Regulatory effect of physiological tensile stress on differentiation of ATDC5 chondrocytes through Nell-1/Ihh signaling pathway / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To discuss the regulatory effect of physiological tensile stress on the differentiation of chondrocytes,and to clarify the associated signaling pathway mechanism.Methods:The ATDC5 chondrocytes were cultured in vitro and subjected to physiological tensile stress by four-point bending cell mechanical loading device.Initially,the cells were divided into control group and tensile stress group(2 000 μstrain/2 h group),and further divided into different stress magnitudes(1 000,2 000,and 3 000 μstrain)for 2 h,and 2 000 μstrain for different duration time(1,2,and 4 h)groups;the cells without tensile stress were used as control group.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method was used to detect the expression levels of type Ⅱ collagen(Col-Ⅱ),type Ⅹ collagen(Col-Ⅹ),aggregated proteoglycom(Aggrecan),sex-determining region Y-box protein 9(SOX9),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),Nel-like molecule tyep 1(Nell-1),Runt-related transcription factor 2(Runx2),Indian hedgehog(Ihh),patched homolog 1(Ptch-1),GLI family zinc finger protein 1(Gli-1),and hedgehog interacting protein 1(Hhip-1)mRNA in the cells in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of Nell-1,Runx2,and Ihh proteins in the cells in various groups.The ATDC5 cells were divided into control group,cyclopamine group,tensile stress group,and cyclopamine + tensile stress group.RT-qPCR method was used to detect the expression levels of Nell-1,Ihh,Ptch-1,Gli-1,and Hhip-1 mRNA in the cells in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of Nell-1 and Ihh proteins in the cells in various groups.Results:Compared with control group,the expression levels of Col-Ⅱ,Col-Ⅹ,Aggrecan,SOX9,VEGF,and PCNA mRNA in the cells in 2 000 μstrain/2 h group were significantly increased(P<0.01);after treated with 2 000 μstrain tensile stress for different duration time(1,2,and 4 h)or different tensile stresses(1 000,2 000,and 3 000 μstrain)for 2 h,compared with control group,the expression levels of Runx2 mRNA in the cells in other groups were increased with the prolongation of time or the increasing of tensile stress(P<0.01),and the expression levels of Nell-1,Ihh,Ptch-1,Gli-1,and Hhip-1 mRNA were gradually increased(P<0.01),the expression levels reached the peaking at 2 000 μstrain/2 h,and then decreased but remained significantly higher than that in control group(P<0.01).The Western blotting results showed that the expression levels of Nell-1,Runx2,and Ihh proteins in the cells were consistent with the change trend of mRNA expression levels.After pre-treated with cyclopamine,compared with control group,the expression levels of Ihh,Ptch-1,Gli-1,and Hhip-1 mRNA in the cells in cyclopamine group were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the expression levels of Ihh,Ptch-1,Gli-1,and Hhip-1 mRNA in the cells in tensile stress and cyclopamine+tensile stress groups were significantly increased(P<0.01);compared with cyclopamine group,the expression levels of Nell-1,Ihh,Ptch-1,Gli-1,and Hhip-1 mRNA in the cells in cyclopamine+tensile stress group were significantly increased(P<0.01);compared with tensile stress group,the expression levels of Ihh,Ptch-1,Gli-1,and Hhip-1 mRNA in the cells in cyclopamine + tensile stress group were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with control group,the expression level of Ihh protein in the cells in cyclopamine group was significantly decreased(P<0.01),but there was no significant difference in expression level of Nell-1 protein in the cells between control group and cyclopamine group(P>0.05),while the expression levels of Nell-1 and Ihh proteins in the cells in tensile stress group and cyclopamine + tensile stress group were significantly increased(P<0.01);compared with cyclopamine group,the expression levels of Nell-1 and Ihh proteins in the cells in tensile stress group and cyclopamine + tensile stress group were significantly increased(P<0.01);compared with tensile stress group,in the expression levels of Nell-1 and Ihh proteins in the cells in cyclopamine + tensile stress group had no significant differences(P>0.05).Conclusion:After stimulated with physiological tensile stress,Nell-1 can activate the Ihh signaling pathway upstream,and regulate the differentiation of the ATDC5 chondrocytes.

