ABSTRACT
Chronic sciatica is one of the neuropathic pains which assumed to be effective for pregabalin. However, a recent double-blind placebo-controlled trial reported that pregabalin was no more effective than placebo in patients with acute or chronic sciatica. We retrospectively investigated the effect of Kampo medicine including makyoyokukanto extracts combined with powdered cinnamon bark and processed aconite root (makyoyokukanto plus) which were administered to 14 cases with chronic sciatica in the past year. The efficacy of Kampo medicine for lower leg pain relief was assessed using NRS (numerical rating scale). It was effective in 11 of 14 cases (79%, 6 males and 5 females, the mean age : 69), and not effective in 3 of 14 cases (21%, 2 males and 1 female, the mean age : 77). In 7 of 9 cases, who were given pregabalin before prescribing makyoyokukanto plus, makyoyokukanto plus was more effective than pregabalin. Furthermore, we have continued to observe 10 cases for over a year. Two of 10 cases were completely cured even if makyoyokukanto plus was discontinued. In 5 cases we switched from makyoyokukanto plus to yokuininto extracts combined with powdered cinnamon bark and processed aconite root, which was comparable to makyoyokukanto plus in its effect. Makyoyokukanto or yokuininto extracts combined with powdered cinnamon bark and processed aconite root were effective for chronic sciatica.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of low-level neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet [Nd:YAG] laser irradiation on orthodontic tooth movement and histological examination
Methods: Eleven male Wistar rats [aged 10 weeks] were included. To produce experimental tooth movement in rats, 10 g force was applied to maxillary first molars with nickel titanium closed coil springs. Right molars were irradiated with Nd:YAG laser on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21 and 24, while un-irradiated left molars were used as control. Distance between mesial side of second molar and distal side of first molar was measured on uCT image during tooth movement and the rats were sacrificed 4 weeks after the initiation of tooth movement
Results: The amount of tooth movement was significantly greater in the irradiation group [0.20 +/- 0.06] than in the control group [0.14 +/- 0.03] during the first week [P<0.05]. However, no statistically significant difference was found afterwards. There was a tendency of higher tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase [TRAP]-positive nuclei count in the pressure zones of the laser irradiation group, but it was not statistically significant. In immuno-histological examination, expressions of alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand [RANKL] were higher at the pressure site of the laser irradiation group than the control group, whereas there was no difference in osteoprotegerin [OPG] expression
Conclusion: The results suggest that low-level Nd:YAG laser may stimulate osteoclast and osteoblast activation and accelerate bone metabolism during tooth movement