteins and invasive proteins in A549 cells was determined by Western blot analysis. STAT3 activity was evaluated using a luciferase assay. Overexpression of STAT3 was utilized to assess the role of pinocembrin in regulating STAT3.Results: Pinocembrin treatment (50 μM) significantly reduced the number of migrating and invasive cells. Pinocembrin upregulated the protein level of E-cadherin and downregulated the protein levels of N-cadherin and vimentin. Additionally, pinocembrin blocked the phosphorylation and activation of STAT3. Overexpression of STAT3 reversed the inhibitory effects of pinocembrin on cell migration and invasion.Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that pinocembrin can inhibit the activation of STAT3, which is associated with EMT and thereby attenuate migration and invasion in NSCLC cells.
non-small lung cancer cells; STAT3; migration; invasion; EMT
Copyright (c) 2023 Jing Zhang, Zhiqiang Xue, Bin Wang, Jiaxin Wen, Yunxi Wang (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Methods of hamstring muscle injection of botulinum toxin type Acombined with periarticular injection after total knee arthroplasty
This study aimed to report on a method for injecting botulinum toxin type A into the hamstring muscles combined with periarticular injection in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. We enrolled patients who underwent elective unilateral TKA at our hospital from February 2021 to December 2021 and administered botulinum toxin type A hamstring muscle injection combined with periarticular injection.We established and reported a detailed method for this combined approach, which could provide an alternative analgesic regimen after TKA in clinical practice.
total knee arthroplasty; botulinum toxin type A; hamstring injection; analgesia
Application of seminal vesiculoscopy on the treatment of seminalvesiculitis
Objective: The development of seminal vesicle technology has greatly improved the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment of seminal vesiculitis, but its long-term efficacy and postoperative complications still need to be evaluated further.Patients and methods: Ninety-eight patients with seminal vesiculitis were randomly assigned to a traditional medical treatment control group (n = 49) and a seminal vesiculoscopy group (n = 49). The clinical efficacy of the two groups of patients, including blood sperm and pain, was evaluated 1 month after surgery. The maximum urine flow rate (MFR) and the average urine flow rate (AFR) were measured.Results: Compared with traditional medicine, seminal vesicle endoscopy has a higher clinical effect on seminal vesiculitis. Seminal vesicle therapy was more effective in reducing blood cells in patient’s semen and improving the patient’s urinary function. The seminal vesicle volume and seminal fructose were significantly improved.Conclusions: The efficacy of seminal vesiculoscopy for seminal vesiculitis is better than traditional medicine.
seminal vesiculoscopy; seminal vesiculitis; hematospermia; traditional medicine
Copyright (c) 2023 Di Cao, Qingsong Yang, Weicong Zhu, Huangbin Ma (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Application of conductive hydrogels in cardiac tissue engineering
The fatality rate of myocardial infarction ranks first in cardiovascular disease, which is myocardial necrosis caused by persistent ischemia and hypoxia caused by coronary artery occlusion. Myocardial infarction leads to the irreversible loss of a large number of cardiomyocytes. Exogenous cardiomyocyte supplement is an ideal method for the treatment of myocardial infarction. However, myocardial infarction leads to the loss of electrical conductivity of myocardial tissue at the infarcted site, and it is difficult for exogenous cardiomyocytes to integrate effectively. So, it is necessary to reshape the microenvironment of the infarcted site and restore its electrical conductivity. The construction of heart tissue engineering combined with biomaterials, cells and bioactive molecules is a hot topic in recent years. Conductive hydrogels, as an ideal scaffold material can promote the maturation of cardiomyocytes in vitro, give effective mechanical support to the infarcted site, improve the electrical conductivity of infarcted tissue, help exogenous cardiomyocytes integrate in vivo and restore heart function gradually. In this paper, we review the natural substrate materials used to make conductive hydrogels, the emerging trend of conductive materials and the applications of conductive hydrogels in heart tissue engineering.
