Silencing of Jumonji domain-containing 1C inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via nuclear factor-κB signaling

BACKGROUND Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disorder induced by an imbalance between osteoclastic activity and osteogenic activity.During osteoporosis,bone mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)exhibit an increased ability to differentiate into adipocytes and a decreased ability to differentiate into osteoblasts,resulting in bone loss.Jumonji domain-containing 1C(JMJD1C)has been demonstrated to suppress osteoclastogenesis.AIM To examine the effect of JMJD1C on the osteogenesis of BMSCs and the potential underlying mechanism.METHODS BMSCs were isolated from mouse bone marrow tissues.Oil Red O staining,Alizarin red staining,alkaline phosphatase staining and the expression of adipo-genic and osteogenic-associated genes were assessed to determine the differen-tiation of BMSCs.Bone marrow-derived macrophages(BMMs)were incubated with receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaΒligand to induce osteoclast differentiation,and osteoclast differen-tiation was confirmed by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining.Other related genes were measured via reverse transcription coupled to the quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure the levels of inflammatory cytokines,including tumor necrosis factor alpha,interleukin-6 and interleukin-1 beta.RESULTS The osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential of BMSCs isolated from mouse bone marrow samples was evaluated.JMJD1C mRNA and protein expression was upregulated in BMSCs after osteoblast induction,while p-nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and inflammatory cytokines were not significantly altered.Knockdown of JMJD1C repressed osteogenic differentiation and enhanced NF-κB activation and inflammatory cytokine release in BMSCs.Moreover,JMJD1C expression decreased during BMM osteoclast differentiation.CONCLUSION The JMJD1C/NF-κB signaling pathway is potentially involved in BMSC osteogenic differentiation and may play vital roles in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.

Study on the clinical effect and safety of Kangfuxin liquid combined with microneedling in the treatment of facial skin photoaging

Background and Objectives:Microneedling has been introduced as a new technique to address the growing concern of facial skin photoaging.Kangfuxin liquid has been found to promote the process of skin wound repair,including reducing inflammatory response,improving immunity and enhancing antioxidant levels.In this prospective randomized double-blinded study,we wanted to explore the clinical efficacy and safety of Kangfuxin liquid combined with microneedling in treating facial skin photoaging.Methods:57 patients with facial skin photoaging were randomly divided into two groups.The treatment group(28 cases)received microneedle therapy with Kangfuxin liquid,while the control group(29 cases)received microneedle therapy with physiological saline.The treatment interval was 4 weeks,and a total of 3 treatments were performed.Compare the VISIA scores of facial photoaging features such as wrinkles,texture,pores,spots and ultraviolet pigmentation between two groups of patients before and after treatment,Global Score for Photoaging,satisfaction evaluation,and record the occurrence of adverse reactions.Results:After treatment,the treatment group showed more significant improvement in wrinkles,texture,pores,spots and ultraviolet pigmentation,and the Global Score for Photoaging was better than the control group(P<0.05).The satisfaction rate with improving skin in the treatment group was 85.71%,which was higher than 75.86%in the control group(P<0.05).Both groups did not experience adverse reactions such as skin infection,pigmentation or hypopigmentation,scar formation,or worsening of melasma.Conclusion:Kangfuxin liquid combined with microneedling therapy has a good improvement effect on facial skin photoaging,with a low incidence of adverse reactions and high patient satisfaction.It is worthy of clinical promotion.

Vascular endothelial growth factor: an attractive target in the treatment of hypoxic/ischemic brain injury

Cerebral hypoxia or ischemia results in cell death and cerebral edema, as well as other cellular reactions such as angiogenesis and the reestablishment of functional microvasculature to promote recovery from brain injury. Vascular endothelial growth factor is expressed in the central nervous system after hypoxic/ischemic brain injury, and is involved in the process of brain repair via the regulation of angiogenesis, neurogenesis, neurite outgrowth, and cerebral edema, which all require vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. In this review, we focus on the role of the vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway in the response to hypoxic/ischemic brain injury, and discuss potential therapeutic interventions.

