Reparação da parede abdominal com membranas acelulares de pericárdio bovino - Parte I - Achados clínicos e radiológicos / Abdominal wall repair with acellular bovine pericardial membranes - Part I - Clinical and radiological findings

Introdução: Reduzindo os índices de recidiva de forma impactante, o emprego de biomateriais como "telas de reforço" na reparação de diferentes defeitos da parede abdominal tornou-se rotina quase obrigatória para o sucesso dessas reparações. A partir da década de 1990 houve a introdução de matrizes biológicas acelulares, iniciando-se assim uma nova era na reparação dos defeitos da parede abdominal. O objetivo é avaliar a funcionalidade do pericárdio bovino acelularizado em reparações da parede abdominal. Método: Trinta pacientes foram submetidos a reparação de defeitos da parede abdominal, com biopróteses acelulares de pericárdio bovino, perfazendo um total de 40 implantes anatomicamente individualizados. O seguimento médio foi de 31 meses, sendo os pacientes avaliados clinicamente e radiologicamente. Em três casos foram feitas biópsias das áreas implantadas permitindo análise histológica do material. Resultados: Não se observou recidiva das herniações em nenhum dos casos, tanto clinica como radiologicamente. Também não houve registro de hematomas, infecções ou qualquer fenômeno de natureza reacional local ou sistêmica. Radiologicamente, não foi possível visualizar as matrizes no local de implantação em qualquer dos períodos de pós-operatório analisados. Conclusão: As matrizes mostraram similaridade às demais membranas biológicas descritas na literatura internacional. Representando uma importante atualização e evolução conceitual, as membranas acelulares de pericárdio bovino podem ser incorporadas ao arsenal terapêutico nas reparações de parede abdominal.

Introduction: Reducing recurrence rates significantly, the use of biomaterials as "reinforcement meshes" in the repair of different abdominal wall defects has become an almost mandatory routine for the success of these repairs. From the 1990s onwards, acellular biological matrices were introduced, thus beginning a new era in the repair of abdominal wall defects. The objective is to evaluate the functionality of the acellularized bovine pericardium in abdominal wall repairs. Method: Thirty patients underwent repair of abdominal wall defects using acellular bovine pericardium bioprostheses, making a total of 40 anatomically individualized implants. The average follow-up was 31 months, with patients being evaluated clinically and radiologically. In three cases, biopsies were taken from the implanted areas, allowing histological analysis of the material. Results: No recurrence of herniations was observed in any of the cases, both clinically and radiologically. There were also no records of bruises, infections or any phenomenon of a local or systemic reaction nature. Radiologically, it was not possible to visualize the matrices at the implantation site in any of the postoperative periods analyzed. Conclusion: The matrices showed similarity to other biological membranes described in the international literature. Representing an important update and conceptual evolution, acellular bovine pericardial membranes can be incorporated into the therapeutic arsenal in abdominal wall repairs.

Reparação da parede abdominal com membranas acelulares de pericárdio bovino - Parte II - Análises histológicas e morfométricas / Repair of the abdominal wall with acellular bovine pericardial membranes - Part II - Histological and morphometric analyses

Introdução: Análise histológica é a principal ferramenta de avaliação de biopróteses acelulares, em sua maioria em caráter experimental. O objetivo é analisar histologicamente a matriz acelular de pericárdio bovino em reparações de parede abdominal implantada em humanos. Método: De uma série de 30 reparações com a membrana, 3 pacientes foram submetidas a revisão cirúrgica não relacionada aos implantes, aos 13, 22 e 23 meses de pós-operatório, obtendo-se biópsias das áreas previamente implantadas. Além da avaliação dos aspectos básicos de biocompatibilidade e neoformação tecidual, as lâminas foram digitalizadas e submetidas a análise computadorizada com o software ImageJ para quantificação da cinética de degradação das membranas, associada à análise da dimensão fractal das amostras. Os valores obtidos para porcentagens de membrana residual tiveram suas médias comparadas por análise de variância (ANOVA) e pelo teste T de Student não pareado, também utilizado para os valores da quantificação da dimensão fractal. Resultados: Foi demonstrada a biocompatibilidade do material, com neoformação tecidual, deposição de colágeno e tecido celularizado de aspecto normal, sem reações locais importantes. Fragmentos residuais da membrana foram quantificados em 40%±7% aos 13 meses, em 20%±6% aos 22 meses e em 17%±6% aos 23 meses de pós-operatório, com a análise da dimensão fractal indicando uma progressiva degradação dos implantes, com significância estatística entre 13 meses e as amostras tardias. Conclusão: Os resultados atestaram a funcionalidade do pericárdio bovino acelular sob diferentes níveis de estresse mecânico nas reparações da parede abdominal em humanos.

