Associations between the use of red yeast rice preparations and adverse health outcomes: An umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Red yeast rice (RYR), a natural lipid-lowering agent, is widely used in clinical practice. However, the existing meta-analyses concerning the safety of RYR preparations have yielded inconsistent results, and the credibility of the evidence has not been quantified. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the existing evidence and offer a comprehensive understanding of the associations between the use of RYR preparations and various adverse health outcomes. SEARCH STRATEGY: Seven literature databases were searched from inception to May 5, 2023, using medical subject headings and free-text terms (e.g., "red yeast rice," "Xuezhikang," and "Zhibitai"). INCLUSION CRITERIA: Meta-analyses that investigated and quantitatively estimated associations between the use of RYR preparations and adverse health outcomes were included in this study. DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS: Two researchers independently extracted data using a standardized data collection table; any disagreements were resolved by consulting a third researcher. Based on the participant, intervention, comparator and outcome (PICO) framework in each eligible meta-analysis, a series of unique associations between the use of RYR preparations and adverse health outcomes were determined. The associations' effect estimates were re-evaluated using random-effect models. RESULTS: Fifteen meta-analyses, comprising 186 (164 unique) randomized controlled trials, were identified. Based on A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews version 2, 3 (20%) and 12 (80%) of these meta-analyses had low and critically low confidence, respectively. A total of 61 unique associations between the use of RYR preparations and adverse health outcomes were extracted from eligible meta-analyses. Based on the random-effect models, 10 (16.4%) associations indicated a significant protective effect of RYR preparations against adverse health outcomes, while 5 (8.2%) indicated an increased risk of adverse health outcomes related to uric acid, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels. The other 46 (75.4%) associations showed no significant difference between the use of RYR preparations and control treatments. Regarding the credibility of the evidence, 21 (34.4%), 34 (55.7%) and 6 (9.8%) associations showed moderate, low and very low credibility, respectively. CONCLUSION: The evidence examined in this study suggests that RYR preparations are safe; however, the credibility of the evidence was not high. Further high-quality evidence is required. Please cite this article as: Ma ZY, Yang SP, Li Y, Xu TT, Yang YL, Yang HY, Li HB, Zhou LJ, Diao Y, Li SY. Associations between the use of red yeast rice preparations and adverse health outcomes: An umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(2): 126-136.

Choroidal thickness, myopia, and myopia control interventions in children: a Meta-analysis and systemic review.

AIM: To investigate changes of choroidal thickness (ChT) in children with myopia and the effect of current myopia control interventions on ChT. METHODS: Major literature databases were searched for studies relevant to myopia in children. All studies used swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) or enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) to measure the ChT value. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled to evaluate ChT in myopia children. RESULTS: A total of 11 eligible articles, including 1693 myopic and 1132 non-myopic eyes, were included in the first Meta-analysis. The sub-foveal choroidal thickness (SFCT; WMD=-40.06, 95%CI, -59.36 to -20.75, P<0.001) and ChT at other sectors were significantly thinner in myopic eyes compared with the non-myopic eyes. The Meta-analysis revealed that the ChT decreased horizontally from the temporal sector toward the nasal sector in the pediatric myopia population. Another 11 studies reporting the effect of myopia control interventions were included in the second Meta-analysis for the relationship between myopia control treatments and ChT. SFCT significantly increased after orthokeratology (OK) treatment and OK combined with 0.01% atropine (OKA) treatment (WMD=19.47, 95%CI, 15.96 to 22.98, P<0.001; WMD=21.81, 95%CI, 12.92 to 29.70, P<0.001, respectively). The forest plots showed that SFCT changed little in myopic children receiving 0.01% atropine (P=0.30). Furthermore, the Meta-analysis showed that OK treatment had a stronger effect on the value of SFCT in myopic children as compared with 0.01% atropine (WMD=9.86; 95%CI, -0.21 to 19.93, P=0.05). There is no difference between the treatment with OK and OKA treatment in ChT in myopic children (P=0.37). CONCLUSION: The ChT in myopic eyes is thinner than that in non-myopic eyes in pediatric population. Myopia control interventions including OK and OKA lead to ChT thickening, but other treatments such as 0.01% atropine did not show an increase in ChT.