Effect of vacuum sealing drainage combined with intermittent insulin flushing on expression of inflammatory factors and apoptosis factors in diabetic lower limb ulcer wound

Objective: To discuss the effect of vacuum sealing drainage combined with intermittent insulin flushing on the expression of inflammatory factors and apoptosis factors in diabetic lower limb ulcer wound. Methods: A total of 48 patients with diabetic lower limb ulcer who were treated in the Endocrine Department of the hospital between January 2016 and January 2017 were divided into the control group and research group by random number table, 24 cases in each group. Control group received vacuum sealing drainage, and research group received vacuum sealing drainage combined with intermittent insulin flushing. The differences in the expression of inflammatory factors and apoptosis genes in the wound exudate were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results: Before treatment, the differences in the inflammatory factor contents and apoptsis gene expression in wound exudate were not statistically significant between the two groups of patients. After treatment, inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, CRP, VCAM-1 and FGF2 contents in wound exudate of research group were lower than those of control group;apoptosis gene Bcl-2 mRNA expression in wound exudate of research group was higher than that of control group while Bax, p53 and Fas mRNA expression were lower than those of control group. Conclusions: Vacuum sealing drainage combined with intermittent insulin flushing can effectively reduce the local inflammatory response and promote the granulation cell proliferation in wound of patients with diabetic lower limb ulcer.

Research progress on the application of microneedle transdermal drug delivery system in dermatology

Transdermal drug delivery systems(TDDs)have the advantages on good local targeting,controlled and sustainable drug delivery.Hoewever,the stratum corneum,as the main skin barrier,severely limits the transdermal penetration of drugs and reduces bioavailability,which also limits their application.Microneedles(MNS)penetrate the stratum corneum and create several reversible microchannels in a minimally invasive manner to significantly improve the penetration of therapeutic agents,and are considered a milestone for effective transdermal drug delivery.As an emerging drug delivery modality,microneedle transdermal drug delivery systems have the advantages of being minimally invasive,safe,efficient,economical and convenient.In addition to the extensive research on microneedles for improving transdermal drug delivery,there is a growing interest in using them to manage and treat dermatological conditions.Being the largest organ in the human body,the skin acts as a barrier between the body and the external environment,while having an immense influence on appearance and self-confidence.Indeed,there is now a considerable body of evidence on how dermatological conditions can lead to psychological problems and a reduced quality of life.The utilisation of microneedle transdermal drug delivery systems for the management and treatment of dermatological conditions is of great therapeutic and commercial value.The principleof microneedle transdermal drug delivery systems and the progress of its clinical application in dermatology are reviewed here.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis,asthma as the first symptom,and subsequent Loeffler endocarditis:A case report

BACKGROUND Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis(EGPA),formerly known as Churg-Strauss syndrome,is a rare form of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodyassociated vasculitis characterized by asthma,vasculitis,and eosinophilia.CASE SUMMARY We report an atypical case of EGPA in a 20-year-old female patient.Unlike previously reported cases of EGPA,this patient’s initial symptom was asthma associated with a respiratory infection.This was followed by Loeffler endocarditis and cardiac insufficiency.She received treatment with methylprednisolone sodium succinate,low molecular weight heparin,recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide,furosemide,cefoperazone sodium/sulbactam sodium,and acyclovir.Despite prophylactic anticoagulation,she developed a large right ventricular thrombus.EGPA diagnosis was confirmed based on ancillary test results and specialty consultations.Subsequent treatment included mycophenolate mofetil.Her overall condition improved significantly after treatment,as evidenced by decreased peripheral blood eosinophils and cardiac markers.She was discharged after 17 d.Her most recent follow-up showed normal peripheral blood eosinophil levels,restored cardiac function,and a reduced cardiac mural thrombus size.CONCLUSION This case illustrates the swift progression of EGPA and underscores the significance of early detection and immediate intervention to ensure a favorable prognosis.

Anesthetic injection pain and hematoma occurrence during upper blepharoplasty:Comparison between thin needles and thick needles

Background:Upper blepharoplasty is one of the most commonly performed esthetic surgeries,but injection pain during local anesthesia often disturbs patients.The objective of this study was to identify the pain levels associated with anesthetizing the upper eyelids in blepharoplasty and determine whether injection with thin needles is associated with less pain and bleeding than injection with thick needles.Methods:The study included 50 patients who underwent bilateral upper blepharoplasty.The eyelids were anesthetized using 2%lidocaine with 1:100000 epinephrine.One upper eyelid was randomly injected with a thin needle(26G)and the other with a thick needle(22G).The pain level was scored by patients immediately after the injection of each eyelid using a visual analog scale(VAS)ranging from 0 to 10.The incidence of eyelid hematomas caused by the anesthetic injection was also recorded.Results:The VAS scores in eyelids injected with thin needles were not significantly lower than those in eyelids injected with thick needles(4.0 vs.4.0,P=0.393).The formation of eyelid bruises caused by thin-needle injection was less frequent than that caused by thick-needle injection(16%vs.26%),but there was no significant difference between the two groups(P=0.326).Conclusion:Using thin needles for local anesthesia during upper blepharoplasty could not significantly decrease injection pain or hematoma occurrence compared with that associated with using thick needles.