Introduction: Histological analysis is the main tool for evaluating acellular bioprostheses, mostly on an experimental basis. The objective is to histologically analyze the acellular matrix of bovine pericardium in abdominal wall repairs implanted in humans. Method: From a series of 30 repairs with the membrane, 3 patients underwent surgical revision unrelated to the implants at 13, 22, and 23 months postoperatively, obtaining biopsies of the previously implanted areas. In addition to evaluating the basic aspects of biocompatibility and tissue neoformation, the slides were digitalized and subjected to computerized analysis with the ImageJ software to quantify the kinetics of membrane degradation associated with the analysis of the fractal dimension of the samples. The values obtained for percentages of residual membrane had their means compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the unpaired Student's T test, also used for the fractal dimension quantification values. Results: The biocompatibility of the material was demonstrated, with tissue neoformation, collagen deposition, and cellularized tissue with a normal appearance without important local reactions. Residual fragments of the membrane were quantified at 40%±7% at 13 months, at 20%±6% at 22 months, and at 17%±6% at 23 months postoperatively, with the analysis of the fractal dimension indicating a progressive degradation of implants, with statistical significance between 13 months and late samples. Conclusion: The results confirmed the functionality of the acellular bovine pericardium under different levels of mechanical stress in abdominal wall repairs in humans.

ENAM gene polymorphisms associated with dental anomalies in individuals with cleft lip and palate

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of enamelin gene (ENAM) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and ENAM polymorphism association with dental anomalies (DA) in individuals with unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP). Methods: Saliva samples were collected from 147 individuals aged between 6 and 15 years-old, both genders, and divided into 4 groups: Group 1 (G1) - CLP and DA; Group 2 (G2) - CLP without DA; Group 3 (G3) - without CLP with DA; Group 4 (G4) - without CLP and DA. The genomic DNA was extracted from saliva samples and the following ENAM SNPs markers were genotyped: rs3796703, rs3796704, rs3796705, rs7671281, rs2609428, and rs35951442. Fisher exact and Pearson's Chi-square tests statistically analyzed the results (α=5%). Results: Individuals without CLP with DA (Group 3 - 19.2%) showed statistically higher prevalence of SNP rs2609428 heterozygotes (p=0.006) than individuals with CLP and DA (Group 1 - 0%). Individuals without CLP (10%) exhibited statistically higher prevalence of mutated heterozygotes/homozygous (p=0.028) than in individuals with CLP (1.3%). Conclusion: SNP rs2609428 marker of ENAM gene may be associated with dental anomalies in individuals without cleft lip and palate

Targeting FAPα-positive lymph node metastatic tumor cells suppresses colorectal cancer metastasis

Lymphatic metastasis is the main metastatic route for colorectal cancer, which increases the risk of cancer recurrence and distant metastasis. The properties of the lymph node metastatic colorectal cancer (LNM-CRC) cells are poorly understood, and effective therapies are still lacking. Here, we found that hypoxia-induced fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAPα) expression in LNM-CRC cells. Gain- or loss-function experiments demonstrated that FAPα enhanced tumor cell migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stemness, and lymphangiogenesis via activation of the STAT3 pathway. In addition, FAPα in tumor cells induced extracellular matrix remodeling and established an immunosuppressive environment via recruiting regulatory T cells, to promote colorectal cancer lymph node metastasis (CRCLNM). Z-GP-DAVLBH, a FAPα-activated prodrug, inhibited CRCLNM by targeting FAPα-positive LNM-CRC cells. Our study highlights the role of FAPα in tumor cells in CRCLNM and provides a potential therapeutic target and promising strategy for CRCLNM.

