Value of monitoring serum t-PINP/β-CTX ratio and 25 (OH) D levels in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis after surgery for differentiated thyroid cancer in elderly women / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the level change of serum total n-terminal propeptide of type Ⅰ precollagen (t-PINP) /type Ⅰ collagen carboxy-terminal peptide (beta-CTX) ratio, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25 (OH) ) ratio, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D in elderly women with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) after surgery and its value in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis (OP) .Methods:From Jan. 2020 to May. 2021, 112 elderly female postoperative DTC patients treated with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression in Department of Endocrinology of Wenzhou Hospital of Integrative Medicine were collected for a prospective study, and the incidence of OP after 1 year of treatment was counted, and according to the incidence of OP, they were divided into incidence group ( n=78) and non-incidence group ( n=34). The general information, thyroid parameters [TSH, free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) ], bone mineral density (BMD), and serum t-titrosine (BMD) were compared between the two groups. SPSS22.0 software was used, and the counting data was described by examples χ2 test. Grade data was expressed in u, Ridit test was used, measurement data was described in mean±standard deviation ( ±s), t test was used, Pearson correlation coefficient model was used to analyze postoperative thyroid index and serum t-PINP/β- Correlation between CTX ratio and 25 (OH) D level, and serum t-PINP after 1 year of treatment was analyzed through interaction/β- The role of CTX ratio and 25 (OH) D level in OP occurrence. Results:The incidence of OP after 1 year of TSH suppression treatment in 112 elderly female post-DTC patients in this study was 69.64% (78/112) ; serum TSH levels (0.63±0.19) mIU/ml after 1 year of treatment in patients who developed OP were lower than those in patients who did not develop OP (0.81±0.22) mIU/ml, and serum FT3 (6.15±1.71) pmol/ml and FT4 levels (24.63±4.28) pmol/ml were higher than those of patients without OP (4.32±1.29) pmol/ml and (20.36±3.70) pmol/ml ( t1=4.391, t2=5.581, t3=5.050,all P<0.05) .Serum t-PINP/β-CTX ratio (130.27±18.09) and 25 (OH) D level (20.18±4.15) ng/ml after 1 year of treatment in patients with OP were lower than those in patients without OP (148.56±20.37) and (23.36±4.36) ng/ml ( t1=4.733, t2=3.672, both P<0.05) ; serum TSH levels were positively correlated with serum t-PINP/β-CTX ratio and 25 (OH) D levels, and serum FT3 and FT4 levels were negatively correlated with serum t-PINP/β-CTX ratio and 25 (OH) D levels after 1 year of treatment in patients with OP ( P<0.05) ; low serum t-PINP/β-CTX ratio after 1 year of treatment expression, and low 25 (OH) D levels showed a positive interaction in OP occurrence in a superphase multiplicative model ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Serum t-PINP/β-CTX ratio and 25 (OH) D level are closely associated with the occurrence of OP after DTC in elderly women, and postoperative monitoring can help prevent and treat OP.

Analysis on the risk of refracture after osteoporotic vertebral fracture with changes in blood calcium and bone metabolism / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To study the risk of refracture after osteoporotic vertebral fracture with changes in blood calcium and bone metabolism.Methods:260 patients with osteoporotic vertebral fracture treated in our hospital from Feb. 2018 to Feb. 2020 were selected for study. All patients were treated with kyphoplasty. The clinical curative effect, blood calcium, PINP, and β-CTX level changes were observed, postoperative recurrence was followed up. Clinical data of fracture patients were collected, risk factors of osteoporotic vertebral fractures in patients with postoperative recurrence of fracture were analyzed, receiver-operating characteristic curve was drawn to analyze the predictive value of blood calcium, PINP, andβ-CTX in postoperative recurrence of osteoporotic vertebral fracture.Results:The total clinical response rate was 95.77% (249/260) after treatment. After treatment, serum calcium, PINP, and β-CTX decreased with time, and the difference was significant ( P<0.05) . All patients were followed up for 6 months. There were 81 cases (31.15%) suffering postoperative fracture and 179 cases (68.85%) without fracture. According to univariate analysis, there were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, BMI, history of trauma, underlying disease, site of surgical vertebral body, segment of surgical vertebral body, correction angle of sagittal kyphosis, or amount of bone cement injection between the two groups ( P>0.05) . Long-term history of glucocorticoid use, preoperative fractured vertebra number, surgical vertebra number, blood calcium, PINP, β-CTX, fracture compression rate, vertebra height recovery rate, reinforced vertebra number, and bone cement leakage were correlated with postoperative recurrence of fracture in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fracture ( P<0.05) . Multivariate Logistic analysis showed that long-term history of glucocorticoid use, preoperative number of fractured vertebrae, surgical vertebra number, fracture compression rate, vertebral height recovery rate, enhanced vertebral body number, bone cement leakage, blood calcium, PINP, and β-CTX were all independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence of osteoporotic vertebral fracture ( P<0.05) . ROC curve results showed that AUC, 95%CI and truncation value were 0.820, 0.770-0.871 and 2.12mmol/L vs 0.915, 0.873-0.957 and 45.51 ng/mL vs 0.973, 0.957-0.988, and 463.29 for serum calcium, PINP, and β-CTX respectively in predicting the recurrence of osteoporotic vertebral fracture. Conclusion:Kyphoplasty has a significant effect on osteoporotic vertebral fracture, and it can effectively improve the serum calcium, PINP, and β-CTX, which have a certain monitoring value for postoperative recurrence of fracture.