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 mediated homocysteine promotes vascular calcification / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:There is an internal relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and vascular calcification.However,the pathogenesis of hyperhomocysteinemia promoting vascular calcification is still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the role of bone morphogenetic protein-2 in hyperhomocysteinemia-induced vascular calcification. METHODS:Human carotid wax samples were divided into a calcified group(n=29)and a non-calcified group(n=13)according to the presence or absence of calcified plaque.Sixteen ApoE-/-mice were randomly divided into a control group and a hyperhomocysteinemia group,with 8 mice in each group.Bone morphogenetic protein-2 vector was used to transfect rat thoracic artery smooth muscle A7r5 cells,and gradient concentration of homocysteine(50,100,200,and 400 μmol/L)was utilized to treat A7r5 cells.Calcification was detected by alizarin red staining and hematoxylin-eosin staining.The interaction of bone morphogenetic protein 2 with Runt-related transcription factor 2 was detected by immunofluorescence,and the expressions of bone morphogenetic protein 2,Runt-related transcription factor 2,and α-smooth muscle actin were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Human carotid artery tissue staining revealed that compared with the non-calcification group,inflammatory cells increased and calcification positive rate increased in the calcification group(P<0.05).Compared with the non-calcification group,the expressions of bone morphogenetic protein-2 and Runt-related transcription factor 2 were up-regulated,and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin was decreased in the calcification group(all P<0.05).(2)The staining of mouse arterial specimens exhibited that,the positive rate of calcified area in the hyperhomocysteinemia group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05);serum homocysteine level in the hyperhomocysteinemia group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the expressions of bone morphogenetic protein-2 and Runt-related transcription factor 2 were up-regulated,and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin was decreased in the hyperhomocysteinemia group(all P<0.05).(3)A7r5 cell culture analysis demonstrated that with the increase of homocysteine concentration gradient,the degree of calcification,the content of bone morphogenetic protein-2 and Runt-related transcription factor 2 protein in A7r5 cells increased(P<0.05),and the content of α-smooth muscle actin protein decreased(P<0.05).(4)The A7r5 cell culture analysis of overexpressed bone morphogenetic protein 2 showed that the calcification degree of the overexpressed bone morphogenetic protein 2 group was increased compared with the corresponding control group,the β-sodium glycerophosphate group,and the homocysteine group.RUNt-related transcription factor 2 expression up-regulated(P<0.05)and α-smooth muscle actin expression down-regulated(P<0.05).(5)The expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 increased in A7r5 cells cultured with homocysteine in calcified medium,and the expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 increased with the increase of bone morphogenetic protein 2 expression.(6)The results confirm that bone morphogenetic protein-2 is a key target gene in the regulation of smooth muscle cell phenotypic transformation resulting in vascular calcification by hyperhomocysteinemia.Targeted regulation of bone morphogenetic protein-2 reduces hyperhomocysteinemia-induced vascular calcification.

Molecular biological mechanism of acquired heterotopic ossification / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Heterotopic ossification is a dynamic growth process.Diverse heterotopic ossification subtypes have diverse etiologies or induction factors,but they exhibit a similar clinical process in the intermediate and later phases of the disease.Acquired heterotopic ossification produced by trauma and other circumstances has a high incidence. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the molecular biological mechanisms linked to the occurrence and progression of acquired heterotopic ossification in recent years. METHODS:The keywords"molecular biology,heterotopic ossification,mechanisms"were searched in CNKI,Wanfang,PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and Google Scholar databases for articles published from January 2016 to August 2022.Supplementary searches were conducted based on the obtained articles.After the collected literature was screened,131 articles were finally included and summarized. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The occurrence and development of acquired heterotopic ossification is a dynamic process with certain concealment,making diagnosis and treatment of the disease difficult.(2)By reviewing relevant literature,it was found that acquired heterotopic ossification involves signaling pathways such as bone morphogenetic protein,transforming growth factor-β,Hedgehog,Wnt,and mTOR,as well as core factors such as Runx-2,vascular endothelial growth factor,hypoxia-inducing factor,fibroblast growth factor,and Sox9.The core mechanism may be the interaction between different signaling pathways,affecting the body's osteoblast precursor cells,osteoblast microenvironment,and related cytokines,thereby affecting the body's bone metabolism and leading to the occurrence of acquired heterotopic ossification.(3)In the future,it is possible to take the heterotopic ossification-related single-cell osteogenic homeostasis as the research direction,take the osteoblast precursor cells-osteogenic microenvironment-signaling pathways and cytokines as the research elements,explore the characteristics of each element under different temporal and spatial conditions,compare the similarities and differences of the osteogenic homeostasis of different types and individuals,observe the regulatory mechanism of the molecular signaling network of heterotopic ossification from a holistic perspective.It is beneficial to the exploration of new methods for the future clinical prevention and treatment of heterotopic ossification.(4)Meanwhile,the treatment methods represented by traditional Chinese medicine and targeted therapy have become research hotspots in recent years.How to link traditional Chinese medicine with the osteogenic homeostasis in the body and combine it with targeted therapy is also one of the future research directions.(5)At present,the research on acquired heterotopic ossification is still limited to basic experimental research and the clinical prevention and treatment methods still have defects such as uncertain efficacy and obvious side effects.The safety and effectiveness of relevant targeted prevention and treatment drugs in clinical application still need to be verified.Future research should focus on clinical prevention and treatment based on basic experimental research combined with the mechanism of occurrence and development.

