Inflammatory Neovascularization Research Articles

High-frequency ultrasound with superb microvascular imaging: a potential tool for ultrasound assessment in patients with giant cell arteritis.

The objective of this study was 2-fold: first, to evaluate whether superb microvascular imaging (SMI) could be used to visualize neovascularization in temporal arteries, and, second, to evaluate the diagnostic performance of high frequency ultrasound with SMI using an extended protocol in patients with suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA). This retrospective study comprised 120 patients consecutively examined with an extended CDU protocol (temporal, facial, axillary, subclavian, brachiocephalic, and carotid arteries) between 2020 and 2022. Of all patients, 107 had no previous GCA diagnosis and 13 had a previous GCA diagnosis. SMI was used to evaluate neovascularization in the temporal arteries. Arteritis were characterized as low- or medium-echogenic, homogeneous wall thickening, with or without a positive compression sign in the temporal arteries. The Halo count, i.e., the number of temporal and axillary artery segments with signs of arteritis, was evaluated. The reference was clinically diagnosed GCA confirmed after ≥6-month follow-up. Of the eligible 107 patients with new suspected GCA, 33 (31%) received a clinical GCA diagnosis. Neovascularization was detected in 14 patients (43%). Patients with neovascularization displayed a higher halo count [median 6 (25th-75th percentile 4.75-7) vs. 3 (2-4-4), p = 0.005]. CDU of only the temporal arteries showed sensitivity and specificity (95% confidence intervals) of 94% (80-100%) and 100% (95-100%), respectively. The addition of extra-cranial arteries increased the sensitivity to 100%. Of the 13 patients investigated for suspected relapse, three had a clinically confirmed relapse. One of them displayed neovascularization together with other signs of inflammation. We show for the first time that inflammatory neovascularization of the temporal arteries can be detected by SMI. Neovascularization is associated with a more-widespread cranial disease. The value of neovascularization should be further investigated, especially for the detection of GCA relapse.

Expeditious resolution of disc and iris neovascularization

Intraocular neovascularization is seen commonly as a response to retinal ischemia or less commonly due to inflammation. Inflammatory iris neovascularization responds well to topical steroids, whereas retinal neovascularization associated with uveitic conditions responds to systemic steroids or periocular depot injections. This case highlights an unusually rapid resolution of disc neovascularization along with iris neovascularization just with topical steroids in a middle-aged lady diagnosed with bilateral panuveitis and retinal vasculitis. We presume it may be due to a spontaneous decrease in posterior segment inflammation or due to systemic vascular remodeling.

Resorption of lumbar disc herniations: a non-systematic literature review

Objective. To analyze the information on spontaneous resorption of lumbar disc herniation.Material and Methods. A non-systematic review of 37 publications on resorption of disc herniation was conducted. The data on the timing, mechanisms and predictors of regression of lumbar disc herniation were summarized. A clinical case is presented illustrating the resorption of a herniated L4–L5 intervertebral disc over 8 months.Results. The frequency and timing of resorption of lumbar disc herniation vary depending on the number of patients, follow-up period, the type and nature of the hernial bulging, and other characteristics of patients. The results of meta-analyses indicate that the average period of spontaneous resorption of lumbar disc herniation is more than 6 months. The main theories of spontaneous resorption of lumbar disc herniation are the dehydration theory, the mechanical theory, and mechanisms associated with inflammatory processes and neovascularization. Currently, predictors of disc herniation resorption include the type and size of the hernia, follow-up period, Modic changes, etc. Existing data on the timing, mechanisms and predictors of resorption of lumbar disc herniation are insufficient to improve treatment tactics for this category of patients.Conclusion. Herniated lumbar intervertebral discs tend to undergo spontaneous regression which, however, is not observed in all patients. The mechanisms of resorption can be different, and the fact of resorption itself can occur in different types of hernia with different frequencies. An analysis of large data sets is necessary to more accurately determine the timing and predictors of resorption of lumbar disc hernias.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Pathology Underlying Aneurysm Enhancement on Vessel Wall Imaging.

