Research progress in role and mechanism of endogenous cannabinoid system in hepatic disease / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To analyze recent studies on the role of the endocannabinoid system in liver disease and related mechanism. METHODS: Reading domestic and international documents in recent years, we concluded a comprehensive integrated about them. RESULTS: This paper reviews the important role of the endocannabinoid in the development of liver disease, which focuses on the prevention and protection of the endocannabinoid on viral hepatitis, alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cholestatic liver disease and liver ischemia-reperfusion injury and the development of hepatic fibrosis and hepatic encephalopathy. CONCLUSION: Endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the treatment of liver disease. But for its complex mechanism of action, we need further research.

Promoting lumbar spinal fusion by adenovirus-mediated bone morphogenetic protein-4 gene therapy / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine whether an adenoviral construct containing bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) gene can be used for lumbar spinal fusion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups, 8 in the experimental group and 4 in the control group. Recombinant, replication-defective type 5 adenovirus with the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter and BMP-4 gene (Ad-BMP-4) was used. Another adenovirus constructed with the CMV promoter and beta-galactosidase gene (Ad-beta-gal) was used as control. Using collagen sponge as a carrier, Ad-BMP-4 (2.9 multiply 10(8) pfu/ml ) was directly implanted on the surface of L(5)-L(6) lamina in the experimental group, while Ad-beta-gal was implanted simultaneously in the control group. X-ray was obtained at 3, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively to observe new bone formation. When new bone formation was identified, CT scans and three-dimensional reconstruction were obtained. After that, the animals were killed and underwent histological inspection.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In 12 weeks after operation, new bone formation and fusion were observed on CT scans in the experimental group, without the evidence of ectopic calcification in the canal. Negative results were found in the control group. Histological analysis demonstrated endochondral bone formation at the operative site and fusion at early stage was testified.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>In vivo gene therapy using Ad-BMP-4 for lumbar posterolateral spinal fusion is practicable and effective.</p>