myocardial infarction; heart tissue engineering; conductive hydrogels
Copyright (c) 2023 Xiaoyi Ren, Ziyun Jiang, Mingliang Tang (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Involvement of microRNA-138-5p in cardiac surgery-inducedpostoperative cognitive dysfunction
Background: Despite being one of the main concerns in cardiac surgery, the molecular basis and regulatory mechanisms of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) are still unclear. In this study, we demonstrate the critical role of miR-138-5p in POCD in mice.Methods: We first established an animal model for POCD caused by cardiac surgery. We then used quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to examine the expression levels of miR-138-5p and its target mRNAs. The protein level of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) was determined using Western blot assays. To assess the mice’s recognition abilities, we performed the Morris water maze (MWM) test. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to evaluate the expression levels of hippocampal inflammatory cytokines. Finally, we used a luciferase assay to confirm that miR-138-5p directly targeted the mRNA of SIRT1.Results: MiR-138-5p was upregulated in the hippocampus of mice following cardiac surgery. Inhibiting miR-138-5p reduced the occurrence of POCD and the hippocampus inflammation in the mice. MiR-138-5p targeted the mRNA of SIRT1, thereby suppressing its expression in the hippocampus of mice following cardiac surgery.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that miR-138-5p contributes to cardiac surgery-induced POCD by directly targeting and suppressing the expression of SIRT1 in the hippocampus.
postoperative cognition dysfunction; miR-138-5p; cardiac surgery; sirtuin 1; hippocampus
Copyright (c) 2023 Pavan Bandhu, Kartik Das (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
BMP-2 transgenic alveolar bone-derived marrow stem cellsattenuate osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Background: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) results in activity-related hip pain and disability, affecting around 20 million people worldwide. However, there is absent of effective therapeutic approaches for ONFH. The transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells was reported to be a promising method for ONFH therapy. In this study, we explored if bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) transgenic alveolar bone-derived marrow stem cells (ABMSCs) could be applied to treat ONFH.Methods: We established an ONFH mouse model by injection of steroid, and implanted ABMSCs and BMP-2 transgenic ABMSCs into the steroid-impaired femoral head. Gene expression and the pathological alternation of the tissues were analyzed by qRT-PCR and hematoxylin and eosin staining, respectively. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining was applied to detect osteoclastogenesis. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot were performed to evaluate the protein expression in the sera and tissues, respectively. Results: ABMSCs attenuated steroid-induced ONFH and ameliorated the serum concentration of osteogenesis-associated proteins in the ONFH mice. Mechanistically, ABMSCs inhibited osteoclast differentiation by inactivating the RANKL/RANK/OPG signaling pathway. BMP-2 overexpression enhanced ABMSCs to alleviate ONFH.Conclusions: ABMSCs and BMP-2 Transgenic ABMSCs attenuate ONFH by promoting osteoblastogenesis and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis via inactivating the RANKL/RANK/OPG signaling pathway.
Copyright (c) 2023 Baorui Xing, Xiuxiu Hou, Guochen Zhang, Hao Wu, Nana Feng, Yunmei Li, Guangpu Han (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Anti-tumor effects of paeonol in melanoma by up-regulatingmiR-143 and suppressing its target WNT5B
Previous studies have shown the potent anti-tumor effect of paeonol, a natural compound extracted from traditional Chinese herb medicine. However, the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanisms of paeonol in melanoma are largely unknown. Two melanoma cell lines (M14 and A375) were cultured in the presence of paeonol. Cell proliferation was determined by colony formation and cell-counting kit 8 assays. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were performed to detect mRNA and protein expression, respectively. Paeonol treatment significantly inhibited the colony formation and proliferation of melanoma cells by enhancing the expression of the well-characterized tumor suppressor microRNA (miR)-143. Block of miR-143 diminished the inhibitory effects of paeonol on cell growth. miR-143 directly bound to Wnt family member 5B (WNT5B) gene. Paeonol therefore down-regulated WNT5B expression through miR-143. Moreover, paeonol suppressed melanoma growth in vivo. Our study reveals that paeonol effectively suppresses melanoma cell growth both in vitro and in vivo through miR-143/WNT5B axis, which shows potential for the treatment of melanoma.
