Objective To observe the expressions of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) 1, 3a and 3b in retinoblastoma (RB). Methods Sixty-two RB samples and six normal retinas were studied, including 17 poorly differentiated and 45 well differentiated samples; 16 invasive and 46 non-invasive samples. The expressions of DNMT1, 3a, and 3b, and Ki-67 were detected using immunohistochemical analysis. Brown staining of nuclei was considered to represent the positive stain for DNMT1, 3a and 3b, and ki-67, blue staining as negative. The level of high expression of nuclear staining was, positive cells in DNMT1ge;65%, in DNMT3age;60% and in DNMT3bge;40%. The correlations of DNMT1, 3a and 3b expression in RB samples, and MIB-1 labeling index were analyzed. Results Viewed under the light microscope, negative expressions of DNMT1, 3a and 3b were demonstrated in normal retinas, however, positive expression was observed in RB samples, with 100% in DNMT1, 98% in DNMT3a and 92% in DNMT3b. Comparing well differentiated RB samples with poorly differentiated samples, significant differences were found in high expression of DNMT1 (chi;2=12.57,P＜0.05) and DNMT3a (chi;2=10.54,P＜0.05); also in the positive cells of DNMT1 (U=179,P＜0.05) and DNMT3a (U=198,P＜0.05). No significant difference was found comparing high expression (chi;2=1.5,P＞0.05) and positive cells (U=307,P＞0.05) of DNMT3b. When comparing invasive tumor tissues with non-invasive tumors, significant differences were shown between high expression (chi;2=4.72,P＜0.05) and positive cells comparing DNMT1 (U=236,P＜0.05). No significant difference was shown in high expression (chi;2=3.53,0.84; P＞0.05) in DNMT3a and DNMT3b, or in comparison with positive cells (U=338,257;P＞0.05). The expression of DNMTs was positively correlated with the MIB-1 labeling index in RB tissues (R2=0.554,0.376,0.219;P＜0.05). Conclusion There are high expressions of DNMT1,3a,and 3b in RB.
Objective To summarize the current progress in the genetic modification of vascular prostheses and to look forward to the future of genetic modification in vascular prostheses. Methods PubMed onl ine search with the key words of “vascular prostheses, gene” was undertaken to identify articles about the genetic modification of vascular prostheses. Then these articles were reviewed and summarized. Results To improve long-term patency of vascular prostheses, various genes were transfected into seeded cells. The antithrombosis activity of local vessels increased. Conclusion Progresses in tissue engineering and molecular biology make possible endothel ial ization and genetic modification of vascular prostheses. However, because most relevant researches are still basic experiments, further study is needed before cl inical appl ication.
ObjectiveTo review antibacterial/osteogenesis dual-functional surface modification strategy of titanium-based implants, so as to provide reference for subsequent research. MethodsThe related research literature on antibacterial/osteogenesis dual-functional surface modification strategy of titanium-based implants in recent years was reviewed, and the research progress was summarized based on different kinds of antibacterial substances and osteogenic active substances. ResultsAt present, the antibacterial/osteogenesis dual-functional surface modification strategy of titanium-based implants includes: ① Combined coating strategy of antibiotics and osteogenic active substances. It is characterized in that antibiotics can be directly released around titanium-based implants, which can improve the bioavailability of drugs and reduce systemic toxicity. ② Combined coating strategy of antimicrobial peptides and osteogenic active substances. The antibacterial peptides have a wide antibacterial spectrum, and bacteria are not easy to produce drug resistance to them. ③ Combined coating strategy of inorganic antibacterial agent and osteogenic active substances. Metal ions or metal nanoparticles antibacterial agents have broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and various antibacterial mechanisms, but their high-dose application usually has cytotoxicity, so they are often combined with substances that osteogenic activity to reduce or eliminate cytotoxicity. In addition, inorganic coatings such as silicon nitride, calcium silicate, and graphene also have good antibacterial and osteogenic properties. ④ Combined coating strategy of metal organic frameworks/osteogenic active substances. The high specific surface area and porosity of metal organic frameworks can effectively package and transport antibacterial substances and bioactive molecules. ⑤ Combined coating strategy of organic substances/osteogenic active substancecs. Quaternary ammonium compounds, polyethylene glycol, N-haloamine, and other organic compounds have good antibacterial properties, and are often combined with hydroxyapatite and other substances that osteogenic activity. ConclusionThe factors that affect the antibacterial and osteogenesis properties of titanium-based implants mainly include the structure and types of antibacterial substances, the structure and types of osteogenesis substances, and the coating process. At present, there is a lack of clinical verification of various strategies for antibacterial/osteogenesis dual-functional surface modification of titanium-based implants. The optimal combination, ratio, dose-effect mechanism, and corresponding coating preparation process of antibacterial substances and bone-active substances are needed to be constantly studied and improved.
The presence of thrombus on the surface of blood-contacting biomaterials in clinical practice can significantly impact both the longevity of the biomaterials and the overall survival prognosis of patients. The administration of anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications may heighten the risk of systemic bleeding. Developing biomaterials with anti-thrombogenetic properties and enabling localized anti-thrombosis may offer a solution to these challenges. The development strategies for anti-thrombogenetic biomaterials can be categorized into three main approaches based on the mechanisms of thrombus formation on biomaterial surfaces: altering physical and chemical properties, designing coatings containing or releasing active substances, and promoting endothelialization. However, due to the intricate and interconnected nature of these mechanisms, biomaterials constructed using a single approach may not effectively prevent thrombus formation. The collaborative intervention of various mechanisms can facilitate the development of biomaterials with enhanced blood compatibility.