Targeting stroma and tumor, silencing galectin 1 treats orthotopic mouse hepatocellular carcinoma

This study examines inhibiting galectin 1 (Gal1) as a treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Gal1 has immunosuppressive and cancer-promoting roles. Our data showed that Gal1 was highly expressed in human and mouse HCC. The levels of Gal1 positively correlated with the stages of human HCC and negatively with survival. The roles of Gal1 in HCC were studied using overexpression (OE) or silencing using Igals1 siRNA delivered by AAV9. Prior to HCC initiation induced by RAS and AKT mutations, lgals1-OE and silencing had opposite impacts on tumor load. The treatment effect of lgals1 siRNA was further demonstrated by intersecting HCC at different time points when the tumor load had already reached 9% or even 42% of the body weight. Comparing spatial transcriptomic profiles of Gal1 silenced and OE HCC, inhibiting matrix formation and recognition of foreign antigen in CD45+ cell-enriched areas located at tumor-margin likely contributed to the anti-HCC effects of Gal1 silencing. Within the tumors, silencing Gal1 inhibited translational initiation, elongation, and termination. Furthermore, Gal1 silencing increased immune cells as well as expanded cytotoxic T cells within the tumor, and the anti-HCC effect of lgals1 siRNA was CD8-dependent. Overall, Gal1 silencing has a promising potential for HCC treatment.

Inhibition of ANGPT2 activates autophagy during hypertrophic scar formation via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Abstract Background Hypertrophic scar (HS), a fibroproliferative disorder caused by aberrant wound healing following skin injuries such as burns, lacerations and surgery, is characterized by invasive proliferation of fibroblasts and excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. The dysregulation of autophagy is the pathological basis of HS formation. Previously, angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2) was found to be overexpressed in HS fibroblasts (HSFs) compared with normal skin fibroblasts. However, whether ANGPT2 participates in the process of HS formation and the potential molecular mechanisms are not clear. Objective This study is intended to figure out the role of ANGPT2 and ANGPT2-mediated autophagy during the development of HS. Methods RT-qPCR was used to detect ANGPT2 expression in HS tissues and HSFs. HSFs were transfected with sh-ANGPT2 to knock down ANGPT2 expression and then treated with MHT1485, the mTOR agonist. The effects of sh-ANGPT2 or MHT1485 on the proliferation, migration, autophagy and ECM accumulation of HSFs were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay and western blotting. The expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway-related molecules (p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR) was assessed by western blotting. Results ANGPT2 expression was markedly upregulated in HS tissues and HSFs. ANGPT2 knockdown decreased the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR. ANGPT2 knockdown activated autophagy and inhibited the proliferation, migration, and ECM accumulation of HSFs. Additionally, the treatment of MHT1485, the mTOR agonist, on ANGPT2-downregulated HSFs, partially reversed the influence of ANGPT2 knockdown on HSFs. Study limitations The study lacks the establishment of more stable in vivo animal models of HS for investigating the effects of ANGPT2 on HS formation in experimental animals. Conclusions ANGPT2 downregulation represses growth, migration, and ECM accumulation of HSFs via autophagy activation by suppressing the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Our study provides a novel potential therapeutic target for HS.

Scaffolds Vasculares Descelularizados Provenientes de Vasos Sanguíneos de Placenta Bovina / Decellularized Vascular Scaffolds Derived from Bovine Placenta Blood Vessels

Resumo Fundamento As doenças associadas ao aparelho circulatório são as principais causas de morbidade e mortalidade em todo o mundo, implicando a necessidade de implantes vasculares. Assim, a produção de biomateriais vasculares tem se mostrado uma alternativa promissora às terapias utilizadas em estudos e pesquisas relacionados à fisiologia vascular. Objetivos O presente projeto visa ao desenvolvimento artificial de vasos sanguíneos pela recelularização de scaffolds vasculares derivados de vasos placentários bovinos. Métodos A superfície corioalantoide da placenta bovina foi utilizada para produzir biomateriais descelularizados. Para a recelularização, 2,5 x 104 células endoteliais foram semeadas acima de cada fragmento de vaso descelularizado durante três ou sete dias, quando a cultura foi interrompida e os fragmentos foram fixados para análise de adesão celular. Biomateriais descelularizados e recelularizados foram avaliados por histologia básica, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e imuno-histoquímica. Resultados o processo de descelularização produziu vasos que mantiveram a estrutura natural e o conteúdo de elastina, e não foram observadas células e gDNA remanescentes. Além disso, células precursoras endoteliais se ligaram ao lúmen e à superfície externa do vaso descelularizado. Conclusão nossos resultados mostram a possibilidade de usos futuros desse biomaterial na medicina cardiovascular, como, por exemplo, no desenvolvimento de vasos artificiais.