Analysis of Revision Content and Evaluation Attentions on Guidance for Registration of Metallic Bone Plate Internal Fixation System (Revised in 2021) / 中国医疗器械杂志

This study briefly introduces the revised content of Guidance for Registration of Metallic Bone Plate Internal Fixation System (Revised in 2021) compared to the original guidance, mainly including the principles of dividing registration unit, main performance indicators of standard specification, physical and mechanical performance research, and clinical evaluation. At the same time, in order to provide some references for the registration of metallic bone plate internal fixation system, this study analyzes the main concerns in the review process of these products based on the accumulation of experience combining with the current review requirements.

Mechanism of Pingxiao capsule promoting breast cancer apoptosis through AKT1/β-catenin signal based on network pharmacology / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To explore the potential mechanism of action of Pingxiao capsule in the treatment of breast cancer. METHODS: TCMSP, TCM-ID, GeneCards and other databases were used to screen the related targets of Pingxiao capsule and breast can-

Discussion and Concern on Animal Study for Orthopaedic Implantable Devices / 中国医疗器械杂志

In recent years, new orthopaedic implantable devices continue to emerge, which require higher requirements for technical evaluation. Animal study is an important part of the research and development process for the new orthopedic implantable devices, which provides relevant evidence for product design and stereotyping. By introducing the purpose of animal study, and the application of 3R principle (replacement, reduction, refinement) in this field, we summarize the concern on the animal study, in order to provide reference for the development and research of new orthopedic implantable devices and biomaterials. At the same time, the application of evidence-based research methods such as systematic review in the field is introduced, which provides new tools and approaches for the technical review and regulatory science.

Discussion of Application Status and Key Attentions on Registration for Ossicular Replacement Prosthesis / 中国医疗器械杂志

The ossicular replacement prosthesis should have good biocompatibility, stability, easy to install, and excellent sound transmission capacity. In this study, the characteristics of ideal materials for the ossicular replacement prosthesis were analyzed by searching the types of materials used in clinical practice and comparing the advantages and disadvantages of various materials and structures. At the same time, in combination with the current evaluation requirements and evaluation experience, the focus of the performance research project of ossicular replacement prosthesis in the process of registration is discussed to clarify the performance evaluation requirements of these products, so as to provide reference for the future work of manufacturers and regulators. The performance evaluation of ossicular replacement prosthesis focuses on its mechanical properties, fixation stability, sound transmission characteristics, biological characteristics, and magnetic resonance compatibility.

Quercetin promotes apoptosis of breast cancer cells by targeting GAS5/Notchl signaling pathway / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the possible mechanism of quercetin in promoting apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Methods Breast cancer cells MCF-7 were treated with quercetin. Cell viability was detected by MTT assay, cell proliferation and cloning ability were measured by plate colony formation assay, and cell apoptosis was examined by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining assay. Meanwhile, MCF-7 cells were treated with quercetin (40, 80, 160 μmol · L

Quercetin reverses adriamycin resistance by activating GSK-3β/β-catenin pathways through GAS5 in breast cancer cells / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To investigate the ability of quercetin to reverse acquire adriamycin (ADR) resistance and explored its probably mechanism. METHODS: The CCK-8 assay was used to detect the cytotoxicity of quercetin in MCF-7/ADR cells and the reversal effect of ADR. The colony formation assay and Hoechst 332582 staining were used to detect the cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and the accumulation of rhodamine 123 (Rh123) respectively. The RNA expression levels of GAS5 and ABCB1 were detected by qRT-PCR. The protein expression levels of GSK-3β, β-catenin, c-MYC, cyclin D1, and ABCB1 were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Quercetin (10, 20, 40 μmol/L) significantly enhanced the sensitivity of MCF-7/ADR to ADR, inhibitd cell proliferation, and increased the intracellular accumulation of Rh123. Treatment with quercetin in MCF-7/ADR cells, the expression levels of GAS5 and GSK-3β were increased, whereas the expression levels of β-catenin, c-myc, cyclin D1 and ABCB1 were decreased. Further research revealed that reduction of GAS5 by RNA interference (si-GAS5) induced inhibitory effects on the expressions of GAS5 and GSK-3β, and enhanced the expressions of β-catenin, c-myc, cyclin D1, and ABCB1. Furthermore, treatment by quercetin combined with si-GAS5 in MCF-7/ADR cells, the expressions of these proteins were effectively reversed in comparison to quercetin combined with siRNA negative control (sncRNA). CONCLUSION: Quercetin increases the expression of GAS5by GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway, which inhibits the expression of ABCB1, ultimately reversing ADR resistance in the MCF-7/ADR cells.