Role and diagnostic value of miRNA-205 on vascular calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To investigate the role and diagnostic value of miRNA-205 in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with vascular calcification.Methods:It was divided into in vitro cell experiment and retrospective cohort study. In vitro experiments were conducted by using rat thoracic aortic smooth muscle cells. Alizarin red staining and calcium content detection were used to detect the calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test kit was used to measure ALP activity. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of osteogenic transcription factors runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and smooth muscle-22α (SM-22α) in VSMCs. qRT-PCR was used to detect miRNA-205 and Runx2 expression levels. The double luciferase reporter gene assay was used to verify the targeted relationship between miRNA-205 and Runx2. The non-dialysis patients with CKD 3-5 stage from June 2020 to January 2021 in the Department of Nephrology of Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University were selected. According to coronary artery calcium score (CACs), the patients were divided into non-calcification group (CACs=0), mild-moderate calcification group (0<CACs≤400), and severe calcification group (CACs > 400). Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between miRNA-205 and Runx2 and vascular calcification. Logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to analyze the ability of miRNA-205 to predict the vascular calcification in patients with CKD. Results:(1)Compared with the control group, calcium nodules were more, and the calcium content, ALP activity and Runx2 protein level were higher, and the expression levels of miRNA-205, α-SMA and SM-22α were significantly lower in high phosphorus group (all P<0.05). Overexpression of miRNA-205 significantly reduced the calcification of VSMCs and Runx2 protein level, and increased the protein levels of α-SMA and SM-22α (all P<0.05). miRNA-205-5p reduced the activity of luciferase in the wild-type Runx2-3'-end non-coding region plasmid. (2) Eighty CKD patients were enrolled, with age of (57.50±14.93) years old and 49 males (61.3%). The results of comparison of miRNA-205 and Runx2 expression levels in non-calcification group ( n=26), mild- moderate calcification group ( n=30) and severe calcification group ( n=24) showed that, the higher degree of calcification, the lower miRNA-205 expression level and the higher Runx2 mRNA expression level (all P<0.05). miRNA-205 was negatively correlated with CACs ( r=-0.50, P<0.01) and Runx2 was positively correlated with CACs ( r=0.55, P<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results suggested that miRNA-205 ( OR=0.451, 95% CI 0.122-0.873) was an independent influencing factor of vascular calcification in CKD patients. The area under the ROC curve of miRNA-205 and miRNA-205 combined with Runx2 for predicting vascular calcification were 0.796 (95% CI 0.697-0.859) and 0.924 (95% CI 0.866-0.982), respectively. Conclusions:miRNA-205 inhibits vascular calcification by targeting Runx2 to negatively regulate osteogenetic phenotype transformation of VSMCs and is expected to be an early diagnostic marker of vascular calcification in CKD patients.

Correlation between methylation and expression of RUNX2 gene in peripheral blood and sensitivity to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation between the methylation and expression of Runt associated transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) gene in peripheral blood and sensitivity to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer.Methods:90 female breast cancer patients who received full-course neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgical resection for the first time in our hospital from Jan. 2021 to Jun. 2022 were included as the study objects, and 90 healthy women who underwent physical examination in our hospital during the same period were included as the control group. The methylation level of RUNX2 gene in peripheral blood of all subjects was detected by sulfite conversion method, and the mRNA expression level of RUNX2 gene in peripheral blood was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR. The effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients were divided into sensitive and insensitive groups.Results:The positive rate of RUNX2 gene methylation in peripheral blood of breast cancer patients was 41.11% (37/90) , significantly lower than that of the control group (64.44% (58/90) , the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=9.830, P=0.002) . The mRNA expression level of RUNX2 gene in peripheral blood of breast cancer patients was 1.73±0.24, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (1.19±0.18) , and the difference was statistically significant ( t=5.221, P<0.001) . The mRNA expression level of RUNX2 methylation-positive patients in peripheral blood of breast cancer patients was 1.26±0.20, significantly lower than that of RUNX2 methylation-negative patients (1.84±0.26) , and the difference was statistically significant ( t=4.981, P<0.001) . The positive rate of RUNX2 gene methylation was 49.28% (34/69) in patients with sensitivity to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, significantly higher than 14.29% (3/21) in patients with insensitive chemotherapy, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=8.142, P=0.004) . The mRNA expression level of RUNX2 gene in peripheral blood of neoadjuvant chemotherapy sensitive patients was 1.62±0.17, which was significantly lower than that of insensitive patients (2.09±0.22) , and the difference was statistically significant ( t=5.283, P<0.001) . The ROC curve showed that the sensitivity and specificity of RUNX2 mRNA expression in peripheral blood to predict the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were 85.7% and 85.5%, respectively. Conclusion:The methylation and expression level of RUNX2 gene in peripheral blood are related to the sensitivity of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer, and can be used as a marker to predict the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer.

CircularRNA CDR1as promotes osteogenic differentiation and angiogenesis related genes expression in mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@# To investigate the effects of over expression and low expression of antisense transcripts of circular RNA cerebellar degeneration associated protein 1 (CDR1as) in Balb/C mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on factors related to osteogenesis and angiogenesis.@*Methods@#BMSCs were cultured and identified in vitro. The lentiviral (LV) vector containing the overexpressed and silenced circRNA CDR1as genes and the control lentivirus were respectively transfected into mouse BMSCs, and stable cell lines were screened. The cells were divided into the circRNACDR1as over expression group and the over expression control group, and the CircRNACDR1as low expression group and the low expression control group. The components were stained with Alizarin Red S and alkaline phosphatase after 14 and 21 days of osteoinduction; qRT-PCR was used to detect the target genes circRNA CDR1as, osteogenic differentiation markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt- related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), osterix(Osx), collagen I (COL-1), and the mRNA expression levels of vascular endothelial grown factor (VEGF) and angiogenin-1 (Ang-1). @*Results@# The results of alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase staining showed that the extracellular matrix calcium precipitation and ALP staining area of the over expression experimental group was greater than its control group, and those of the low expression experimental group was less than its control group. As the number of days of osteogenic induction increased, the calcium precipitation and ALP staining in each group also increased. RT-PCR results showed that the mRNA expression levels of circRNA CDR1as, ALP, RUNX2, OCN, OPN, OSX, COL-1, VEGF and Ang-1 in the over expression experimental group BMSCs were significantly increased (P<0.001). In the low expression experimental group, the mRNA expression levels of circRNA CDR1as, ALP, RUNX2, OCN, OPN, OSX, COL-1, VEGF and Ang-1 in BMSCs were significantly reduced (P<0.001). @*Conclusion@# Over expression of the circRNA CDR1as gene promotes the osteogenic differentiation and angiogenesis of BMSCs. Low expression of the circRNA CDR1as gene inhibits the osteogenic differentiation and angiogenesis of BMSCs.

