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Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and atherosclerosis are two common age-related conditions that can cause significant morbidity. While previous studies have suggested an association between the two conditions, the nature of this association remains unclear. Methods: We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal relationship between IDD and atherosclerosis. We identified genetic variants associated with IDD using summary statistics from a large genome-wide association study (GWAS). These variants were then used as instrumental variables to infer causal relationships with atherosclerosis in summary statistics from a separate GWAS. Results: Our MR analysis provided evidence for a causal relationship between IDD and atherosclerosis. We found that the genetic predisposition to atherosclerosis was associated with a higher risk of IDD (odds ratio [OR] = 3.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-11.74, p = 0.04). The IVW estimates were consistent with the observational findings and other robust MR methods. Sensitivity analyses suggested that our findings were robust to potential sources of bias. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence for a causal link between IDD and atherosclerosis, suggesting that interventions targeting atherosclerosis could have potential benefits for reducing the risk of IDD. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms that link these two conditions and to investigate potential therapeutic interventions.
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Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that contributes significantly to disability and healthcare costs. Serum urate concentration has been implicated in the development of various musculoskeletal conditions. While previous observational studies have suggested an association between the two conditions, it might confound the effect of serum urate concentrations on IDD. This Mendelian randomization (MR) study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between serum urate concentration and IDD. Methods: We performed a two-sample MR analysis using summary-level data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of serum urate concentration (n = 13 585 994 European ancestry) and IDD (n = 16 380 337 European ancestry). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with serum urate concentration (p < 5 × 10-8) were selected as instrumental variables. The associations between genetically predicted serum urate concentration and IDD were estimated using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, with sensitivity analyses employing the weighted median, MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO approaches to assess the robustness of the findings. Results: In the primary IVW analysis, genetically predicted serum urate concentration was unrelated associated with IDD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00-1.00, p = 0.17)). The results remained consistent across the sensitivity analyses, and no significant directional pleiotropy was detected (MR-Egger intercept: p = 0.15). Conclusions: This MR study provides evidence that there is no causal relationship between serum urate concentration and IDD. It suggests previous observational associations may be confounded. Serum urate levels are unlikely to be an important contributor to IDD.
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Background: Calcaneal fracture is common and carries high morbidity and disability. Its treatment is therefore of vital concern. Many topics concerning calcaneal fracture remain controversial, and the subject has not yet been well-researched. We aim to analyze and illustrate the trends in development, overall knowledge structure, "hotspots," and research frontiers on the topic of calcaneal fracture. Methods: Literature relating to calcaneal fracture published between 2000 and 2021 was retrieved from Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) database of the Web of Science. Three bibliometric tools (Bibliometrix, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer software) were used for analysis and the generation of knowledge maps. Annual trends in publication counts and the relative contributions of different countries, regions, institutions, authors, and journals, as well as keyword clusters, "hot topics," and research frontiers, were analyzed. Results: A total of 1,687 publications were included in the analysis. The number of calcaneal fracture articles published worldwide each year was highest in 2019, with a total of 128 articles. The United States has made the greatest contribution to the field, with the largest number of publications and the highest H-index. Foot & Ankle International was the most productive journal, publishing a total of 167 articles on calcaneal fracture during the study period. Hebei Medical University of China and the University of California, San Francisco were the most prolific institutions. Professors T. Schepers, S. Rammelt, H. Zwipp, and Y. Z. Zhang have made remarkable contributions to the field. However, the degree of collaboration between researchers and among institutions was relatively low, and took place mainly in Europe and the Americas. All relevant keywords could be categorized into three clusters: studies of internal fixation, studies of fractures, and studies of osteoporosis. A trend of balanced and diversified development could be seen within these clusters. Keywords with ongoing "citation bursts," such as sinus tarsi approach, wound complications, minimally invasive technique, extensile lateral approach, surgical treatment, and plate, may continue to be research "hotspots" in the near future. Conclusion: Based on current global trends, the number of publications on calcaneal fracture will continue to increase. Topics such as minimally invasive techniques and complications have become important hotspots of research. We recommend enhancing international communication and collaboration for future research in this field.
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In this study, we prepared PLLA/bpV(pic) microspheres, a bpV(pic) controlled release system and examined their ability to protect nerve cells and promote axonal growth. PLLA microspheres were prepared by employing the o/w single emulsification-evaporation technique. Neural stem cells and dorsal root ganglia were divided into 3 groups in terms of the treatment they received: a routine medium group (cultured in DMEM), a PLLA microsphere group (DMEM containing PLLA microspheres alone) and a PLLA/bpV(pic) group [DMEM containing PLLA/bpV(pic) microspheres]. The effects of PLLA/bpV(pic) microspheres were evaluated by the live-dead test and measurement of axonal length. Our results showed that PLLA/bpV(pic) granulation rate was (88.2±5.6)%; particle size was (16.8±3.1)%, drug loading was (4.05±0.3)%; encapsulation efficiency was (48.5±1.8)%. The release time lasted for 30 days. In PLLA/bpV(pic) microsphere group, the cell survival rate was (95.2 ±4.77)%, and the length of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was 718±95 µm, which were all significantly greater than those in ordinary routine medium group and PLLA microsphere group. This preliminary test results showed the PLLA/bpV(pic) microspheres were successfully prepared and they could promote the survival and growth of neural cells in DRG.
