Frontiers in Medicine
·
2024
·
IF 3.1
Zhongzhu Ai,Dongfeng Yuan,Jingyi Cai,Ruotong Dong,Wei Liu,Daonian Zhou
Background: Pruritus ani (PA), a neurofunctional dermatosis, is one of the most common complications of hemorrhoids, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Medical hemorrhoid gel (MHG), a product mainly composed of herbal medicine, is widely used for treatment of PA clinically. This study aim to assess the alleviating effect and mechanism of MHG on PA based on rectal epidermis-spinal cord-brain axis using animal models.Methods: A chloroquine-induced mouse itching model and a croton oil preparation-induced rat hemorrhoid model were established to evaluate anti-PA effect of MHG. Scratching behaviors of mice were recorded, and histopathology of mice skin and rat ano-rectal tissues was observed through H&E staining. Network pharmacology and western blotting were employed to explore potential mechanism of MHG.Results: The study indicated that MHG significantly alleviated chloroquine-induced skin itching and improved pathological injuries in mice skin and rat ano-rectal tissues. Network pharmacology suggested that MHG might regulate the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Experimental findings showed that MHG significantly downregulated TRPV1 and TRPA1 in rectal tissue, c-Fos and GRPR in spinal cord tissue, and 5-HT1a protein in brain tissue, while upregulating TRPM8 protein in rectal tissue. Furthermore, MHG inhibited the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in the rectal epidermis-spinal cord-brain axis.Conclusion: MHG improves PA by inhibiting the transmission of itching signals in rectal epidermis-spinal cord-brain axis via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, providing experimental evidence for its clinical application.
研究领域:
药理学
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神经科学
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皮肤病学
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分子生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Molecular Medicine Reports
·
2017
·Vol. 16
·期 2
·2211-2216
·
IF 1.692
Xuefeng Yang,Handong Huang,Maijian Wang,Xingbin Zheng,Jie Xu,Ming Xie
Nonylphenol (NP) is a well-known endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), which can enhance the progression of cancer by functioning as an estrogen‑like factor. In the present study, the effects of different concentrations of NP on COLO205 colorectal cancer (CRC) cells were examined. The results of flow cytometric analysis revealed that NP significantly decreased the proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase in a dose‑dependent manner, which was accompanied by a marginal increase in the proportions of cells in S and G2/M phases. NP did not induce apoptosis, whereas estradiol (E2) did induce apoptosis. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the action of NP on COLO205 cells, the transcriptional levels of extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (ERK)1, ERK2 and phosphoinositide 3‑kinase (PI3K) were assessed using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. The expressions levels of ERK1, ERK2 and PI3K were increased by treatment with NP in a dose‑dependent manner. On examining protein levels, the expression of PI3K p38 was increased by NP and E2, and the expression of ERK1/2 was increased by NP. The phosphorylation of the ERK protein was significantly increased by treatment with NP at a high concentration (10‑4 M; P<0.01), but significantly decreased by E2 (P<0.01). Two key proteins in the transforming growth factor (TGF)β pathway (c‑Fos and SnoN) were selected for analysis using western blot analysis in the COLO205 cells treated with NP and E2. The expression levels of c‑Fos and SnoN were significantly increased by treatment with E2 (10‑7 M; P<0.01) and NP (10‑7‑10‑4 M; P<0.01). Taken together, these results indicated that NP affected the development of CRC via the ERK signaling pathway and TGFβ pathway.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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细胞生物学
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF HEADACHE AND PAIN
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2022
·Vol. 23
·期 1
·1-14
·
IF 8.588
Pan Qi,Wang Yunfeng,Tian Ruimin,Wen Qianwen,Qin Guangcheng,Zhang Dunke,Chen Lixue,Zhang Yixin,Zhou Jiying
Background Central sensitization is an important pathophysiological mechanism of chronic migraine (CM), and microglia activation in trigeminocervical complex (TCC) contributes to the development of central sensitization. Emerging evidence implicates that blocking sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) can relieve the development of chronic pain and inhibit the activation of microglia. However, it is unclear whether S1PR1 is involved in the central sensitization of CM. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the role of S1PR1 and its downstream signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in the CM, mainly in inflammation.Methods Chronic intermittent intraperitoneal injection of nitroglycerin (NTG) established a mouse model of CM. First, we observed the changes and subcellular localization of S1PR1 in the trigeminocervical complex (TCC). Then, W146, a S1PR1 antagonist; SEW2871, a S1PR1 agonist; AG490, a STAT3 inhibitor were applied by intraperitoneal injection to investigate the related molecular mechanism. The changes in the number of microglia and the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and c-fos in the TCC site were explored by immunofluorescence. In addition, we studied the effect of S1PR1 inhibitors on STAT3 in lipopolysaccharide-treated BV-2 microglia.Results Our results showed that the expression of S1PR1 was increased after NTG injection and S1PR1 was colocalized with in neurons and glial cells in the TCC. The S1PR1 antagonist W146 alleviated NTG-induced hyperalgesia and suppressed the upregulation of CGRP, c-fos and pSTAT3 in the TCC. Importantly, blocking S1PR1 reduced activation of microglia. In addition, we found that inhibiting STAT3 signal also attenuated NTG-induced basal mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia.Conclusion sOur results indicate that inhibiting S1PR1 signal could alleviate central sensitization and inhibit microglia activity caused by chronic NTG administration via STAT3 signal pathway, which provide a new clue for the clinical treatment of CM.
