Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a systemic autoimmune disease in which synovial fibroblasts(SFs)maintain chronic inflammation by secreting proinflammatory mediators,leading to joint destruction.While the role of proinflamm...Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a systemic autoimmune disease in which synovial fibroblasts(SFs)maintain chronic inflammation by secreting proinflammatory mediators,leading to joint destruction.While the role of proinflammatory mediators in this process is well-established,the contribution of non-inflammatory regulators in SFs to joint pathology remains poorly understood.In this study,we investigated the non-inflammatory role of SFs in RA using a co-culture model,and found that SFs from RA patients promote apoptosis of human chondrocytes.Mechanistic investigations reveal that SFs can secrete small extracellular vesicles(sEVs),which are taken up by chondrocytes and induce chondrocyte apoptosis in both normal chondrocytes and chondrocytes from patients with RA.sEV-derived miRNA 15-29148 are identified as key signaling molecules mediating the apoptosis effects of chondrocytes.Further studies reveal that SF-derived miRNA 15-29148 targeting CIAPIN1 results in increased chondrocyte apoptosis.We further demonstrate that SF-derived miRNA 15-29148 is transferred to chondrocytes,exacerbating cartilage damage in vivo.Moreover,chondrocyte-specific aptamer-modified polyamidoamine nanoparticles not only ameliorated RA but also prevented its onset.This study suggests that,in RA,the secretion of specific sEV-miRNAs from SFs plays a crucial role in promoting chondrocyte apoptosis,potentially through non-inflammatory regulation,and that sEV-miRNA inhibition in SFs may represent an early preventive treatment strategy for cartilage degradation in RA.展开更多
Fibroblast activation protein(FAP)is overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts across various cancer types.Numerous radiolabeled FAP inhibitors(FAPIs)(Fig.S1A)currently under clinical investigation have shown rem...Fibroblast activation protein(FAP)is overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts across various cancer types.Numerous radiolabeled FAP inhibitors(FAPIs)(Fig.S1A)currently under clinical investigation have shown remarkable potential in cancer theranostics.展开更多
Fibroblast growth factor(FGF)signaling encompasses a multitude of functions,including regulation of cell proliferation,differentiation,morphogenesis,and patterning.FGFs and their receptors(FGFR)are crucial for adult t...Fibroblast growth factor(FGF)signaling encompasses a multitude of functions,including regulation of cell proliferation,differentiation,morphogenesis,and patterning.FGFs and their receptors(FGFR)are crucial for adult tissue repair processes.Aberrant FGF signal transduction is associated with various pathological conditions such as cartilage damage,bone loss,muscle reduction,and other core pathological changes observed in orthopedic degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis(OA),intervertebral disc degeneration(IVDD),osteoporosis(OP),and sarcopenia.In OA and IVDD pathologies specifically,FGF1,FGF2,FGF8,FGF9,FGF18,FGF21,and FGF23 regulate the synthesis,catabolism,and ossification of cartilage tissue.Additionally,the dysregulation of FGFR expression(FGFR1 and FGFR3)promotes the pathological process of cartilage degradation.In OP and sarcopenia,endocrine-derived FGFs(FGF19,FGF21,and FGF23)modulate bone mineral synthesis and decomposition as well as muscle tissues.FGF2 and other FGFs also exert regulatory roles.A growing body of research has focused on understanding the implications of FGF signaling in orthopedic degeneration.Moreover,an increasing number of potential targets within the FGF signaling have been identified,such as FGF9,FGF18,and FGF23.However,it should be noted that most of these discoveries are still in the experimental stage,and further studies are needed before clinical application can be considered.Presently,this review aims to document the association between the FGF signaling pathway and the development and progression of orthopedic diseases.Besides,current therapeutic strategies targeting the FGF signaling pathway to prevent and treat orthopedic degeneration will be evaluated.展开更多
Complement C3 plays a critical role in periodontitis.However,its source,role and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.In our study,by analyzing single-cell sequencing data from mouse model of periodontitis,we identifi...Complement C3 plays a critical role in periodontitis.However,its source,role and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.In our study,by analyzing single-cell sequencing data from mouse model of periodontitis,we identified that C3 is primarily derived from periodontal fibroblasts.Subsequently,we demonstrated that C3a has a detrimental effect in ligature-induced periodontitis.C3ar−/−mice exhibited significantly less destruction of periodontal support tissues compared to wild-type mice,characterized by mild gingival tissue damage and reduced alveolar bone loss.This reduction was associated with decreased production of proinflammatory mediators and reduced osteoclast infiltration in the periodontal tissues.Mechanistic studies suggested that C3a could promote macrophage polarization and osteoclast differentiation.Finally,by analyzing single-cell sequencing data from the periodontal tissues of patients with periodontitis,we found that the results observed in mice were consistent with human data.Therefore,our findings clearly demonstrate the destructive role of fibroblast-derived C3 in ligature-induced periodontitis,driven by macrophage M1 polarization and osteoclast differentiation.These data strongly support the feasibility of C3a-targeted interventions for the treatment of human periodontitis.展开更多
Background : To study the relationships among emodin, synovial fibroblasts (FLSs), and macrophages (STMs) to provide guidance for the use of emodin in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. Methods : RA clinical samples...Background : To study the relationships among emodin, synovial fibroblasts (FLSs), and macrophages (STMs) to provide guidance for the use of emodin in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. Methods : RA clinical samples from patients with different pathological processes were collected, and the correlations between the subsets of FLSs and STMs and pathological processes were analyzed via flow cytometry. In vitro experimental methods such as enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting, Transwell assays, CCK- 8 assays and cell coculture were used to assess cell proliferation, migration and secretion of inflammatory factors. A collagen- induced arthritis mouse model was constructed to investigate the therapeutic potential of emodin in RA by flow cytometry, micro- CT and staining. Results : Unique subsets of FLSs and STMs, namely, FAPα ^(+)THY1 − FLSs, FAPα ^(+)THY1 ^(+)FLSs, and MerTK ^(pos) TREM2 ^(high) STMs, were identified in synovial tissues from RA patients. The number of MerTK ^(pos) TREM2 ^(high) STMs was negatively correlated with the degree of damage in RA, while the number of FAPα ^(+)THY1 − FLSs was positively correlated with damage. On the one hand, emodin promoted the aggregation of MerTKposTREM2high STMs. Moreover, MerTK pos TREM2 high STM- mediated secretion of exosomes was promoted, which can inhibit the secretion of pro- inflammatory factors by FAPα ^(+)THY1 ^(+)FLSs and promote the secretion of anti- inflammatory factors by FAPα ^(+)THY1 ^(+)FLSs, thereby inhibiting FAPα ^(+)THY1 − FLS proliferation and migration, improving the local immune microenvironment, and inhibiting RA damage. Conclusion : Emodin was shown to regulate the aggregation of STM subsets and exosome secretion, affecting the secretion, proliferation and migration of inflammatory factors in FLS subsets, and ultimately achieving good therapeutic efficacy in RA patients, suggesting that it has important clinical value.展开更多