Increased Expression of Type-I Collagen in Malignant Colorectal Lesion and Positive Correlations with Clinical Factors / Expressão aumentada do colágeno tipo I na lesão colorretal maligna e correlações positivas com fatores clínicos

Abstract Objective Type-I collagen (Col-I) is one of the main macromolecules of the extracellular matrix, and it is involved in the desmoplastic stromal reaction, an indicator of worse prognosis in cases of colorectal cancer (CRC). The purpose of the present study was to investigate Col-I expression in cases of CRC and adenoma and to correlate with the clinical data and the data regarding the lifestyle of the patients. Methods A retrospective study including 22 patients with adenoma and 15 with CRC treated at a coloproctology service. The clinical and lifestyle data were obtained through medical records, and Col-I expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Results Women represented most cases of adenoma (63.64%), whereas CRC was found mainly in men (73.33%) (p=0.0448). Immunoexpression of Col-I showed a basement membrane thickening in areas of lining of epithelium and around the glands in both lesions. The cases of CRC had a quite evident fibrosis process in the stroma. The quantitative analysis demonstrated a higher protein expression in CRCs compared to adenomas (p=0.0109), as well as in female patients (p=0.0214), patients aged ≥ 50 years (p=0.0400), and in those with a positive family history of colorectal disease (p=0.0292). These results suggested a remodeling of the microenvironment of the Worked developed at the Department of Morphology, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, ES, Brazil. Conclusion The immunohistochemical analysis encourages the performance of more comprehensive studies to ascertain if our results could be a tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of the patients.

Resumo Objetivo O colágeno tipo I (Col-I) é uma das principais macromoléculas da matriz extracelular, e está envolvido na reação desmoplástica estromal, um indicador de pior prognóstico em casos de câncer colorretal (CCR). O objetivo foi investigar a expressão do Col-I emcasos de CCR e adenoma, e correlacioná-la comdados clínicos e de estilo de vida dos pacientes. Metodologia Foi realizado umestudoretrospectivo com22pacientes comadenoma e 15 comCCR tratadosemumserviço de coloproctologia.Os dados dos pacientes foramobtidos dos prontuários médicos, e a expressão do Col-I foi investigada por imunohistoquímica. Resultados As mulheres representaram a maioria dos casos de adenomas (63,64%), enquanto o CCR (73,33%) (p=0,0448) foi mais comum entre os homens. A imunoexpressão de Col-I mostrou espessamento da membrana basal em áreas de revestimento do epitélio e em volta de glândulas em ambas as lesões. O CCR apresentou fibrose no estroma. As análises quantitativas demonstraram maior expressão proteica no CCR (p=0,0109), assim como em mulheres (p=0,0214), pacientes com idade ≥ 50 anos (p=0,0400), e em pacientes com histórico positivo de doença colorretal na família (p=0,0292). Estes resultados sugerem a remodelação do microambiente tumoral na carcinogênese do CCR. As correlações clínico-patológicas positivas mostram uma ligação plausível entre o perfil do paciente e os achados imunohistoquímcos, o que indica uma possível forma de estratificação dos pacientes. Conclusão As análises imunohistoquímicas estimulam a execução de estudos mais abrangentes para confirmar se nossos resultados poderão ser uma ferramenta para o diagnóstico e o monitoramento dos pacientes.

Collagen as a source of bioactive peptides: a bioinformatics approach

BACKGROUND: Collagen is the most abundant protein in animals and can be obtained from residues of the food industry. Its hydrolysate has many desirable properties that make it suitable as an additive in foods and cosmetics, or as a component of scaffold materials to be used in biomedicine. RESULTS: We report here the characterization of type I collagen from five different sources, namely bovine, porcine, chicken, trout and salmon, as well as their hydrolysates by means of bioinformatics tools. As expected, the results showed that bovine and porcine collagen, as well as trout and salmon collagen, can be used interchangeably due to their high identity. This result is consistent with the evolution of proteins with highly identical sequences between related species. Also, 156 sequences were found as potential bioactive peptides, 126 from propeptide region and 30 from the central domain, according to the comparison with reported active sequences. CONCLUSIONS: Collagen analysis from a bioinformatic approach allowed us to classify collagen from 5 different animal sources, to establish its interchangeability as potential additive in diverse fields and also to determine the content of bioactive peptides from its in silico hydrolysis.