Intracranial aneurysms are common, but only a minority rupture and cause subarachnoid haemorrhage, presenting a dilemma regarding which to treat. Vessel wall imaging (VWI) is a contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique used to identify unstable aneurysms. The pathological basis of MR enhancement of aneurysms is the subject of debate. This review synthesises the literature to determine the pathological basis of VWI enhancement. PubMed and Embase searches were performed for studies reporting VWI of intracranial aneurysms and their correlated histological analysis. The risk of bias was assessed. Calculations of interdependence, univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. Of 228 publications identified, 7 met the eligibility criteria. Individual aneurysm data were extracted for 72 out of a total of 81 aneurysms. Univariate analysis showed macrophage markers (CD68 and MPO, p = 0.001 and p = 0.002), endothelial cell markers (CD34 and CD31, p = 0.007 and p = 0.003), glycans (Alcian blue, p = 0.003) and wall thickness (p = 0.030) were positively associated with enhancement. Aneurysm enhancement therefore appears to be associated with inflammatory infiltrate and neovascularisation. However, all these markers are correlated with each other, and the literature is limited in terms of the numbers of aneurysms analysed and the parameters considered. The data are therefore insufficient to determine if these associations are independent of each other or of aneurysm size, wall thickness and rupture status. Thus, the cause of aneurysm-wall enhancement currently remains unknown.

Establishment and evaluation of an improved rat model of open abdomen.

This study aimed to establish an animal model of open abdomen (OA) through temporary abdominal closure via different techniques. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: group A (OA with polypropylene mesh alone); group B (OA with polypropylene mesh combined with a patch); and group C (OA with polypropylene mesh and a sutured patch). Vital signs, pathophysiological changes, and survival rates were closely monitored in the rats for 7 days after surgery. Abdominal X-rays and histopathological examinations were performed to assess abdominal organ changes and wound healing. The results showed no significant difference in mortality rates among the three groups (p > 0.05). However, rats in group B exhibited superior overall condition, cleaner wounds, and a higher rate of wound healing compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Abdominal X-rays indicated that varying degrees of distal intestinal obstruction in all groups. Histopathological examinations revealed fibrous hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration, neovascularization, and collagen deposition in all groups. Group B demonstrated enhanced granulation tissue generation, neovascularization, and collagen deposition compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Polypropylene mesh combined with patches is the most suitable method for establishing an animal model of OA. This model successfully replicated the pathological and physiological changes in postoperative patients with OA, specifically the progress of abdominal skin wound healing. It provides a practical and reliable animal model for OA research.

Pediatric psoriasis: Understanding pathological conditions and advances in treatment.

Psoriasis is a long-lasting skin disease that primarily affects the skin, nails, and joints and is characterized by inflammation. Genetic factors contribute to its development and environmental triggers can worsen symptoms. Pathologically, psoriasis is characterized by uncontrolled keratinocyte proliferation and abnormal differentiation, and histological features include acanthosis with inflammatory cell infiltration and neovascularization. Psoriasis often starts in childhood, with about one-third of cases beginning during this time. Its prevalence steadily increases from the ages of 1 to 18 years in a linear fashion. Young people with psoriasis often require treatment throughout their childhood and adolescence, and into adulthood. However, prolonged treatment may increase the risk of complications and adverse events, so it is important to adopt an effective treatment approach that minimizes this risk. In addition, psoriasis is often associated with various comorbidities that may place a great burden on the physical and mental health of the children beyond those due to psoriasis itself. To ensure good long-term health outcomes, individuals with psoriasis should undergo regular screening. Treatment should be provided not only for skin lesions, but also for any comorbidities; however, currently there is not enough evidence on the treatment of pediatric psoriasis and no globally agreed-on guidelines exist for treating psoriasis in children. This article describes the etiology, clinical symptoms, and disease burden of pediatric psoriasis, the pathological conditions and diagnosis of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and generalized pustular psoriasis, and the available treatments for these conditions in Japan.