The presence of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells in the adult mammalian brain suggests that the central nervous system can be repaired and regenerated after injury.However,whether it is possible to stimulate ne...The presence of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells in the adult mammalian brain suggests that the central nervous system can be repaired and regenerated after injury.However,whether it is possible to stimulate neurogenesis and reconstruct cortical layers II to VI in non-neurogenic regions,such as the cortex,remains unknown.In this study,we implanted a hyaluronic acid collagen gel loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor into the motor cortex immediately following traumatic injury.Our findings reveal that this gel effectively stimulated the proliferation and migration of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells,as well as their differentiation into mature and functionally integrated neurons.Importantly,these new neurons reconstructed the architecture of cortical layers II to VI,integrated into the existing neural circuitry,and ultimately led to improved brain function.These findings offer novel insight into potential clinical treatments for traumatic cerebral cortex injuries.展开更多
Fibroblasts support a broad range of essential organ functions via microarchitectural,biomechanical,and biochemical cues.Despite great advances in fluorescence,photoacoustic conversion,and Raman scattering over the pa...Fibroblasts support a broad range of essential organ functions via microarchitectural,biomechanical,and biochemical cues.Despite great advances in fluorescence,photoacoustic conversion,and Raman scattering over the past decades,their invasiveness and limited spatial resolution hinder the characterization of fibroblasts in a single cell.Here,taking mouse embryonic fibroblasts(MEFs)as an example,we propose a novel noninvasive approach to investigate the compositional distribution of MEFs at the single-cell scale via terahertz(THz)nanos⁃copy.Compared to the topological morphology,THz nano-imaging enables the component-based visualization of MEFs,such as the membrane,cytoplasm,nucleus,and extracellular vesicles(EVs).Notably,we demonstrate the real-space observation of the influence of rapamycin treatment on the increase of EVs in MEFs.Moreover,the line-cut and area-statistical analysis establishes the relationship between the topological morphology and the THz near-field amplitudes for different cellular components of MEFs.This work provides a new pathway to char⁃acterize the effects of pharmaceutical treatments,with potential applications in disease diagnosis and drug devel⁃opment.展开更多
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma stands out as an exceptionally fatal cancer owing to the complexities associated with its treatment and diagnosis,leading to a notably low five-year survival rate.This study offers a d...Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma stands out as an exceptionally fatal cancer owing to the complexities associated with its treatment and diagnosis,leading to a notably low five-year survival rate.This study offers a detailed exploration of epidemiological trends in pancreatic cancer and key molecular drivers,such as mutations in CDKN2A,KRAS,SMAD4,and TP53,along with the influence of cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)on disease progression.In particular,we focused on the pivotal roles of signaling pathways such as the transforming growth factor-βand Wnt/β-catenin pathways in the development of pancreatic cancer and investigated their application in emerging therapeutic strategies.This study provides new scientific perspectives on pancreatic cancer treatment,especially in the development of precision medicine and targeted therapeutic strategies,and demonstrates the importance of signaling pathway research in the development of effective therapeutic regimens.Future studies should explore the subtypes of CAFs and their specific roles in the tumor microenvironment to devise more effective therapeutic methods.展开更多
Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options.The tumor microenvironment(TME),including cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs),plays a pivotal role in tumor pro...Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options.The tumor microenvironment(TME),including cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs),plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and therapy resistance.Senescent CAFs,which exhibit a senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP),further exacerbate cancer growth through inflammatory cytokine secretion.This editorial highlights a study by Jiang et al,which investigates the potential of resveratrol,a natural polyphenolic compound,in targeting senescent CAFs to inhibit pancreatic cancer progression.The study demonstrates that resveratrol reduces senescent CAFs and downregulates SASP factors,thereby disrupting the pro-tumorigenic activities of these cells.Resveratrol’s ability to modulate the TME,induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells,and inhibit metastasis underscores its potential as an adjunctive therapy.This research offers promising insights into novel strategies for improving therapeutic outcomes in pancreatic cancer by targeting the TME and senescent CAFs.展开更多
The resistance to cancer treatment is a major clinical obstacle,being strongly influenced by the tumor microen-vironment(TME).Cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)are critical elements of the TME.CAFs are heterogeneous ...The resistance to cancer treatment is a major clinical obstacle,being strongly influenced by the tumor microen-vironment(TME).Cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)are critical elements of the TME.CAFs are heterogeneous and are activated through diverse pathways.These CAFs engage in reciprocal interactions with tumor cells,driv-ing tumor progression and therapeutic resistance.In this review,we discuss the role of CAFs in the development of tumor resistance to chemotherapy,radiotherapy,targeted therapy,and immunotherapy.Besides,we sum-marize recent clinical trials in CAF-targeted therapies.The development of resistance involves physical barrier formation,metabolic reprogramming,exosome release,DNA repair,bypass pathway activation,multidrug resis-tance protein upregulation,and immune checkpoint inhibition.Challenges remain in addressing drug resistance despite the therapeutic potential of targeting CAFs:the cellular origins of CAFs need to be clarified,and their limited clinical applications need to be increased.Future studies should focus on elucidating the reasons for CAF heterogeneity,developing precise targeting strategies,and validating the clinical safety and efficacy of CAF-based therapies to overcome treatment resistance and improve patient outcomes.展开更多
Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and is a major cause of cancer-related mortality among women.Beyond tumor cells,the tumor microenvironment(TME)also plays an important role in cancer prog...Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and is a major cause of cancer-related mortality among women.Beyond tumor cells,the tumor microenvironment(TME)also plays an important role in cancer progression,therapy resistance,and metastasis.The TME is a complex ecosystem consisting of stromal and immune cells,extracellular matrix(ECM),and various signaling molecules that dynamically interact with tumor cells.Cancer-associated fibro-blasts remodel the ECM and secrete growth factors that promote tumor growth and invasion.Immune cells,such as tumor-associated macrophages,regulatory T cells,and myeloid-derived suppressor cells,often contribute to an immunosup-pressive environment that hinders anti-tumor immune responses.The ECM pro-vides structural support and acts as a reservoir for signaling molecules that in-fluence cancer cell behavior.These components evolve together with tumor cells,facilitating immune evasion,therapy resistance,and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition,which promotes metastasis.Understanding these interactions is nece-ssary to develop novel therapeutic strategies that target both tumor and micro-environmental components.This minireview highlights the key stromal and immune elements within the breast cancer microenvironment,discussing their individual and collective roles in tumor progression and clinical outcomes,while emphasizing emerging therapeutic approaches aiming to reprogram the TME to improve treatment efficacy.展开更多
Objectives:The present study investigated whether Tripartite Motif-Containing Protein 32(TRIM32)contributes to the aberrant activation of keloid fibroblasts(KFs)via glycolysis.Methods:The expression levels of TRIM32,p...Objectives:The present study investigated whether Tripartite Motif-Containing Protein 32(TRIM32)contributes to the aberrant activation of keloid fibroblasts(KFs)via glycolysis.Methods:The expression levels of TRIM32,pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1(PDK1),hexokinase 2(HK2),and glucose transporter 1(GLUT1)in normal human skin fibroblasts(NFs)and KFs were analyzed using RT-qPCR analyses and western blotting.Cellular proliferation,invasion,and migration were evaluated using Transwell,wound healing,5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EdU),and cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assays.The extracellular acidification rate(ECAR)was measured using the XF96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer.Glucose uptake and ATP production were measured using specific assay kits.The expression ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)was determined by immunofluorescence assays.The expression levels of collagen I,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),fibronectin(FN),and components of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway were quantified by western blotting.Results:The expression of TRIM32 and glycolysis-related proteins was significantly elevated in KFs compared to that in NFs.TRIM32 overex-pression enhanced the proliferation,invasion,and migration of KFs,as well as extracellular matrix(ECM)deposition,glucose uptake,and ATP production,while TRIM32 silencing produced the opposite effects.The glycolysis inhibitor,2-deoxy-glucose(2-DG),significantly suppressed the biological functions of KFs;however,TRIM32 overexpression effectively counteracted the inhibitory effects of 2-DG.TRIM32 activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in KFs.The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 decreased cellular glycolysis,with TRIM32 overexpression mitigated these inhibitory effects.Conclusion:This study demonstrated that TRIM32 enhances the viability of KFs by regulating glycolytic activity,potentially mediated via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,thereby suggesting novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of keloids.展开更多
The onset of pregnancy is marked by the formation of a zygote,while the culmination of gestation is manifested by the delivery of a fetus.Meanwhile,a successful pregnancy entails a meticulously coordinated sequence of...The onset of pregnancy is marked by the formation of a zygote,while the culmination of gestation is manifested by the delivery of a fetus.Meanwhile,a successful pregnancy entails a meticulously coordinated sequence of events from embryo implantation to sustained decidualization of the uterus to placental development and childbirth.The decidual reaction,a pivotal process occurring within the endometrium during pregnancy,is finely regulated by sex steroids and cytokines.Notably,fibroblast growth factors(FGFs),particularly FGF2,play a critical role in this physiological cascade.Dysregulated FGF expression may trigger inadequate decidualization,precipitating a spectrum of adverse pregnancy outcomes,including preeclampsia,recurrent implantation failure,and miscarriage.Furthermore,the human decidua,distinct from most mammalian species and similar to great apes,undergoes regular cycles of formation and shedding,independent of the presence of the embryo in the endometrium.This process is also tightly controlled by various FGFs.In this review,we comprehensively compare diverse research decidualization models,delineate the trend of endometrial FGFs during the menstrual cycle,and provide a synopsis of endometrial diseases triggered by FGF dysregulation.展开更多
Perineural invasion(PNI)by tumor cells is a key phenotype of highly-invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC).Since Schwann cells(SCs)and fibroblasts maintain the physiological homeostasis of the peripheral nervous ...Perineural invasion(PNI)by tumor cells is a key phenotype of highly-invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC).Since Schwann cells(SCs)and fibroblasts maintain the physiological homeostasis of the peripheral nervous system,and we have focused on cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)for decades,it’s imperative to elucidate the impact of CAFs on SCs in PNI+OSCCs.We describe a disease progression-driven shift of PNI−towards PNI+during the progression of early-stage OSCC(31%,n=125)to late-stage OSCC(53%,n=97),characterized by abundant CAFs and nerve demyelination.CAFs inhibited SC proliferation/migration and reduced neurotrophic factors and myelin in vitro,and this involved up-regulated ER stress and decreased MAPK signals.Moreover,CAFs also aggravated the paralysis of the hind limb and PNI in vivo.Unexpectedly,leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF)was exclusively expressed on CAFs and up-regulated in metastatic OSCC.The LIF inhibitor EC330 restored CAF-induced SC inactivation.Thus,OSCC-derived CAFs inactivate SCs to aggravate nerve injury and PNI development.展开更多
Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a common chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint pain,swelling and dysfunction[1].According to epidemiologic statistics,the incidence of RA is 1%–2%,and in severe cases,it can dev...Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a common chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint pain,swelling and dysfunction[1].According to epidemiologic statistics,the incidence of RA is 1%–2%,and in severe cases,it can develop into joint deformity and disability,which brings a heavy burden to the family and society[2].However,the pathogenesis of RA is complex and involves multiple cellular interactions,which increases the difficulty of curing RA.Current therapeutic options,such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs,non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,and biologics,still face the challenge of relapse after drug discontinuation[3,4].Therefore,the pathogenesis of RA needs to be analyzed in depth to break through the existing therapeutic bottlenecks and promote the iterative innovation of individualized diagnosis and treatment.展开更多