Copyright (c) 2023 Meishan Piao, Guangdong Feng (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Aspirin alleviates the symptoms of immunoglobulin Anephropathy via suppressing platelets-mediated non-canonicalNF-κB activation in B cells
Purpose: Antiplatelet aggregation drugs, such as aspirin, can alleviate pathological renal damage in immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, although the precise mechanism is unclear.Methods: The serum levels of platelet factor 4 (PF4), IgA, and platelet-activating factor (PAF) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in IgA nephropathy patients and TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1)-/- tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-/- mice. The deposition of IgA in glomeruli was detected by immunofluorescence. Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) induced platelets activation was examined by the cell counting kit 8 assay. B cells were further stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or plus platelets supernatant, or combined with nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) inducing kinase (NIK) inhibitor, NIK SMI1.Results: Increased serum IgA and proportion of activated platelets were observed in IgA nephropathy patients. TBK1-/-TNF-/- mice had significant increased urinary protein and serum creatinine, and IgA deposition in glomeruli. Up-regulated serum PF4 and PAF were observed in both the IgA nephropathy patients and TBK1-/-TNF-/- mice. Aspirin suppressed the deposition of IgA in glomeruli of TBK1-/-TNF-/- mice with down-regulated platelets activation. Platelets supernatant could promote the proliferation of B cells with up-regulated IgA and sCD40L secretion and up-regulated P52 and RelB expression,which could be inhibited by NIK SMI1 administration.Conclusion: TBK1-/-TNF-/- mice demonstrate IgA nephropathy phenotype, which could be alleviated by aspirin administration via inhibiting platelets induced non-canonical NF-κB activation mediated IgA production in B cells.
aspirin; IgA nephropathy; NF-κB; B cells
Copyright (c) 2023 Nomvula Johannes , Priyanka Maunga (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Anethole attenuates lung cancer progression by regulating theproliferation and apoptosis through AKT and STAT3 signaling
Background: The main constituent of fennel, anethole, exerts beneficial effects in many diseases, including antiproliferative and tumoricidal capacities. This study aimed to investigate the effect of anethole on the human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line, A549, and the related molecular mechanisms.Methods: The proliferation was assessed by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and colony formation assays. Apoptosis situation was determined using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and DNA fragmentation assay combined with immunoblotting assay probing-related protein expression. Phosphoinositide 3-kinases-protein kinase B (PI3K-AKT) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling proteins were evaluated using immunoblotting. Xenograft model was constructed to determine the tumor volume and weight and to evaluate the expression of Ki67 via immunohistochemistry and cleaved caspase 3 via immunoblotting.Results: Anethole inhibited proliferation and clonal growth of A549 cells. The promotion of A549 cell apoptosis by anethole was evidenced by increased apoptotic ratio, abundant DNA fragments, and caspase-3 activation. Key proteins in PI3K-AKT and STAT3 signaling pathways were decreased in anethole group. Additionally, xenografted tumors in anethole group retarded with decreased Ki67 and increased cleaved caspase 3 expression.Conclusions: Anethole induced tumor cell apoptosis and retarded cell proliferation. AKT and STAT3 signaling pathways might be involved in the effects of anethole. Our findings highlight the feasibility of anethole in the treatment of lung cancer.
Copyright (c) 2023 Venkata Kumar, Maddula Venkateswarulu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Placental exosomal level of alanine aminotransferase is moreaccurate predictive biomarker of intrahepatic cholestasis ofpregnancy than total bile acid
Aims: As a serious liver abnormality, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) uniquely occurs in pregnant women. In the present study, we examined whether placental exosomes and their protein contents could serve as novel indicators to help early diagnosis of ICP.Methods: The current retrospective stratified study design included a 100 healthy pregnant females and a 100 patients with ICP. Plancental exosomes were isolated to determine the exosomal levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total bile acid (TBA). The predictive values of placental exosomal TBA and ALT were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results: The placental exosomal TBA level did not exhibit any obvious differences between healthy and ICP pregnancies. Moreover, placental exosomal ALT level was significantly higher in ICP-affected pregnancy than healthy control. Analysis of the ROC curve further demonstrated that placental exosomal level of ALT yields better sensitivity and specificity to distinguish ICP patients from healthy individuals,than that of TBA.Conclusions: Placental exosomal ALT is a more accurate predictive biomarker of ICP than TBA and,therefore, can be employed with reliability as a characteristic abnormality in diagnosis of ICP.
