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Objective:To observe any effect of ultrashortwave (USW) therapy on inflammatory cytokines and the MAPK pathway of rats with a spinal cord injury.Methods:Seventy-nine Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group ( n=35), an intervention group ( n=35) and a sham group ( n=9). Allen′s method was used to establish a contusion model of SCI in the rats of the control and intervention groups, while the sham group′s spinal tissues were exposed but not stricken. Beginning twenty-four hours after SCI modeling, the intervention group was given 7min of USW therapy daily, five days a week till the day of sacrifice for sampling the target area of spinal cord for tests. Then, motion function was evaluated using Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) scoring. One, three and seven days after the SCI modeling, immunofluorescence and western blotting were employed to observe any changes in inflammatory factors and the MAPK pathway in the lesioned area. Results:Fourteen days after the modeling the average BBB score of the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group′s average. Moreover, 7 days after the modeling the average content of the domains containing protein 3 (NLRP3), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-6 receptor and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the target area of the spinal cord of sham group showed significantly lower levels than in the other 2 groups. And the levels in the intervention group were significantly lower than in the control group. Seven days after the modeling the number of cells positive for zinc finger protein 36 (TTP) in the lesioned area of the intervention group was significantly greater than among the control group. At the same time the levels of MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2), phosphorylated-mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated version (p-MK2) and TTP in the control and intervention groups were significantly higher than in the sham group. And there were significant differences between the intervention group and control group in the levels of MK2, p-MK2 and TTP.Conclusion:Ultrashortwave therapy can inhibit inflammation by regulating the MAPK inflammatory pathway, promoting the recovery of motion functions, at least in rats.
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Objective To observe the effect of ultrashortwave irradiation on the adhesion,proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) in rats.Methods The rMSCs were put under ultrashortwave radiation for 15 minutes every day.Early cell adhesion was detected after 1 day of the treatment.The cell morphology was observed under an inverted fluorescence microscope on the 3rd day,the cell proliferation was measured on the 1st,3rd and 7th day,while the expression of the osteogenic gene osteopontin was detected on the 8th day.Results Early cell adhesion increased 80％ (a significant increase) and more pseudo-feet with a larger range of spread were observed.After 7 days of irradiation the proliferation and the expression of osteogenic gene osteopontin had both increased significantly.Conclusion Ultrashortwave irradiation can affect the early adhesion and morphology of rMSCs and promote their proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.
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Objective To observe the effect of low doses of ultrashortwave therapy (USW) on sciatic nerve injury and to deduce its possible mechanism.Methods Fifty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a USW group,a control group and a normal group with 18 rats in each.Each group was then sub-divided into 1 week,2 week and 3 week subgroups with 6 rats in each.A model of peripheral nerve injury was established by forceps clipping of the sciatic nerve in the USW and control groups.The USW group was then treated with USW exposure.Rats from the appropriate subgroups were sacrificed after 1,2 and 3 weeks of treatment.Sciatic nerve samples were stained using hematoxylin-eosin and toluidin blue.Expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was detected by immunohistochemical methods.Results Degeneration of axons was observed in both the therapy and control groups after 1 week,and regeneration at the end of the 2nd and 3rd weeks.The number of axons with myelin sheaths was significantly higher in the therapy group than in the control group at the end of the 2nd and 3rd weeks.The expression of bFGF was significantly higher in the USW group compared with the control group at all observation time points.Conclusion USW can obviously accelerate the regeneration of the sciatic nerve,probably through increased expression of bFGF.