AIM:To explore the effect of co-host non-coding RNA(ncRNA)MIR503HG/miR-503-5p on the angiogenesis of pterygium.METHODS:MIR503HG/miR-503-5p/fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2)expression levels in pterygium tissues,control...AIM:To explore the effect of co-host non-coding RNA(ncRNA)MIR503HG/miR-503-5p on the angiogenesis of pterygium.METHODS:MIR503HG/miR-503-5p/fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2)expression levels in pterygium tissues,control conjunctival tissues,and human pterygium fibroblasts(HPF)were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and immunohistochemical methods.Effects of MIR503HG/miR-503-5p on low molecular weight FGF2(LWM FGF2),migration and angiogenesis of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMEC)were determined in an HPF and HRMEC co-culture model using Western blots,wound healing assay,Matrigel-based tube formation assay,and Transwell assay.RESULTS:MIR503HG/miR-503-5p/FGF2 pathway was actively increased in pterygium tissue and there was a negative correlation between the expression of the two ncRNAs.FGF2 expression level was positively correlated with MIR503HG and negatively correlated with miR-503-5p.Overexpressed MIR503HG/miR-503-5p did not affect the migration and angiogenesis of HRMECs cultured separately,but significantly affected migration and angiogenesis of HRMEC in HPF and HRMEC co-culture models.Western blotting revealed that MIR503HG/miR-503-5p overexpression significantly increased LMW FGF2 expression in HPF.CONCLUSION:MIR503HG/miR-503-5p inhibits HRMEC migration and angiogenic function by interfering with the interaction between HPF and endothelial cells via reducing LMW FGF2 in HPF.展开更多
Osteosarcoma(OS)is a prevalent primary bone malignancy with limited treatment options.Therefore,it is imperative to investigate and understand the mechanisms underlying OS pathogenesis.Cancer-associated fibroblasts(CA...Osteosarcoma(OS)is a prevalent primary bone malignancy with limited treatment options.Therefore,it is imperative to investigate and understand the mechanisms underlying OS pathogenesis.Cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)are markedly abundant in tumor stromal cells and are essentially involved in the modulation of tumor occurrence and development.In recent years,CAFs have become a hotspot as researchers aim to elucidate CAF mechanisms that regulate tumor progression.However,most studies on CAFs are limited to a few common cancers,and their association with OS remains elusive.This review describes the role and current knowledge of CAFs in OS,focusing on their potential cellular origin,classification,and diverse functionality.It was found that CAFs influenced OS tumor cell signaling,proliferation,invasion,metastasis,epithelial-mesenchymal transition,stemness maintenance,angiogenesis,and the ability to modify immune system components.Furthermore,findings on other common cancers indicated that effective therapeutic strategies included the manipulation of CAF activation,targeting CAF-derived components,and depletion of CAFs by biomarkers.This review provides new insights and a theoretical basis for OS research.展开更多
Objectives:Recently,pre-/post-operative Local Estrogen Therapy(LET)has shown effectiveness in alleviating Pelvic Organ Prolapse(POP)symptoms in clinical therapy.However,there is a lack of scientific evidence to suppor...Objectives:Recently,pre-/post-operative Local Estrogen Therapy(LET)has shown effectiveness in alleviating Pelvic Organ Prolapse(POP)symptoms in clinical therapy.However,there is a lack of scientific evidence to support these claims.Therefore,we aimed to explore the anti-senescence effects and mechanisms of 17β-estradiol(E2)on POP-derived fibroblasts.Methods:The primary fibroblast cells were isolated and cultured fromthe surgical samples of postmenopausal women clinically diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse(POP)at stages III-IV(quantified using the POP-Q system)and without any other treatment within 6 months.(n=12,age 50–75).Colorimetric Cell Counting Kit(CCK-8)assay and Senescence-Associated-β-Galactosidase(SA-β-Gal)staining were used to test the cell proliferative capacity and the senescence rate.Western blotting(WB)was used to detect the expression of Collagen Type I(COL-I),Collagen Type III(COL-III),Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 inhibitor A(p16INK4a),Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A(p21),Tumor Protein 53(p53),Sirtuin 1(SIRT-1)and Microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3-I/II(LC3-I/II)protein.A transmission ElectronMicroscope(TEM)was used to observe the ultrastructure of fibroblasts.Results:The results showed that E2 significantly promoted the proliferation of fibroblasts derived from POP and reduced the staining rate of SA-β-Gal.It markedly enhanced the extracellular matrix proteins COL-I and COL-III,accompanied by inhibition of the senescent maker p16INK4a.Additionally,our results improved the cells’autophagy and metabolic activity.Additionally,our results indicate the anti-senescence mechanism of E2 through the mediated SIRT-1/p53/p21 axis pathway.Conclusion:We provide preliminary evidence for the anti-aging effects and mechanisms of E2 on POP,hoping to provide a theoretical basis for estrogen against POP senescence and guide the clinical application and local administration of estrogen in POP treatment.展开更多
Knee arthrofibrosis,characterized by excessive matrix protein production and deposition,substantially impairs basic daily functions,causing considerable distress and financial burden.However,the underlying pathomechan...Knee arthrofibrosis,characterized by excessive matrix protein production and deposition,substantially impairs basic daily functions,causing considerable distress and financial burden.However,the underlying pathomechanisms remain unclear.Here,we characterized the heterogeneous cell populations and cellular pathways by combination of flow cytometry and single-cell RNA-seq analysis of synovial tissues from six patients with or without knee arthrofibrosis.Increased macrophages and fibroblasts were observed with decreased numbers of fibroblast-like synoviocytes,endothelial cells,vascular smooth muscle cells,and T cells in the arthrofibrosis group compared with negative controls.展开更多
Positron emission tomography/computed tomography(PET/CT)with radiolabeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitors(FAPI)is an increasingly relevant molecular diagnostic image in oncology given the high expression of F...Positron emission tomography/computed tomography(PET/CT)with radiolabeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitors(FAPI)is an increasingly relevant molecular diagnostic image in oncology given the high expression of FAP in cancer associated fibroblast,being present in almost 90%of the epithelial carcinomas,which allows imaging with excellent diagnostic performance and can also become a therapeutic strategy.This review summarizes the literature on FAPIPET/CT for the cancer evaluation and compares it in some scenarios with the 18FFluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT.展开更多
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82372412)the Social Development Project of Jiangsu Province(BE2022701)+4 种基金the Top Talent Support Program for Young and Middle-aged People of the Wuxi Health Committee(BJ2020044,BJ2020057,HB2020043)the Fundamental Research Funds of the Health and Family Planning Commission of Wuxi(M202024)the Special Program for Translational Medicine Research of the Wuxi Translational Medicine Center(2020DHYB07,2020DHYB03)the Key Special Project of Precision Medicine of the Wuxi Health Commission(J202101)peking union medical college hospital talent cultivation program(UHB50192).
