Relationship between histopathological findings of patients with dermatochalasis and vitamin D deficiency.

PURPOSE: To compare the histopathological findings of patients who had been diagnosed with dermatochalasis (DC) and had undergone upper eyelid blepharoplasty (ULB) as well as those of controls (C-Group) according to their serum vitamin D (SVD) levels. METHODS: The prospective study included 136 upper eyelid skin from 68 patients who underwent surgery for DC and 53 upper eyelid skin from 53 patients who underwent levator surgery with ULB. The DC Group was then divided into 3 subgroups according to the marginal reflex distance (MRD4). The lymphatic vessel (LV) count and diameter of the largest LV (DLLV) were recorded, the stromal collagen bed (SCB) was observed, and its depth was measured, the interfibrillar edema was examined, and the elastic fiber and macrophage counts and recorded, respectively, and then all of these were evaluated. The SVD levels were compared between the DC patients and the C-Group. RESULTS: In comparison to the C-Group, significant changes were seen in the dilated LV, DLLV, SCB depth, interfibrillar edema, elastic fiber density, and macrophage count in the DC sub-Groups (P < 0.001 for all). While no difference was found between DC sub-Group 1 (MRD4 > 4 mm) and the C-Group (P > 0.05), a significant difference was found between DC sub-Group 2 (MRD4 2-4 mm) and DC sub-Group 3 (MRD4 < 2 mm) for all of the parameters (P < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was also found in the SVD levels between the DC sub-Group 1 and DC sub-Groups 2-3 (P < 0.017, P < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, SVD level was significantly lower in DC group. Moreover, an increased LV count and diameter, decreased elastic fiber count, collagen fiber and stromal edema irregularity, and increased macrophage count were found to be associated with the SVD level.

Water-Based Continuous Fabrication of Highly Elastic Electromagnetic Fibers.

Elastic electromagnetic fibers are promising building blocks for next-generation flexible electronics. However, fabrication of elastic fibers is still difficult and usually requires organic solvents or high temperatures, restricting their widespread applications. Furthermore, the continuous production of electromagnetic fibers has not been realized previously. In this study, we propose an ionic chelation strategy to continuously produce electromagnetic fibers with a magnetic liquid metal (MLM) as the core and elastic polyurethane as the sheath in water at room temperature. Sodium alginate (SA) has been introduced to rapidly chelate with calcium ions (Ca2+) in a coagulation bath to support the continuous spinning of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) as a sheath. Meanwhile, WPU-encapsulated MLM microparticles efficiently suppress the fluid instability of MLM for continuous extrusion as the core. The resultant fiber exhibits excellent mechanical performances (tensile strength and toughness up to 32 MPa and 124 MJ/m3, respectively), high conductive stability in large deformations (high conductivity of 7.6 × 104 S/m at 580% strain), and magnetoactive properties. The applications of this electromagnetic fiber have been demonstrated by conductance-stable wires, sensors, actuation, and electromagnetic interference shielding. This work offers a water-based molecular principle for efficient and green fabrication of multifunctional fibers and will inspire a series of applications.

Collagen and elastic fibers assessment of the human heart valves for age estimation in Thais using image analysis.

The study investigated the relationship between the histological compositions of the tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic valves, and age. All 85 fresh human hearts were obtained with an age range between 20 and 90 years. The central area of the valves was conducted to analyze the density of collagen and elastic fibers by using an image analysis program. Neural network function in MATLAB was used for classification data and accuracy test of the age predictive model. Overall, a gradual increase in the density of collagen and elastic fibers was demonstrated with age in all valve types. The pulmonary valve cusps had the least density of collagen and elastic contents, whereas the most dense of collagen was found in the mitral leaflets. A similarity was noted for the elastic fibers in the tricuspid, mitral, and aortic valves. The highest correlation between the collagen (r = 0.629) and elastic fibers (r = 0.713) and age was found in the noncoronary cusp of the aortic valve. The established predictive equations using collagen and elastic fibers in the noncoronary cusp provided the standard error of ± 14.0 and 12.5 years, respectively. A 60.9% of accuracy was found in all age groups using collagen, while accuracy in elastic fibers showed 70.0% in the classification process using the neural networks. The current study provided additional data regarding age-associated changes of collagen and elastic fibers in the human heart valves in Thais and the benefits and application in age forensic identification.