研究领域:
神经科学
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药理学
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疼痛研究
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
·
2020
·
IF 3.943
Ningchao Du,Li Song,Yang Li,Tingting Wang,Qinghua Fang,Jiaxin Ou,Kutty Selva Nandakumar
Based on previous studies, we know that estrogen can protect the joints from arthritis development by increasing IgG glycosylation and inhibiting osteoclast activation. Phytoestrogens, especially genistein and daidzein, are structurally similar to estradiol that can bind to estrogen receptors (ERs). However, how phytoestrogens affect IgG glycosylation and osteoclast activation in vivo are not investigated so far. In this study, we used 20 mg/kg genistein or daidzein to gavage the female DBA1/J mice in collagen induced arthritis (CIA). We assessed arthritis and bone erosion by clinical scores, histopathology, and micro-CT analysis. Inflammatory cells such as neutrophils, B cells, macrophages and T cells in the peripheral blood were analyzed by flow cytometry. Phagocytic function of peritoneal macrophages was assessed by using FITC-labeled Escherichia coli . New monoclonal antibodies against CII were produced, purified and analyzed. Glycosylation levels of polyclonal and monoclonal IgG were detected by lectin-ELISA. Quantitative PCR was used to analyze the genes related to IgG glycosylation ( B4galt1, St6gal1) and osteoclasts ( TRAP, NFATC1, c-Fos) . Expression of NF-κB and Akt signaling pathways as well as downstream transcription factors NFATc1 and c-Fos was studied by Western blot. Our results show that phytoestrogens protect mice from CIA by increasing IgG glycosylation leading to amelioration of inflammation and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and NFATc1/c-Fos to decrease the activity of osteoclasts. In conclusion, phytoestrogens can protect bone and joints in CIA mice by increasing IgG glycosylation and inhibiting osteoclast activity.
研究领域:
免疫学
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风湿病学
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分子生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
·
2025
·
IF 2.8
Ayiheng Yelinaer,Mahan Wuluhan,Xie Zengru
Background Effective therapies remain elusive for devastating osteolysis in osseous echinococcosis, thus necessitating mechanistic exploration. To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which echinococcal infection promotes osteoclast differentiation and activation via the IL-1β/c-Fos/NFATc1 signaling axis in pathological osteolysis of osseous echinococcosis. Methods Retrospective RT-qPCR analysis quantified mRNA expression of osteoclastogenesis-associated inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) in bone cyst tissues from 21 osseous echinococcosis patients versus histologically normal bone adjacent to tumors in 21 matched bone tumor controls. Murine RAW 264.7 monocytes/macrophages were divided into: (i) Untreated control; (ii) Osteoclast induction (100 ng/mL RANKL + 25 ng/mL M-CSF); (iii-v) Induction + hydatid antigen B (25/50/75 ng/mL); (vi) Induction + antigen B (75 ng/mL) + IL-1β antagonist (canakinumab, 10 ng/mL). TRAP staining identified osteoclasts (≥ 3 nuclei), with positive cell percentage calculated across ≥ 5 random fields. ELISA measured cytokine levels in supernatants; Western blot quantified c-Fos, NFATc1, Cathepsin K, and MMP9 expression. Results Bone cyst tissues exhibited elevated TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 mRNA versus controls ( P < 0.05). Antigen B (25–75 ng/mL) dose-dependently increased TRAP⁺ cells and inflammatory cytokines versus induction group ( P < 0.05). c-Fos, NFATc1, Cathepsin K, and MMP9 were upregulated in induction and antigen B (75 ng/mL) groups versus control ( P < 0.05), with further elevation in antigen B (75 ng/mL) group versus induction ( P < 0.05). Canakinumab reversed these protein increases versus antigen B (75 ng/mL) group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Echinococcal infection promotes pathological osteoclastogenesis and osteolysis through IL-1β/c-Fos/NFATc1 signaling activation.