Background Diseases associated with the circulatory system are the main causes of worldwide morbidity and mortality, implying the need for vascular implants. Thus, the production of vascular biomaterials has proven to be a promising alternative to therapies used in studies and research related to vascular physiology. Objectives The present project aims to achieve the artificial development of blood vessels through the recellularization of vascular scaffolds derived from bovine placental vessels. Methods The chorioallantoic surface of the bovine placenta was used to produce decellularized biomaterials. For recellularization, 2.5 x 104 endothelial cells were seeded above each decellularized vessel fragment during three or seven days, when culture were interrupted, and the fragments were fixed for cell attachment analysis. Decellularized and recellularized biomaterials were evaluated by basic histology, scanning electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. Results The decellularization process produced vessels that maintained natural structure and elastin content, and no cells or gDNA remains were observed. Endothelial precursor cells were also attached to lumen and external surface of the decellularized vessel.Conclusion: Our results show a possibility of future uses of this biomaterial in cardiovascular medicine, as in the development of engineered vessels.

Progress of Research on Tumor Extracellular Matrix and Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 / 肿瘤防治研究

Tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) is the center component of tumor microenvironment (TME), ECM diversity constitutes the inherent heterogeneity of TME that contributes to tumor growth, dormancy, drug resistance, and metastasis. Discoidin domain receptor 1 is one of the ECM receptors that interact with multiple ECM ligands. It also regulates the occurrence and development of tumors. Accordingly, DDR1 plays an increasingly important role in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. In this review, we primarily summarize the research of ECM and its receptors with components, regulation, cell receptors, and signaling pathways in tumor progression.

Salvianolic acid A contributes to cartilage endplate cell restoration by regulating miR-940 and miR-576-5p / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate whether Salvianolic acid A (SAA) can restore cartilage endplate cell degeneration of intervertebral discs and to identify the mechanism via regulation of micro-RNA.@*METHODS@#Cartilage endplate cells were isolated from lumbar intervertebral disc surgical samples and were treated with serum containing a series of concentrations of SAA (2, 5, and 10 ?M) for 24, 48, and 72 h to identify a proper dose and treatment time of SAA. The effect SAA on interlenkin-1β (IL-1β)-induced extracellular matrix degradation of cartilage endplate cells were analyzed by Alcian blue staining and assessment of the expression levels of ADAMTS-5, MMP3 and Col2a1. Further, the potential target miRNAs were preliminarily screened by micro-RNA sequencing combining qRT-PCR and Western blot, and then, the miRNAs mimics and inhibitors were used to verify the regulatory effect of SAA on potential target miRNAs.@*RESULTS@#The 10 μM SAA treatment for 48 h significantly enhanced the viability of cartilage endplate cells, and increased Col2a1 expression and glycosaminoglycan accumulation that were repressed by IL-1β, and reduced the effect of IL-1β on ADAMTS-5, and MMP3. Screening analysis based on micro-RNA sequencing and Venny analysis identified the downstream micro-RNAs, including miR-940 and miR-576-5p. Then, the miR-940-mimic or miR-576-5p-mimic were transfected into CEPCs. Compared with the SAA group, the expression of ADAMTS-5 and MMP3 increased significantly and the expression of COL2A1 obviously decreased after overexpression of miR-940 or miR-576-5p in CEPCs.@*CONCLUSION@#Salvianolic acid A attenuated the IL-1β-induced extracellular matrix degradation of cartilage endplate cells by targeting regulate the miR-940 and the miR-576-5p.

Qianjin Wenwu decoction suppresses renal interstitial fibrosis by enhancing the degradation of extracellular matrix in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction / 中国天然药物

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Qianjin Wenwu decoction (QWD), a well-known traditional Korean medicine, has been used for the treatment of DKD, with satisfactory therapeutic effects. This study was designed to investigate the active components and mechanisms of action of QWD in the treatment of DKD. The results demonstrated that a total of 13 active components in five types were found in QWD, including flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, phenylpropionic acids, saponins, coumarins, and lignins. Two key proteins, TGF-β1 and TIMP-1, were identified as the target proteins through molecular docking. Furthermore, QWD significantly suppressed Scr and BUN levels which increased after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) and Masson staining results demonstrated that QWD significantly alleviated renal interstitial fibrosis in UUO mice. We also found that QWD promoted ECM degradation by regulating MMP-9/TIMP-1 homeostasis to improve renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and interfere with the expression and activity of TGF- β1 in DKD treatment. These findings explain the underlying mechanism of QWD for the treatment of DKD, and also provide methodological reference for investigating the mechanism of traditional medicine in the treatment of DKD.