文摘Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a systemic autoimmune disease in which synovial fibroblasts(SFs)maintain chronic inflammation by secreting proinflammatory mediators,leading to joint destruction.While the role of proinflammatory mediators in this process is well-established,the contribution of non-inflammatory regulators in SFs to joint pathology remains poorly understood.In this study,we investigated the non-inflammatory role of SFs in RA using a co-culture model,and found that SFs from RA patients promote apoptosis of human chondrocytes.Mechanistic investigations reveal that SFs can secrete small extracellular vesicles(sEVs),which are taken up by chondrocytes and induce chondrocyte apoptosis in both normal chondrocytes and chondrocytes from patients with RA.sEV-derived miRNA 15-29148 are identified as key signaling molecules mediating the apoptosis effects of chondrocytes.Further studies reveal that SF-derived miRNA 15-29148 targeting CIAPIN1 results in increased chondrocyte apoptosis.We further demonstrate that SF-derived miRNA 15-29148 is transferred to chondrocytes,exacerbating cartilage damage in vivo.Moreover,chondrocyte-specific aptamer-modified polyamidoamine nanoparticles not only ameliorated RA but also prevented its onset.This study suggests that,in RA,the secretion of specific sEV-miRNAs from SFs plays a crucial role in promoting chondrocyte apoptosis,potentially through non-inflammatory regulation,and that sEV-miRNA inhibition in SFs may represent an early preventive treatment strategy for cartilage degradation in RA.
基金supported by the grants provided by Zhuhai People's Hospital,China(Grant No.:2021KYQD-03)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.:22176016).
文摘Fibroblast activation protein(FAP)is overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts across various cancer types.Numerous radiolabeled FAP inhibitors(FAPIs)(Fig.S1A)currently under clinical investigation have shown remarkable potential in cancer theranostics.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFC3603400)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82072506,92268115)+2 种基金the Hunan Provincial Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars(2024JJ2089)the Science and Technology Innovation Program of Hunan Province(2021RC3025)the National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders(Xiangya Hospital,2021KF02).
文摘Fibroblast growth factor(FGF)signaling encompasses a multitude of functions,including regulation of cell proliferation,differentiation,morphogenesis,and patterning.FGFs and their receptors(FGFR)are crucial for adult tissue repair processes.Aberrant FGF signal transduction is associated with various pathological conditions such as cartilage damage,bone loss,muscle reduction,and other core pathological changes observed in orthopedic degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis(OA),intervertebral disc degeneration(IVDD),osteoporosis(OP),and sarcopenia.In OA and IVDD pathologies specifically,FGF1,FGF2,FGF8,FGF9,FGF18,FGF21,and FGF23 regulate the synthesis,catabolism,and ossification of cartilage tissue.Additionally,the dysregulation of FGFR expression(FGFR1 and FGFR3)promotes the pathological process of cartilage degradation.In OP and sarcopenia,endocrine-derived FGFs(FGF19,FGF21,and FGF23)modulate bone mineral synthesis and decomposition as well as muscle tissues.FGF2 and other FGFs also exert regulatory roles.A growing body of research has focused on understanding the implications of FGF signaling in orthopedic degeneration.Moreover,an increasing number of potential targets within the FGF signaling have been identified,such as FGF9,FGF18,and FGF23.However,it should be noted that most of these discoveries are still in the experimental stage,and further studies are needed before clinical application can be considered.Presently,this review aims to document the association between the FGF signaling pathway and the development and progression of orthopedic diseases.Besides,current therapeutic strategies targeting the FGF signaling pathway to prevent and treat orthopedic degeneration will be evaluated.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2022YFC2504200)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.82370936,81920108012,82471032).
文摘Complement C3 plays a critical role in periodontitis.However,its source,role and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.In our study,by analyzing single-cell sequencing data from mouse model of periodontitis,we identified that C3 is primarily derived from periodontal fibroblasts.Subsequently,we demonstrated that C3a has a detrimental effect in ligature-induced periodontitis.C3ar−/−mice exhibited significantly less destruction of periodontal support tissues compared to wild-type mice,characterized by mild gingival tissue damage and reduced alveolar bone loss.This reduction was associated with decreased production of proinflammatory mediators and reduced osteoclast infiltration in the periodontal tissues.Mechanistic studies suggested that C3a could promote macrophage polarization and osteoclast differentiation.Finally,by analyzing single-cell sequencing data from the periodontal tissues of patients with periodontitis,we found that the results observed in mice were consistent with human data.Therefore,our findings clearly demonstrate the destructive role of fibroblast-derived C3 in ligature-induced periodontitis,driven by macrophage M1 polarization and osteoclast differentiation.These data strongly support the feasibility of C3a-targeted interventions for the treatment of human periodontitis.