ICP; exosome; TBA; ALT; biomarker; receiver operating characteristic curve analysis
Copyright (c) 2023 Sahaya Ravichandran, Rupa Karunanithi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Antitumor effects of geraniol on oral cancer
Background: Geraniol has been shown to possess therapeutic or preventive effects against various types of human cancers but not affect normal physiology through regulating cell cycle and apoptosis. However, the biological effects of geraniol on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells are unknown.Methods: OSCC cell proliferation was measured by cell-counting kit-8 and colony formation assays.Cell migration was assessed by wound-healing assay. Apoptosis of OSCC cells was detected by TUNEL staining analysis. UM1 xenograft mouse model was used for determining the antitumor effects of geraniol in vivo.Results:Geraniol treatment significantly suppressed OSCC cell proliferation and migration in vitro, and tumor growth in vivo in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Further investigation showed that geraniol treatment effectively induced OSCC apoptosis and blocked Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling activation concurrently. We also found that geraniol administration at the dose of 100 and 250 mg/kg did not affect the body weight on tumor-bearing mice, demonstrating the safety of geraniol.Conclusion: Geraniol may serve as a promising anticancer drug for the treatment of oral cancer.
geraniol; oral cancer; cell proliferation; cell migration; tumor growth
Copyright (c) 2023 Jide Elsayad, Najla Adeshina (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Kanglaite upregulates CD4+ T cells by inhibiting the expression ofIL-1β in A549 cells
Background: Superior clinical efficacy and safety have been demonstrated in Kanglaite combined with cisplatin compared with cisplatin- or Kanglaite-alone treatment on advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the mechanism of how Kanglaite enhances antitumor effect of cisplatin is not fully addressed.Methods: An A549 tumor-bearing mouse model was applied in this study. The tumor-bearing mice were treated with 0.9% saline, Kanglaite-alone, cisplatin-alone, or Kanglaite and cisplatin combination.Immune cell population was determined by flow cytometry assay. The production of cytokine was measured by ELISA assay.Results: The results demonstrated that Kanglaite and cisplatin combination treatment exerted the most potent effects on reducing tumor growth and prolonging mouse survival. Further studies revealed that the upregulation of CD4+ T cells and downregulation of IL-1β might be responsible for the Kanglaite-promoted antitumor effect of cisplatin on A549 tumor.Conclusion: Kanglaite serves as an excellent supplement for cisplatin in treating patients with advanced NSCLC.
Copyright (c) 2022 Chenggong Li, Yigeng Feng (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Differences of inflammatory microenvironment and sensitivecorrelation to cisplatin-chemotherapy in lung adenocarcinomaand squamous cell carcinoma
Introduction: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent type of cancer worldwide and associated with high mortality rate. An effective treatment for NSCLC is urgently needed. This study aimed to investigate differences of inflammatory microenvironment and sensitive correlation to cisplatin-chemotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC),thereby providing insights into the mechanisms underlying inflammation in NSCLC.Materials and methods: The resistance of A549 and SK-MES-1 cells to cisplatin treatment was determined by IC50. The migration and invasion capacity of A549 and SK-MES-1 cells was determined using migration and invasion assay kits. The apoptosis rate was evaluated. The protein expression levels of caspase-3 and Ki67 were measured by western blot. ELISA assay was used to determine the levels of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α.Results: Patients with LUAD showed shorter survival than LUSC patients after the chemotherapy treatment. LUAD was more resistant to cisplatin treatment, corresponding with a higher IC50 observed in A549 cells than SK-MES-1 cells. Moreover, A549 cells showed higher migration and invasion capacity and lower apoptosis rate than SK-MES-1 cells. In addition, SK-MES-1 LUAD samples showed stronger inflammation response than LUAD samples and A549 cells. Accordingly,inflammation cytokines promoted the migration and invasion of SK-MES-1 cells, whereas inhibited cell apoptosis.Conclusions: The present study suggests that LUAD is more resistant to chemotherapy and shows a stronger inflammation response than LUSC. Inflammatory cytokines could enhance the resistance of LUAD to chemotherapy and further promote tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