Effect of transmembrane protein 45A on extracellular matrix synthesis by keloid-derived fibroblasts / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To determine the expression of transmembrane protein 45A (TMEM45A) in keloid tissues and fibroblasts, and to evaluate its effect on extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis by keloid-derived fibroblasts (KFs) .Methods:Samples of surgically excised keloid and normal foreskin tissues were collected from the Department of Dermatology and Department of Urology of Yanbian University Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020, and TMEM45A protein expression was determined in keloid tissues and KFs by Western blot analysis. KFs were divided into TMEM45A-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) group and control siRNA group to be transfected with the TMEM45A-specific siRNA and control siRNA respectively. Then, Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of down-regulation of the TMEM45A gene on the expression of myofibroblast marker protein (α-smooth muscle actin) and ECM-related proteins.Results:Compared with normal skin tissues (1.00 ± 0.11) and fibroblasts (1.00 ± 0.20), TMEM45A expression levels significantly decreased in keloid tissues (0.26 ± 0.05) and KFs (0.41 ± 0.09), respectively ( t = 10.76, 4.75, P < 0.001, = 0.009, respectively). The expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin, ECM-related type Ⅰ collagen, type Ⅲ collagen, and fibronectin were significantly higher in the TMEM45A-specific siRNA group than in the control siRNA group ( t = -5.98, -4.57, -4.90, -7.19, P = 0.004, 0.010, 0.008, 0.002, respectively) . Conclusion:Lowly expressed TMEM45A in keloids may play an important role in the pathogenesis of keloids by promoting ECM synthesis.

Research progress of ferroptosis in aortic dissection / 中华老年医学杂志

Aortic dissection, especially Stanford type A aortic dissection, is an acutely progressive and highly fatal cardiovascular disease.Early prevention and timely treatment can greatly reduce mortality and reduce the burden on families and society.However, due to the etiological mechanism is still unclear, the clinical treatment is still mainly surgery, and the early prevention and drug application are very limited.And some recent studies have found that ferroptosis may play an important role in the occurrence and development of aortic dissection, revealing the relationship between them may provide ideas for the prevention, treatment and scientific research of the disease.

Identification the key factor of pulmonary fibrosis following silica nanoparticles exposure based on bioinformatics analysis / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To investigate the main mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis following silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) exposure through constructing the macrophage-fibroblast model in vitro, which simulated the process of pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: In January 2021, human mononuclear leukemia cells (THP-1) were treated with 0, 25, 50, 100 μg/ml SiNPs for 24 h. The supernatant of THP-1 cells was collected and applied to human embryonic lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5) which divided into control and low, medium and high dose groups at the logarithmic growth stage for 24 h. MRC-5 cell viability was detected by CCK8. The hydroxyproline (Hyp), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression were detected in the supernatants of MRC-5. The changed proteins were detected by liquid-phase mass spectrometry in high dose group. GeneCard database were applied to identity the differential pulmonary fibrosis proteins in high dose group. Gene Ontology (GO) was performed to identity the key biological process in differential pulmonary fibrosis proteins of high dose group. The String database was used to construct the protein-protein interactions (PPI) network of differential pulmonary fibrosis proteins. The APP of CytoHubba was applied to calculate the key protein of differential pulmonary fibrosis proteins in PPI network. Correlation coefficients between key differential pulmonary fibrosis proteins were calculated using Pearson correlation analysis. Western blotting was applied to detect the expression of key proteins of differential pulmonary fibrosis proteins in different groups. Results: CCK8 results showed that MRC-5 cell viability was increasing in low, medium and high dose groups compared with control group (P<0.05). The expression levels of Hyp and IL-1β in different group were increased compared with control group, the expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were increased in high dose group compared with control group (P<0.05). GeneCard database identified 26 differential pulmonary fibrosis proteins, which were mainly involved in extracellular matrix hydrolysis, cell inflammatory response, tissue repair, cell proliferation, inflammation response by GO analysis. The APP of CytoHubba was calculated that matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) played an important role in PPI network. The results of correlation analysis showed that MMP9 was correlated with the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), TIMP1 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (r=0.97, 0.98, 0.94, 0.93, P<0.05). Western blotting results showed that TIMP1 protein expression was increased in low, medium and high dose groups, while MMP9 protein expression was increased only in high dose group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Differential expression proteins related with pulmonary fibrosis in MRC-5 cells mainly regulate biological processes of extracellular matrix hydrolysis, tissue repair, and cellular inflammation response following SiNPs exposure. MMP9 and TIMP1 may be the key proteins, which affected the fibrosis process in vitro pulmonary fibrosis model.