Toxic effects of different-concentration isoniazid on newborn rat osteoblasts in vitro / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: As a first-line antituberculosis drug, isoniazide exerts strong sterilization effect on the Tubercle bacillus inside and outside the cells. But the toxic effect of isoniazide on osteoblasts is never reported. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of different concentrations of isoniazide on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts from newborn Sprague-Dawley rats. METHODS: Isoniazide treatment at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 100 mg/L was applied on passage 3 osteoblasts from newborn Sprague-Dawley rats. Then, osteoblast proliferation and differentiation was detected using cell counting kit-8 assay, alkaline phosphatase activity kit and immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the control group, the proliferation of osteoblasts was significantly inhibited when the isoniazide concentration was 30 mg/L. In addition, increasing isoniazide concentrations inhibited alkaline phosphatase activity and type I collagen expression. To conclude, isoniazide at exorbitant concentration exerts adverse effects on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts.

Changes of subchondral bone in rat models of knee osteoarthritis treated by elcatonin / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Imbalance between subchondral bone resorption and bone formation occurs in osteoarthritis. Our preliminary study has found that the subchondral bone changes precede the articular cartilage changes in knee osteoarthritis rats. OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes of subchondral bone in knee osteoarthritis rats, and to explore the effect of elcatonin on the expression of p38 MAPK and absorption of subchondral bone. METHODS: Female Sprague-Dawley rats, 3 months of age, were randomly divided into three groups: Sham operation group (n=6, the adipose tissue of the same size as the ovary was removed without ovariectomy, the bilateral knee joints were opened, but without cruciate ligament injury); model group (n=6, bilateral ovariectomy plus bilateral cruciate ligament injury, no treatment); elcatonin group (n=6, ovariectomy plus cruciate ligament injury, intramuscular injection of 5 lU/kg elcatonin, twice weekly). The bone mineral density and p38 protein expression levels in subchondral bone were detected at 12 weeks. The serum levels of C-terminal crosslinking telopeptides of type I collagen, C-terminal crosslinking telopeptides of type II collagen, interleukin-1, interleukin- 6 and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, tartrate resistant acid phosphatase 5b were detected. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The bone volume fraction and trabecular bone number in the elcatonin group were significantly higher than those in the model group (P < 0. 05), and the trabecular separation in the elcatonin group was lower than that in the model group (P < 0. 05). (2) The bone volume fraction, trabecular bone number and trabecular thickness in the model group were lower than those in the sham operation group (P < 0. 01 or P < 0. 05), and the trabecular separation was higher than that in the sham operation group (P < 0. 01). (3) The serum levels of C-terminal crosslinking telopeptides of type I collagen, C-terminal crosslinking telopeptides of type II collagen, interleukin-1, interleukin- 6 and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase 5b in the elcatonin group was significantly lower than those the model group (P < 0. 05), and the above levels in the model group were significantly higher than those in the sham operation group (P < 0. 05). (4) The p38 expression level in subchondral bone in the elcatonin group was significantly lower than that in the model group (P < 0. 01), and the level in the model group was significantly higher than that in the sham operation group (P < 0. 01). (5) These results indicate that elcatonin may inhibit the secretion of osteoarthritis pro-inflammatory factors and subchondral bone resorption by down-regulating the expression level of p38 MAPK.

Porous tantalum coated with RGD polypeptide can activate the integrin/focal adhesion kinase signaling pathway of MG63 cells / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: The compounding of RGD polypeptide on the surface of the material can induce the expression of osteoblast integrin gene, promote the adhesion of osteoblasts to the surface of biomaterials and differentiate into mature cells, and promote the formation of new bone. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of domestic porous tantalum modified by RGD polypeptide on integrin/focal adhesion kinase signaling pathway in MG63 cells. METHODS: Porous tantalum material modified by RGD polypeptide was prepared. MG63 cells were inoculated on the surface of porous tantalum and porous tantalum materials modified with RGD polypeptide. MG63 cells cultured alone were used as the blank group. When cultured for 1, 3, 5, and 7 days, the cell proliferation was detected by the CCK-8 method. At 1, 3, and 5 days, the cell growth status was observed under an inverted microscope. At 3, 5 days of culture, cell adhesion was observed with scanning electron microscope. At 5 days of culture, RT-PCR and western blot assay were used to detect type I collagen and integrin β1 and focal adhesion kinase expression. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The cell proliferation of the RGD modified group cultured at 3, 5, and 7 days was faster than that of the porous tantalum group and the blank group (P 0.05). (2) Observation by an inverted phase contrast microscope showed that the cells of the porous tantalum group and the RGD modified group were attached to the edge of the material when cultured for 1 day, and the number of cells gradually increased with the extension of the culture time. The number and density of cells in the RGD modified group were better than that of the porous tantalum group. (3) Observation by scanning electron microscope showed that cells adhered to the surface of the porous tantalum group and RGD modified group after 3 days of culture. The cells adhered to the material pore walls and pores, and protruded pseudopods into the pores. When cultured for 5 days, the cells secreted a large amount of extracellular matrix, and the cells were connected to each other through the matrix and gradually covered the surface of the material. The cell growth state, matrix secretion and cell coverage area of the RGD modified group were better than those of the porous tantalum group. (4) Western blot detection results showed that the expressions of type I collagen and integrin β1 protein in the RGD modified group were higher than those in the porous tantalum group and the blank group (P < 0.05). The expression levels of type I collagen, integrin β1, and focal adhesion kinase protein in the porous tantalum group were higher than those in the blank group (P < 0.05). (5) RT-PCR detection showed that the expressions of type I collagen, integrin β1, and focal adhesion kinase mRNA in the RGD modified group were higher than those of the porous tantalum group and the blank group (P < 0.05), and the expression of the porous tantalum group was higher than that of the blank group (P < 0.05). (6) The results showed that porous tantalum modified with RGD polypeptide can up-regulate the expression of type I collagen and integrin β1 on the cell membrane, activate the integrin/focal adhesion kinase signaling pathway, and promote cell adhesion and growth.