Rosemary extract and rosmarinic acid accelerate elastic fiber formation by increasing the expression of elastic fiber components in dermal fibroblasts.

Ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin photoaging is caused by qualitative and quantitative degradation of dermal extracellular matrix components such as collagen and elastic fibers. Elastic fibers are important for maintaining cutaneous elasticity, despite their small amount in the skin. Previously, microfibril-associated protein 4 (MFAP-4), which is downregulated in photoaging dermis, has been found to be essential for elastic fiber formation by interaction with both fibrillin-1 and elastin, which are core components of elastic fiber. In addition, enhanced cutaneous MFAP-4 expression in a human skin-xenografted murine photoaging model protects against UV-induced photodamage accompanied by the prevention of elastic fiber degradation and aggravated elasticity. We therefore hypothesized that the upregulation of MFAP-4 in dermal fibroblasts may more efficiently accelerate elastic fiber formation. We screened botanical extracts for MFAP-4 expression-promoting activity in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). We found that rosemary extract markedly promotes early microfibril formation and mature elastic fiber formation along with a significant upregulation of not only MFAP-4 but also fibrillin-1 and elastin in NHDFs. Furthermore, rosmarinic acid, which is abundant in rosemary extract, accelerated elastic fiber formation via upregulation of transforming growth factor ß-1. This was achieved by the induction of cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation, demonstrating that rosmarinic acid represents one of the active ingredients in rosemary extract. Based on the findings in this study, we conclude that rosemary extract and rosmarinic acid represent promising materials that exert a preventive or ameliorative effect on skin photoaging by accelerating elastic fiber formation.

Aortic elastic fiber degeneration during acute type a aortic dissection and reverse aortic remodeling.

BACKGROUND: Progression of proximal or distal aortic dilatation is defined as reverse aortic remodeling after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) that may be dependent on aortic wall degeneration. METHODS: We investigated whether aortic wall degeneration is associated with reverse aortic remodeling leading to aortic reoperation after surgery for ATAAD. Altogether, 141 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for ATAAD at Tampere were evaluated. The resected ascending aortic wall at surgery was processed for 42 degenerative, atherosclerotic and inflammatory histological variables. Patients undergoing aortic reoperations (Redos) were compared with those without aortic reoperations (Controls) during a mean 4.9-year follow-up. RESULTS: Redos were younger than Controls (56 and 66 years, respectively, P < 0.001), and had less frequently previous cardiac surgery prior to ATAAD. Initial surgery encompassed replacement of the ascending aorta in the majority. There were 21 Redos in which one patient died during follow-up as compared with 51 deaths in Controls (log Rank P = 0.002). Histology of the aortic wall revealed increased elastic fiber fragmentation, loss, and disorganization in Redos as compared with Controls (2.1 ± 0.5 vs. 1.9 ± 0.5, Point score unit (PSU), P = 0.043 and 1.7 ± 0.8 vs. 1.2 ± 0.8, PSU, P = 0.016, respectively). Moderate atherosclerosis occurred less often in Redos vs. Controls (9.5% vs. 33%, PSU, P = 0.037, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: According to this exploratory study, histopathology reveals distinctive aortic wall degeneration during ATAAD. Reverse aortic remodeling after ATAAD is associated with the presence of ascending aortic wall elastic fiber fragmentation, loss and disorganization during ATAAD.

Acquired cutis laxa secondary to acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis: A case report and mini-review of literature.