Research progress in effects of microRNA -15a and microRNA -16 on fibrotic diseases / 中南大学学报(医学版)

MicroRNA (miR) is a class of highly conserved non-coding single-stranded RNA widely existing in mammals, which can negatively regulate the expression of targeting genes after transcription. As a key regulator, miR negatively regulates the expression of the targeting genes and disrupts important molecular signaling pathways, leading to the imbalance of multiple pathways such as tissue repair and inflammation involved in the fibrotic process. Among them, miR-15a/16 can participate in regulating and controlling the fibrotic process of various organs, including liver, lung, heart, kidney and other fibrotic diseases by acting on cell proliferation and transformation, extracellular matrix proteins production and degradation, inflammation and other important cell functions. It has potential diagnostic and therapeutic value. Clarifying the biological function of miR-15a/16 and its mechanism for action and therapeutic application prospects in various fibrotic lesions are of great significance for the molecular targeted treatment of fibrotic diseases.

Traditinal Chinese Medicine Intervention in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Regulating Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Intervertebral disc degeneration is one of the common causes of chronic low back pain. As a common spinal disease， its clinical symptoms are mainly low back pain and limited function， which seriously affects physical and psychological health. Because of its complex and unclear pathogenesis， the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration has been the focus of scientific researchers and clinical workers. At present， the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration mainly includes non-surgical therapy and surgical therapy， which can alleviate the clinical symptoms of patients to a certain extent， but easily induce new complications， and it is difficult to restore the normal physiological function of the intervertebral disc. In recent years， along with the advanced research on matrix metalloproteinases （MMPs） in the tissues of intervertebral disc degeneration， it has been found that MMPs can be used as molecular therapeutic targets. The expression of MMPs in the intervertebral disc tissues can be regulated by reducing the content and composition of the extracellular matrix of the intervertebral disc， so as to slow down intervertebral disc degeneration and even reverse the occurrence of intervertebral disc degeneration. This treatment is expected to delay intervertebral disc degeneration caused by changes in extracellular matrix composition or content. In recent years， with the continuous development of network pharmacology and bioinformatics research， a large number of researchers have explored the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration by traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） and found that TCM can reduce the degradation of extracellular matrix by inhibiting the expression of MMPs， thus alleviating the symptoms of intervertebral disc degeneration and slowing down the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration. This paper reviewed the research progress of TCM intervention in MMP expression in the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration， aiming at providing references for the application of TCM in the prevention and treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration.

MiR-340 mediates the involvement of high mobility group box 1 in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To explore the pathogenic mechanism of the miR-340/high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) axis in the formation of liver fibrosis. Methods: A rat liver fibrosis model was established by injecting CCl(4) intraperitoneally. miRNAs targeting and validating HMGB1 were selected with gene microarrays after screening the differentially expressed miRNAs in rats with normal and hepatic fibrosis. The effect of miRNA expressional changes on HMGB1 levels was detected by qPCR. Dual luciferase gene reporter assays (LUC) was used to verify the targeting relationship between miR-340 and HMGB1. The proliferative activity of the hepatic stellate cell line HSC-T6 was detected by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay after co-transfection of miRNA mimics and HMGB1 overexpression vector, and the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins type I collagen and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) was detected by western blot. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance and the LSD-t test. Results: Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining results showed that the rat model of liver fibrosis was successfully established. Gene microarray analysis and bioinformatics prediction had detected eight miRNAs possibly targeting HMGB1, and animal model validation had detected miR-340. qPCR detection results showed that miR-340 had inhibited the expression of HMGB1, and a luciferase complementation assay suggested that miR-340 had targeted HMGB1. Functional experiments results showed that HMGB1 overexpression had enhanced cell proliferation activity and the expression of type I collagen and α-SMA, while miR-340 mimics had not only inhibited cell proliferation activity and the expression of HMGB1, type I collagen, and α-SMA, but also partially reversed the promoting effect of HMGB1 on cell proliferation and ECM synthesis. Conclusion: miR-340 targets HMGB1 to inhibit the proliferation and ECM deposition in hepatic stellate cells and plays a protective role during the process of liver fibrosis.