文摘Background : To study the relationships among emodin, synovial fibroblasts (FLSs), and macrophages (STMs) to provide guidance for the use of emodin in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. Methods : RA clinical samples from patients with different pathological processes were collected, and the correlations between the subsets of FLSs and STMs and pathological processes were analyzed via flow cytometry. In vitro experimental methods such as enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting, Transwell assays, CCK- 8 assays and cell coculture were used to assess cell proliferation, migration and secretion of inflammatory factors. A collagen- induced arthritis mouse model was constructed to investigate the therapeutic potential of emodin in RA by flow cytometry, micro- CT and staining. Results : Unique subsets of FLSs and STMs, namely, FAPα ^(+)THY1 − FLSs, FAPα ^(+)THY1 ^(+)FLSs, and MerTK ^(pos) TREM2 ^(high) STMs, were identified in synovial tissues from RA patients. The number of MerTK ^(pos) TREM2 ^(high) STMs was negatively correlated with the degree of damage in RA, while the number of FAPα ^(+)THY1 − FLSs was positively correlated with damage. On the one hand, emodin promoted the aggregation of MerTKposTREM2high STMs. Moreover, MerTK pos TREM2 high STM- mediated secretion of exosomes was promoted, which can inhibit the secretion of pro- inflammatory factors by FAPα ^(+)THY1 ^(+)FLSs and promote the secretion of anti- inflammatory factors by FAPα ^(+)THY1 ^(+)FLSs, thereby inhibiting FAPα ^(+)THY1 − FLS proliferation and migration, improving the local immune microenvironment, and inhibiting RA damage. Conclusion : Emodin was shown to regulate the aggregation of STM subsets and exosome secretion, affecting the secretion, proliferation and migration of inflammatory factors in FLS subsets, and ultimately achieving good therapeutic efficacy in RA patients, suggesting that it has important clinical value.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82272171(to ZY),82271403(to XL),81941011(to XL),31971279(to ZY),31730030(to XL)the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing,No.7222004(to HD).
文摘The presence of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells in the adult mammalian brain suggests that the central nervous system can be repaired and regenerated after injury.However,whether it is possible to stimulate neurogenesis and reconstruct cortical layers II to VI in non-neurogenic regions,such as the cortex,remains unknown.In this study,we implanted a hyaluronic acid collagen gel loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor into the motor cortex immediately following traumatic injury.Our findings reveal that this gel effectively stimulated the proliferation and migration of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells,as well as their differentiation into mature and functionally integrated neurons.Importantly,these new neurons reconstructed the architecture of cortical layers II to VI,integrated into the existing neural circuitry,and ultimately led to improved brain function.These findings offer novel insight into potential clinical treatments for traumatic cerebral cortex injuries.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(61988102,62401113,92463308)the National Safety Academic Fund(U2130113)+2 种基金the Sichuan Science and Technology Program(2022JDJQ0065)the Chengdu Science and Technology Program(2024-YF05-01803-SN)the Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine(2024MS512)and the from Key Laboratory of THz Technology,Ministry of Education.
文摘Fibroblasts support a broad range of essential organ functions via microarchitectural,biomechanical,and biochemical cues.Despite great advances in fluorescence,photoacoustic conversion,and Raman scattering over the past decades,their invasiveness and limited spatial resolution hinder the characterization of fibroblasts in a single cell.Here,taking mouse embryonic fibroblasts(MEFs)as an example,we propose a novel noninvasive approach to investigate the compositional distribution of MEFs at the single-cell scale via terahertz(THz)nanos⁃copy.Compared to the topological morphology,THz nano-imaging enables the component-based visualization of MEFs,such as the membrane,cytoplasm,nucleus,and extracellular vesicles(EVs).Notably,we demonstrate the real-space observation of the influence of rapamycin treatment on the increase of EVs in MEFs.Moreover,the line-cut and area-statistical analysis establishes the relationship between the topological morphology and the THz near-field amplitudes for different cellular components of MEFs.This work provides a new pathway to char⁃acterize the effects of pharmaceutical treatments,with potential applications in disease diagnosis and drug devel⁃opment.
基金Supported by National Key Research and Development Program Project,No.2017YFC1700601Shaanxi Provincial Key Research and Development Program Project,No.2018SF-350Leading Talents in Scientific and Technological Innovation of the Shaanxi Province Special Support Plan,No.00518。
文摘Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma stands out as an exceptionally fatal cancer owing to the complexities associated with its treatment and diagnosis,leading to a notably low five-year survival rate.This study offers a detailed exploration of epidemiological trends in pancreatic cancer and key molecular drivers,such as mutations in CDKN2A,KRAS,SMAD4,and TP53,along with the influence of cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)on disease progression.In particular,we focused on the pivotal roles of signaling pathways such as the transforming growth factor-βand Wnt/β-catenin pathways in the development of pancreatic cancer and investigated their application in emerging therapeutic strategies.This study provides new scientific perspectives on pancreatic cancer treatment,especially in the development of precision medicine and targeted therapeutic strategies,and demonstrates the importance of signaling pathway research in the development of effective therapeutic regimens.Future studies should explore the subtypes of CAFs and their specific roles in the tumor microenvironment to devise more effective therapeutic methods.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82304151.
文摘Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options.The tumor microenvironment(TME),including cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs),plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and therapy resistance.Senescent CAFs,which exhibit a senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP),further exacerbate cancer growth through inflammatory cytokine secretion.This editorial highlights a study by Jiang et al,which investigates the potential of resveratrol,a natural polyphenolic compound,in targeting senescent CAFs to inhibit pancreatic cancer progression.The study demonstrates that resveratrol reduces senescent CAFs and downregulates SASP factors,thereby disrupting the pro-tumorigenic activities of these cells.Resveratrol’s ability to modulate the TME,induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells,and inhibit metastasis underscores its potential as an adjunctive therapy.This research offers promising insights into novel strategies for improving therapeutic outcomes in pancreatic cancer by targeting the TME and senescent CAFs.
文摘The resistance to cancer treatment is a major clinical obstacle,being strongly influenced by the tumor microen-vironment(TME).Cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)are critical elements of the TME.CAFs are heterogeneous and are activated through diverse pathways.These CAFs engage in reciprocal interactions with tumor cells,driv-ing tumor progression and therapeutic resistance.In this review,we discuss the role of CAFs in the development of tumor resistance to chemotherapy,radiotherapy,targeted therapy,and immunotherapy.Besides,we sum-marize recent clinical trials in CAF-targeted therapies.The development of resistance involves physical barrier formation,metabolic reprogramming,exosome release,DNA repair,bypass pathway activation,multidrug resis-tance protein upregulation,and immune checkpoint inhibition.Challenges remain in addressing drug resistance despite the therapeutic potential of targeting CAFs:the cellular origins of CAFs need to be clarified,and their limited clinical applications need to be increased.Future studies should focus on elucidating the reasons for CAF heterogeneity,developing precise targeting strategies,and validating the clinical safety and efficacy of CAF-based therapies to overcome treatment resistance and improve patient outcomes.
