Cartilage-Inspired, High-Strength, and Heat-Tolerant Lubricating Hydrogels by Macrophase Separation.

Hydrogels are considered as a potential cartilage replacement material based on their structure being similar to natural cartilage, which are of great significance in repairing cartilage defects. However, it is difficult for the existing hydrogels to combine the high load bearing and low friction properties (37 °C) of cartilage through sample methods. Herein, we report a facile and new fabrication strategy to construct the PNIPAm/EYL hydrogel by using the macrophase separation of supersaturated N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) monomer solution to promote the formation of liposomes from egg yolk lecithin (EYL) and asymmetric template method. The PNIPAm/EYL hydrogels possess a relatively high compressive strength (more than 12 MPa), fracture energy (9820 J/m2), good fatigue resistance, lubricating properties, and excellent biocompatibility. Compared with the PNIPAm hydrogel, the friction coefficient (COF 0.046) of PNIPAm/EYL hydrogel is reduced by 50%. More importantly, the COF (0.056) of PNIPAm/EYL hydrogel above lower critical solution temperature (LCST) does not increase significantly, exhibiting heat-tolerant lubricity. The finite element analysis further proves that PNIPAm/EYL hydrogel can effectively disperse the applied stress and dissipate energy under load conditions. This work not only provides new insights for the design of high-strength lubricating hydrogels but also lays a foundation for the treatment of cartilage injury as a substitute material.

MRI-based endplate bone quality score predicts cage subsidence following oblique lumbar interbody fusion.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Cage subsidence is a common complication after lumbar interbody fusion surgery, with low bone mineral density (BMD) being a significant risk factor. ໿Endplate bone quality (EBQ) obtained from clinical MRI scans has been deemed reliable in determining regional BMD. However, the association between EBQ score and cage subsidence following oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) has not been clearly established. PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the relationship between EBQ score and cage subsidence in patients who underwent single-level OLIF. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A retrospective study. PATIENT SAMPLE: The study included adults with degenerative spinal conditions who underwent single-level OLIF at our institution OUTCOME MEASURES: Cage subsidence, disc height, EBQ score, fusion rate. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed data from patients who underwent single-level OLIF surgery at our institution between October 2017 and August 2022. Postoperative CT scans were used to measure cage subsidence, while the EBQ score was calculated using preoperative non-contrast T1-weighted MRI. To determine the predictive ability of the EBQ score, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted. Additionally, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: In this study, a total of 88 patients were included and followed up for an average of 15.8 months. It was observed that 32.9% (n=29/88) of the patients experienced cage subsidence. The post-surgery disc height was significantly higher in patients who experienced subsidence compared to those who did not. The mean EBQ scores for patients with non-subsidence and subsidence were 2.31±0.6 and 3.48±1.2, respectively, and this difference was statistically significant. The ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC for the EBQ score was 0.811 (95% CI: 0.717-0.905). The most suitable threshold for the EBQ score was determined to be 2.318 (sensitivity: 93.1%, specificity: 55.9%). Additionally, the multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between a higher EBQ score and an increased risk of subsidence (odds ratio [OR]=6.204, 95% CI=2.520-15.272, p<.001). CONSLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that higher preoperative EBQ scores are significantly linked to cage subsidence following single-level OLIF. Preoperative measurement of MRI can serve as a valuable tool in predicting cage subsidence.

[New Advances in the Application of Bacterial Cellulose Composite Materials in the Field of Bone Tissue Engineering]. / ç»†èŒçº¤ç»´ç´ å¤åˆææ–™åœ¨éª¨ç»„ç»‡å·¥ç¨‹é¢†åŸŸçš„åº”ç”¨æ–°è¿›å±•.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a type of extracellular polymeric nanomaterial secreted by microorganisms over the course of their growth. It has gained significant attention in the field of bone tissue engineering due to its unique structure of three-dimensional fibrous network, excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and exceptional mechanical properties. Nevertheless, BC still has some weaknesses, including low osteogenic activity, a lack of antimicrobial properties, small pore size, issues with the degradation rate, and a mismatch in bone tissue regeneration, limiting its standalone use in the field of bone tissue engineering. Therefore, the modification of BC and the preparation of BC composite materials have become a recent research focus. Herein, we summarized the relationships between the production, modification, and bone repair applications of BC. We introduced the methods for the preparation and the modification of BC. Additionally, we elaborated on the new advances in the application of BC composite materials in the field of bone tissue engineering. We also highlighted the existing challenges and future prospects of BC composite materials.