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Objective To research the effect mechanism of ultrashortwave in the correlation of ultrashortwave and the tail replantation, provide the experiment basis of clinical practice of prevention and cure for the vascular crisis after micromodule anastomosis. Methods Eighty Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats of clean grade were 3-month-old,female,and were divided into four groups:control group (group 0),model group (group 1 ),contrast group (group 2),ultrashortwave (USW) group (group 3).The preparation of tail replantation model was cut off soft tissue except for caudal veins on both sides of the tail. The coccyx was not broken away from tail.At last,the audal artery under abdominal main centre ditch was anastomosed.In experiment process, the USW group was divided into high dosage group (group 3A) and low dosage group (group 3B). The caudal arterys were ligated and not anastomosed in the group 0. Caudal arterys in other groups were anastomosed.Rats in the group 0 and group 1 received no treatment,normal management after the operation. Rats in the group 2 were given abdominal cavity injection of papaverin liquid immediately,then once a day to 5 days after the tail replantation.Rats in the group 3 were immediately given USW therapy of twenty minutes on the anastomosis section,and then once a day for 5 days after the tail replantation.The USW dosage of group 3A was 3th grade and 50mA. The USW dosage of group 3B was 2th grade and 28mA.The survival rate of the rat tails was observed after the tail replantation for 10 day.Before being grouped,it was measured that the tail skin temperature diference between near and far side of anastomosis section.After the tail relpantation, the temperature diference was inspected daily for 10 postoperative days hence. Before rats were grouped and the eighth hour after the tail replantation, rats were collected blood plasma specimens and measured contents of nitric oxide with destination colorimetric mathods of nitric oxide.Results Carrying out comparison of survival rate of every group,the output weve:between tail cutting off group (group 0,0) and tail replantation group (group 1,2,3,43.94％) to compare P ＞ 0.05; between each group of the tail replantation groups (1,2,3A,3B group) to compare P＞ 0.05,group 3B ＜ 2 ＜ 1 ＜ 3A; between group 3B and group 1 to compare P ＞ 0.05; between group 2 and group 1 to compare P ＞ 0.05. Each group were compared with the change daily between postoperative and preceding operative the skin temperature diference,single-factor analysis of variance (One-Way ANOVA) analysis:Postoperative 1 day,group 3A ＜ 1,P ＜ 0.05.Postoperative 6 day:3A ＜ 3B ＜ 1 ＜ 2,P ＞ 0.05.Postoperative 7 day:group 3B ＜ 1 ＜ 3A ＜ 2,P ＜ 0.05.Each group were compared with the change of the content of nitric oxide between postoperative 8 hour and preceding operative,with rank-sum test:group 3B ＞ 3A ＞ 2 ＞ 1 ＞ 0,H =33.760,P ＜ 0.05,shows statistically significant.Conclusions USW therapy,especially USW low-dose therapy,can reduce vascular crisis and improve the survival rate of replanted rat tails,after the postoperative 1,6,7 days,reduce skin temperature,improve blood supply,improve nitric oxide at postoperative eighth hour,prevent vascular crisis.Rat tail replantation model in this experiment is feasible.
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Objective To investigate the effects of ultrashortwave (USW) diathermy and electrical stimulation (ES) used in combination with nerve growth factor (NGF) in the treatment of experimental sciatic nerve injury.Methods Sixty adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a model group, an NGF group,a physiotherapy group and a combined treatment group. A model of sciatic nerve injury was established in the latter four groups. Beginning on the 2nd day after the operation, no treatment was given in the model group, NGF was injected in the NGF group, diathermy and ES were administrated to rats in the physiotherapy group, and the combined treatment group was treated with USW diathermy, EW and NGF. Function, electrophysiology and morphology were evaluated at the 2nd, 7th, 14th and 30th days after the operation Results The average sciatic nerve function index (SFI), nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and nerve regeneration in the NGF, physiotherapy and combined treatment groups were significantly better than in the model group, with those in the combined treatment group improved to the greatest extent. At the 30th day there was no significant difference between the combined treatment group and the normal control group in terms of SFI, NCV, axon regeneration or myelin sheath thickness. The number of myelinated nerve fibers and the average axon diameter in the combined treatment group and normal control group were significantly higher than those in the model, NGF or physiotherapy group. Conclusions With NGF injection, additional application of USW diathermy and ES may significantly enhance the regeneration of the sciatic nerve and aid functional recovery after injury.
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Objective To study the effects of uhrashortwave and low frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in fracture healing. Methods Fifty-six New Zeal-and rabbits with artificial fractures were randomly divided into 4 groups:a control group,an ultrashortwave group,a low frequency pulsed electromagnetic field group and an ultrashortwave combined with low frequency pulsed electro-magnetic field group(combined group),with 14 in each group.Radiographic evaluation of callus formation and frac-ture healing,pathohistological examination and detection of VEGF expression through immunohistochemical staining were performed at the 1 st,2nd,4th and 6th week after the operation. Results Radiographic examination showed that there was significantly greater callus formation in the combined group than in the other groups throughout the healing process. Pathohistological examination also revealed significantly more cartilage islets and callus formation in the combined group.At the 1 st,2nd and 4th week after the operation,VEGF positive indexes in the combined group were significantly higher than in the other groups. Conclusion Uhrashortwave combined with low frequency pulsed electromagnetic field exposure can up-regulate the expression of VEGF and thus can accelerate fracture healing.