文摘Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and is a major cause of cancer-related mortality among women.Beyond tumor cells,the tumor microenvironment(TME)also plays an important role in cancer progression,therapy resistance,and metastasis.The TME is a complex ecosystem consisting of stromal and immune cells,extracellular matrix(ECM),and various signaling molecules that dynamically interact with tumor cells.Cancer-associated fibro-blasts remodel the ECM and secrete growth factors that promote tumor growth and invasion.Immune cells,such as tumor-associated macrophages,regulatory T cells,and myeloid-derived suppressor cells,often contribute to an immunosup-pressive environment that hinders anti-tumor immune responses.The ECM pro-vides structural support and acts as a reservoir for signaling molecules that in-fluence cancer cell behavior.These components evolve together with tumor cells,facilitating immune evasion,therapy resistance,and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition,which promotes metastasis.Understanding these interactions is nece-ssary to develop novel therapeutic strategies that target both tumor and micro-environmental components.This minireview highlights the key stromal and immune elements within the breast cancer microenvironment,discussing their individual and collective roles in tumor progression and clinical outcomes,while emphasizing emerging therapeutic approaches aiming to reprogram the TME to improve treatment efficacy.
文摘Objectives:The present study investigated whether Tripartite Motif-Containing Protein 32(TRIM32)contributes to the aberrant activation of keloid fibroblasts(KFs)via glycolysis.Methods:The expression levels of TRIM32,pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1(PDK1),hexokinase 2(HK2),and glucose transporter 1(GLUT1)in normal human skin fibroblasts(NFs)and KFs were analyzed using RT-qPCR analyses and western blotting.Cellular proliferation,invasion,and migration were evaluated using Transwell,wound healing,5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EdU),and cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assays.The extracellular acidification rate(ECAR)was measured using the XF96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer.Glucose uptake and ATP production were measured using specific assay kits.The expression ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)was determined by immunofluorescence assays.The expression levels of collagen I,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),fibronectin(FN),and components of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway were quantified by western blotting.Results:The expression of TRIM32 and glycolysis-related proteins was significantly elevated in KFs compared to that in NFs.TRIM32 overex-pression enhanced the proliferation,invasion,and migration of KFs,as well as extracellular matrix(ECM)deposition,glucose uptake,and ATP production,while TRIM32 silencing produced the opposite effects.The glycolysis inhibitor,2-deoxy-glucose(2-DG),significantly suppressed the biological functions of KFs;however,TRIM32 overexpression effectively counteracted the inhibitory effects of 2-DG.TRIM32 activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in KFs.The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 decreased cellular glycolysis,with TRIM32 overexpression mitigated these inhibitory effects.Conclusion:This study demonstrated that TRIM32 enhances the viability of KFs by regulating glycolytic activity,potentially mediated via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,thereby suggesting novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of keloids.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.91949123 and 81871155).
文摘The onset of pregnancy is marked by the formation of a zygote,while the culmination of gestation is manifested by the delivery of a fetus.Meanwhile,a successful pregnancy entails a meticulously coordinated sequence of events from embryo implantation to sustained decidualization of the uterus to placental development and childbirth.The decidual reaction,a pivotal process occurring within the endometrium during pregnancy,is finely regulated by sex steroids and cytokines.Notably,fibroblast growth factors(FGFs),particularly FGF2,play a critical role in this physiological cascade.Dysregulated FGF expression may trigger inadequate decidualization,precipitating a spectrum of adverse pregnancy outcomes,including preeclampsia,recurrent implantation failure,and miscarriage.Furthermore,the human decidua,distinct from most mammalian species and similar to great apes,undergoes regular cycles of formation and shedding,independent of the presence of the embryo in the endometrium.This process is also tightly controlled by various FGFs.In this review,we comprehensively compare diverse research decidualization models,delineate the trend of endometrial FGFs during the menstrual cycle,and provide a synopsis of endometrial diseases triggered by FGF dysregulation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82373037 and 82403486)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK20230054 and BK20230161)+1 种基金the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2023M741766)the Nanjing Medical Science and Technology Development Foundation,Nanjing Department of Health(YKK21182 and JQX23010).
文摘Perineural invasion(PNI)by tumor cells is a key phenotype of highly-invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC).Since Schwann cells(SCs)and fibroblasts maintain the physiological homeostasis of the peripheral nervous system,and we have focused on cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)for decades,it’s imperative to elucidate the impact of CAFs on SCs in PNI+OSCCs.We describe a disease progression-driven shift of PNI−towards PNI+during the progression of early-stage OSCC(31%,n=125)to late-stage OSCC(53%,n=97),characterized by abundant CAFs and nerve demyelination.CAFs inhibited SC proliferation/migration and reduced neurotrophic factors and myelin in vitro,and this involved up-regulated ER stress and decreased MAPK signals.Moreover,CAFs also aggravated the paralysis of the hind limb and PNI in vivo.Unexpectedly,leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF)was exclusively expressed on CAFs and up-regulated in metastatic OSCC.The LIF inhibitor EC330 restored CAF-induced SC inactivation.Thus,OSCC-derived CAFs inactivate SCs to aggravate nerve injury and PNI development.
文摘Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a common chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint pain,swelling and dysfunction[1].According to epidemiologic statistics,the incidence of RA is 1%–2%,and in severe cases,it can develop into joint deformity and disability,which brings a heavy burden to the family and society[2].However,the pathogenesis of RA is complex and involves multiple cellular interactions,which increases the difficulty of curing RA.Current therapeutic options,such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs,non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,and biologics,still face the challenge of relapse after drug discontinuation[3,4].Therefore,the pathogenesis of RA needs to be analyzed in depth to break through the existing therapeutic bottlenecks and promote the iterative innovation of individualized diagnosis and treatment.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81770898).