Effect of Extracts from Veronica peregrine on Breast Cancer Cell-induced Osteoclastic Bone Metastasis via Inhibiting Runx2 Activation / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate inhibitory effect of extracts from Veronica peregrina （EVP） on the osteoclastic bone metastasis induced by breast cancer cells. MethodBone metastasis model was established by injection of MDA-MB-231 cells， a human breast cancer cell line， into the left ventricle of BALB/c nude mice. The expression of human cytokeratin-19 （Ck-19） gene in mouse bone marrow was determined by nested polymerase chain reaction（PCR） to assess the bone metastasis of MDA-MB-231 cells. To assess the effects of EVP on the activation of bone marrow macrophages （BMMs）， we counted the multinuclear cells and measured the secretion of Cathepsin K. Western blot was adopted to assess the effects of EVP on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB （RANK）， Runt-related transcription factor 2 （ Runx2 ）， phosphorylated Runx2 （p-Runx2）， and matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9） in BMMs. Gelatin zymography was employed to determine the activities of matrix metalloproteinases （MMPs）. ResultCompared with that in the blank group， Ck-19 expression was down-regulated in EVP groups （P<0.05）. The multinucleated cells increased when the BMMs were induced by soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand （sRANKL）， which was inhibited by EVP （P<0.05）. The level of cathepsin K in the supernatant of sRANKL group increased compared with that of the blank group， while EVP groups had lower cathepsin K levels than sRANKL group （P<0.05）. Compared with the blank group， the sRANKL group showed up-regulated RANK expression， Runx2 phosphorylation， and MMP-9 expression （P<0.05）， while the expression levels of RANK， p-Runx2， and MMP-9 were down-regulated when the cells were incubated with EVP （P<0.05）. Furthermore， exposure of BMMs to sRANKL resulted in an increase in gelatin hydrolyzation compared with the blank group （P<0.01）， which， however， was reversed in EVP groups （P<0.05）. ConclusionEVP significantly inhibits bone marrow metastasis of MDA-MB-231 cells， which may be associated with the suppression of osteoclast activation by inhibiting Runx2 phosphorylation.

Effect of silencing HDAC9 on the proliferation and differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To investigate the effect of silencing histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) expression on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs).@*Methods@# PDLSCs were isolated, cultured and identified in vitro. An siRNA construct specific for HDAC9 was transfected into PDLSCs (siHDAC9 group), and a nontargeting siRNA was used as a control (siNC group). The interference effect was determined by qRT-PCR. The cell cycle progression of PDLSCs was detected using flow cytometry. The proliferation activity of PDLSCs was detected via CCK-8 assay. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The mRNA expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was investigated by qRT-PCR. The protein expression of RUNX2 was detected by western blotting. In addition, the formation of mineralized nodules was assessed by alizarin red staining. @*Results@#Compared with that in the siNC group, the mRNA expression of HDAC9 in the siHDAC9 group was lower (P < 0.01). Moreover, compared with those in the siNC group, the proliferation index (P<0.01), proliferation activity (P<0.05) and protein expression of PCNA (P<0.01) in the siHDAC9 group were all increased. Compared with the siNC group, the siHDAC9 group exhibited higher mRNA expression of RUNX2 and ALP (P < 0.05), and the protein expression of RUNX2 showed the same results (P < 0.01). The results of alizarin red staining showed that compared to the siNC group, the siHDAC9 group formed more mineralized nodules.@* Conclusion@#Silencing HDAC9 expression can promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs.

CCDC134 regulates the osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To study the regulatory effect of coiled-coil domain containing 134 (CCDC134) on the osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs).@*Methods @# HDPSCs were isolated and cultured from dental pulp tissue and transfected with NC-CCDC134, shCCDC134 and CCDC134 lentiviruses. They were divided into the control group, negative control group, CCDC134 downregulation (shCCDC134) group and CCDC134 overexpression (CCDC134) group. Surface markers of hDPSCs (Stro-1, CD105, CD34, CD45) were detected by flow cytometry; colony formation was analyzed by toluidine blue staining; ALP expression was estimated by ALP staining; mineralized nodule formation was evaluated by alizarin red staining; lipid droplet formation was examined by oil red staining; and gene and protein expression of CCDC134, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteocalcin (OCN), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 1 (SMAD1) was detected by qPCR and western blot, respectively. Further, a BMP-2 activator (BMP-2) and inhibitor (Dorsomorphin) were used to down-regulate and up-regulate CCDC134, respectively (shCCDC134, shCCDC134+BMP-2, CCDC134, CCDC134+Dorsomorphin), in hDPSCs. The hDPSC aggregates were subcutaneously transplanted into nude mice for 2 months, and new bone formation was detected by H&E staining. The BMP-2/SMAD1 signaling in each group was detected by qPCR.@*Results@#hDPSCs showed high expression of mesenchymal markers and low expression of hematopoietic markers. Compared with the control group, the expression of CCDC134 was increased in the osteogenic-induced hDPSCs (P < 0.05). Compared with the negative control group, the expression of CCDC134 was decreased in the shCCDC134 group, whereas it was increased in the CCDC134 group (P < 0.05). The mineralized nodules, osteogenic genes and proteins in the shCCDC134 group were decreased (P < 0.05), while they were increased in the CCDC134 group (P < 0.05). The expression of BMP-2/SMAD1 signaling decreased in the shCCDC134 group, while it increased in the CCDC134 group (P < 0.05). Compared to the shCCDC134 group, osteogenic genes and proteins increased in the shCCDC134+BMP-2 group, and subcutaneous new bone formation increased in nude mice (P < 0.05). The indexes of the CCDC134+Dorsomorphin group decreased compared with the CCDC134 group (P < 0.05).@*Conclusion@#CCDC134 promotes the osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs by regulating the BMP-2/SMAD1 signaling pathway.