HIF-1α expression in keloid and its correlation with angiogenesis, inflammatory response and apoptosis

Objective:To study the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in keloid and its correlation with angiogenesis, inflammatory response and apoptosis.Methods:Keloid samples removed in the Third People's Hospital of Chengdu between June 2014 and March 2017 were selected as the pathology group of the research, and normal skin tissues removed in the Third People's Hospital of Chengdu due to injury were selected as the control group of the research. The expression of HIF-1α, angiogenesis molecules, inflammatory response cytokines and apoptosis molecules in keloid samples normal skin tissues were detected.Results: HIF-1α, VEGF165, Flt-1, Flk-1, Ang-1, Tie-2, PGE2, PGF2 , MIF, Livin and Survivin mRNA expression in keloid of pathology group were significantly higher than those in normal skin tissue of control group while TSG-6, Caspase-3, Caspase-7 and Caspase-9 mRNA expression were significantly lower than those in normal skin tissue of control group;HIF-1α mRNA expression was positively correlated with VEGF165, Flt-1, Flk-1, Ang-1, Tie-2, PGE2, PGF2 , MIF, Livin and Survivin mRNA expression, and negatively correlated with TSG-6, Caspase-3, Caspase-7 and Caspase-9 mRNA expression.Conclusion:HIF-1α is highly expressed in keloid and can promote angiogenesis and inflammatory response and inhibit apoptosis.

Case report:pre tibial myxedema combined with hyperthyroidism and blastocystis hominis infection

The patient is a 37-year-old male with a right anterior tibial mass for more than one year and a left anterior tibial mass for more than one month.There was a history of hyperthyroidism.Histopathology of the lesions showed epidermal hyperkeratosis of the skin tissue,thickening of the spinous layer,extensive collagen fibrillation in the superficial dermis and reticular layer,and numerous linear and granular mucoprotein deposits in the lower and middle dermis.Blastocystis hominis was routinely detected in the stool.Diagnosis:1.Pretibial myxedema 2.intestinal parasitosis(Blastocystis hominis infection).

The 1470 nm diode laser with an intralesional fiber device:a proposed solution for the treatment of inflamed and infected keloids

Background:Keloids are the result of abnormal wound healing and often are subject to infections and recurrent inflammation.We present a study conducted with a 1470 nm diode laser using an intralesional optical fiber device for the treatment of inflamed keloid scars.We evaluate its efficacy as a novel alternative method to decrease keloid infection and inflammation.Methods:The patients who underwent 1470 nm laser treatment from February 2016 to February 2018 at the plastic and reconstructive surgery department of the Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University with keloid accompanying serious local infection and fester were included.Patients took curative effect evaluation before and 1 year after the treatment.The test items included infection frequency in each year;pain,by visual analogue scale(VAS);itch,using VAS;quality of life(QOL),using QOL scale;and blood supply,using PeriCam PSI.Results:A total of 19 patients(mean age 35.21 years,range 11–66)with history of inflamed keloids with episodes of infection or abscess were enrolled.Patients underwent to a 1470 nm laser therapy for average of 1.16 times.After treatment,infection frequency and blood supply in keloids were reduced(p<0.001).Pain,itching,and QOL were improved(p<0.001).Conclusion:The present study shows that 1470 nm fiber laser treatment could improve inflamed keloids fairly well by decreasing inflammation,and a relative stabilization of collagen composition.Therefore,it is an effective minimally invasive scar therapy,but further studies are essential to confirm the present results.

Assessment of skin care behavior and cognition of patients with acne vulgaris in China

To the Editor:Acne vulgaris(AV)is a common skin disease mainly among adolescents with varying incidences around.the world,significantly affecting patients'facial appear:ance,psychology,social activity,and quality of life.[1]Many factors including genetic components,environmental elements,hormone levels,treatments,diets,and skin care-behavior are associated with an increased risk of AV.[2] Herein,we investigated AV patients'skin care behavior and cognition to predisposing factors with a designed clectronic questionnaire.