研究领域:
免疫学
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分子生物学
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传染病学
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骨代谢
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信号转导
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
International Journal of Nanomedicine
·
2023
·
IF 8
Xinyu Fan,Jiachen Shi,Ye Liu,Mengqiu Zhang,Min Lu,Ding Qu
Background Berberine (BR) shows promise as a candidate for treating irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). However, the undesired physicochemical properties and poor oral absorption limit its clinical translation. A ketogenic diet (KD) can induce intestinal overexpression of cannabidiol (CB) receptors, which may offer a potential target for IBS-D-specific delivery of BR.Methods The microemulsions loaded with BR and decorated with cannabidiol (CBD/BR-MEs) were developed through a one-step emulsion method. The pharmaceutical behaviors of the CBD/BR-MEs were measured using dynamic light scattering and high-performance liquid chromatography. The efficacy of the anti-IBS-D therapy was evaluated by assessing fecal water content, Bristol score, and AWR score. The intestinal permeability were assessed through immunofluorescent staining of CB1 and ZO-1, respectively. The signaling of CREB/BDNF/c-Fos was also studied along with immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical examination of brain sections.Results The CBD/BR-MEs, which had a particle size of approximately 30 nm and a surface density of 2% (wt%) CBD, achieved greater than 80% (wt%) encapsulation efficiency of BR. The pharmacokinetics performance of CBD/BR-MEs was significantly improved in the KD-fed IBS-D rats than the standard diet-fed ones, which is highly related to intestinal expression of CB1 receptors. The treatment with CBD/BR-MEs and KD exhibited evident comprehensive advantages over the other groups in terms of anti-IBS-D efficacy. CBD/BR-MEs and KD synergistically decreased intestinal permeability. Moreover, the treatment with CBD/BR-MEs and KD not only blocked the CREB/BDNF/c-Fos signaling in the brain but also decreased the levels of neurotrophic factors, neurotransmitters, and inflammatory cytokines in the serum of IBS-D model rats.Conclusion Such a design represents the first attempt at IBS-D-targeted drug delivery for improved oral absorption and efficacy through KD-induced target exposure, which holds promising potential for the treatment of IBS-D.
研究领域:
药学
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胃肠病学
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营养科学
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
·
2023
·
IF 6.8
Rongrong Wang,Zhi-Hua Liu,Nanxi Bi,Xiaozhen Gu,Chengqing Huang,Ruiqing Zhou,Haoyu Liu,Hui-Li Wang
Bisphenol A (BPA), a well-known environmental endocrine disruptor, has been implicated in anxiety-like behavior. But the neural mechanism remains elusive. Herein, we found that mice exposed to 0.5 mg/kg/day BPA chronically from postnatal days (PND) 21 to PND 80 exhibited depression- and anxiety-like behavior. Further study showed that medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), was associated with BPA-induced depression- and anxiety-like behavior, as evidenced by decreased c-fos expression in mPFC of BPA-exposed mice. Both the morphology and function of glutamatergic neurons (also called pyramidal neurons) in mPFC of mice were impaired following BPA exposure, characterized by reduced primary branches, weakened calcium signal, and decreased mEPSC frequency. Importantly, optogenetic activation of the pyramidal neurons in mPFC greatly reversed BPA-induced depression- and anxiety-like behavior in mice. Furthermore, we reported that microglial activation in mPFC of mice may also have a role in BPA-induced depression- and anxiety-like behavior. Taken together, the results indicated that mPFC is the brain region that is greatly damaged by BPA exposure and is associated with BPA-induced depression- and anxiety-like behavior. The study thus provides new insights into BPA-induced neurotoxicity and behavioral changes.