Cutis laxa presents as loose redundant skin folds and loss of dermal elastic tissue. Acquired cutis laxa (ACL) is characterized by later onset. It has been reported in association with various kinds of neutrophilic dermatoses, drugs, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune disorders. Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is usually classified as a severe cutaneous adverse reaction characterized by T cell-mediated neutrophilic inflammation. We previously reported a mild case of AGEP caused by gemcitabine in a 76-year-old man. Here, we report a case of ACL secondary to AGEP in this patient. He developed AGEP 8 days after gemcitabine administration. Four weeks after beginning chemotherapy, his skin had become atrophic, loose, and darkly pigmented in areas previously affected by AGEP. Histopathological examination revealed edema and perivascular lymphocytic infiltration but no neutrophilic infiltration in the upper dermis. Elastica van Gieson staining showed that the elastic fibers in all layers of the dermis were sparse and shortened. Electron microscopy showed elevated numbers of fibroblasts and altered elastic fibers with irregular surfaces. Finally, he was diagnosed with ACL secondary to AGEP. He was treated with topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines. Skin atrophy decreased over 3 months. We summarize 36 cases (including our case) with ACL secondary to neutrophilic dermatosis. We discuss these clinical manifestations, causative neutrophilic disorders, treatments, and outcomes. The mean age of patients was 3.5 years. Five patients had an aortic lesion as systemic involvement. The most common causative neutrophilic disorders were Sweet syndrome (24 cases), followed by urticaria-like neutrophilic dermatosis (11 cases). There were no cases of AGEP except for our case. Although treatment for ACL secondary to neutrophilic dermatosis, such as dapsone, oral prednisolone, adalimumab, and plastic surgery were reported, ACL is generally refractory and irreversible. Our patient was considered reversibly cured due to the absence of continuous neutrophil-mediated elastolysis.

Excessive aggregation of fine particles may play a crucial role in adolescent spontaneous pneumothorax pathogenesis.

Background: The pathogenesis of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is unclear. Fine particles aggregated in the lung can be phagocytosed by alveolar macrophages (AMs) to induce an inflammatory reaction and damage local pulmonary tissue, which could be a mechanism of PSP. This project aimed to explore the pathological association between fine particulate matter and PSP. Methods: Thirty pulmonary bullae tissues were obtained from surgery of PSP patients (B group). The adjacent normal tissues of the lungs were defined as the control S group. Another 30 normal lung tissues with nonpneumothorax disease (NPD) were applied as the control N group. Hematoxylin and eosin (H & E), Wright-Giemsa (W-G), Victoria blue, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining experiments were performed to measure the levels of fine particulate matter, alveolar macrophages (AMs), pulmonary elastic fibers, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the lung tissues. The serum levels of MCP-1 and MMP-9 were prospectively analyzed as well. Results: Histopathological examinations revealed obvious deposition of fine particulate matter and inflammatory reactions (proliferation of AMs) in the B group, compared with those in the S group and the N group. These alterations were significantly associated with PSP. The numbers of AMs and pulmonary elastic fibers, the positive area of the H-score, as well as the concentrations of MCP-1 and MMP-9 in the lungs of the experimental group were obviously raised compared with the controls (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Fine particulate matter aggregation, inflammation (macrophage hyperplasia), and overexpression of MCP-1 and MMP-9 may contribute to the pathogenesis of PSP. The overaccumulation of fine particulate matter may play a crucial part in the occurrence of adolescent and young adult PSP. Trial registration: This project was enrolled on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2100051460.

Dill Extract Preserves Dermal Elastic Fiber Network and Functionality: Implication of Elafin.

INTRODUCTION: Elastic skin fibers lose their mechanical properties during aging due to enzymatic degradation, lack of maturation, or posttranslational modifications. Dill extract has been observed to increase elastin protein expression and maturation in a 3D skin model, to improve mechanical properties of the skin, to increase elastin protein expression in vascular smooth muscle cells, to preserve aortic elastic lamella, and to prevent glycation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to highlight dill actions on elastin fibers during aging thanks to elastase digestion model and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: In this study, elastic fibers produced by dermal fibroblasts in 2D culture model were injured by elastase, and we observed the action of dill extract on elastic network by elastin immunofluorescence. Then action of dill extract was examined on mice skin by injuring elastin fibers by intradermal injection of elastase. Then elastin fibers were observed by second harmonic generation microscopy, and their functionality was evaluated by oscillatory shear stress tests. In order to understand mechanism by which dill acted on elastin fibers, enzymatic tests and real-time qPCR on cultured fibroblasts were performed. RESULTS: We evidence in vitro that dill extract is able to prevent elastin from elastase digestion. And we confirm in vivo that dill extract treatment prevents elastase digestion, allowing preservation of the cutaneous elastic network in mice and preservation of the cutaneous elastic properties. Although dill extract does not directly inhibit elastase activity, our results show that dill extract treatment increases mRNA expression of the endogenous inhibitor of elastase, elafin. CONCLUSION: Dill extract can thus be used to counteract the negative effects of elastase on the cutaneous elastic fiber network through modulation of PI3 gene expression.