ECM-inspired calcium/zinc laden cellulose scaffold for enhanced bone regeneration.

Cellulose-based polymer scaffolds are highly diverse for designing and fabricating artificial bone substitutes. However, realizing the multi-biological functions of cellulose-based scaffolds has long been challenging. In this work, inspired by the structure and function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of bone, we developed a novel yet feasible strategy to prepare ECM-like scaffolds with hybrid calcium/zinc mineralization. The 3D porous structure was formed via selective oxidation and freeze drying of bacterial cellulose. Following the principle of electrostatic interaction, calcium/zinc hybrid hydroxyapatite nucleated, crystallized, and precipitated on the 3D scaffold in simulated physiological conditions, which was well confirmed by morphology and composition analysis. Compared with alternative scaffold cohorts, this hybrid ion-loaded cellulose scaffold exhibited a pronounced elevation in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteogenic gene expression, and cranial defect regeneration. Notably, the hybrid ion-loaded cellulose scaffold effectively fostered an M2 macrophage milieu and had a strong immune effect in vivo. In summary, this study developed a hybrid multifunctional cellulose-based scaffold that appropriately simulates the ECM to regulate immunomodulatory and osteogenic differentiation, setting a measure for artificial bone substitutes.

Asymmetric expression of PIEZO2 in paraspinal muscles of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: Muscle imbalance has long been recognized as one of the possible pathogeneses for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). PIEZO2, the susceptibility gene of AIS, has been identified to play an important role in neuromuscular activities. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the mRNA expression of PIEZO2 between concave and convex paraspinal muscles of AIS patients and to identify the relationship between the ratio of PIEZO2 expression and curve magnitude. METHODS: Twenty female AIS patients (right thoracic curve) who underwent spinal correction surgery were divided into moderate (n= 12) and severe (⩾ 70 degrees) curve groups (n= 8). The morphology of the paraspinal muscles was assessed with spinal MRI. Multifidus specimens were collected during surgical operations from the concave and convex sides of the apical region, and mRNA expression of the PIEZO2 gene was compared between sides. The localization of PIEZO2 protein expression was confirmed with the markers PAX7 and PAX3, and the percentage of PIEZO2+ cells was also investigated. RESULTS: In the moderate curve group, fatty infiltration in the deep paraspinal muscle was significantly higher on the concave side than on the convex side. There were no differences in deep muscle area, superficial muscle area, or fatty infiltration of superficial paraspinal muscle. The mRNA expression of PIEZO2 was significantly increased on the concave side, and the asymmetric expression predominantly occurred in moderate curves rather than severe ones. PIEZO2 was expressed on satellite cells instead of fibers of the muscle spindle. The percent of PIEZO2+PAX7+ cells in myofibers was significantly higher on the concave side in the moderate curve group, but not in the severe curve group. CONCLUSIONS: Asymmetric morphological changes occur in the deep paraspinal muscles of AIS. The PIEZO2 is asymmetrically expressed in the multifidus muscle and is preferentially expressed in satellite cells.

The application of exosomes in the early diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis.

With the increase in human lifespan and the aggravation of global aging, the incidence of osteoarthritis (OA) is increasing annually. To better manage and control the progression of OA, prompt diagnosis and treatment for early-stage OA are important. However, a sensitive diagnostic modality and therapy for early OA have not been well developed. The exosome is a class of extracellular vesicles containing bioactive substances, that can be delivered directly from original cells to neighboring cells to modulate cellular activities through intercellular communication. In recent years, exosomes have been considered important in the early diagnosis and treatment of OA. Synovial fluid exosome and its encapsulated substances, e.g., microRNA, lncRNA, and proteins, can not only distinguish OA stages but also prevent the progression of OA by directly targeting cartilage or indirectly modulating the immune microenvironment in the joints. In this mini-review, we include recent studies on the diagnostic and therapeutic modalities of exosomes and hope to provide a new direction for the early diagnosis and treatment of OA disease in the future.