Amino acid metabolism of fibroblasts involved in the occurrence and development of pulmonary fibrosis / 药学学报

Pulmonary fibrosis is a common pathological change in many chronic lung diseases, and its pathogenesis and characteristics are mainly caused by repeated lung alveolar injury leading to abnormal activation of fibroblasts and the accumulation of large amounts of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Fibroblasts are not only responsible for constituting the interstitial structure of the lung but are also involved in the post-injury repairment in healthy lung tissue. In contrast, fibroblasts show a typical pro-fibrotic metabolic phenotype after differentiation into myofibroblasts during the development of pulmonary fibrosis. To synthesis large amount of collagen, the myofibroblasts have a strong metabolism characteristic of serine/glycine, glutamine, proline, and arginine. At the same time, the myofibroblast get the ability to resist cell apoptosis. As an important cell type for collagen degradation, fibroblasts reuse the amino acids of collagen to maintain cell metabolism. However, the myofibroblasts cannot degrade the ECM due to the suppression of autophagy activity, thus accelerating the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. This review attempts to summarize how amino acid metabolism of fibroblasts influence the pulmonary fibrosis.

Research progress of effective components of Astragalus on prevention and treatment of organ fibrosis / 药学学报

Astragalus, which was first documented in Shennong Bencao Jing, is the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. or Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao. The active ingredients astragalus membranaceus saponins (AMS), astragalus polysaccharides (APS) and astragalus flavonoids (AFS) have pharmacological effects such as anti-tumor properties, lowering blood sugar, regulating lipid metabolism, cardiovascular protection, anti-oxidation, bone protection, anti-fibrosis, etc. Fibrosis affects almost all organs, particularly vital organs such as the lungs, liver, heart and kidneys. The primary pathological changes of fibrosis involve abnormal increase of myofibroblasts and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, which lead to the formation of scar tissue, ultimately resulting in fibrosis and even functional loss or failure of organs, which seriously threatens human health and life. Recent, studies have shown that Astragalus membranaceus has a good therapetuic effect on organ fibrosis. This article reviews the current advances of Astragalus in the prevention and treatment of fibrosis of lungs, liver, heart, kidneys and other important organs.

Recent advances of acellular cartilage matrix in cartilage regeneration / 中华骨科杂志

Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease, and cartilage damage is often considered an early factor in irreversible joint degeneration. Repairing damaged cartilage remains a medical challenge due to its limited ability to self-repair and regenerate. In recent years, the application of tissue engineering strategies to treat cartilage defects has been recognized as an emerging therapeutic avenue. Acellular cartilage matrix (ACM) is an ideal material for cartilage repair and regeneration as it retains the extracellular matrix structure and bioactive components of natural cartilage, mimicking the extracellular environment of natural cartilage to the greatest extent. Type II collagen is the main type of hyaline cartilage and plays an important role in regulating the mechanical properties of cartilage tissue. It has been shown that type II collagen, growth factors and the hypoxic microenvironment play important roles in promoting cartilage regeneration. Type II collagen induces cell aggregation and chondrogenic differentiation in a specific way; Various growth factors contained in the ACM induce Sox9 expression and promote chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells; The hypoxic microenvironment upregulates the expression of type II collagen (COL2A1), Sox9 and maintains chondrocyte phenotype. In addition, ACM has been widely used in cartilage regeneration studies, either as a decellularized scaffold, hydrogel or 3D bioprinting technique for the repair of defective cartilage. Although the ACM-derived biomaterials discussed in this paper have many advantages, there are still some difficulties in their practical applications, such as loss of ACM components and reduced scaffold performance, which are still worth exploring in depth.

Research progress of stroma-targeted therapies for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Desmoplastic stroma of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma plays an important role in tumor progression and treatment resistance. Stroma-targeted therapies are therefore promising for clinical application and extensive related researches are undergoing. In this article, recent advances in stromal targeting strategies were reviewed from three perspectives: cancer-associated fibroblasts, extracellular matrix and angiogenesis, and an outlook for the future of this strategy was also provided.