Insights into elastic fiber fragmentation: Mechanisms and treatment of aortic aneurysm in Marfan syndrome.

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder caused by mutations in fibrillin 1 (FBN1) gene. These mutations result in defects in the skeletal, ocular, and cardiovascular systems. Aortic aneurysm is the leading cause of premature mortality in untreated MFS patients. Elastic fiber fragmentation in the aortic vessel wall is a hallmark of MFS-associated aortic aneurysms. FBN1 mutations result in FBN1 fragments that also contribute to elastic fiber fragmentation. Although recent research has advanced our understanding of MFS, the contribution of elastic fiber fragmentation to the pathogenesis of aneurysm formation remains poorly understood. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms of elastic fiber fragmentation and its role in the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysm progression. Increased comprehension of elastic fragmentation has significant clinical implications for developing targeted interventions to block aneurysm progression, which would benefit not only individuals with Marfan syndrome but also other patients with aneurysms. Moreover, this review highlights an overlooked connection between inhibiting aneurysm and the restoration of elastic fibers in the vessel wall with various aneurysm inhibitors, including drugs and chemicals. Investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms could uncover innovative therapeutic strategies to inhibit elastin fragmentation and prevent the progression of aneurysms.

On the identification of the ultra-structural organization of elastic fibers and their effects on the integrity of annulus fibrosus.

Due to the complicated structure of the elastic fiber network in annulus fibrosus, existing in-silico studies either simplified or just overlooked its distribution pattern. Nonetheless, experimental and simulation results have proven that elastic fibers are of great importance to maintaining the structural integrity of annulus fibrosus and therefore to ensuring the load-bearing ability of intervertebral discs. Such needs call for a fine model. This work aims at developing a biphasic annulus fibrosus model by incorporating the accurate distribution pattern of collagen and elastic fibers. Both the structural parameters and intrinsic mechanical parameters were successfully identified using single lamella and inter-lamella microscopy anatomy and micromechanical testing data. The proposed model was then used to implement finite element simulations on various anterior and posterolateral multi-lamellae annulus fibrosus specimens. In general, simulation results agree well with available experimental and simulation data. On this basis, the effects of elastic fibers on the integrity of annulus fibrosus were further investigated. It was found that elastic fibers significantly influence the free swelling, radial stretching and circumferential shear performances of annulus fibrosus. Nonetheless, no significant effects were found for the circumferential stretching capability. The proposed biphasic model considers for the first time the distribution characteristics of elastic fibers at two scales, including both the principal orientations of all fiber families and the detailed distribution pattern within each family. Better understandings on the functions of collagen and elastic fibers can therefore be realized. To further enhance its prediction capability, the current model can be extended in the future by taking the fiber-matrix interaction as well as progressive damages into consideration.

Heat-conducting elastic ultrafine fiber sponges with boron nitride networks for noise reduction.

Industrial and traffic noise has become increasingly serious with the progress of industrialization. Most existing noise-absorbing materials suffer from poor heat dissipation and insufficient low-frequency (<1000 Hz) noise absorption, which not only reduces working efficiency but also leads to safety risks. Herein, heat-conducting elastic ultrafine fiber sponges with boron nitride (BN) networks were prepared by integrating direct electrospinning and impregnation method. The large acoustic contact area of ultrafine fibers and the vibration effect of BN nanosheets in a three-dimensional direction endow fiber sponges with good noise reduction, which can reduce white noise by 28.3 dB with a high noise reduction coefficient of 0.64. Moreover, thanks to good heat-conducting networks composed of BN nanosheets and porous structures, the obtained sponges exhibit superior heat dissipation with thermal conductivity of 0.159 W m-1 K-1. Besides, the introduction of elastic polyurethane and following crosslinking endow the sponges with good mechanical properties, which have almost no plastic deformation after 1000 compressions, and the tensile strength and strain are as high as 0.28 MPa and 75%. The successful synthesis of heat-conducting elastic ultrafine fiber sponges overcomes poor heat dissipation and low-frequency noise reduction of noise absorbers.