Development of melatonin-embedded PLGA-PEG6000 nanofiber biomaterial, and investigation of the effects on abdominal adhesion formation

Abdominal adhesions are still among the most common postsurgical peritoneal inflammation-related complications. Adhesion-related disorders are still highly costly and prevalent due to advances in surgical techniques, treatment methods, and various drugs. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Poly ( D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)- polyethylene glycol (PEG6000) Nanofiber + Melatonin on the abdominal adhesion model in rats. For this purpose, PLGA-PEG6000 Nanofiber + Melatonin matrix was fabricated and implanted in an experimental abdominal adhesion model in rats. Our study consisted of an in vitro and an in vivo part. The degradation and release profile of the matrix and Melatonin (Mel) embedded matrix was performed in vitro. In vivo, the procedure was carried out with 18 Wistar male rats. Rats were divided into three groups as follows: Sham, Matrix, and Mel + Matrix, respectively. Consequent to degradation and release profiling in vitro, an experimental adhesion model was created and fabricated pure matrix (2 × 2 cm2), and matrix (2 × 2 cm2, 0.25 mg melatonin/per matrix embedded) was applied to injury area in related groups. Intra-abdominal adhesion scores were determined on post-op 21st day, under general anesthesia. Following, cecum, peritoneal tissue, and adhesive bands were harvested. Macroscopic analysis (severity of adhesion formation), Hematoxlyn&amp;Eosin and Masson’s Trichrome staining (for the examination of the levels of infiltration of inflammatory cells, fibrosis, and neovascularization) were performed for the evaluation of the effects of Mel embedded and pure matrix Our results indicated that PLGA-PEG6000 Nanofiber + Melatonin matrix was degraded completely in rats abdominal cavity and significantly reduced adhesion formation compared to other groups macroscopically ( p &lt; 0.05). On the other hand, the histopathological analysis indicated that the fabricated matrix reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, fibrosis, and neovascularization levels.

Study of Effectiveness of Curcumin-Chitosan-Aloe Vera Healing Agent with Mupirocin for the Treatment of Aseptic Wounds in Dogs

Background: The study was conducted to evaluate the wound healing potential of nano-based curcumin-chitosan-aloe vera, an indigenously prepared healing agent, for treatment of aseptic surgical wounds in clinical canine cases presented to the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar. Methods: The wounds were assigned into two therapeutic regimens, application of nano-based healing agent and mupirocin to the test and control group respectively as topical therapy along with parenteral antibiotics as per standard operative procedure (SOP). Results were statistically analyzed, using analysis of variance (ANOVA), paired t-test (parametric) and kruskal-wallis one way ANOVA test (non parametric). Result: Chitosan-curcumin-aloevera based healing agent resulted in early reduction of wound exudates and cast formation than control group. Time of appearance and filling of wound bed by granulation tissue was significantly better in test group than control group. Early appearance of epithelium and the percentage of wounds with epithelium were also higher in test group than control group. Histological and histo-chemical findings on day 14 after surgery suggested less inflammatory reaction, more fibroblasts and neo-vascularisation, wider and compact granulation tissue in test group than control group. The values of clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters remained within the normal physiological limits without any significant difference. The average duration taken for complete healing in test and control groups was 9 and 14 days respectively without any sign of infection during the treatment period.

Bilateral macular hole in a patient with CAPN5-related neovascular inflammatory vitreoretinopathy.

To characterize the genotype and phenotype of a patient with CAPN5-related neovascular inflammatory vitreoretinopathy (NIV) who have undergone surgery for macular holes. We observed a patient presenting with retinitis pigmentosa and posterior uveitis who later developed vitreoretinal macular traction and a macular hole. Genetic testing was performed using a targeted gene panel. Fundus photography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were also performed. In a targeted gene panel, a monoallelic pathogenic variant, c.750G > T, p.Lys250Asn, in the CAPN5 gene was identified, and CAPN5-NIV was diagnosed. At the first visit, peripheral retinal degeneration and mild posterior uveitis were observed. At that time, neovascularization, epiretinal or fibrous membranes were not observed. After 5 years, vitreomacular traction developed and progressed to a full-thickness macular hole in both eyes. After pars plana vitrectomy, the macular hole was successfully closed without aggravation of uveitis. In this case, a pathogenic variant of CAPN5 lead to a distinct phenotype of retinitis pigmentosa, posterior uveitis, vitreomacular traction, and macular hole without typical inflammatory neovascularization or tractional membranes. Therefore, the clinical variability of CAPN5-NIV and genetic diagnosis should be considered in cases of atypical retinitis pigmentosa with bilateral macular hole.