研究领域:
神经科学
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毒理学
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行为科学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience
·
2024
·Vol. 23
·期 1
·6
·
IF 2.5
Dongxia Duan,Xiaojin Wu,Usman Ali,Di Wang,Xue Li,Ruimei Liu,Le Ma,Yemeng Mao,Yan Ma
Background: Metformin has been shown to have potent analgesic effects; however, the underlying mechanism of synaptic plasticity mediating analgesia remained ambiguous. Methods: In this study, animal behavioral tests, whole-cell patch‑clamp recording, immunofluorescence staining, and network pharmacology techniques were applied to elucidate the mechanisms and potential targets of metformin-induced analgesia. Results: Single or consecutive injections of metformin significantly inhibited spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced neuropathic pain, and formalin-induced acute inflammatory pain. Network pharmacology analysis of metformin action targets in pain database-related targets revealed 25 targets, including five hub targets (nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1), NOS2, NOS3, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and plasminogen (PLG)). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis demonstrated that metformin-induced analgesia was markedly correlated with calcium signaling and synaptic transmission. Intrathecal injection of metformin significantly reversed nerve injury-induced c-Fos (neural activity biomarker) mRNA and protein expression in neuropathic rats by regulating NOS2 expression. In addition, whole-cell recordings of isolated spinal neurons demonstrated that metformin dose-dependently inhibited the enhanced frequency and amplitude of miniature excitatory synaptic currents (mEPSCs) but did not affect those of miniature inhibitory synaptic currents (mIPSCs) in neuropathic pain. Conclusions: This study further demonstrated that metformin might inhibit spinal glutamatergic transmission and abnormal nociceptive circuit transduction by monitoring synaptic transmission in pain. Results of this work provide an in-depth understanding of metformin analgesia via synaptic plasticity.
研究领域:
药理学
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神经科学
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疼痛研究
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突触生理学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Communications Biology
·
2025
·Vol. 8
·期 1
·1-12
·
IF 5.1
Li Yating,Liu Yiran,Yin Xueyong,Yu Xiaohui,Li Bingyu,Liu Xiao,Liu Xiaoyu,Li Xincheng,Zhao Ye,Song Li,Shi Haishui
Sociocultural changes in recent decades have promoted fathers’ involvement in childcare, which is crucial for the brain and behavioral plasticity of offspring. The study elucidates the effect and mechanism of father’s companionship on defensive attack behavior of adult male offspring mice. The study comprises a father companionship group, where offspring cohabited with sire and dam until weaning, and a control group, where offspring cohabited solely with the dam until weaning. The study shows that father’s companionship increases defensive attack behavior of adult offspring. Additionally, the metabolite L-aspartic acid is upregulated in the father’s companionship group compared to the control group in male offspring, and intracerebroventricular micro-injection of L-aspartic acid confirms its impact on defensive attack behavior. C-Fos immunohistochemistry reveals that c-Fos expression in lateral periaqueductal gray (LPAG) is activated. Subsequently, micro-injection of L-aspartic acid into LPAG increases defensive attack behavior. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing reveals a higher abundance of Bilophila and a lower abundance of Bifidobacterium in the father companionship group, which correlates with L-aspartic acid levels, suggesting a gut-brain axis mechanism for the effect of father companionship on defensive attack behavior.
研究领域:
神经科学
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行为生物学
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发展心理学
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微生物学
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心理药理学
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分子神经科学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Molecular Pain
·
2024
·
IF 2.8
Min Zhou,Fang Pang,Dongmei Liao,Yunhao Yang,Ying Wang,Zhuxin Yang,Xinlu He,Chenglin Tang
Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that activated microglia were involved in the pathogenesis of central sensitization characterized by cutaneous allodynia in migraine. Activation of microglia is accompanied by increased expression of its receptors and release of inflammatory mediators. Acupuncture and its developed electroacupuncture (EA) have been recommended as an alternative therapy for migraine and are widely used for relieving migraine-associated pain. However, it remains rare studies that show whether EA exerts anti-migraine effects via inhibiting microglial activation related to a release of microglial receptors and the inflammatory pathway. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate EA’ ability to ameliorate central sensitization via modulation of microglial activation, microglial receptor, and inflammatory response using a rat model of migraine induced by repeated epidural chemical stimulation. Methods: In the present study, a rat model of migraine was established by epidural repeated inflammatory soup (IS) stimulation and treated with EA at Fengchi (GB20) and Yanglingquan (GB34) and acupuncture at sham-acupoints. Pain hypersensitivity was further determined by measuring the mechanical withdrawal threshold using the von-Frey filament. The changes in c-Fos and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Ibal-1) labeled microglia in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) were examined by immunflurescence to assess the central sensitization and whether accompanied with microglia activation. In addition, the expression of Ibal-1, microglial purinoceptor P2X4, and its associated inflammatory signaling pathway mediators, including interleukin (IL)-1β, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), and Caspase-1 in the TNC were investigated by western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Results: Allodynia increased of c-Fos, and activated microglia were observed after repeated IS stimulation. EA alleviated the decrease in mechanical withdrawal thresholds, reduced the activation of c-Fos and microglia labeled with Ibal-1, downregulated the level of microglial purinoceptor P2X4, and limited the inflammatory response (NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β signaling pathway) in the TNC of migraine rat model. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the anti-hyperalgesia effects of EA ameliorate central sensitization in IS-induced migraine by regulating microglial activation related to P2X4R and NLRP3/IL-1β inflammatory pathway.