Effects of hypoxia inducible factor-1α on osteogenic differentiation and angiogenesis related factors of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To investigate the level of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) on osteoblasts and angiogenesis-associated cytokines in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from SD rats.@*Methods@#BMSCs were isolated and cultured and identified by flow cytometry. Plasmid vectors containing upregulated and downregulated HIF-1α gene and a control vector were constructed. The plasmids were transfected into BMSCs by Lipofectamine®LTX transfection reagent, and the cells were divided into an overexpression experimental group, an overexpression control group, a low expression experimental group and a low expression control group. All components were stained with a lizarin red 3 d and 7 d after osteogenesis induction. The mRNA expression levels of the target gene HIF-1α, osteogenic differentiation-specific markers, including Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and angiogenic markers, including platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), were detected by RT-PCR. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of the target proteins HIF-1α, Runx2, and PDGF-BB.@*Results@# The CD29- and CD45-positivity rates of BMSC surface markers identified by flow cytometry were 98.2% and 4.2%, respectively. RT-PCR results showed that the mRNA expression of HIF-1α, Runx2, TGF-β and PDGF-BB was observably increased (P < 0.001). The mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α, Runx2, TGF-β and PDGF-BB in BMSCs from the low expression experimental group were significantly reduced (P < 0.001). Western blot results showed that the expression levels of HIF-1α, Runx2 and PDGF-BB in BMSCs from the overexpression experimental group were all increased (P < 0.001). The expression levels of HIF-1α, Runx2 and PDGF-BB in BMSCs from the low expression experimental group were reduced (P < 0.001). Alizarin red staining results showed that the area of calcium nodules in the low expression experimental group was smaller than that in low expression control group, the area of red calcium nodules in the over expression experimental group was larger than that in over expression control group, and with the increase of osteogenic induction time, the calcification area of each group also increased.@*Conclusion@# Upregulation and downregulation of HIF-1α can regulate the osteogenic differentiation and the expression of angiogenesis related factors of BMSCs.

The effect of inhibiting p38 MAPK on the expression of genes related to enamel development in mice / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To study the effect of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) on the expression of genes related to enamel development in the enamel epithelium and to provide a basis for the study of the molecular mechanism of enamel development.@*Methods@#The p38 MAPK-specific inhibitor SB203580 dissolved in DMSO was added to the culture medium of mouse mandibular molar tooth germs in vitro as experiment group, and mouse mandibular molar tooth germs treated with the same amount of DMSO were used as control group. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression level of phosphorylated p38 (p-p38) in the enamel epithelium. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteoblast-specific transcription factor (Osx), ameloblast markers odontogenic ameloblast associated protein (ODAM), amelotin (AMTN), matrix metalloproteinase 20 (MMP20) and kallikrein 4 (KLK4) in the enamel epithelium. @*Results @# Western blot results showed that under the action of the inhibitor SB203580, the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK in mouse enamel epithelium decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Real-time PCR results showed that the expression levels of the transcription factors Runx2 and Osx and the ameloblast markers ODAM, AMTN, MMP20, and KLK4 in the SB203580 group were lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).@*Conclusion@#The p38 MAPK signaling pathway can mediate enamel development by regulating the expression of the transcription factors Runx2 and Osx and the ameloblast markers ODAM, AMTN, MMP20 and KLK4 in the mouse enamel epithelium.

Effect of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Chuanxiong Rhizoma Extracts on Expression of α-SMA and Runx2 Protein After High Glucose-induced Vascular aging in Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To investigate the effects of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Chuanxiong Rhizoma extracts (GNC) on the protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and runt-related transcription factor2(Runx2) after high glucose-induced vascular aging in mice, and elucidate the protective mechanism of GNC in delaying vascular aging. Method::Totally 130 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group and high glucose group. The mice in high glucose group were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ). After successful modeling, the mice received high-fat diet for 7 months, and then they were randomly divided into model group, GNC low-dose and high-dose groups (0.819, 1.638 g·kg-1), and metformin group (150 mg·kg-1). The drug was given by intragastric administration once a day for 9 weeks. Seven days before tissues collection, a new batch of 4-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were purchased and fed normally for 1 week as a youth group. The general condition of the mice was observed. Morphological changes of the common carotid artery in mice were determined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Masson trichromatic staining was used to observe the fibrosis of common carotid artery in mice. The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (p16), cyclic-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21), α-SMA and Runx2 in the common carotid arteries of mice were detected by immunohistochemistry. Result::The results of HE, TEM and Masson showed that there was almost no change in the inimal and adventitial thickness, ultrastructure and relative contents of collagen and elastic fibers in the common carotid arteries of mice between the youth group and normal control group. As compared with the normal control group, the intima of the common carotid artery in the model group was not smooth, the endothelial cells were almost completely detached, the cytoplasm was lysed, the inner elastic membrane became thinner, fractured, or even detached, and the proliferating collagen fibers sneaked into the tunica media. The hyperplasia of tunica media and tunica adventitia was obvious and disordered (P<0.01). The vascular smooth muscle cells showed deformations, protuberances, bifurcations, and even fragmentation, and focal necrosis was observed. There were significantly more vacuoles, lysosomes, and obvious autophagy vesicles. The relative content of collagen and elastic fibers in vascular walls increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the above situation was relieved in each administration group (P<0.01). The results of immunohistochemistry showed that high glucose induced high expression of MMP-2, p16, p21 and Runx2 in the common carotid arteries(P<0.01), low expression of α-SMA(P<0.01), and the protein expression tended to be normal after drug intervention(P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion::High glucose can induce the aging of common carotid artery in mice and change the expression of α-SMA and Runx2 proteins. The Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Chuanxiong Rhizoma extracts can delay vascular aging by regulating the protein expression of α-SMA and Runx2.