Curcumin suppresses intestinal microvascular endothelial cells invasion and angiogenesis induced by activated platelets.

The present study investigated the effects and mechanism by which curcumin suppresses intestinal microvascular endothelial cells (INMECs) invasion and angiogenesis induced by activated platelets. INMECs were obtained from healthy rats, and divided into five groups: Control, platelets, platelets +2.5 µM curcumin, platelets +5.0 µM curcumin and platelets +10.0 µM curcumin. Curcumin toxicity was determined and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations of the five groups were measured using ELISA. The branch point numbers were measured using a capillary tube formation experiment, invasion cell numbers were evaluated with the Transwell assay, relative protein expression levels were measured with western blot assay and immunofluorescence staining of the nucleus. The 2.5, 5 and 10 µM curcumin concentrations were found to be suitable for INMECs. Curcumin significantly downregulated VEGF concentration, suppressed vascular lumen formation and inhibited invasion cell numbers in a dose-dependent manner. The α-smooth muscle actin, collagen I, E-cadherin, phosphorylated (p-) phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), p-protein kinase B (AKT), p-mammalian target of rapamycin (m-TOR) and hypoxia inducible factor subunit alpha (HIF-1α) protein expression levels of the curcumin-treated groups were significantly downregulated in a dose-dependent manner compared with the platelet group. HIF-1α protein expression levels in the nucleus of the curcumin-treated groups were significantly suppressed in a dose-dependent manner compared with the platelet group. In conclusion, curcumin suppressed INMEC invasion and angiogenesis induced by activated platelets via inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

[Research on the knockout of LMNA gene by CRISPR/Cas9 system in human cell lines].

The LMNA gene encodes the nuclear Lamin A and Lamin C proteins, and is related to nuclear membrane organization, genome stability and cell differentiation. Abnormal expression of LMNA is ubiquitous in human tumors, and its mutation leads to various forms of laminopathies, including Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and Hutchinson-Gliford progeria syndrome (HGPS). To further determine the functions of the LMNA gene in cellular physiology, the present study used the CRISPR/Cas9 technique to edit the LMNA gene of 293T and HepG2 cells in vitro, which resulted in two stable LMNA gene knockout (LMNA KO) cell lines. Compared to the respective wild type cells, the LMNA KO cell lines showed decrease in proliferation ability, increase in apoptosis, alteration in cellular morphology and uneven structures in the nucleus membrane. In this study, we report for the first time the results on the construction of LMNA KO immortalized cell lines and characterization of their morphological changes, thereby laying the foundation for the further studies of the LMNA gene functions and pathogenic mutations.

Effects of methylphenidate on attentional set-shifting in a genetic model of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

BACKGROUND: Although deficits of attentional set-shifting have been reported in individuals with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it is rarely examined in animal models. METHODS: This study compared spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs; a genetic animal model of ADHD) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (normoactive control strains), on attentional set-shifting task (ASST) performance. Furthermore, the dose-effects of methylphenidate (MPH) on attentional set-shifting of SHR were investigated. In experiment 1, ASST procedures were conducted in SHR, WKY and SD rats of 8 each at the age of 5 weeks. Mean latencies at the initial phase, error types and numbers, and trials to criteria at each stage were recorded. In experiment 2, 24 SHR rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups of 8 each-- MPH-L (lower dose), MPH-H (higher dose), and SHR-vehicle groups. From 3 weeks, they were administered 2.5 mg/kg or 5 mg/kg MPH or saline respectively for 14 consecutive days. All rats were tested in the ASST at the age of 5 weeks. RESULTS: The SHRs generally exhibited poorer performance on ASST than the control WKY and SD rats. Significant strain effects on mean latency [F (2, 21) = 639.636, p < 0.001] and trials to criterion [F (2, 21) = 114.118, p < 0.001] were observed. The SHRs were found to have more perseverative and regressive errors than the control strains (p < 0.001). After MPH treatment, the two MPH treated groups exhibited significantly longer latency and fewer trials to reach criterion than the SHR-vehicle group and the MPH-L group exhibited fewer trials to reach criterion in more stages compared with the MPH-H group. Significant main effects of treatment [F (2, 21) = 52.174, p < 0.001] and error subtype [F (2, 42) = 221.635, p < 0.01] were found. CONCLUSIONS: The SHR may be impaired in discrimination learning, reversal learning and attentional set-shifting. Our study provides evidence that MPH may improve the SHR's performance on attentional set-shifting and lower dose is more effective than higher dose.