Oblique lumbar interbody fusion combined with stress end plate augmentation and anterolateral screw fixation for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis with osteoporosis: a matched-pair case-controlled study.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) has been proven to be effective in treating degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS). Whether OLIF is suitable for treating patients with DLSS with osteoporosis (OP) is still controversial. Bone cement augmentation is widely used to enhance the internal fixation strength of osteoporotic spines. However, the effectiveness of OLIF combined with bone cement stress end plate augmentation (SEA) and anterolateral screw fixation (AF) for DLSS with OP have not confirmed yet. PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of OLIF-AF versus OLIF-AF-SEA in the treatment of DLSS with OP. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 60 patients with OP managed for DLSS at L4-L5. OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual analog scale (VAS) score of the lower back and leg, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), disk height (DH), lumbar lordosis (LL), segmental lordosis (SL), cage subsidence and fusion rate. METHODS: The study was performed as a retrospective matched-pair case‒controlled study. Patients with OP managed for DLSS at L4-L5 between October 2017 and June 2020 and completed at least 2 years of follow-up were included, which were 30 patients treated by OLIF-AF and 30 patients undergoing OLIF-AF-SEA. The demographics and radiographic data, fusion status and functional outcomes were therefore compared to evaluate the efficacy of the two approaches. RESULTS: Pain and disability improved similarly in both groups at the 24-month follow-up. However, the SEA group had lower pain and functional disability at 3 months postoperatively (p<.05). The mean postoperative disc height decrease (△DH) was significantly lower in the SEA group than in the control group (1.17±0.81 mm vs 2.89±2.03 mm; p<.001). There was no significant difference in lumbar lordosis (LL) or segmental lordosis (SL) between the groups preoperatively and 1 day postoperatively. However, a statistically significant difference was observed in SL and LL between the groups at 24 months postoperatively (p<.05). CS was observed in 4 cases (13.33%) in the SEA group and 17 cases (56.67%) in the control group (p<.001). A nonsignificant difference was observed in the fusion rate between the SEA and control groups (p=.347) at 24 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that OLIF-AF-SEA was safe and effective in the treatment of DLSS with OP. Compared with OLIF-AF, OLIF-AF-SEA results in a minor postoperative disc height decrease, a lower rate of CS, better sagittal balance, and no adverse effect on interbody fusion.

Rhythm disturbance in osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the main causes of disabilities among older people. To date, multiple disease-related molecular networks in OA have been identified, including abnormal mechanical loadings and local inflammation. These pathways have not, however, properly elucidated the mechanism of OA progression. Recently, sufficient evidence has suggested that rhythmic disturbances in the central nervous system (CNS) and local joint tissues affect the homeostasis of joint and can escalate pathological changes of OA. This is accompanied with an exacerbation of joint symptoms that interfere with the rhythm of CNS in reverse. Eventually, these processes aggravate OA progression. At present, the crosstalk between joint tissues and biological rhythm remains poorly understood. As such, the mechanisms of rhythm changes in joint tissues are worth study; in particular, research on the effect of rhythmic genes on metabolism and inflammation would facilitate the understanding of the natural rhythms of joint tissues and the OA pathology resulting from rhythm disturbance. Video Abstract.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields attenuate glucocorticoid-induced bone loss by targeting senescent LepR+ bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells.

Glucocorticoids induce cellular senescence, including of stem/progenitor cells in the bone marrow of growing long bone, which leads to bone loss in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. There is no specific drug available to treat this disease. Clearance of senescent cells has been reported to be an effective therapy for osteoporosis. LepR+ cells in the bone marrow are the key kind of stem/progenitor cells conducive to bone remodeling in adulthood. Here, we show that glucocorticoids induce cellular senescence, demonstrated by increased activity of senescence-associated ß-galactosidase (SA-ßGal+) cells and simultaneous upregulation of coimmunofluorescence staining of p16INK4a with LepR in longitudinal femoral sections. We applied pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs), which alleviated bone loss in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis mice. We found the increased accumulation of senescent LepR+ cells in the bone marrow of adult mice after glucocorticoid treatment, and this could be counteracted by PEMFs. Moreover, PEMFs maintained type H vessel formation and osteogenesis. This process was modulated by the polycomb histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and its trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine 27 (H3K27me3). These results provide evidence that PEMFs alleviate bone loss induced by glucocorticoids by eliminating senescent cells, maintaining angiogenesis-osteogenesis coupling, and shedding light on the mechanisms, providing a potential method to treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Tent5a modulates muscle fiber formation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis via maintenance of myogenin expression.