Head Acupuncture Plus Schuell's Language Rehabilitation for Post-Stroke Aphasia:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 32 Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective:To evaluate the existing randomized controlled trials(RCTs)for evidence of the efficacy and safety of head acupuncture(HA)plus Schuell’s language rehabilitation(SLR)in post-stroke aphasia.Methods:Seven databases including Embase,PubMed,Cochrane Library,Technology Periodical Database,the China National Knowledge Infrastructure,SinoMed and Wanfang Data Information Site were searched for RCTs published from database inception until November 14,2021.RCTs that compared HA plus SLR with sham(or blank)control,acupuncture therapy alone,certain language rehabilitation therapy alone or other therapies for post-stroke aphasia were included.Data were extracted and assessed,and the quality of RCTs was evaluated.Fixed-effects model was used,with meta-influence analysis,meta-regression,and regression-based sub-group analyses applied for exploration of heterogeneity.Publication bias was estimated by funnel plots and Egger’s tests.Results:A total of 32 RCTs with1,968 patients were included and 51 comparisons were conducted classified as types of strokes and aphasia.(1)For patients with aphasia after ischemic stroke,HA plus PSA showed significantly higher accumulative markedly effective rate[relative risk(RR)=1.55,95% confidence interval(CI):1.19-2.02,I^(2)=0%]and accumulative effective rate(RR=1.22,95%CI:1.09-1.36,I^(2)=0%).(2)For patients with comprehensive types of stroke,HA plus PSA was more effective in increasing recovery rate(RR=1.89,95%CI:1.39-2.56,I^(2)=0%),accumulative markedly effective rate(RR=1.53,95%CI:1.36-1.72,I^(2)=9%)and accumulative effective rate(RR=1.14,95%CI:1.09-1.19,I^(2)=34%).(3)For patients with aphasia after stroke,HA plus PSA was superior to PSA alone with statistical significance in increasing recovery rate(RR=2.08,95%CI:1.24-3.46,I^(2)=0%),accumulative markedly effective rate(RR=1049,95%CI:1.24-1.78,I^(2)=0%)and accumulative effective rate(RR=1.15,95%CI:1.06-1.24,12=39%).(4)For patients with multiple types of aphasia,HA plus PSA also demonstrated significantly higher recovery rate(RR=1.86,95%CI:1.28-2.72,I^(2)=0%),accumulative markedly effective rate(RR=1.55,95%CI:1.35-1.78,I2=22%),and accumulative effective rate(RR=1.17,95%CI:1.11-1.23,I^(2)=41%).(5)For patients with motor aphasia after ischemic stroke,compared with PSA alone,HA plus PSA showed significantly higher accumulative markedly effective rate(RR=1.38,95%CI:1.06-1079,I^(2)=0%)and accumulative effective rate(RR=1.20,95%CI:1.05-1.37,I^(2)=0%).Meta-regression analyses were performed without significant difference,and publication bias was found in some comparisons.Conclusion:HA plus SLR was significantly associated with better language ability and higher effective rate for patients with post-stroke aphasia,and HA should be operated cautiously especially during acupuncture at eye and neck.(Registration No.CRD42020154475).

Efficacy and safety of a cream containing octyl salicylic acid,salicylic acid,linoleic acid,nicotinamide,and piroctone olamine combined with 5%benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne vulgaris:a randomized controlled study

To The Editor:Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease involving the sebaceous glands.It has an incidence of approximately 9.4%,often occurring in adolescents.[1]The disease itself and the scars left after treatment can cause psychological stress in adolescents and seriously affect patients’quality of life.[2]At present,skin care products,either alone or in combination with medical drugs,have become important means for treating acne.This single-center,single-blind(clinician-blind),masculine-paralleled,randomized study(Registration number:ChiCTR2100051398)evaluated the efficacy and safety of a cream containing octyl salicylic acid,salicylic acid,linoleic acid,nicotinamide,and piroctone olamine(Duo+,La Roche-Posay,Paris,France)alone and in combination with benzoyl peroxide(BPO,Galderma,Paris,France)for the treatment of mild-to-moderate acne.The research was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital,China(No.2020-13 ke).All participants provided written informed consent.