Effects of different adrenergic blockades on the stress resistance of Wistar rats.

The coordinated responses of the sympathoadreno-medullary (SAM) system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis could improve the organism's capacity to cope with stress, but its underlying mechanism is still unclear. In the present study, 32 Wistar rats were employed and divided into four groups: control, CUMS, PROP and PRAZ. After the chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS) model was built in the latter three groups, all animals were exposed to inescapable footshock. We found that α(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (PRAZ) administration could improve behavior changes, reduce the cellular impairment in brain and inhibit the hyperfunction of HPA axis induced by CUMS exposure. Moreover, it decreased the heat shock protein 70 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in different brain areas as subsequently exposed to acute stress. In conclusion, α1-adrenoceptor may play a major role in regulating the coordinated responses between two physiological axes and improve the stress resistance.

Effects of adrenergic agents on stress-induced brain microstructural and immunochemical changes in adult male Wistar rats.

This preliminary study aims to explore how adrenergic agents modulate stress response and affect stress-induced behavioral and brain changes in rodents. A total of 40 adult male Wistar rats were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and randomly divided into five groups. At 30 min before daily stress exposure, the rats were intraperitoneally injected with phentolamine (5mg/kg), noradrenalin (1.0mg/kg), propranolol (10mg/kg), isoproterenol (0.05 mg/kg) or saline, respectively. Another 8 rats served as normal control and received daily saline injection without stress exposure. Open-field behaviors were tested at 1 day after the end of the 21 days of stress exposure. Blood samples were collected for serum corticosterone measurement. Brain sections containing hippocampus were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) as well as by immunohistochemistry for heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) and nitric oxide synthase type 2 (nos2) analyses. The experimental results demonstrated that repetitive dosing of noradrenalin, phentolamine, and propranolol during chronic stress might region-dependently attenuate stress-induced microstructural and biochemical changes in the hippocampus, although propranolol intensified stress-induced behavioral changes.

Effects of hydrogen sulfide on pulmonary surfactant in rats with acute lung injury induced by lipopolysccharide / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the changes of pulmonary surfactant (PS) in rats with acute lung injury(ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to explore the effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on PS.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fourty- eight male rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 8). They were control group, LPS group, LPS+ NaHS low, middle, high dose groups and LPS+ PPG group. Saline was administrated in Control group. LPS was administrated in LPS group. In LPS + NaHS low, middle, high dose groups or LPS + PPG group, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) of different doses or DL-propargylglycine (PPG) were respectively administrated when the rats were administrated of LPS after 3 hours. All the rats were killed at 6 hours after administration of Saline or LPS. The morphological changes of alveolar epithelial type II cells (AEC-II) were respectively observed by transmission electron microscopes. The content of H2S in plasma and activity of cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE) in lung tissues were respectively detected. The contents of total protein (TP) and total phospholipids (TPL) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BLAF) were respectively measured. The pulmonary surfactant protein A (SP-A), surfactant protein B (SP-B) and surfactant protein-C (SP-C) mRNA expressions in lung tissues were analysed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Compared with control group, the content of H2S in plasma, activity of CSE, content of TPL, and SP-A, SP-B and SP-C mRNA expressions were respectively decreased in LPS group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). But the content of TP was increased in LPS group (P < 0.01); (2) Compared with LPS group, the content of H2S, activity of CSE and SP-A mRNA expression were significantly increased in LPS + NaHS low, middle and high dose groups (P < 0.05). The SP-B mRNA expression and content of TPL were significantly increased in LPS + NaHS Middle and High dose groups (P < 0.05). The content of TP was decreased in LPS + NaHS High dose group (P < 0.05). The SP-C mRNA expression was not altered in LPS+ NaHS low, middle and high dose groups (P > 0.05); (3) Compared with LPS group, the content of H2S, activity of CSE, content of TPL, and SP-A, SP-B and SP-C mRNA expressions were respectively decreased, but content of TP was increased in LPS + PPG group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCUSION</b>The decrease of PS is the important physiopathologic process of ALI induced by LPS. Exogenously applied H2S could attenuate the process of ALI that possibly because H2S could adjust the compose and secretion of PS.</p>