Beta-ecdysterone promotes in vitro proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: β-ecdysterone as a “phytoestrogen” has the ability to stimulate protein synthesis, promote carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, relieve hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, protect endothelial cells from apoptosis and induce their proliferation. Some scholars have reported that it also plays an important role in the treatment of osteoporosis, fractures and other bone inflammatory diseases. OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of β-ecdystrone on the proliferation of mouse pre-osteoblasts(MC3T3-E1 cells) in vitro, and to explore whether β-ecdysterone can induce osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 at a safe dose. METHODS: The fourth generation MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in the osteogenic induction medium for 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 days. The osteogenic differentiation proteins(alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen, osteopontin, and calcified nodules) were detected at different time points, to identify whether the cells have the ability of osteogenic differentiation. MC3T3-E1 cells were then seeded into the induction medium containing different final concentrations of β-ecdysterone(0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 µmol/L). The proliferation activity of the cells was detected by cell counting kit-8 method at days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 after induction. The control group(general induction medium group) and the experimental group(general induction medium + β-ecdysterone) were cultured under the same conditions, and the expression levels of osteogenic marker proteins in each group of cells at different time periods were determined. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In the MC3T3-E1 cells stimulated by the osteogenic induction medium, alkaline phosphatase staining and type I collagen florescence staining showed higher expression at day 10 of induction, and this was also confirmed by detection of alkaline phosphatase activity(P 0.05). The expression of alkaline phosphatase and type I collagen was higher in the experimental group than in the control group at day 10 of induction. The expression of osteopontin and osteocalcin in the cells was higher at day 14 of induction, and there was no significant difference in the calcified nodule staining between the two groups at day 28 of induction. These findings indicate that β-ecdysterone can promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro and induce MC3T3-E1 cells to differentiate into osteoblasts at a safe dose.

Calcium hydrogen phosphate dehydrate combined with gelatin and recombinant human bone morphologic protein 2/7 for repair of bone defects in rabbits / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that the osteogenic ability of 10% strontium-doped calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate is higher than that of calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate and 5% strontium-doped calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, but also found that the pore structure of 10% strontium-doped calcium hydrogenphosphate dihydrate is not ideal, and the early osteogenic effect is not satisfactory. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the osteogenic effect of the composite of 10% strontium-doped calcium hydrogenphosphate dehydrate and gelatin and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2/7 (rhBMP2/7). METHODS: Gelatin-10% strontium-doped calcium hydrogenphosphate dihydrate and gelatin-10% strontium-doped calcium hydrogenphosphate dihydrate material containing 0.04 g/L and 1 g/L rhBMP2/7 were prepared respectively. Forty-five rabbit models of bilateral mandibular defects were prepared and then divided into five groups. In the blank control group, no material was implanted. 10% strontium-doped calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate (control group) and gelatin-10% strontium-doped calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate (gelatin group), 0.04 g/L rhBMP2/7-gelatin-10% strontium-doped calcium hydrogenphosphate dihydrate (0.04 g/L rhBMP2/7 group), and 1 g/L rhBMP2/7-gelatin-10% strontium-doped calcium hydrogenphosphate dihydrate (1 g/L rhBMP2/7 group) were implanted in the remaining four groups, respectively. Bone defect specimens were taken at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery, and were examined by cone beam CT and immunohistochemistry. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of North China University of Science and Technology, China. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Cone beam CT examination revealed that at 8 weeks after surgery, bone repair was basically completed and the new bone tissue was almost fused with the surrounding tissue in the 1 g/L rhBMP2/7 group. Most of defect area was repaired, and the edge of new bone was unsmooth in the 0.04 g/L rhBMP2/7 and gelatin groups. Bone defect in the control group partially repaired. At 12 weeks after surgery, bone repair was completed in the gelatin, 0.04 rhBMP2/7 and 1 g/L rhBMP2/7 groups. Immunohistochemistry revealed that at 4 and 8 weeks after surgery, type I collagen expression in the 1 g/L rhBMP2/7 group was significantly higher than that in the other four groups (P 0.05). These results suggest that the addition of gelatin and 1 g/L rhBMP2/7 to 10% strontium-doped calcium hydrogenphosphate dihydrate can promote the repair of bone defects.