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Objective To observe the effect of ultrashortwave therapy on the expression of BMP-2 in steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head(SANFH). Methods Thirty New-Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups:a normal group(4 rabbits)and an intervention group(26 rabbits).An animal model of steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head was induced through the intravenous injection of horse blood serum and the intraperitoneal injection of methylprednisolone in the intervention group.X-ray examination confirmed the successful induction of SANFH in 20 of the rabbits,who were then subdivided at random into an uhrashortwave therapy group(1 0 rabbits)and a model group(1 0 rabbits).The rabbits in the ultrashortwave group were treated with ultrashortwave therapy in two 1 5-day courses,with a 5-day interval between them. Non-thermal ultrashortwave therapy was given in the first course,then mild thermal uhrashortwave therapy was given in the second.Those in the model group were reared without ultrashortwave therapy.All the animals were sacrificed immediately after the end of the last treatment,and their femoral heads were sampled to observe the expression of BMP-2 using real time fluorescent quantitative PCR. Results The expression of BMP-2 mRNA in the intervention group was only one fifth of that observed in the normal group.It was 2.7 to 10 times that observed in the model group.Both differences were significant at the 1% confidence level. Conclusion Ultrashortwave therapy can promote the expression of BMP-2 and improve reactivation in avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
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Objective To investigate the effects of uhrashortwave therapy and passive motion on experimen-tal osteoarthritis caused by immobilization of the joint. Methods Twenty healthy male rabbits had their left knee joints fixed in extension for 4 weeks. They were randomly divided into 4 groups : a control group which did not receive any treatment, an uhrashortwave therapy group, a passive motion group, and an ultrashortwave therapy plus passive motion group, and treated accordingly for 4 weeks. The range of motion of the joint before and after treatment was compared in every group. At the end of the 4th week, all the rabbits were sacrificed, and the cartilage at the condylus medialis femoris was sampled and observed with toluidine blue staining, haematoxylin-eosin staining. Its gross appearance was noted and it was also analyzed using immunohistochemical techniques. Results ①Passive range of motion (PROM): there were no significant differences among the 4 groups before the treatment. Uhrashortwave therapy per se did not yield significant therapeutic effects in terms of PROM as compared to the controls, However, passive motion alone and in conjunction with ultrashortwave therapy brought about significant improvement of PROM when compared against the control group. The most significant change was seen in the integrated group, followed by the passive motion group. ②The histological scoring system : Mankin's scoring system showed significant differences a-mong all 4 groups. The highest value was the control group, which was followed by the ultrashortwave therapy group, the passive motion group and the integrated group. ③The positive expression rate of inducible nitric oxide synthase: there were significant differences among all 4 groups. The control group had the highest values, followed by the ultra-shortwave treated group, the passive motion treated group and the integrated group. Conclusions Ultrashortwave therapy, passive motion therapy and integrated therapy combining ultrashortwave therapy with passive motion can all can reduce and prevent the cataplasia of articular cartilage. Integrated therapy is the best treatment method, followed by passive motion therapy, and then uhrashortwave therapy.