Effect of miR-21 on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @# To explore the effect of miR-21 on human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) proliferation and osteogenesis and to provide a theoretical basis for the stem cell treatment of periodontitis.@*Methods@#hPDLSCs were isolated and cultured with the enzymatic tissue block method, and surface molecules (CD34, CD45, CD90 and CD105) were detected by flow cytometry. An miR-21 mimics (pre-miR-21) and inhibitor (anti-miR-21) were transfected into hPDLSCs by Lipofectamine 2000. The experiment groups: mimics-NC group, mimics group, inhibitor group, and inhibitor-NC group. The transfection efficiency of miR-21 was determined by qRT-PCR. Proliferation was detected by CCK-8 and flow cytometry. The osteogenic differentiation ability of hPDLSCs was determined by alizarin red staining. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of osteogenic related genes: Runx2.@*Results@#The mRNA expression of miR-21in the mimics group was significantly higher than that in the mimics-NC group; additionally, the expression in the inhibitor group was significantly weaker than that in the inhibitor-NC group (P < 0.05). hPDLSCs proliferation and the S phase cell ratio in the mimics group were stronger than those in the mimics-NC group(P < 0.05); those in the inhibitor group were weaker than those in the inhibitor-NC group (P < 0.05). After alizarin red staining, the mimics group was found to have more mineralized modules than mimics-NC group, and the inhibitor group had fewer than that in the inhibitor-NC group. Runx2 protein expression in the mimics group was higher than that in the mimics-NC group (P <0.05), and expression was lower in the inhibitor group than in the inhibitor-NC group (P < 0.05).@*Conclusion@#miR-21can promote the proliferation and osteogenesic differentiation of hPDLSCs.

Inhibitory effect of polyethylenimine derivative pen mediated oligodeoxynucleotide mt01 delivery on experimental rat tooth movement / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

 Objective:To investigate the partial delivery ability in vivo of oligonucleotide MT01 mediated by polyethyleneimine(PEI) derivative PEN, and to illuminate its effect on the alveolar bone reconstruction and the biological safety in the rats with experimental tooth movement. Methods:Forty-eight Wistar male rats were randomly divided into PEN,MT01, sulfuration-modified MT01 (MT01s), and PEN/MT01 groups. The rat experimental tooth model was established, and the above four drugs were injected into the mesial buccal mucosa of the first molar in the left sides of the rats as drug intervention sides,and the PBS were injected into the mesial buccal mucosa of the first molar in the right sides as PBS control sides;once every 3 d. After 14 d, the rats were sacrificed. HE staining was used to detect the histopathological changes of important organs of the rats;the photos and X-ray films were applied to measure the distance of tooth movement, and RT-PCR was used to detect the expression levels of the osteogenic marker genes Runt-related transcription factor 2(Runx2),special protein 7(SP7) and osteocalcin(OCN) mRNA. Results:After local injection of the above drugs, no obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and structural differences were found in the main organs of the rats and no obvious abnormalities were found in all organs tissues. Compared with the PBS control sides, the movement distance of the first molars in the drug intervention sides in MT01, MT01s, and PEN/MT01 groups was reduced (P0.05). The data of the distance between the two teeth of the rats in various groups was PEN/MT01 group > MT01s group > MT01 group>PEN group, and the difference between PEN/MT01 group and MT01s group was statistically significant (P0.05). Conclusion:PEI derivative PEN can transfer MT01 into the cell safely and efficiently; it can increase the expression levels of Runx2, SP7 and OCN mRNA in the periodontium tissue and decrease the tooth movement distance in the experimental tooth movement rats.

Expressions of runt-related transcription factor 2 and osteopontin in breast cancer tissues and their clinical significance / 肿瘤

Objective: To investigate the expressions of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteopontin (OPN) proteins in breast cancer tissues, and to explore their clinical significance. Methods: The expression levels of RUNX2 and OPN proteins in tumor tissues of 220 patients with breast cancer were detected by immunohistochemical staining method. The relationships between the expression levels of RUNX2 and OPN proteins and the clinicopathological features, such as tumor microcalcification, TNM staging and pathological types of breast cancer were analyzed. The overall survival (OS) time and disease-free survival (DFS) time of patients with breast cancer were followed up. The effects of RUNX2 and OPN expression levels on the prognosis of breast cancer patients were also analyzed. Results: The positive rates of RUNX2 and OPN proteins in calcification group were higher than those in non-calcification group (90.9% vs 82.7%, 96.4% vs 83.6%, both P 0.05). Conclusion: RUNX2 and OPN are highly expressed in microcalcification of breast cancer, which suggests that they may participate in the process of microcalcification formation in breast cancer tissues. RUNX2 is an adverse prognostic factor for DFS and OS of breast cancer patients. However, OPN has no effect on the survival of breast cancer patients.