Biomarkers in assessing the vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques: a narrative review

Aim. To study the role of biomarkers in assessing the vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques.Material and methods. A review of literature sources investigating the biomarker assessment of the vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques published for the period 01.01.2016 to 31.12.2022 was carried out. Literature search was carried out in English and Russian in PubMed databases, in Google Academy, Elibrary.ru according to the following keywords: “biomarkers of plaque vulnerability”, “NLR and vulnerable plaque”, “CRP and vulnerable plaque”, ”MMP-9 and vulnerable plaque”, “TIMP-1 and vulnerable plaque”, ”galectin-3 and vulnerable plaque”, “NGAL and vulnerable plaque”. A total of 183 articles were found, of which 42 articles in full-text format containing original clinical studies were selected for the preparation of this review.Results. Numerous studies have shown that the vulnerability and rupture of the plaque, rather than its size and severity of stenosis, are the main cause of cardiovascular events in patients with coronary heart disease. Small plaques rich in lipids often become unstable due to an inflammatory reaction supported by the interaction between lipoproteins, monocytes, macrophages, T-lymphocytes and vascular wall cells. NLR, CRP, NGAL, Galectin-3, as well as markers of extracellular matrix degradation (MMP-9, TIMP-1) can play a special role in assessing the vulnerability of plaques.Conclusion. The development of acute coronary syndrome is based on the destabilization of the atherosclerotic plaque, which occurs not only due to changes in its lipid composition, but also infiltration by immuno-inflammatory cells, degradation of the extracellular matrix, as well as an active inflammatory reaction and neovascularization of the plaque. Therefore, traditional imaging methods that characterize the plaque by its appearance and size are not enough to predict the risk of rupture and the development of an acute thrombotic event. Thus, there is a need to identify new biomarkers that would correlate with the instability of plaque atheroma.

Advantage effect of Dalbergia pinnata on wound healing and scar formation of burns

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDalbergia pinnata, as a natural and ethnic medicine in China, has been used for burns and wounds with a long history, which has the effect of invigorating blood and astringent sores. However, there were no reports on the advantage activity of burns. Aim of studyThe purpose of this study was to screen out the best active extract part of Dalbergia pinnata and investigate its therapeutic effect on wound healing and scar resolution. Materials and methodsRat burn model was established and the healing effects of extracts from Dalbergia pinnata on burn wounds were evaluated by the percentage of wound contraction and period of epithelialization. Histological observation, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and ELISA were used for the examination of inflammatory factors, TGF-β1, neovascularization and collagen fibers through the period of epithelialization. In addition, the effect of the optimal extraction site on fibroblast cells was evaluated by cell proliferation and cell migration assays. The extracts of Dalbergia pinnata were analyzed by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS or GC-MS technique. ResultsCompared to the model group, there were better wound healing, suppressed inflammatory factors, more neovascularization as well as newly formed collagen in the ethyl acetate extract (EAE) and petroleum ether extract (PEE) treatment groups. The ratio of Collagen I and Collagen III was lower in the EAE and PEE treatment groups, suggesting a potential for reduced scarring. Furthermore, EAE and PEE could repair wounds by up-regulating TGF-β1 in the early stage of wound repair and down-regulating TGF-β1 in the late stage. In vitro studies showed that both EAE and PEE were able to promote NIH/3T3 cells proliferation and migration compared with the control group. ConclusionsIn this study, EAE and PEE were found to significantly accelerate wound repair and might have an inhibitory effect on the generation of scars. It was also hypothesized that the mechanism might be related to the regulation of TGF-β1 secretion. This study provided an experimental basis for the development of topical drugs for the treatment of burns with Dalbergia pinnata.