OBJECTIVE: Paravertebral muscle asymmetry may be involved in the pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and the Tent5a protein was recently identified as a novel active noncanonical poly(A) polymerase. We, therefore, explored the function of the AIS susceptibility gene Tent5a in myoblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RNA-seq of AIS paravertebral muscle was performed, and the molecular differences in paravertebral muscle were investigated. Twenty-four AIS susceptibility genes were screened, and differential expression of Tent5a in paravertebral muscles was confirmed with qPCR and Western blot. After the knockdown of Tent5a, the functional effects of Tent5a on C2C12 cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, wound-healing assay, and TUNEL assay, respectively. Myogenic differentiation markers were tested with immunofluorescence and qPCR in vitro, and muscle fiber formation was compared in vivo. RESULTS: The AIS susceptibility gene Tent5a was differentially expressed in AIS paravertebral muscles. Tent5a knockdown inhibited the proliferation and migration of C2C12 cells and inhibited the maturation of type I muscle fibers in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the expression of myogenin was decreased along with the suppression of Tent5a. CONCLUSIONS: Tent5a plays an important role in the proliferation and migration of myoblasts, and it regulates muscle fiber maturation by maintaining the stability of myogenin. Tent5a may be involved in the pathogenesis of AIS by regulating the formation of muscle fiber type I.

Chylothorax following posterior low lumbar fusion surgery: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative chylothorax is usually regarded as a complication associated with cardiothoracic surgery; however, it is one of the rare complications in orthopedic surgery. This case report describes a female patient who developed chylothorax after a successful L4-S1 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery. The etiology, diagnosis, and treatment were analyzed and discussed. CASE SUMMARY: A 50-year-old woman was admitted with repeated back and leg pain. She was diagnosed with L4 degenerative spondylolisthesis, L4/L5 and L5/S1 intervertebral disc herniation and L5 instability, and underwent successful posterior L4-S1 instrumentation and fusion surgery. Unfortunately, thoracic effusion was identified 2 d after operation. The thoracic effusion was finally confirmed to be chylous based on twice positive chyle qualitative tests. The patient was discharged after 12-d persisting drainage, 3-d total parenteral nutrition and fasting, and other supportive treatments. No recurring symptoms were observed within 12 mo follow-up. CONCLUSION: Differential diagnosis is crucial for unusual thoracic effusion. Comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of chylothorax are necessary. Thorough intraoperative protection to relieve high thoracic pressure caused by the prone position is important.

Are craniocervical angulations or syrinx risk factors for the initiation and progression of scoliosis in Chiari malformation type I?

The pathophysiology behind the instigation and progression of scoliosis in Chiari malformation type I (CMI) patients has not been elucidated yet. This study aims to explore the initiating and progressive factors for scoliosis secondary to CMI. Pediatric patients with CMI were retrospectively reviewed for radiological characteristics of tonsillar herniation, craniocervical anomaly, syrinx morphology, and scoliosis. Subgroup analyses of the presence of syrinx, scoliosis, and curve progression were also performed. A total of 437 CMI patients were included in the study; 62% of the subjects had syrinx, and 25% had scoliosis. In the subgroup analysis of 272 CMI patients with syrinx, 78 of them (29%) had scoliosis, and multiple logistic regression analysis showed that tonsillar herniation ≥ 10 mm (OR 2.13; P = 0.033) and a clivus canal angle ≤ 130° (OR 1.98; P = 0.025) were independent risk factors for scoliosis. In the subgroup analysis of 165 CMI patients without syrinx, 31 of them (19%) had scoliosis, and multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a clivus canal angle ≤ 130° (OR 3.02; P = 0.029) was an independent risk factor for scoliosis. In the subgroup analysis of curve progression for 97 CMI patients with scoliosis, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that anomalies of the craniocervical junction and syrinx were not risk factors for curve progression. Many complex factors including craniocervical angulation, tonsillar herniation, and syrinx might participate in the instigation of scoliosis for CMI patients, and the relationship between craniocervical angulation and scoliosis deserves further study.