Bone Turnover Markers and Sphingosine-1-phosphate levels among the Chinese Community in Selangor, Malaysia and its Correlation with Bone Density

@#Introduction: Prevention of osteoporotic fracture requires identification of individuals at high risk. Bone mineral density(BMD) is commonly used to estimate fracture probability despite inadequate predictive discrimination ability. Sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P), a new marker of bone metabolism and bone turnover markers(BTM) such as procollagen-type-1 amino-terminal propeptide(P1NP) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen(CTX) may complement current assessment. The study determined P1NP, CTX and S1P levels and their correlation with BMD, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and parathyroid hormone(PTH) in selected subjects. Method: A cross-sectional study involving Malaysian Chinese men and women aged 50-90 years old from Puchong and Kajang, Selangor. Each subject had BMD determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and blood samples taken for 25(OH)D, PTH, P1NP, CTX and S1P. Results: A total of 131 subjects [45(34.4%) males and 86(65.6%) post-menopausal women] with median age of 65(IQR=17) were recruited. P1NP and CTX were significantly higher in post-menopausal women (P1NP=61.71 ng/ml, CTX=0.489 ng/ml) compared to men (P1NP=46.94 ng/ml, CTX=0.381 ng/ml). P1NP and CTX differed significantly according to BMD categories with values highest in osteoporosis. S1P between men (2.12±0.75 µmol/L) and post-menopausal women (1.96±0.68 µmol/L) did not differ significantly and did not differ according to BMD categories. S1P did not correlate with BMD, P1NP, CTX and 25(OH)D. P1NP and CTX negatively correlated with BMD at all measured sites but not 25(OH)D. Conclusion: CTX and P1NP, but not S1P negatively correlated with BMD. CTX and P1NP were highest in those with osteoporosis. In this group of Malaysian Chinese subjects, CTX and P1NP rather than S1P reflects bone health.

Polypeptide compound urantide inhibiting expression of type i collagen in rat heart of atherosclerosis / 解剖学报

Objective To observe the effect of the peptide compound urantide on the expression of type I collagen (Col I ) in the heart tissue of rats with atherosclerosis ( As) , and to explore its mechanism of prevention and treatment of heart damage in As rats. Methods Sixty healthy male 3-week-old SPF Wistar rats were selected. The As model was established by intraperitoneal injection of vitamin D3(VD3) to damage the arterial intima and high-fat diet. They were randomly divided into normal group, As model group, simvastatin group and urantide (3 days, 7 days, 14 days) groups. HE staining and Masson trichrome staining were used to observe the morphology and collagen fiber expression of rat hearts. Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and Real-time PCR were used to detect the expression of Col I protein and gene in rat heart. Results Compared with the normal group, pathological phenomena such As myocardial cell degeneration, intercellular infiltration of a large number of neutrophils, scattered foam cells and hyperemia and hemorrhage were observed in the heart tissues of the As model group. Meanwhile, collagen fibers increased, and the gene and protein expression levels of Col I increased. Compared with the As model group, the cardiac pathological phenomena were effectively alleviated after the treatment with urantide. With the extension of the administration time, the collagen fibers decreased, and the gene and protein expression levels of Col I were gradually down-regulated, especially the effect was the best when the drug was given for 14 days. Conclusion Urantide can inhibit the expression of Col I in As heart to reduce myocardial interstitial damage, and has a protective effect on the heart of As rats.

Osteogénesis imperfecta: hallazgos clínicos y epidemiológicos en una serie de pacientes pediátricos / Osteogenesis imperfect: clinical and epidemiological findings in a series of pediatric patients

Resumen Introducción: La osteogénesis imperfecta (OI) es el trastorno óseo hereditario más común, con una incidencia de 1 en 10,000 a 25,000 nacimientos. Este trastorno está causado principalmente por mutaciones de los genes que codifican las cadenas del colágeno tipo I. En la mayoría de los casos, se presenta un patrón de herencia autosómico dominante. La OI se caracteriza principalmente por un aumento en la fragilidad ósea que da lugar a fracturas frecuentes que producen dolor, deformidad y discapacidad asociada con otras alteraciones. El objetivo del estudio fue exponer las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de una serie de pacientes pediátricos con diagnóstico de OI evaluados en la Universidad de Los Andes. Métodos: El presente trabajo consiste en el análisis de una serie de 37 casos pediátricos con diagnóstico de OI, de acuerdo a la clasificación clínica y radiológica de Sillence, evaluados en la consulta de la Unidad de Genética Médica de la Universidad de Los Andes, entre enero de 2006 y diciembre de 2018. Resultados: La OI tipo I fue la de presentación más frecuente, con 31 pacientes (83.78%). El fémur fue el hueso más afectado de manera conjunta. Las escleras azules fueron el hallazgo adicional más frecuente, en 32 pacientes (86.49%). Conclusiones: La OI representa el principal motivo de consulta por alteraciones en el sistema esquelético en la Unidad de Genética Médica de la Universidad de Los Andes. Ante la amplia forma clínica de presentación, la evaluación debe ser individual e interdisciplinaria. A través de un estudio más profundo se podrá brindar el oportuno asesoramiento genético familiar.