研究领域:
神经科学
·
疼痛管理
·
针灸
·
炎症
·
小胶质细胞生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Biomaterials Science
·
2019
·Vol. 7
·期 6
·2297-2307
·
IF 5.251
Rongrong Li,Jun Wang,Xiaoya Yu,Pengfei Xu,Shuai Zhang,Jinhua Xu,Yongjie Bai,Zhengze Dai,Yuxiang Sun,Ruidong Ye,Xinfeng Liu,Gang Ruan,Gelin Xu
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive and clinically approved method for treating neurological disorders. However, the relatively weak intracranial electric current induced by TMS is an obvious inferiority which can only produce limited treatment effects in clinical application. The present study aimed to investigate the possibility of enhancing the effects of TMS with intravenously administrated magnetic nanoparticles. To facilitate crossing of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were coated with carboxylated chitosan and poly(ethylene glycol). To aid the nanoparticles in crossing the BBB and targeting the predesigned brain regions, an external permanent magnet was attached to the foreheads of the rats before the intravenous administration of SPIONs. The electrophysiological tests showed that the maximum MEP amplitude recorded in an individual rat was significantly higher in the SPIONs + magnet group than in the saline group (5.78 ± 2.54 vs. 1.80 ± 1.55 mV, P = 0.015). In the M1 region, biochemical tests detected that the number density of c-fos positive cells in the SPIONs + magnet group was 3.44 fold that of the saline group. These results suggest that intravenously injected SPIONs can enhance the effects of TMS in treating neurological disorders.
研究领域:
神经科学
·
生物医学工程
·
纳米技术
·
药理学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Stem Cell Research & Therapy
·
2022
·Vol. 13
·期 1
·1-19
·
IF 8.079
Lin Yifeng,Dong Shunni,Ye Xiaohang,Liu Juan,Li Jiaqun,Zhang Yanye,Tu Mixue,Wang Siwen,Ying Yanyun,Chen Ruixue,Wang Feixia,Ni Feida,Chen Jianpeng,Du Binyang,Zhang Dan
Background Thin endometrium is a primary cause of defective endometrial receptivity, resulting in infertility or recurrent miscarriage. Much effort has been devoted toward regenerating thin endometrium by stem cell-based therapies. The human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HP-MSCs) are emerging alternative sources of MSCs with various advantages. To maximize their retention inside the uterus, we loaded HP-MSCs with cross-linked hyaluronic acid hydrogel (HA hydrogel) to investigate their therapeutic efficacy and possible underlying mechanisms.
Methods Ethanol was injected into the mice uterus to establish the endometrium-injured model. The retention time of HP-MSCs and HA hydrogel was detected by in vivo imaging, while the distribution of HP-MSCs was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Functional restoration of the uterus was assessed by testing embryo implantation rates. The endometrial morphological alteration was observed by H&E staining, Masson staining, and immunohistochemistry. In vitro studies were further conducted using EdU, transwell, tube formation, and western blot assays. Results Instilled HP-MSCs with HA hydrogel (HP-MSCs-HA) exhibited a prolonged retention time in mouse uteri than normal HP-MSCs. In vivo studies showed that the HP-MSCs-HA could significantly increase the gland number and endometrial thickness ( P < 0.001, P < 0.05), decrease fibrous area ( P < 0.0001), and promote the proliferation and angiogenesis of endometrial cells (as indicated by Ki67 and VEGF, P < 0.05, P < 0.05, respectively) in mice injured endometrium. HP-MSCs-HA could also significantly improve the embryo implantation rate ( P < 0.01) compared with the ethanol group. Further mechanistic study showed the paracrine effects of HP-MSCs. They could not only promote the proliferation and migration of human endometrial stromal cells via the JNK/Erk1/2-Stat3-VEGF pathway but also facilitate the proliferation of glandular cells via Jak2-Stat5 and c-Fos-VEGF pathway. In turn, the increased VEGF in the endometrium promoted the angiogenesis of endothelial cells. Conclusion Our study suggested the potential therapeutic effects and the underlying mechanisms of HP-MSCs-HA on treating thin endometrium. HA hydrogel could be a preferable delivery method for HP-MSCs, and the strategy represents a promising therapeutic approach against endometrial injury in clinical settings. Graphical abstract
研究领域:
生殖医学
·
干细胞治疗
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组织工程
·
再生医学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
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