Risk factors of unplanned neurosurgery for scoliotic patients with Chiari malformation type I and syringomyelia after spinal deformity correction.

OBJECTIVES: It remains unclear which subgroups of scoliotic patients with CMI and syringomyelia are more likely to undergo unplanned neurosurgery after spinal deformity correction. The purpose of this study is to explore risk factors of unplanned neurosurgery for scoliotic patients with CMI and syringomyelia after spinal deformity correction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cohort consisted of 62 scoliotic patients with CMI and syringomyelia who underwent spinal deformity surgery with a mean follow-up of 4.3 year. 14 of them underwent unplanned neurosurgery (the NN group), and the other 48 patient underwent single spinal correction surgery (the SS group). The radiological parameters were compared between the two groups, and multivariate logistic regression analysis and Kaplan-Meyer survival curves were used to identify potential risk factors of unplanned neurosurgery. RESULTS: The incidence of unplanned neurosurgery after spinal deformity surgery was 22.28 % (14/62), and delayed headache was the most common reason for unplanned neurosurgery with five patients (36 %) and follow by neck pain with three patients (21 %). Significantly increased tonsil ectopia (9.7 ± 3.8 vs. 6.9 ± 2.9; P = 0.021), syrinx/cord width ratio (0.62±0.11 vs. 0.45±0.13; P＜0.001), and syrinx/cord area ratio (0.45 ± 0.11 vs. 0.26 ± 0.15; P＜0.001) were found in the NN group. While, there were no significant differents in pBC2 line, clivus canal angle, and syrinx length between the two groups. The logistic regression analysis indicated that tonsil ectopia≥10 mm (P = 0.019; OR=6.440; 95 %CI = 1.361 to 30.467) and syrinx/cord area ratio ≥ 0.4 (P = 0.006; OR=7.664; 95 %CI = 1.819 to 32.291) were independent risk factors of unplanned neurosurgery. Kaplan-Meyer survival curves showed cumulative unplanned neurosurgery for patients with tonsil ectopia ≥ 10 mm (P < 0.001) and syrinx/cord area ratio ≥ 0.4 (P = 0.001) after spinal deformity correction. CONCLUSION: After spinal deformity correction, 78 % of the patients did not require later neurosurgery and those that needed it had a delay of more than nine months. Tonsil ectopia ≥ 10 mm and syrinx/cord area ratio ≥ 0.4 were independent risk factor of unplanned neurosurgery after spinal deformity correction. It is reasonable to perform spinal corrective surgery in patients with minimal symptoms and signs without the need for prior neurosurgical intervention.

The efficacy and safety of ipriflavone in postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Ipriflavone (IP) is one of the over-the-counter drugs and found in foods, which is available for prevention of osteoporosis (OP) since 1989 in over 22 countries. Although some clinical trials have suggested that IP is appropriate for treatment of OP, there continues to be controversy regarding the efficacy and safety due to some contradictory reports. With the wide usage of IP for osteoporotic women, there is a critical need for evaluation of the evidence for IP in clinical practice. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We searched randomized control trials (RCTs) in PubMed, CENTRAL and CNKI which used the regimen of IP in postmenopausal women with osteopenia or OP. The efficacy referred to the absolute change and relative change in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers. The safety profiles were associated with adverse events and the number of subject withdrawals due to adverse reactions. RESULTS: Eleven RCTs (n = 1605) met the eligibility criteria were included. The increase of the BMD in lumbar spine of the IP group is greater than that of the placebo group (random effect model: SMD = 0.36; 95%CI= (0.09, 0.62)). For safety profile, most frequent reactions are gastrointestinal symptoms, but withdrawals due to adverse reactions are similar in both the IP group and placebo control at the same time intervals. CONCLUSIONS: IP significantly increases BMD and has inhibitory effect on bone resorption markers in postmenopausal women with osteopenia or OP. Gastrointestinal symptoms may occur, but adverse drug withdrawal events were not statistically increased when compared with placebo group.