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Objective To observe the effect of low dosage of uhrashortwave(USW) on infarction volume, B cell lymphocytoma-xl (Bcl-xl) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-?) after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats and discuss its acting mechanisms. Methods Focal ischemia-reperfusion model was established in 25 rats by re- versible right middle cerebral artery occlusion with filament. The right side cerebral ischemia was lasted for 2 hours and then followed with 24 hours of reperfusion. The content of neurological deficits were evaluated by the Zea-Longa 5-degree scoring system to select rats. After surgery, the rats were divided into 3 groups: blank control group, control group and USW treatment group. The brain of all rats was taken at 24 hours after reperfusion. The cerebral infarction volume, the expression of Bcl-xl and TNF-?were measured and analyzed. Results Twenty-five rats were used in the analysis of results. When compared with the control group, the infarction volume and rate in total cerebral volume of USW group significantly decreased (t = 2.54, 2.33, P
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Objective To investigate the pathogenesis of avascular necrosis of the femoral head(ANFH) and to observe the effects of uhrashortwave diathermy treatment of ANFH through animal experiments.Methods A total of 30 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups:a control group,a model group,and a diathermy group.All the groups were injected with horse serum and methylprednisolone to induce ANFH.The path- ological effects were observed.Results The amount of osteoblast in the model group was significantly less than in the control group,while in the diathermy group it was significantly increased compared with the control group.The a- mount of osteoclast in the model and diathermy groups was significantly higher than in the control group,and in the diathermy group it was significantly more than in the model group.The thickness of femoral head cartilage in the mo- del and diathermy groups was reduced compared with the control group,while it was thicker in the model group than in the diathermy group.The empty cartilage cell lacunae ratios of the model and diathermy groups were significantly higher than for the control group,and the diathermy group showed significant degradation compared to the model group.The density of blood vessels under the cartilage in the model group was significantly less compared with the control group,while in the diathermy group it was significantly increased compared with the control group.The width of bone trabeculae in the model and diathermy groups was significantly less compared with the control group,while they were significantly wider in the diathermy group compared with the model group.The diameters of fat cells in the model and diathermy groups were increased compared with the control group,while they were significantly smaller in the dia- thermy group compared with the model group.The adipocyte area rates in the model and diathermy groups were signifi- cantly elevated compared with the control group,and rates in the model group were significantly elevated compared with the diathermy group.Conclusion Ultrashortwave diathermy is an effective treatment for early stage ANFH.
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Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of ultrashortwave(USW)diathermy and rotating magnetic(RM)field therapy on the brain following transient focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in rats. Methods Fifty-two Wistar rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, an ischemia and a reperfusion control group, a USW treatment group and a RM treatment group. Focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion were induced by intraluminal filament occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Each brain was removed at 24 h after the reperfusion and water content, cerebral infarct volume and histological expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins were observed. Results When USW treatment was started at 18 h after reperfusion, decreased infarct volume and water content were observed, but RM treatment did not show this relationship. Both USW and RM were associated with increased expression of Bcl-2 protein and decreased the expression of Bax protein. Conclusions USW treatment is beneficial in focal cerebral ischemia. RM′s effect is uncertain. Any effect is through reducing apoptosis.
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Objective To investigate the effect of ultrashortwave diathermy on pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic cor pulmonale(CCP), and its mechanism. Methods Eighty-seven cases of acute phase CCP were divided into 2 groups: an ultrashortwave treatment group, in which 45 patients were treated with both ultrashortwave diathermy and conventional treatment; and a control group, in which 42 patients received regular treatment. The plasma levels of VEGF, ET-1 and the PaO_2, mPAP and FEV1.0 in the two groups were measured before and after treatment. Results In contrast to the control group, the FEV1.0 and PaO_2 of the experimental group were remar-kably increased, while their VEGF, ET-1 and mPAP were significantly decreased after treatment. VEGF and ET-1 were negatively related to PaO_2, and positively related to mPAP. Conclusions Ultrashortwave therapy is effective in treating pulmonary hypertension in patients with CCP. The mechanism for this may involve the synthesis and release of VEGF and ET-1.
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Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of ultrashort-wave therapy combined with electroacupuncture on the experimental rabbits with knee osteoarthritis.Methods Ten of fifty-five experimental Japanese big-ear rabbits were randomized into the blank control group, and the other 45 were made knee osteoarthritis models by prolonged fixation of the right posterior knee joint in extension for 6 weeks. The 40 successfully made models were randomized into model control group, electroacupuncture group, ultrashort-wave group, and combined electroacupuncture and ultrashort-wave group, 10 in each. The electroacupuncture group was treated with electroacupuncture at Xuehai (SP 10), Liangqiu (ST 34), Yanglingquan (GB 34), and Zusanli (ST 36) of the right posterior leg, the ultrashort-wave group was treated with ultrashort-wave therapy, and the combined electroacupuncture and ultrashort-wave group was treated with electroacupuncture and ultrashort-wave therapy, each time 25min, once a day. After treatment for 30 days, the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) in serum and the movement of affected knee joint were measured respectively in each group. Results Compared with the model control group, there was a significant increase of SOD, decrease of NO and MDA and knee movement improvement in the electroacupuncture, ultrashort-wave, and combined groups (P