Skin regeneration-related mechanisms of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA): a systematic review.

Introduction: Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is a common dermal filler used in aesthetic medicine for volumizing and contouring. Understanding mechanisms of actions of CaHA can help improve our understanding of its clinical applications. Methods: We performed a systematic review to summarize the skin-regeneration related mechanisms of CaHA. Five bibliographic databases were searched for English-language publications that evaluated CaHA in skin regeneration outcomes including neocollagenesis, cell proliferation and growth factors, angiogenesis, vascular dynamic and inflammatory markers, among others. Methodological rigor of included studies was assessed. Results: Of 2,935 identified citations, 12 studies were included for final analysis. Collagen production was reported by nine studies, cell proliferation by four, elastic fibers and/or elastin by four, and three studies on angiogenesis, while limited studies were available on the other outcomes. Six were clinical/observational studies. Only seven studies had a control group. Overall, studies showed CaHA resulted in increased cell proliferation, increased collagen production and angiogenesis, as well as in higher elastic fiber and elastin formation. Limited and inconclusive evidence was available on the other mechanisms. The majority of the studies had methodological limitations. Discussion: Current evidence is limited but indicates several mechanisms through which CaHA could lead to skin regeneration, volume enhancement, and contouring. Systematic review registration: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WY49V.

Poly-D,L-Lactic Acid Filler Increases Extracellular Matrix by Modulating Macrophages and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Aged Animal Skin.

Poly-D,L-lactic acid (PDLLA) filler corrects soft tissue volume loss by increasing collagen synthesis in the dermis; however, the mechanism is not fully understood. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are known to attenuate the decrease in fibroblast collagen synthesis that occurs during aging, and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like-2 factor (NRF2) increases ASCs survival by inducing M2 macrophage polarization and IL-10 expression. We evaluated the ability of PDLLA to induce collagen synthesis in fibroblasts by modulating macrophages and ASCs in a H2O2-induced cellular senescence model and aged animal skin. PDLLA increased M2 polarization and NRF2 and IL-10 expression in senescence-induced macrophages. Conditioned media from senescent macrophages treated with PDLLA (PDLLA-CMMΦ) reduced senescence and increased proliferation and expression of transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2 in senescence-induced ASCs. Conditioned media from senescent ASCs treated with PDLLA-CMMΦ (PDLLA-CMASCs) increased the expression of collagen 1a1 and collagen 3a1 and reduced the expression of NF-κB and MMP2/3/9 in senescence-induced fibroblasts. Injection of PDLLA in aged animal skin resulted in increased expression of NRF2, IL-10, collagen 1a1, and collagen 3a1 and increased ASCs proliferation in aged animal skin. These results suggest that PDLLA increases collagen synthesis by modulating macrophages to increase NRF2 expression, which stimulates ASCs proliferation and secretion of TGF-ß and FGF2. This leads to increased collagen synthesis, which can attenuate aging-induced soft tissue volume loss.

A patient with pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis carrying a novel fibrillin-2 gene variant.

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis is a recently recognized clinical entity characterized by interstitial pneumonia with proliferating elastin in the upper lung regions. Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis is categorized as idiopathic or reported depending on the coexistent initiating factors; however, congenital contractural arachnodactyly, which is caused by abnormal production of elastin based on a mutation in the fibrillin-2 gene, is rarely reported with lung lesion resembling pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis. We present a case of pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis in a patient with a novel mutation in the fibrillin-2 gene, which encodes the prenatal fibrillin-2 protein as a scaffold for elastin.

