Combined effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 and low level laser irradiation on bisphosphonate-treated osteoblasts

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the synergic effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on bisphosphonate-treated osteoblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human fetal osteoblast cells (hFOB 1.19) were cultured with 100 µM alendronate. Low-level Ga-Al-As laser alone or with 100 ng/mL rhBMP-2 was then applied. Cell viability was measured with MTT assay. The expression levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were analyzed for osteoblastic activity inducing osteoclastic activity. Collagen type and transforming growth factor beta-1 were also evaluated for bone matrix formation. RESULTS: The results showed that rhBMP-2 and LLLT had a synergic effect on alendronate-treated osteoblasts for enhancing osteoblastic activity and bone matrix formation. Between rhBMP-2 and LLLT, rhBMP-2 exhibited a greater effect, but did not show a significant difference. CONCLUSION: rhBMP-2 and LLLT have synergic effects on bisphosphonate-treated osteoblasts through enhancement of osteoblastic activity and bone formation activity.

Effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone formation around titanium implant in osteoporosis-induced rats

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of calcium and vitamin D to the titanium implant osseointegration in the osteoporosis-induced animal model. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirty-two rats, 10 weeks of age, were divided into two groups: experimental group was ingested additional calcium and vitamin D, and a control group was not. Titanium screw implant(diameter, 2.0 mm; length, 3.5 mm; pitch-height 0.4 mm) were placed into tibia of 32 rats, 16 in the control group and 16 in the experimental group. The rats were sacrificed at 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after implantation for histopathologic examination, histomorphometric analysis and immunohistochemistry with fibronectin and collagen type I antibody. RESULT: In histopathological findings, newly formed bone was seen at 2 weeks and became lamellar bone at 4 weeks, and mature trabecullar bone was seen at 8 weeks in experimental group. In control group, thickness of regenerated bone increased till 4 weeks gradually and trabecullar bone was seen at 8 weeks. In histomorphometric analysis, marrow bone density increased significantly in experimental group compared to control group. Fibronectin immunoreactivity was strong at 2 weeks in experimental group and reduced after 4 weeks gradually. But it was maintained continuously from 2 to 8 weeks in control group. Collagen type I immunoreactivity was very strong from 2 to 4 week in experimental group. And the amount of Collagen type I expression was more abundant in experimental group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that calcium and vitamin D supplementation promote bone healing around titanium implants in osteoporosis induced animals.

Recurrent Streptococcus Pneumoniae Meningoencephalitis in a Patient With a Transethmoidal eningoencephalocele

We report a case of recurrent Streptococcus Pneumoniae meningoencephalitis with a transethmoidal meningoencephalocele (TEME) but without cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. A 35-year-old man was admitted with S. pneumoniae meningitis. He had suffered from four episodes of recurrent pneumococcal meningitis during the previous 4 years. A computed tomography scan of the paranasal sinus showed the TEME protruding through a bony defect of the right frontal base. However, the patient did not have symptoms that could be attributable to CSF leakage, and radioisotope cisternography did not identify a leak. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed cortical lesions overlying the TEME, and electroencephalography revealed epileptiform discharges in frontal regions. Appropriate antibiotics therapy without steroids was given to improve his condition. The presented case suggests that even in the absence of clinically demonstrable CSF leakage, an occult skullbase defect and its associated meningoencephalocele should be considered in patients with recurrent bacterial meningitis.

Ergotism With Ischemia In All Four Extremities: A Case Report

Here we describe a case of ergotism that presented with ischemia in all four extremities. A 48-year-old man was admitted for pain and weakness in both upper extremities. He had a long history of migraine and had taken 3 mg of ergotamine daily for more than 21 years. Angiography demonstrated vasospasm involving all four extremities, which resolved partially following intra-arterial prostaglandin infusion. Intravenous nitroprusside was administered, and the patient stopped smoking and stopped taking ergotamine in an attempt to counteract the vasospasm. Follow-up computed tomography angiogram revealed that both brachial arteries had normalized. Thus, in this case of ergotism, severe vasospasm in all of the extremities was resolved with appropriate management.

A Case of Tardive Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm is a focal dystonia that consists of repetitive involuntary spasmodic contractions of the orbicularis oculi muscle. A 27-year-old man was admitted with ptosis and involuntary blinking in both eyes. He was diagnosed as having schizophrenia when he was 15 years old and medicated with chlorpromazine for 12 years. After excluding all the possible etiopathological causes of the blepharospam, the offending drug was discontinued and changed to an atypical antipsychotic, clozapine. Clozapine was increased up to 75 mg in the 7th day of admission, and the symptoms were slowly ameliorated.

The Study Of Bone Mineral Density In The Mandible Of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

DM is a systemic disease with many complications. One of them, diabetic osteopenia is important sequelae and many authors reported reduced bone mass in diabetic rats. However, in mandible, study has been rare because of its anatomical limits. So the objective of this study was to investigate bony change in mandible of diabetic rats. Thirty-two adult rats were used in this study. Half of them were male and female respectively. In sixteen rats, streptozotocin was injected intraperitoneally to induce DM and the serum glucose concentration was checked to ensure the induction of DM prior to the time of sacrifice. At 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16weeks, control group and diabetic group rats were sacrificed respectively. And then bone mineral density of mandibles and femurs of the rats was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry(DEXA). In addition serum osteocalcin and urine deoxypyridinoline were measured as markers of bone formation and resoption respectively. Mandibular and femoral bone density in streptozotocin induced rats was decreased with significance statistically after 4 weeks from injection. In mandible, comparing with femur, bone density was moderately decreased. The alveolar bone in mandible was more decreased bone density than the whole body in the mandible From these results, bone mineral density decreased in uncontrolled diabetic group with time, and especially alveolar bone was more destructive in the mandible. So authors think that consideration of reduced bone mineral density is necessary in dental procedure.

Leiomyosarcoma of the Penis / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Leiomyosarcoma of the penis is a rare malignant tumor that arises from smooth muscle elements within the structure of the penis with less than 30 reported cases in the literatures. We report a case of leiomyosarcoma of penis with a review of the literatures.