Abstract Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is the most common hereditary bone disorder with an incidence of one in 10,000-25,000 births. It is caused mainly by mutations in the genes that code for Type I collagen chains. In most cases, it shows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. OI is characterized by an increase in bone fragility that leads to frequent fractures, which cause pain, deformity and disability associated with other alterations. The objective of this study was to present the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of a series of pediatric patients diagnosed with OI evaluated at the University of Los Andes. Methods: A series of 37 pediatric cases with diagnosis of OI according to the clinical and radiological classification of sillence is analyzed, which were evaluated in the medical genetics unit of the University of Los Andes consultation between January 2006 and December 2018. Results: Type I was the most frequent OI type, with 31 patients (83.78%). Additionally, the femur was the most affected bone. Blue scleras were the most frequent additional finding in 32 patients (86.49%). Conclusions: OI represents the main reason for consultation of alterations in the skeletal system in the medical genetics unit of the University of Los Andes. Given the broad clinical presentation, the evaluation must be individual and interdisciplinary. Further study will provide timely family genetic counseling.

Roles of transforming growth factor - β1 and heat shock protein 47 in progression of Schistosoma japonicum-induced hepatic fibrosis / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the dynamic expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) and explore their roles in the progression of hepatic fibrosis induced by Schistosoma japonicum infection. Methods Fifty female mice of the ICR strain were randomly divided into the infection group and the normal control group, of 25 mice in each group. Each mouse in the infection group was infected with 20 ± 1 cercariae of S. japonicum via the abdominal skin, while uninfected animals served as normal control. Five mice were sacrificed 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks post-infection and liver tissues were sampled. Serum HSP47 and TGF-β1 was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the pathological changes of liver specimens were observed with hematoxylin & eosin (HE) staining. In addition, the synthesis of alpha 1 chain of type I collagen (COL1A1) was measured using Masson staining, and the mRNA expression of TGF-β1, HSP47 and COL1A1 was determined using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay. Results During the period of S. japonicum-induced hepatic fibrosis, the serum HSP47 and TGF-β1 levels and the mRNA expression of TGF - β1, HSP47 and COL1A1 gradually increased with the progression of hepatic fibrosis. The serum levels of HSP47 and TGF-β1 were (179.26 ± 29.87) pg/mL and (22.37 ± 5.21) ng/mL 6 weeks post-infection, respectively, which were significantly greater than those [(150.29 ± 34.91) pg/mL and (18.54 ± 7.78) ng/mL, respectively] in the normal control group (both P values < 0.05). In addition, the mRNA expression of HSP47, COL1A1 and TGF-β1 was (0.86 ± 0.04), (1.17 ± 0.06) and (0.64 ± 0.13) in mouse liver specimens, which was significantly higher than that (0.23 ± 0.03, 0.20 ± 0.02 and 0.38 ± 0.02) in the normal control group (all P values < 0.01). Conclusions The expression of TGF-β1 and HSP47 during the period of S. japonicum-induced hepatic fibrosis is consistent with the progression of the hepatic fibrosis, and exhibits the same tendency with type I collagen expression. HSP47 is a novel promising diagnosis marker and therapeutic target for S. japonicum-induced hepatic fibrosis.

Roles of transforming growth factor - β1 and heat shock protein 47 in progression of Schistosoma japonicum-induced hepatic fibrosis / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the dynamic expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) and explore their roles in the progression of hepatic fibrosis induced by Schistosoma japonicum infection. Methods Fifty female mice of the ICR strain were randomly divided into the infection group and the normal control group, of 25 mice in each group. Each mouse in the infection group was infected with 20 ± 1 cercariae of S. japonicum via the abdominal skin, while uninfected animals served as normal control. Five mice were sacrificed 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks post-infection and liver tissues were sampled. Serum HSP47 and TGF-β1 was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the pathological changes of liver specimens were observed with hematoxylin & eosin (HE) staining. In addition, the synthesis of alpha 1 chain of type I collagen (COL1A1) was measured using Masson staining, and the mRNA expression of TGF-β1, HSP47 and COL1A1 was determined using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay. Results During the period of S. japonicum-induced hepatic fibrosis, the serum HSP47 and TGF-β1 levels and the mRNA expression of TGF - β1, HSP47 and COL1A1 gradually increased with the progression of hepatic fibrosis. The serum levels of HSP47 and TGF-β1 were (179.26 ± 29.87) pg/mL and (22.37 ± 5.21) ng/mL 6 weeks post-infection, respectively, which were significantly greater than those [(150.29 ± 34.91) pg/mL and (18.54 ± 7.78) ng/mL, respectively] in the normal control group (both P values < 0.05). In addition, the mRNA expression of HSP47, COL1A1 and TGF-β1 was (0.86 ± 0.04), (1.17 ± 0.06) and (0.64 ± 0.13) in mouse liver specimens, which was significantly higher than that (0.23 ± 0.03, 0.20 ± 0.02 and 0.38 ± 0.02) in the normal control group (all P values < 0.01). Conclusions The expression of TGF-β1 and HSP47 during the period of S. japonicum-induced hepatic fibrosis is consistent with the progression of the hepatic fibrosis, and exhibits the same tendency with type I collagen expression. HSP47 is a novel promising diagnosis marker and therapeutic target for S. japonicum-induced hepatic fibrosis.