Rapamycin inhibits corneal inflammatory response and neovascularization in a mouse model of corneal alkali burn

Alkali burn-induced corneal injury often causes inflammation and neovascularization and leads to compromised vision. We previously reported that rapamycin ameliorated corneal injury after alkali burns by methylation modification. In this study, we aimed to investigate the rapamycin-medicated mechanism against corneal inflammation and neovascularization. Our data showed that alkali burn could induce a range of different inflammatory response, including a stark upregulation of pro-inflammatory factor expression and an increase in the infiltration of myeloperoxidase- and F4/80-positive cells from the corneal limbus to the central stroma. Rapamycin effectively downregulated the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-like receptors (NLR) family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), and Caspase-1, and suppressed the infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages. Inflammation-related angiogenesis mediated by matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and rapamycin restrained this process by inhibiting the TNF-α upregulation in burned corneas of mice. Rapamycin also restrained corneal alkali burn-induced inflammation by regulating HIF-1α/VEGF-mediated angiogenesis and the serum cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The findings of this study indicated rapamycin may reduce inflammation-associated infiltration of inflammatory cells, shape the expression of cytokines, and balance the regulation of MMP-2 and HIF-1α-mediated inflammation and angiogenesis by suppressing mTOR activation in corneal wound healing induced by an alkali injury. It offered novel insights relevant for a potent drug for treating corneal alkali burn.

Expanded presentation of Lyme autoantigens and identification of a novel immunogenic CD4+ T cell epitope from Borrelia burgdorferiMCP4 in murine Lyme arthritis

Abstract Lyme arthritis (LA), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), is often accompanied by autoimmune T and B cell responses, but the mechanisms of infection-induced autoimmunity are unclear. We used an immunopeptidomics approach to identify potential Lyme autoantigens and immunogenic Bb antigens, which were validated by histology and testing of T cell reactivity. C57BL/6 (B6) mice, which develop mild inflammatory LA, and B6 Il10−/− (IL10 KO) mice, which develop severe, persistent LA, were infected with Bb for 4 or 16 weeks, and MHCII-bound peptides from inguinal and popliteal lymph nodes were identified by LC-MS/MS. Joint inflammation, fibrosis, and vascular remodeling were analyzed by H&amp;E, Masson’s trichrome, and anti-CD31 immunohistochemistry, respectively. Six Bb peptides were identified by LC-MS/MS, of which one epitope from methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein 4 (MCP4) was an immunogenic CD4+ T cell antigen. Over 10,000 self peptides, particularly from proteins involved in cholesterol metabolism, tissue damage, and vascular inflammation were identified in infected mice. Presentation of peptides from previously identified human Lyme autoantigens apolipoprotein B-100, fibronectin, and type V collagen were expanded in infected mice, suggestive of epitope spreading. Consistent with immunopeptidomics data, joints showed increased inflammatory infiltrate, fibrosis and neovascularization in infected mice, compared with joints from uninfected mice. In conclusion, this immunopeptidomics approach revealed key insights into potential mechanisms of infection-induced autoimmunity in LA and indentified a novel immunogenic CD4+ T cell antigen from Bb MCP4. Supported by grants from NIAID (R21AI148982)

IDO1 and inflammatory neovascularization: bringing new blood to tumor-promoting inflammation.

In parallel with the genetic and epigenetic changes that accumulate in tumor cells, chronic tumor-promoting inflammation establishes a local microenvironment that fosters the development of malignancy. While knowledge of the specific factors that distinguish tumor-promoting from non-tumor-promoting inflammation remains inchoate, nevertheless, as highlighted in this series on the 'Hallmarks of Cancer', it is clear that tumor-promoting inflammation is essential to neoplasia and metastatic progression making identification of specific factors critical. Studies of immunometabolism and inflamometabolism have revealed a role for the tryptophan catabolizing enzyme IDO1 as a core element in tumor-promoting inflammation. At one level, IDO1 expression promotes immune tolerance to tumor antigens, thereby helping tumors evade adaptive immune control. Additionally, recent findings indicate that IDO1 also promotes tumor neovascularization by subverting local innate immunity. This newly recognized function for IDO1 is mediated by a unique myeloid cell population termed IDVCs (IDO1-dependent vascularizing cells). Initially identified in metastatic lesions, IDVCs may exert broader effects on pathologic neovascularization in various disease settings. Mechanistically, induction of IDO1 expression in IDVCs by the inflammatory cytokine IFNγ blocks the antagonistic effect of IFNγ on neovascularization by stimulating the expression of IL6, a powerful pro-angiogenic cytokine. By contributing to vascular access, this newly ascribed function for IDO1 aligns with its involvement in other cancer hallmark functionalities, (tumor-promoting inflammation, immune escape, altered cellular metabolism, metastasis), which may stem from an underlying role in normal physiological functions such as wound healing and pregnancy. Understanding the nuances of how IDO1 involvement in these cancer hallmark functionalities varies between different tumor settings will be crucial to the future development of successful IDO1-directed therapies.