non-small cell lung cancer; lung adenocarcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma; inflammation; cisplatin
Copyright (c) 2022 Zhilei Cui, Linlin Zhang, Lin Song (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Plasmonic nanoassemblies for surface-enhanced Ramanscattering-based biodetection and biomedical theranostics
Plasmonic nanoassemblies are well-defined organizing of elementary metallic nanocrystal building blocks into ordered architectures across multiple scales, which constituents an exciting route to engineer nanomaterials structures with novel properties. Such nanoassemblies can accurately enhance, guide,and switch electromagnetic field at the nanoscale, which is shaping new-generation technologies with a plethora of applications, such as ultrasensitive bimolecular sensors, cancer diagnostics, and photothermal therapy (PTT), to name a few. In this review, we mainly focus on the plasmonic nanoassemblies,including the structure design, property control, and biomedical applications. The guiding principles have been first clarified with design rules being suggested. Then, the methodologies for fabrication of surface-enhanced Raman scattering-based (SERS-based) biodetection devices have been discussed.Finally, we summarized the PTT by using the plasmonic nanoassemblies as bioprobes for theranostics.Based on the facile yet efficient fabrication methods, high-efficient optoelectronic properties, and high performance in biomedical applications, we firmly believe that the plasmonic nanoassemblies can be integrated with portable devices for next-generation biosensors and biomedical theranostics.
plasmonic; nanoassemblies; surface-enhanced Raman scattering; biodetection; theranostics
Copyright (c) 2022 Yi Chen, Yu Bai, Heng Zhang, Zheng Zhou (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Psychophysiological effects of residential options on older peopleliving in long-term nursing house
Background: Nursing home is critical for the elderly.Methods: To investigate the effects of decision-making process in terms of choosing room type and roommates on cognitive and psychosocial conditions of the elderly, 174 eligible participants were randomly assigned into three groups. In the first two groups, participants were randomly assigned to single-person rooms (Group SPR, n = 58) and multi-person rooms (2–4 persons per room, Group MPR,n = 58), and the third group of participants were allowed to voluntarily choose to live in single-person room or with preferred roommates (Group VPR, n = 58).Results: Participants who voluntarily choose room type and roommates (Group VPR) showed the least deterioration of cognitive function, psychosocial, and physical health, with Group MPR showing less deterioration than Group SPR. Allowing elderly people to voluntarily choose room type and roommate is better for preserving their cognitive, psychological, and physical health.Conclusions: Voluntary choice of room type and roommates is beneficial to the cognitive, psychological,and physical health of elderly people.
elderly population; nursing home; residential option; cognitive function; psychological function; physical health
Copyright (c) 2022 Wenfeng Gao, Wenji Xie, Wenqin Xie, Changcheng Jiang, Zhenming Kang, Naizhen Liu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Online mindfulness training in percutaneous coronaryintervention: a randomized clinical trial
Background: Mindfulness training exhibits favorable effects on both psychological and physiological outcomes. We aimed at assessing its effects on post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients.Methods: We recruited 357 patients arranged with PCI and randomized them in a ratio of 1:1 (n =178 versus n = 179) into a 3-month mindfulness training class in addition to usual care. The primary outcomes were the physiological and health-related quality of life outcomes of patients post-PCI. The secondary outcomes were the psychological outcomes of the patients.Results: Compared to the control group, the 3-month mindfulness training improved the physiological outcomes including systolic blood pressure, body mass index, total cholesterol level,low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels of patients post-PCI. The psychological outcomes including depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, and stress of these patients were also improved statistically.Conclusion: Mindfulness training exhibited benefits on both physiological and psychological outcomes of patients post-PCI.
coronary disease; mindfulness; percutaneous coronary intervention; stress disorder
Copyright (c) 2022 Naizhen Liu, Wenji Xie (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0