Collagen promoting macrophage polarization into M1 inflammatory phenotype / 解剖学报

Objective: To investigate the effect of collagen on Ml macrophage polarization in vivo and in vitro study. Methods: Immunofluorescence was used to detect the distribution of macrophages in clinical colorectal tumor, and the distribution of macrophages in orthotopic carcinoma model mice. Masson staining was used to detect collagen fibers in tumor tissues. The mouse peritoneal macrophages were cultured on the cell culture dish coated by different concentration of type I collagen, then determine the gene expression of tumor necrosis factor(TNF), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD163, CD206 by using Real-time PCR method. Results: Macrophages were mainly distributed in the stroma of tumor tissue in human colon cancer tissue and mouse carcinoma samples, tumor-associated macrophages there were mainly Ml-type, while macrophages in the parenchymal area of tumor tissue were mainly M2 macrophages; Type I collagen induces macrophages polarization into Ml phenotype and inhibits the macrophages to the tumor-promoting M2-type in vitro; Masson staining showed that collagen fibers were mainly distributed in the stroma of tumor tissue both in human and mouse tumor, and collagen fibers around the tumor parenchymal cells were less, however, collagen fibers were abundant in the stroma of tumor tissue. Conclusion: Type I collagen induces the polarization of macrophages to M1 phenotype, while the decrease of collagen fibers around the tumor parenchymal cells may be one of the related factors for the M2 polarization of macrophages which can promote the progression and invasion and metastasis of tumors.

Estimation of type i collagen structure dissolved in inorganical acids from circular dichroism spectra / Estimativa da estrutura de colágeno tipo i dissolvida em ácidos inorgânicos a partir de espectros de dicroísmo circular

Usually, weak inorganic acids have been used to disperse collagen as green solvents for fabricating kinds of biomaterials all the time. However, it is an open question how much the dissolving process preserves or alters the native structure of collagen till now. Herein, we have examined the effect of three different solvents (HAc, HCl, H3PO4) on the secondary structures of collagen, based on circular dichroism (CD) spectra of collagen from 185 to 260 nm together with CDNN programs. We have found that collagen almost completely preserved its triple helical structure in the three inorganic acids at pH=3.0 or so, which demonstrated that it was the concentration of free H+ in the above three solutions whose pH was fixed at 3.0 that can maintain an proper amount of surface charge on the collagen colloidal particles and appropriately loose the three-helix structure, which can not only lead to a better dispersion behavior, but also maximize the preservation of the integrity of the collagen structure. Although the fractions of kinds of secondary structures in collagen were different from all the three solvents based on CDNN data, which gave very similar results for each other. These results was tested for the first time in this work to estimate the secondary structures for collagen in the different common inorganic acids, which provides a new avenue for green collagen solvents to prepare collagen-based composite with well triple-helical structure for tissue engineering.

Habitualmente, os ácidos inorgânicos fracos têm sido usados para dispersar colágeno como solventes verdes para fabricar tipos de biomateriais o tempo todo. No entanto, é uma questão aberta quanto o processo de dissolução preserva ou altera a estrutura nativa do colágeno até agora. Aqui, examinamos o efeito de três solventes diferentes (HAc, HCl, H3PO4) nas estruturas secundárias de colágeno, com base em espectros de dicroísmo circular (CD) de colágeno de 185 a 260 nm em conjunto com programas CDNN. Descobrimos que o colágeno preservou quase completamente sua estrutura helicoidal tripla nos três ácidos inorgânicos a pH = 3,0 ou mais, o que demonstrou que foi a concentração de H+ livre nas três soluções acima cujo pH foi fixado em 3,0 que pode manter uma boa quantidade de carga superficial sobre as partículas coloidais de colágeno e destrói adequadamente a estrutura de três hélices, o que não só pode levar a um melhor comportamento de dispersão, mas também maximizar a preservação da integridade da estrutura de colágeno. Embora as frações de tipos de estruturas secundárias em colágeno fossem diferentes de todos os três solventes com base em dados CDNN, que deram resultados muito semelhantes entre si. Estes resultados foram testados pela primeira vez neste trabalho para estimar as estruturas secundárias para o colágeno nos diferentes ácidos inorgânicos comuns, o que fornece uma nova alternativa para solventes de colágeno verdes para preparar compósitos à base de colágeno com a estrutura helicoidal tripla para engenharia de tecidos.

Collagen Scaffolds in Cartilage Tissue Engineering and Relevant Approaches for Future Development