Cedrus deodara: In Vivo Investigation of Burn Wound Healing Properties.

Cedrus deodara (Roxb. Ex Lamb.) G. Don possesses various biological activities, which have been documented in modern and traditional medicine. In this study, burn wound healing activity of the methanol extract of C. deodara wood was evaluated via a burn wound model in Wistar rats. The methanol extract of C. deodara was evaluated for the contents of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins. Also, its antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH assay. Then, a topical ointment containing the methanol extract of C. deodara (10%) was used to evaluate the healing effects on a model of second-degree thermal burn in 4 groups of 7 rats within 21 days. In this respect, average wound surface area, wound closure, and various histological features were examined. Our findings revealed that the wounds treated with the methanol extract of C. deodara showed higher wound contraction (33.6, 87.1, and 93.4% on days 7, 14, and 21, respectively) compared with the positive control (27.6, 80.7, and 88.3% on days 7, 14, and 21, respectively) and the negative control (20.1, 77.9, and 80.2% on days 7, 14, and 21, respectively). According to the results from epitheliogenesis score, the number of inflammatory cells, neovascularization, and collagen density, good burn wound healing activity of the methanol extract of C. deodarawas demonstrated. Using the methanol extract of C. deodara in an ointment formulation can be developed to prevent or reduce burn injury progression.

OCT Angiography in Noninfectious Uveitis: A Description of Five Cases and Clinical Applications.

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a noninvasive imaging modality used to analyze the retinochoroidal vasculature and detect vascular flow. The resulting images can be segmented to view each vascular plexus individually. While fluorescein angiography is still the gold standard for the diagnosis of posterior uveitis, it has limitations, and can be replaced by OCTA in some cases. This case series describes five patients with posterior noninfectious uveitis and their description by OCTA. Cases included lupus retinopathy (n = 1) for which OCTA showed ischemic maculopathy as areas of flow deficit at the superficial and deep capillary plexus; choroidal granulomas (n = 1) with a non-detectable flow signal in the choroid; active punctate inner choroiditis and multifocal choroiditis (n = 1) with OCTA that showed active inflammatory chorioretinal lesions as non-detectable flow signals in choriocapillaris and choroid; dense type 2 inflammatory secondary neovascularization (n = 1) associated with active choroiditis; and acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) (n = 1) without flow abnormalities at the superficial and deep retinal plexuses but non-detectable flow at the levels of the choriocapillaris and choroid. Ophthalmologists can use OCTA to identify inflammatory changes in retinal and choroidal vasculature, aiding in the diagnosis, management, and monitoring of posterior uveitis.

Matrix remodeling associated 7 proteins promote cutaneous wound healing through vimentin in coordinating fibroblast functions