Objective To review the relationship between histone modifications and gastrointestinal cancer. Methods Literatures on histone modifications and the relationship between histone modifications and gastrointestinal cancer were collected and reviewed. Results Histone modifications played an important role in the establishment of gene silencing during tumorgenesis. DNA methylation and histone modifications might interact with each other and form a complex network to establish and maintain gene silencing. Restoring gene function silenced by epigenetic changes in cancer had the potential of ‘normalizing’ cancer cells, which was named epigenetic therapy. Epigenetic therapy was very promising in prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer, but many unsolved issues remain which need to be addressed in future studies. Conclusion Histone modifications are associated with the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal cancer. Restoring gene function silenced by epigenetic changes may have a great role in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer.
Retinoblastoma (RB) is a common intraocular tumor in children, often leading to blindness or disability, and its pathogenesis involves genetic and epigenetic regulation. Epigenetics regulates gene expression through mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modification without altering the DNA sequence, and the imbalance of its homeostasis is considered a crucial factor in the development and progression of RB. Therapeutic strategies targeting these abnormal modifications offer new potential treatment avenues for RB. Although current research has highlighted the importance of epigenetics in RB, the specific mechanisms of action, the relationship with genetic bases, and the development of targeted drugs remain largely unknown. Therefore, further in-depth research into the epigenetic mechanisms of RB is of great significance for elucidating its carcinogenic mechanisms, identifying effective therapeutic targets, and developing new drugs.
In recent years, 3D-printed porous titanium scaffold has become a focus of research in bone defect repair due to their controllable pore structure and good biocompatibility. Its main strategies include pore design to optimize mechanics and bone ingrowth, surface functionalization modification to enhance osseointegration and anti-infection ability, and loading of bioactive molecules to achieve temporal release and promote vascular osteogenic coupling. Individualized precise reconstruction is gradually being carried out in clinical applications, but long-term safety, manufacturing accuracy, and cost-effectiveness remain challenges. This article reviews the research progress of 3D-printed porous titanium scaffold in bone defect repair, summarizes their application advantages and limitations, and looks forward to directions such as intelligent coatings, immune regulation, and artificial intelligence, in order to provide a reference for their clinical translation.
Objective To review the research progress of promoting the bone formation at early stage by components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Methods Recent literature concerning the influence of these components on new bone formation and bone/implant contact was extensively reviewed and summarized. Results Coating of titanium or hydroxyapatite implants with organic components of the ECM (such as collagen type I, chondroitin sulfate, and Arg-Gly-Asp peptide) offers great potential to improve new bone formation and enhance bone/implant contact, which in turn will shorten recovery time and improve implant stability. Conclusion The increasing knowledge about the role of the ECM for recruitment, proliferation, differentiation of cells, and regeneration of tissue will eventually deal to the creating of an artificial ECM on the implant that could allow a defined adjustment of the required properties to support the healing process.
Objective To investigate the memory amelioration of the Alzheimer disease (AD)model rat after being transplanted the single neural stem cells(NSC) and NSC modified with human brain-derived neurotrophic factor（hBDNF） gene. Methods Forty SD rats were divided evenly into 4 groups randomly. The AD model rats were made by cutting unilaterallythe fibria fornix of male rats. Ten to twelve days after surgery, the genetically modified and unmodified NSC were implanted into the lateral cerebral ventricle of group Ⅲ and group Ⅳ respectively. Two weeks after transplantation, theamelioration of memory impairment of the rats was detected by Morris water maze. Results The average escaping latency of the group Ⅲ and group Ⅳ (41.84±21.76 s,25.23±17.06 s respectively) was shorter than that of the group Ⅱ(70.91±23.67 s) (Plt;0.01). The percentage of swimming distance inthe platform quadrant in group Ⅲ (36.9%) and in group Ⅳ(42.0%) was higherthan that in the group Ⅱ(26.0%) (Plt;0.01). More marginal and random strategies were used in group Ⅱ.The percentage of swimming distance in the platform quadrant in group Ⅳ was also greater than that in group Ⅲ(Plt;0.05). There were no significant differences in the average escaping latency, the percentage of swimming distance in the platform quadrant and the probe strategy between group Ⅳ and group Ⅰ(Pgt;0.05).More lineal and oriented strategies were used in group Ⅳ. Conclusion The behavioral amelioration of AD model rat was obtained by transplanting single NSC and hBDNF-gene-modified NSC. The effect of the NSC group modified with hBDNF gene is better than that of the groupⅢ.
Objective To review the basical research progress of porous tantalum in bone tissue engineering. Methods The related basical research in fabrication, cytobiology, and surface modification of porous tantalum was reviewed and analyzed. Results The outstanding physiochemical properties of porous tantalum granted its excellent performance in biocompatibility and osteointegration, as well as promoting cartilage and tendon tissue restoration. However, the clinical utilization of porous tantalum is somehow greatly limited by the complex and rigid commercial fabrication methods and extraordinary high cost. Along with the publication of novel fabrication and surface modification technology, the application of porous tantalum will be more extensive, the promotion in bone tissue regeneration will be more prominent. Conclusion Porous tantalum has advantage in bone defect restoration, and significant breakthrough technology is needed in fabrication methods and surface modification.