BACKGROUND: Cartilage tissue engineering (CTE) aims to obtain a structure mimicking native cartilage tissue through the combination of relevant cells, three-dimensional scaffolds, and extraneous signals. Implantation of ‘matured’ constructs is thus expected to provide solution for treating large injury of articular cartilage. Type I collagen is widely used as scaffolds for CTE products undergoing clinical trial, owing to its ubiquitous biocompatibility and vast clinical approval. However, the long-term performance of pure type I collagen scaffolds would suffer from its limited chondrogenic capacity and inferior mechanical properties. This paper aims to provide insights necessary for advancing type I collagen scaffolds in the CTE applications. METHODS: Initially, the interactions of type I/II collagen with CTE-relevant cells [i.e., articular chondrocytes (ACs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)] are discussed. Next, the physical features and chemical composition of the scaffolds crucial to support chondrogenic activities of AC and MSC are highlighted. Attempts to optimize the collagen scaffolds by blending with natural/synthetic polymers are described. Hybrid strategy in which collagen and structural polymers are combined in non-blending manner is detailed. RESULTS: Type I collagen is sufficient to support cellular activities of ACs and MSCs; however it shows limited chondrogenic performance than type II collagen. Nonetheless, type I collagen is the clinically feasible option since type II collagen shows arthritogenic potency. Physical features of scaffolds such as internal structure, pore size, stiffness, etc. are shown to be crucial in influencing the differentiation fate and secreting extracellular matrixes from ACs and MSCs. Collagen can be blended with native or synthetic polymer to improve the mechanical and bioactivities of final composites. However, the versatility of blending strategy is limited due to denaturation of type I collagen at harsh processing condition. Hybrid strategy is successful in maximizing bioactivity of collagen scaffolds and mechanical robustness of structural polymer. CONCLUSION: Considering the previous improvements of physical and compositional properties of collagen scaffolds and recent manufacturing developments of structural polymer, it is concluded that hybrid strategy is a promising approach to advance further collagen-based scaffolds in CTE.

Collagen I and III in women with diastasis recti

OBJECTIVES: Interest in elucidating the etiology of hernias has encouraged countless studies of musculoaponeurotic structures in individuals with and without hernias. Studies of hernia patients have firmly demonstrated a correlation between hernias and collagen alterations in their fascia. Diastasis recti is an increased width of the abdominal midline that is exclusively composed of interlacing aponeurotic expansions of the anterolateral abdominal muscles. The condition is common among women undergoing abdominoplasty, and many factors, not only mechanical, play a role. The goal of this study is to evaluate and compare collagen type I and III levels in the midline fascia of women with and without diastasis recti to report their possible influence on this condition. METHODS: This is a case-control study nested within a surgical cohort of 18 women with diastasis recti and 18 women without the condition (cases and controls, respectively). Fascia from the midline of the abdominal wall was collected and analyzed through immunohistochemistry using polyclonal antibodies to collagen type I and III. RESULTS: Both type I and type III collagen were less abundant in women with diastasis recti than in those without the condition, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Low collagen type I and type III levels in the midline of the abdominal wall may play a key role in the development of diastasis recti.

Therapeutic effect and mechanism of Qianggu Shengxue Oral Liquid on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats / 中草药

Objective To study the effect of Qianggu Shengxue Oral Liquid (QSOL) on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in female rats. Methods 18-weeks old female SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham, ovariectomized model group (OVX), three different doses of XLGB-treated groups after OVX (2.7, 5.4, and 10.0 mL/kg), and a positive drug group treated with xian-ling-gu-bao capsule (0.54 g/kg). In addition to the sham operation, the other groups were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy to establish osteoporosis model. Three days after the ovariectomized operation, rats were orally treated with drugs once per day for 90 continuous days. On the 45th day and the 90th day after given drugs, blood calcium, C-terminal telopeptides of type Icollagen (CTX-I) in serum, bone calcium, hydroxyproline, bone mineral density (BMD), femur bone, and the fourth lumbar vertebra (LV4) for the fracture load, maximum load and histopathologic examination were detected. Results Compared with the model group, the middle and low dose of QSOL can attenuate the decreases in blood calcium, BMD and bone density, decrease the level of serum CTX-I, and improve bone biomechanical property induced by ovariectomy in female rats; The high dose of QSOL can significantly attenuate these decreases in blood calcium, BMD and bone density, decrease the level of serum CTX-I, and improve bone biomechanical performance. Conclusion QSOL oral liquid can delay disease progress and treat the osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy, and the mechanism is related to the reduction in bone calcium loss and the level of CTX-I.

Effects of oxymatrine on expression of related molecules in Smad3/Gli1 signaling pathway in PANC-1 cells induced by TGF-β1 / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the effect of oxymatrine (OM) on expression of related molecules in Smad3, Gli1 signaling pathway in PANC-1 cells induced by TGF-β1. Methods: TGF-β1-induced PANC-1 cells were used to establish the pancreatic fibrosis model in vitro, and observe the effects of OM pretreatment on the related molecular expression of Smad3/Gli1. Gli1 and Smad3 RNA interference plasmids were transfected into PANC-1 cells. The protein expression levels of Smad3, Gli1 and α-SMA were measured by Western blotting. The levels of fibronectin (FN) and type I collagen (CoL-I) in the supernatant of cell culture were detected by ELISA. Results: Compared with the control group, the protein expressions of Smad3, Gli1 and α-SMA increased significantly in PANC-1 cells after treated with TGF-β1. The expressions of Gli1, α-SMA, FN, and CoL-I in PANC-1 cells decreased significantly after Gli1 RNA interference plasmid transfection compared with TGF-β1 induced group. The expression of Smad3, Gli1, α-SMA, FN, and CoL-I also decreased significantly in PANC-1 cells after Smad3 RNA interference plasmid transfection compared with TGF-β1 group. Conclusion: OM could prevent pancreatic fibrosis by regulating TGF-β1/Smad3/Gli1 signaling pathway in PANC-1 cells.