A Systems Biology Approach for Studying Heterotopic Ossification: Proteomic Analysis of Clinical Serum and Tissue Samples / 基因组蛋白质组与生物信息学报·英文版

Heterotopic ossification (HO) refers to the abnormal formation of bone in soft tissue. Although some of the underlying processes of HO have been described, there are currently no clinical tests using validated biomarkers for predicting HO formation. As such, the diagnosis is made radiographically after HO has formed. To identify potential and novel biomarkers for HO, we used isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) and high-throughput antibody arrays to produce a semi-quantitative proteomics survey of serum and tissue from subjects with (HO) and without (HO) heterotopic ossification. The resulting data were then analyzed using a systems biology approach. We found that serum samples from subjects experiencing traumatic injuries with resulting HO have a different proteomic expression profile compared to those from the matched controls. Subsequent quantitative ELISA identified five blood serum proteins that were differentially regulated between the HO and HO groups. Compared to HO samples, the amount of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF1) was up-regulated in HO samples, whereas a lower amount of osteopontin (OPN), myeloperoxidase (MPO), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and growth differentiation factor 2 or bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP-9) was found in HO samples (Welch two sample t-test; P < 0.05). These proteins, in combination with potential serum biomarkers previously reported, are key candidates for a serum diagnostic panel that may enable early detection of HO prior to radiographic and clinical manifestations.

Effects of co-exposure to fluoride and arsenite on transcription levels of bone morphogenetic proteins 2 and runt-related transcription factor 2 genes in bone of rats / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of chronic fluoride and arsenic co-exposure on bone morphogenetic proteins 2 (BMP-2) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) gene expressions of bone tissue in rats. Methods One hundred and sixty 8-week-old clean-grade Wistar rats weighting (200 ± 50) g were randomly divided into 16 groups by weight via the random number table method of 10 rats in each group by 2 × 4 factorial experimental design (half female and half male), and treated with different doses of fluoride, arsenite and fluoride plus arsenite in deionized water (untreated control group with 0.0 mg/kg fluoride and 0.0 mg/kg arsenite; low-, moderate- and high-fluoride groups were supplemented with 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 mg/kg fluoride and 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg arsenite) for 6 months. Rats were divided into control (F0.0As0.0), low fluorine (F5.0As0.0), moderate fluorine (F10.0As0.0), high fluorine (F20.0As0.0), low arsenic (F0.0As2.5), moderate arsenic (F0.0As5.0), high arsenic (F0.0As10.0), low fluorine and low arsenic (F5.0As2.5), low fluorine and moderate arsenic (F5.0As5.0), low fluorine and high arsenic (F5.0As10.0), moderate fluorine and low arsenic (F10.0As2.5), moderate fluorine and moderate arsenic (F10.0As5.0), moderate fluorine and high arsenic (F10.0As10.0), high fluorine and low arsenic (F20.0As2.5), high fluorine and moderate arsenic (F20.0As5.0), high fluorine and high arsenic (F20.0As10.0) groups. The concentrations of urinary fluoride (UF) and urinary arsenic (UAs) were determined as exposure biomarkers via the fluoride ion selective electrode method and the flame atomic fluorescence method. The mRNA expressions of BMP-2 and Runx2 were measured with quantitive real-time PCR. Results There were no dental fluorosis found in F0.0As0.0, F0.0As2.5, F0.0As5.0 and F0.0As10.0 groups, and there was a dose-response relationship between the occurrence of dental fluorosis and fluoride doses. Under exposure of fluorine and arsenic combined with high dose of fluorine (20.0 mg/kg), with increasing of arsenic exposure doses, the degree of injury of dental fluorosis increased (χ2 = 9.124, P < 0.05). Compared with F0.0As0.0 (0.99 ± 0.08, 0.99 ± 0.07), the mRNA expressions of BMP-2 (1.01 ± 0.07, 1.06 ± 0.06, 1.21 ± 0.05) and Runx2 (1.03 ± 0.04, 1.24 ± 0.03, 1.33 ± 0.10) in F5.0As0.0, F10.0As0.0, F20.0As0.0 groups were increased with increasing of fluoride doses. Fluoride had a significant effect on mRNA expressions of BMP-2 and Runx2 (F=3.067, 2.927, P<0.05). There was a significant interaction between fluoride and arsenic combination and BMP-2 and Runx2 mRNA expression levels (F = 3.817, 4.802, P < 0.05). Conclusion When rat is co-exposed to fluorine and arsenic, fluorine plays a leading role on BMP-2 and Runx2 mRNA expressions, and arsenic is indirectly involved in fluoride-induced bone toxicity; fluorine and arsenic has a antagonistic effect on BMP-2 and Runx2 mRNA expressions.