Reduction in Peyronie's-like plaque size using a vacuum erection device in a rat model of Peyronie's disease via the TGF-ß/SMAD signalling pathway.

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a fibrotic disorder of the tunica albuginea (TA). This study aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of a vacuum erection device (VED) in an animal model of PD and explore the possible mechanisms. Twenty-seven male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The sham group (group A) (N = 9) received a 50-µl-saline vehicle injection into the TA, while the remaining 18 rats (groups B and C) received a TGF-ß1 injection into the TA. The treatment group (group C) underwent VED therapy for 10 days after the TGF-ß1 injection. Erectile function was then assessed at day 42. Rats injected with TGF-ß1 showed significantly lower intracavernous pressures than those in the sham group (p < 0.0001). After VED therapy, erectile function was significantly better in the treatment group than in the PD group (group B) (p < 0.0147). Masson's trichrome staining confirmed Peyronie's-like plaques at the TGF-ß1 injection site in the PD group. Furthermore, the treatment group showed markedly smaller fibrotic plaque sizes than the PD group. A significant increase in TGF-ß1, SMAD2, SMAD3 and p-SMAD2/3 protein expression was observed 6 weeks after the TGF-ß1 injection. However, the expression of the same proteins decreased after VED therapy. Protein expression trends were confirmed using immunohistochemistry analysis. The findings of this study demonstrate that VED therapy can reduce Peyronie's-like plaque size in a rat model of PD while simultaneously improving erectile function.

Effect of lysyl oxidase (LOX) on corpus cavernous fibrosis caused by ischaemic priapism.

Penile fibrosis caused by ischemic priapism (IP) adversely affects patients' erectile function. We explored the role of lysyl oxidase (LOX) in rat and human penes after ischemic priapism (IP) to verify the effects of anti-LOX in relieving penile fibrosis and preventing erectile dysfunction caused by IP in rats. Seventy-two rats were randomly divided into six groups: control group, control + ß-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) group, 9 hrs group, 9 hrs + BAPN group, 24 hrs group, and 24 hrs + BAPN group. ß-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), a specific inhibitor of LOX, was administered in the drinking water. At 1 week and 4 weeks, half of the rats in each group were randomly selected for the experiment. Compared to the control group, the erectile function of IP rats was significantly decreased while the expression of LOX in the corpus cavernosum was significantly up-regulated in both 9 and 24 hrs group. Proliferated fibroblasts, decreased corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells/collagen ratios, destroyed endothelial continuity, deposited abnormal collagen and disorganized fibers were observed in IP rats. The relative content of collage I and III was not obviously different among the groups. ß-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) could effectively improve the structure and erectile function of the penis, and enhance recovery. The data in this study suggests that LOX may play an important role in the fibrosis of corpus cavernosum after IP and anti-LOX may be a novel target for patients suffering with IP.

Isoflurane inhalation anesthesia should be a new requirement in intracavernosal pressure detection-the gold standard of erectile function assessment.

Intracavernosal pressure (ICP) is gold standard for the detection of erectile function in animals, but no consensus has yet been achieved on what kind of anesthetic protocol should be applied. A total of 16 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into two groups. In group A, chloral hydrate was injected intraperitoneally. Rats in group B were induced in 5% isoflurane for 3 min and then maintained in 1.0-1.5% isoflurane. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate were monitored during all experiments. After ICP detection, tail vein and carotid artery blood were collected. The maximum ICP value, MAP and ICP/MAP ratio in group B was significantly higher than in that of group A. The RR in group A was lower than in that of group B, but the heart rate in group A was higher than in group B. There were no significant differences in both pO2 and pCO2 between groups. While the data showed that animals in group A were relatively hypoxemic. Isoflurane inhalation anesthesia in detection of erectile function could offer a relatively more stable physical state than in that under the effect of chloral hydrate intraperitoneal anesthesia. Isoflurane inhalation anesthesia is more suitable for ICP test.