Swimming exercise effects on the expression of HSP70 and iNOS in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in combined stress.

Exercise could play a beneficial role in stress, but its underlying mechanism especially about heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in brain has not been fully clarified. Moreover, few studies have investigated swimming exercise and its effects on the combined stress of both chronic and acute stress. In this study we tried to investigate the role of swimming exercise in combined stress and whether its biological mechanism was related to the HSP70 and iNOS in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. 32 Wistar rats were enrolled and divided into four groups: control, CUMS, labetalol and exercise. After the animal model of chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS) was built in the latter three groups, all the rats were given the novel acute stress of inescapable footshock. The behavioral changes were measured by open field test. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was adopted to test the change of serum corticosterone (CORT). The expression of HSP70 and iNOS in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex was analyzed by Western blot. The results demonstrated that swimming exercise could not only improve the behavior changes and protect the function of HPA axis stable in CUMS animals exposed to novel acute stress, but also increase the HSP70 expression and decrease the iNOS expression in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. In conclusion, swimming exercise could play a beneficial role in combined stress by up-regulating HSP70 level and down-regulating iNOS level in brain.

[Linkage analysis of a Chinese family with autosomal dominant congenital retinaochoroidal coloboma].

OBJECTIVE: To map the candidate gene by linkage analysis in a Chinese family with autosomal dominant congenital retinaochoroidal coloboma. METHODS: A detailed clinical examination was performed for all patients in the family. The genomic DNA of all family members was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. Linkage analysis and genome-wide linkage screening was conducted using fluorescent detection of 398 microsatellite markers representing all autosomes at an average resolution of approximately 10 cM. Polymerase chain reaction was carried out to amplify all 398 microsatellite markers. The allele sizes were determined on ABI 3130-Avant genetic analyzer according to an internal size standard, and the results were analyzed using Genescan 3.1 and Genotyper 2.0 software. RESULTS: Linkage analysis showed the markers D2S2382-D2S301-D2S2244-D2S163 co-segregated with the disease locus in all affected members. The maximum Lod score was 3.01(D2S2382). CONCLUSION: The candidate region of the disease gene in the family was located in 2q34-2q35.

Linkage analysis of a Chinese family with autosomal dominant congenital retinaochoroidal coloboma / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To map the candidate gene by linkage analysis in a Chinese family with autosomal dominant congenital retinaochoroidal coloboma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A detailed clinical examination was performed for all patients in the family. The genomic DNA of all family members was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. Linkage analysis and genome-wide linkage screening was conducted using fluorescent detection of 398 microsatellite markers representing all autosomes at an average resolution of approximately 10 cM. Polymerase chain reaction was carried out to amplify all 398 microsatellite markers. The allele sizes were determined on ABI 3130-Avant genetic analyzer according to an internal size standard, and the results were analyzed using Genescan 3.1 and Genotyper 2.0 software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Linkage analysis showed the markers D2S2382-D2S301-D2S2244-D2S163 co-segregated with the disease locus in all affected members. The maximum Lod score was 3.01(D2S2382).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The candidate region of the disease gene in the family was located in 2q34-2q35.</p>