Mechanical Properties and Functions of Elastin: An Overview.

Human tissues must be elastic, much like other materials that work under continuous loads without losing functionality. The elasticity of tissues is provided by elastin, a unique protein of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of mammals. Its function is to endow soft tissues with low stiffness, high and fully reversible extensibility, and efficient elastic-energy storage. Depending on the mechanical functions, the amount and distribution of elastin-rich elastic fibers vary between and within tissues and organs. The article presents a concise overview of the mechanical properties of elastin and its role in the elasticity of soft tissues. Both the occurrence of elastin and the relationship between its spatial arrangement and mechanical functions in a given tissue or organ are overviewed. As elastin in tissues occurs only in the form of elastic fibers, the current state of knowledge about their mechanical characteristics, as well as certain aspects of degradation of these fibers and their mechanical performance, is presented. The overview also outlines the latest understanding of the molecular basis of unique physical characteristics of elastin and, in particular, the origin of the driving force of elastic recoil after stretching.

Genetically engineered chondrocytes overexpressing elastin improve cell retention and chondrogenesis in a three-dimensional GelMA culture system.

Elastic cartilage possesses many elastic fibers and has a high degree of elasticity. However, insufficient elastic fiber production remains unsolved in elastic cartilage tissue engineering. Exogenous elastin is difficult to degrade and violates cell proliferation and migration during cartilage regeneration. Moreover, exogenous elastic fibers are difficult to assemble with endogenous extracellular matrix components. We produced genetically engineered chondrocytes overexpressing elastin to boost endogenous elastic fiber production. After identifying that genetic manipulation hardly impacted the cell viability and chondrogenesis of chondrocytes, we co-cultured genetically engineered chondrocytes with untreated chondrocytes in a three-dimensional gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) system. In vitro study showed that the co-culture system produced more elastic fibers and increased cell retention, resulting in strengthened mechanics than the control system with untreated chondrocytes. Moreover, in vivo implantation revealed that the co-culture GelMA system greatly resisted host tissue invasion by promoting elastic fiber production and cartilage tissue regeneration compared with the control system. In summary, our study indicated that genetically engineered chondrocytes overexpressing elastin are efficient and safe for promoting elastic fiber production and cartilage regeneration in elastic cartilage tissue engineering.

Flavonifractor plautii Protects Against Elevated Arterial Stiffness.

BACKGROUND: Dysbiosis of gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in vascular dysfunction and microbial diversity was reported to be inversely correlated with arterial stiffness. However, the causal role of gut microbiota in the progression of arterial stiffness and the specific species along with the molecular mechanisms underlying this change remain largely unknown. METHODS: Participants with elevated arterial stiffness and normal controls free of medication were matched for age and sex. The microbial composition and metabolic capacities between the 2 groups were compared with the integration of metagenomics and metabolomics. Subsequently, Ang II (angiotensin II)-induced and humanized mouse model were employed to evaluate the protective effect of Flavonifractor plautii (F plautii) and its main effector cis-aconitic acid. RESULTS: Human fecal metagenomic sequencing revealed a significantly high abundance and centrality of F plautii in normal controls, which was absent in the microbial community of subjects with elevated arterial stiffness. Moreover, blood pressure only mediated part of the effect of F plautii on lower arterial stiffness. The microbiome of normal controls exhibited an enhanced capacity for glycolysis and polysaccharide degradation, whereas, those of subjects with increased arterial stiffness were characterized by increased biosynthesis of fatty acids and aromatic amino acids. Integrative analysis with metabolomics profiling further suggested that increased cis-aconitic acid served as the main effector for the protective effect of F plautii against arterial stiffness. Replenishment with F plautii and cis-aconitic acid improved elastic fiber network and reversed increased pulse wave velocity through the suppression of MMP-2 (matrix metalloproteinase-2) and inhibition of MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) and NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-B) activation in both Ang II-induced and humanized model of arterial stiffness. CONCLUSIONS: Our translational study identifies a novel link between F plautii and arterial function and raises the possibility of sustaining vascular health by targeting gut microbiota.