Wound healing depends largely on the remodeling of the extracellular matrix around and reorganization of tissue-resident cells. Matrix remodeling associated 7 (MXRA7) is a member of the matrix remodeling-associated gene family and is involved in matrix remodeling-associated processes, such as inflammatory neovascularization, liver injury, and autoimmune skin disease. To investigate whether and how MXRA7 participate in cutaneous wound healing, an ear-punching model was utilized in wild-type (WT) and MXRA7-deficient mice, and the dermal fibroblasts from these mice were further studied in vitro. Results showed that the MXRA7 deficiency impaired the wound healing process in mice. Quantitative PCR indicated that lack of MXRA7 impaired the expression of several extracellular matrix genes (e.g., MMP-2) and inhibited signaling pathways (e.g., STAT3) in healing ear tissues. In in vitro culture system, migration, contraction, or proliferation of fibroblasts was impaired upon MXRA7 deficiency. Pull-down and mass spectrum assay revealed that vimentin was among the proteins that bound MXRA7 proteins in cells, and further investigations indicate MXRA7 was an autocrine factor in fibroblasts that involved vimentin in certain ways, such as JNK and STAT3/STAT5 signaling pathways in our study. In conclusion, MXRA7 proteins promote wound healing through vimentin in coordinating fibroblast functions.

The effect of Dermalix® on colon anastomosis leakage: experimental study.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Dermalix® (Dx) on wound healing and anastomotic leakage in a rat model of end-to-end colon anastomosis. The study was carried out on 40 rats, as divided into three groups, including a negative control group (n=10, laparotomy only) control group (n=15, colon anastomosis), and the experimental group (n=15, colon anastomosis plus Dx applied to anastomo-sis site). The rats were sacrificed on the 3rd post-operative day, and resected colon segments were evaluated for bursting pressure (mmHg) using an infusion pump set-up and for pathological parameters of wound healing including neutrophil infiltration, epithelial regeneration, granulation tissue formation, local inflammatory response, neovascularization, and foreign body reaction. Anastomotic leakage rate was significantly lower (1 rat vs. 6 rats, P=0.040). Moreover, mean bursting pressure was signifi-cantly (2.95 times) higher (mean 121 vs. 41 mmHg, respectively, P<0.05) in the Dx experimental group than in the control group. Dx was considered to significantly accelerate wound healing by increasing neovascularization (P<0.001). Control and experimental groups were similar in terms of other pathological parameters. Based on significantly lower rate of anastomotic leakage and its positive effects especially on the bursting pressure and neovascularization, Dx seems to be considered as a promising technology in preventing anastomotic leakage.

A dual aperture (mesoporous and macroporous) system loaded with cell-free fat extract to optimize bone regeneration microenvironment.

Injured bone regeneration requires a systemically and carefully orchestrated series of events involving inflammation, angiogenesis, and osteogenesis. Thus, we designed a multifunctional cell-supporting and drug-retarding dual-pore system: cell-free fat extract (Ceffe)-mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN)@poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) (Ceffe-MSN@PLGA) to mimic the developmental spatial structure, the microenvironment of bone regeneration and integration during injured bone regeneration. In this system, a macroporous scaffold (pore size 200-250 μm) of PLGA is combined with mesoporous MSN (pore size 2-50 nm), aiming at realizing the slow release of Ceffe. Besides, PLGA and MSN are used to recruit the temporary support of cells that are able to degrade simultaneously with bone regeneration and provide space for bone tissue regeneration. And the Ceffe isolated from fresh human adipose tissue has a therapeutic effect in regulating the important functions of early inflammatory cell transformation, neovascularization and eventual osteogenic differentiation. Our results suggest that the mesoporous and macroporous Ceffe-MSN@PLGA system represents a promising strategy to better fit the regeneration of injured bone tissue.

Research progress of resorption of lumbar disc herniation

To summarize the research progress of resorption of lumbar disc herniation (RLDH). The literature on RLDH at home and abroad in recent years was reviewed to summarize its influencing factors, pathogenesis, imaging findings, and predictive effect, as well as its influence on the treatment selection of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). The main mechanism of RLDH is the combined effect of inflammatory response and neovascularization. Age, smoking, body mass index, and clinical manifestations are the influencing factors. Studies have shown that the annular enhancement around the nucleus pulposus on enhanced MRI images is the characteristic imaging manifestation of RLDH, which is a predictor of whether RLDH occurs. In the treatment of LDH, cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors may have a negative impact on RLDH. The occurrence of RLDH suggests that strict conservative treatment is the first choice for LDH treatment, but surgery is still an important treatment method when the patient's symptoms and imaging symptoms don't significantly improved after conservative treatment.