[Analysis of mutation in KRT12 gene in a Chinese family with Meesmann's corneal dystrophy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mutation of KRT12 gene in a large Chinese family with Meesmann's corneal dystrophy by molecular genetic study and linkage analysis. METHODS: Mode of inheritance was determined in a family with Meesmann's corneal dystrophy provided by Xingtai Eye Hospital. The blood samples were obtained from members of this family, including both affected and unaffected members. The genome-DNA was extracted from the samples. Linkage analysis was conducted in the selected markers (D17S800, D17S930, D12S390, D12S96) in the locus around KRT12 and KRT3 genes. The exons of linked genes were sequenced directly. All of the members in this family were examined with slit lamp biomicroscope and photographed. Blood samples were collected from 100 normal subjects and analyzed as the controls. RESULTS: The mode of inheritance of corneal dystrophy in this family was identified as autosomal dominant inheritance. The clinical diagnosis was Meesmann's corneal dystrophy. Linkage analysis revealed a lod score of 2.41 with theta = 0.00 at markers D17S800 and D17S930. Linkage was revealed between corneal dystrophy and KRT12 gene. Sequences of KRT12 gene in affected members showed the mutant in exon 1, T419A and L132H. All affected members in this family were heterozygotes of this mutation. No mutation of this type was identified in all unaffected member of this family and in the 100 normal controls. CONCLUSION: Mutation of KRT12 gene in exon 1, T419A and L132H is the molecular genetic change leading to the occurrence of Meesmann's corneal dystrophy in this Chinese family.

[The expression of TGF-beta1 and bFGF after LASEK and the effects of 20% ethanol exposure on corneal wound healing].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of 20% ethanol used in LASEK on corneal wound healing. METHODS: Forty-eight eyes from 24 rabbits were deepithelialized by two techniques. The epithelium were detached with either 20% ethanol (applied for 30 seconds) or mechanical scraping, then ablated was performed. The number of superficial stromal keratocytes was counted and the morphologic changes were observed. Expression of TGF-beta1 and bFGF mRNAs was detected and analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemical methods at 1, 7, 30 and 90 days after the surgery. RESULTS: One day after the surgery, the expression of TGF-beta1 and bFGF in the keratocytes in both treated groups was lower than that of the normal controls. Seven days after the surgery, the expression of TGF-beta1 and bFGF in both treated groups was greater than that of the normal controls (P < 0.01). The expression in the alcohol-treated group was greater than that of the surgical-treated group (P < 0.01). The expression of TGF-beta1 and bFGF reached the peak 30 days after the surgery, no significant difference was detected between the alcohol-treated and surgical-treated groups. There was no significant difference in expression level between the alcohol-treated and surgical-treated groups 3 months after the surgery; as well as between treated groups and normal group. The amount of TGF-beta1 and bFGF mRNA was positively correlated with the number of keratocytes. The correlation coefficient between TGF-beta1 and bFGF mRNA and the number of the keratocytes was 0.744 (P < 0.01) and 0.738 (P < 0.01) in the alcohol-treated group; and was 0.664 (P < 0.01) and 0.785 (P < 0.01) in the surgical-treated group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of TGF-beta1 and bFGF mRNA undergo a dynamic process of "decrease-increase-normal". Although ethanol has a slight toxic effect on rabbit epithelial cells, but the effects do not persist over time, therefore, it is relatively safe to use the alcohol treatment in the LASEK.

Experimental study on posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion with allograft and rhBMP-2 in a rabbit model / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective To evaluate the effects of allografi and rhBMP-2 in posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion in a rabbit model.Methods Thirty rabbits were randomly divided into three groups:autogenous lilac crest bone graft group,rhBMP-2/allograft composite group,and allograft group.The animals were killed and sampled six weeks after the surgery.The lumbar intertransverse process fusion for the animals was assessed by manual palpation,biomechanical testing,radiography,histology and quantitative histology of spine fusion mass in a 6-week observation.Results The ratio of fusion in rhBMP-2/allograft composite group(90%)was significantly higher than that in autogenous lilac crest bone graft group(40%)and allograft group(20%)(P＜0.05).The autogenous lilac crest bone graft group and rhBMP-2/allograft composite group showed significantly higher uniaxial tensile strength than allograft group.The au- togenous lilac crest bone graft group and rhBMP-2/allograft composite group also showed significantly more new bone formation than allograft group,but there was no significant difference between the former two grnups.Conclusion rhBMP-2/allograft composite may be an ideal substitute for autograft in lumbar spinal fusion.