Egg yolk oil accelerates wound healing in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Impaired diabetic wound healing causes foot ulcers. We investigated egg yolk oil for skin wound healing in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Rats were allocated into three groups of six. Group 1, nondiabetic control group, was treated topically with 2% fusidic acid ointment. Group 2, STZ diabetic control, was treated topically with 2% fusidic acid ointment. Group 3, STZ diabetic group, was treated topically with egg yolk oil. Three days after STZ injection, two full thickness excisional skin wounds were created on the back of each animal. Wound diameter was measured for 14 days and wound contraction was calculated. Re-epithelization time also was determined. Three rats from each group were sacrificed on experimental day 7 and the remaining rats on day 14. Wound samples were examined using hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, Masson's trichrome, Taenzer-Unna orcein and toluidine blue staining. Expression of endoglin (CD105), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were investigated using immunohistochemistry. Egg yolk oil increased the proliferation of epithelial cells and angiogenesis, and stimulated collagen deposition in the lesion area. Egg yolk oil increased CD105, EGF and VEGF expression in blood vessels, and EGF and VEGF expression in epidermis of the lesions. The predominant fatty acids in egg yolk oil are oleic, palmitic and linoleic, which likely were responsible for the beneficial effects of egg yolk oil on diabetic wound healing. Egg yolk oil appears to be a promising therapeutic agent for healing of diabetic wounds.

A novel abdominal aortic aneurysm model produced by periarterial application of hydrochloric acid.

Previous abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) animal modeling methodologies were either expensive or complicated. Here, we developed a novel AAA model which was simple to set up and generated minimal calcification. Twenty-four rats were divided randomly into four groups. Groups 1, 2 and 3 underwent surgery in which 15% hydrochloric acid (HCl) was applied periarterially to the abdominal aorta for 5 min, followed by sacrifice 1 week (group 1), 2 weeks (group 2), and 4 weeks (group 3) after surgery. The maximum aortic diameter (MAD) was measured at surgery and before animal sacrifice. Rats in group 4 were sham-treated. The MADs in group 1, 2 and 3 showed significant dilation compared with group 4, with a mean dilation rate of 33.8% in the first week after surgery. Histopathological examination revealed infiltration of macrophages into the adventitia, obvious apoptosis of smooth muscle cells, and rupture and collapse of the elastic fibers. Furthermore, no calcification was observed in the dilated aorta. The mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors were at least two-fold higher in group 1 than in group 4, indicating significant inflammatory response in the progression of AAA information. In conclusion, periarterial application of 15% HCl is a convenient and reliable model to create an abdominal aortic aneurysm in rats, and the potential development mechanism may be related to the proinflammatory effects of HCl.

Structural distribution and mechanism of elastic fibers and collagen fibers in ventricular interstitium of aged rats / 解剖学报

Objective To investigate the structural distribution features and mechanism of elastic fibers and collagen fibers in ventricular interstitium of aged rats. Methods Five young SD rats (24 weeks) and five old SD rats (104 weeks) were used,and their cardiac function was examined by echocardiography. Modified Weigert elastic fiber staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and Western blotting techniques were used to detect the expression changes of type I and IH collagen fibers and their proteins, elastic fibers and their proteins, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2), respectively. Results The type I and type IH collagen in the ventricular interstitium of aged rats was very sufficient and wrapped around the cardiomyocytes. Compared with the young rats, the content of collagen protein in the ventricular interstitium of the aged rats significantly increased (P<0. 05). Elastic fibers in the ventricular interstitium of the aged rats were and widely distributed. Compared with the young rats, the number of elastic fibers and the level of elastin in the ventricular interstitium of the aged rats significantly decreased (P<0. 05), and the expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in ventricular muscle of aged rats increased, and the)' were correlated with the level of elastin. The level of TIMP-2 in ventricular muscle of aged rats decreased with age. Conclusion The number of collagen fibers and elastic fibers in ventricular interstitium of aged rats is fluctuated with each other. With the increase of age, the contents of TIMP-2 and elastic fibers in the ventricular interstitium gradually decreased, and the ratio of collagen fibers to elastic fibers is out of balance.