文摘AIM:To explore the effect of co-host non-coding RNA(ncRNA)MIR503HG/miR-503-5p on the angiogenesis of pterygium.METHODS:MIR503HG/miR-503-5p/fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2)expression levels in pterygium tissues,control conjunctival tissues,and human pterygium fibroblasts(HPF)were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and immunohistochemical methods.Effects of MIR503HG/miR-503-5p on low molecular weight FGF2(LWM FGF2),migration and angiogenesis of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMEC)were determined in an HPF and HRMEC co-culture model using Western blots,wound healing assay,Matrigel-based tube formation assay,and Transwell assay.RESULTS:MIR503HG/miR-503-5p/FGF2 pathway was actively increased in pterygium tissue and there was a negative correlation between the expression of the two ncRNAs.FGF2 expression level was positively correlated with MIR503HG and negatively correlated with miR-503-5p.Overexpressed MIR503HG/miR-503-5p did not affect the migration and angiogenesis of HRMECs cultured separately,but significantly affected migration and angiogenesis of HRMEC in HPF and HRMEC co-culture models.Western blotting revealed that MIR503HG/miR-503-5p overexpression significantly increased LMW FGF2 expression in HPF.CONCLUSION:MIR503HG/miR-503-5p inhibits HRMEC migration and angiogenic function by interfering with the interaction between HPF and endothelial cells via reducing LMW FGF2 in HPF.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant number 81773285)Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital Golden Seeds Foundation(grant number CYJZ202341).
文摘Osteosarcoma(OS)is a prevalent primary bone malignancy with limited treatment options.Therefore,it is imperative to investigate and understand the mechanisms underlying OS pathogenesis.Cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)are markedly abundant in tumor stromal cells and are essentially involved in the modulation of tumor occurrence and development.In recent years,CAFs have become a hotspot as researchers aim to elucidate CAF mechanisms that regulate tumor progression.However,most studies on CAFs are limited to a few common cancers,and their association with OS remains elusive.This review describes the role and current knowledge of CAFs in OS,focusing on their potential cellular origin,classification,and diverse functionality.It was found that CAFs influenced OS tumor cell signaling,proliferation,invasion,metastasis,epithelial-mesenchymal transition,stemness maintenance,angiogenesis,and the ability to modify immune system components.Furthermore,findings on other common cancers indicated that effective therapeutic strategies included the manipulation of CAF activation,targeting CAF-derived components,and depletion of CAFs by biomarkers.This review provides new insights and a theoretical basis for OS research.
基金supported by 1.3.5 project for disciplines of excellence,West China Hospital,Sichuan University(ZYJC21048)Foundation of Sichuan Provincial Science and Technology Program(2022JDR0091,2023NSFSC0004,2023NSFSC0639,2023NSFSC1742)+5 种基金Cooperation Project for Academician&Expert Workstation(HXYS20001)Sichuan University Education Foundation(0040206107011)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.82371883,82402191)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2023M732456)Postdoctor Research Fund of West China Hospital(2024HXBH142)Sichuan University“From 0 to 1”Innovation Research Project(2023SCUH0056).
文摘Objectives:Recently,pre-/post-operative Local Estrogen Therapy(LET)has shown effectiveness in alleviating Pelvic Organ Prolapse(POP)symptoms in clinical therapy.However,there is a lack of scientific evidence to support these claims.Therefore,we aimed to explore the anti-senescence effects and mechanisms of 17β-estradiol(E2)on POP-derived fibroblasts.Methods:The primary fibroblast cells were isolated and cultured fromthe surgical samples of postmenopausal women clinically diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse(POP)at stages III-IV(quantified using the POP-Q system)and without any other treatment within 6 months.(n=12,age 50–75).Colorimetric Cell Counting Kit(CCK-8)assay and Senescence-Associated-β-Galactosidase(SA-β-Gal)staining were used to test the cell proliferative capacity and the senescence rate.Western blotting(WB)was used to detect the expression of Collagen Type I(COL-I),Collagen Type III(COL-III),Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 inhibitor A(p16INK4a),Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A(p21),Tumor Protein 53(p53),Sirtuin 1(SIRT-1)and Microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3-I/II(LC3-I/II)protein.A transmission ElectronMicroscope(TEM)was used to observe the ultrastructure of fibroblasts.Results:The results showed that E2 significantly promoted the proliferation of fibroblasts derived from POP and reduced the staining rate of SA-β-Gal.It markedly enhanced the extracellular matrix proteins COL-I and COL-III,accompanied by inhibition of the senescent maker p16INK4a.Additionally,our results improved the cells’autophagy and metabolic activity.Additionally,our results indicate the anti-senescence mechanism of E2 through the mediated SIRT-1/p53/p21 axis pathway.Conclusion:We provide preliminary evidence for the anti-aging effects and mechanisms of E2 on POP,hoping to provide a theoretical basis for estrogen against POP senescence and guide the clinical application and local administration of estrogen in POP treatment.
基金The Shanghai Science and Technology Committee(22dz1204700)the MOST Key R&D Program of China(2022YFC2304703,2020YFA0907200)+2 种基金Innovative research team of high-level local universities in Shanghai,the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32270202,82272579,82272570,62372286)the Shanghai Talent Development Fund(No.2021057)the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Science and Technology Innovation Special Fund(No.2021JCPT02).
文摘Knee arthrofibrosis,characterized by excessive matrix protein production and deposition,substantially impairs basic daily functions,causing considerable distress and financial burden.However,the underlying pathomechanisms remain unclear.Here,we characterized the heterogeneous cell populations and cellular pathways by combination of flow cytometry and single-cell RNA-seq analysis of synovial tissues from six patients with or without knee arthrofibrosis.Increased macrophages and fibroblasts were observed with decreased numbers of fibroblast-like synoviocytes,endothelial cells,vascular smooth muscle cells,and T cells in the arthrofibrosis group compared with negative controls.
文摘Positron emission tomography/computed tomography(PET/CT)with radiolabeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitors(FAPI)is an increasingly relevant molecular diagnostic image in oncology given the high expression of FAP in cancer associated fibroblast,being present in almost 90%of the epithelial carcinomas,which allows imaging with excellent diagnostic performance and can also become a therapeutic strategy.This review summarizes the literature on FAPIPET/CT for the cancer evaluation and compares it in some scenarios with the 18FFluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT.