Culture and identification of the osteogenic properties of beagle maxillary sinus membrane stem cells / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To investigate the osteogenic properties of maxillary sinus membrane stem cells (MSMSCs). @*Methods @#Beagle maxillary sinus mucosa was collected, immunomagnetic bead method was applied for isolation of CD146+ cells, and MSMSCs were harvested and cultured from the canine maxillary sinus floor mucosa. The levels of the cell surface antigens CD44, CD146, and CD34 were determined at passage one by flow cytometry. Cells at passage one were cultured in basal medium and osteogenic inductive medium. Real-time PCR, immunohistochemical staining, alkaline phosphatase activity, alizarin red staining and Von Kossa staining were used to investigate the osteogenic properties in vitro. @*Results@#The canine MSMSCs were cultured successfully. The results of flow cytometry were positive for CD146 and CD44 expression but negative for CD34 expression. The relative mRNA expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) (t = 14.44,P < 0.001), osteopontin (OPN) (t = 7.85,P = 0.001) and alkaline phosphatase alkaline phosphatase (t = 14.27,P < 0.001) was apparently higher in the osteoinductive medium group than in the basal medium group, the differences in relative mRNA expression between the groups were significant. The protein levels of RUNX2 and OPN increased in the osteoinductive medium group. The alkaline phosphatase activity of the MSMSCs increased when the cells were cultured in osteoinductive medium; the activity increased to a level that was significantly higher than that in basal medium, particularly at days 3 (t = 8.79, P < 0.001), 7 (t = 9.75,P < 0.001), 14 (t = 12.14,P < 0.001), 21 (t = 19.62,P < 0.001) and 28 (t = 17.53,P < 0.001). Obvious mineralized nodules were observed by alizarin red staining or Von Kossa staining.@*Conclusion @#Maxillary sinus membrane stem cells exhibit osteogenic ability.

cAMP-responsive-element-binding protein promotes the differentiation of human stem cells from the apical papilla via inhibition of the TGF-β1 pathway / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#This study aimed to investigate the effect of cAMP-responsive-element-binding protein (CREB) overexpression on the differentiation of human stem cells from the apical papilla (hSCAPs), stimulated by transforming growth factor- beta (TGF-β1). @*Methods@#Cells were isolated from human immature third molars via enzymatic digestion. Four experimental groups were set up: ①a control group, receiving normal mineralization inducer (α-MEM, 10% FBS, 10 mmol/L β-sodium glycerophosphate, 50 μg/mL vitamin C, 10 nmol/L dexamethasone); ② a TGF-β1 group, receiving normal mineralization inducer and 5 μg/mL TGF-β1; ③ a TGF-β1+LV-empty group, receiving normal mineralization inducer and the transfected empty virus vector with 5 μg/mL TGF-β1; and ④ a TGF-β1+ov-CREB group, receiving normal mineralization inducer and the transfected CREB-overexpressing viral vector, with 5 μg/mL TGF-β1. The transfected cells were cultured in odontogenic medium in the presence or absence of TGF-β1 for 2 weeks. Alizarin red staining was used to detect mineralized nodules, and the mRNA expression of the mineralization genes runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was measured by qPCR. @*Results @#Compared with the control group (1.12 ± 0.11), TGF-β1 inhibited the deposition of calcium minerals (0.67 ± 0.12) (P < 0.05) via hSCAPs and inhibited the mRNA expression of RUNX2 (0.60 ± 0.03), DSPP (0.43 ± 0.12) and ALP (0.69 ± 0.05) (P < 0.05). In contrast, overexpression of CREB attenuated the effect of TGF-β1 on hSCAPs, resulting in the development of a high number of mineralized nodules (1.27 ± 0.10) (P < 0.01) and increased RNA levels of RUNX2 (1.33 ± 0.07), DSPP (1.32 ± 0.11) and ALP (1.26 ± 0.03) (P<0.05) compared with those in the TGF-β1 group. @*Conclusion@#Overexpressed CREB promotes odontogenic differentiation of hSCAPs by interfering with TGF-β1.

Expressions and clinical significances of ATF3 and Runx2 in breast carcinoma / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective To study the expressions and clinical significances of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in breast carcinoma tissues.Methods The expressions of ATF3 and Runx2 were detected in 105 cases of primary breast invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and their matched para-tumor breast tissues by immunohistochemistry.The relationships between the two transcription factors and the clinical pathological features of IDC patients were analyzed.Results The positive expression rates of ATF3 and Runx2 in IDC group were 80.95％ (85/105) and 69.52％ (73/105) respectively,much higher than those in para-tumor breast tissues 11.43 ％ (12/105) and 8.57％ (9/105),with statistically significant differences (x2 =102.097,P =0.000;x2 =11.595,P =0.001).ATF3 and Runx2 expressions showed significant relationships with histological grade (x2 =14.623,P =0.001;x2 =24.891,P =0.000),lymph node metastasis (x2 =7.059,P =0.008;x2 =6.358,P =0.012) and pTNM stage of IDC (x2 =5.807,P =0.016;x2 =4.902,P =0.027),while both were not correlated with patients' age (x2 =0.274,P =0.601;x2 =1.554,P =0.213) and tumor size (x2 =2.476,P =0.290;x2 =5.261,P =0.072).There was a significant positive relationship between ATF3 and Runx2 in breast carcinoma (C =0.498,P =0.000).Conclusion The over-expressions of ATF3 and Runx2 may participate in the tumorigenesis,invasion,metastasis and clinical stage of breast carcinoma,which suggests that they may be key factors to evaluate malignant degree and prognosis of breast carcinoma.