LncRNA HCG18 promotes osteosarcoma growth by enhanced aerobic glycolysis via the miR-365a-3p/PGK1 axis.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma (OS) is a common primary bone malignancy. Long noncoding RNA HCG18 is known to play an important role in a variety of cancers. However, its role in OS and relevant molecular mechanisms are unclear. METHODS: Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to determine the expression of target genes. Function experiments showed the effects of HCG18 and miR-365a-3p on OS cell growth. RESULTS: HCG18 expression was increased in OS cell lines. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that HCG18 knockdown inhibited OS cell proliferation. Mechanistically, HCG18 was defined as a competing endogenous RNA by sponging miR-365a-3p, thus elevating phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) expression by directly targeting its 3'UTR to increase aerobic glycolysis. CONCLUSION: HCG18 promoted OS cell proliferation via enhancing aerobic glycolysis by regulating the miR-365a-3p/PGK1 axis. Therefore, HCG18 may be a potential target for OS treatment.

Long non-protein coding RNA DANCR functions as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate osteoarthritis progression via miR-577/SphK2 axis.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been known to be involved in multiple diverse diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to explore the role of differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (DANCR) in OA and identify the potential molecular mechanisms. The expression of DANCR in cartilage samples from patients with OA was detected using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The effects of DANCR on the viability of OA chondrocytes and apoptosis were explored using cell counting kit 8 assay and flow cytometry assay, respectively. Additionally, the interaction among DANCR, miR-577, and SphK2 was explored using dual-luciferase reporter and RIP assays. The present study found that DANCR was significantly upregulated in patients with OA. Functional assays demonstrated that DANCR inhibition suppressed the proliferation of OA chondrocytes and induced cell apoptosis. The study also showed that DANCR acted as a competitive endogenous RNA to sponge miR-577, which targeted the mRNA of SphK2 to regulate the survival of OA chondrocytes. In conclusion, the study revealed that lncRNA DANCR might promote the proliferation of OA chondrocytes and reduce apoptosis through the miR-577/SphK2 axis. Thus, lncRNA DANCR might be considered as a potential therapeutic target for OA treatment.

Comparison of supercapsular percutaneously assisted approach total hip versus conventional posterior approach for total hip arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been one of the most successful orthopedic procedures over the past 30 years. Nowadays, the techniques of exposure for THA have undergone great changes, allowing surgeons to perform THA through mini-incisions. Recently, a novel minimally invasive surgical technique of the supercapsular percutaneously assisted total hip arthroplasty was reported in 2011. The purpose of this study was to compare the SuperPath approach with the conventional posterior approach, in terms early outcomes and radiologic results. METHODS: Ninety-two consecutive unilateral primary hip osteoarthritis adult patients were randomly divided into two groups. Forty-six patients (SuperPath group) were operated on using the SuperPath approach, and 46 patients (conventional group) were operated on with the conventional posterior approach. Outcomes were evaluated using preoperative index, intraoperative data, and postoperative function data. The positioning of the implants was analyzed by radiography. RESULTS: No significant difference was detected in skin-to-skin operation time, blood loss, transfusion rate, postoperative complications, abduction angle, anteversion angle, and stem alignments. The incision length and length of stay (LOS) in the SuperPath group were significantly lower. The VAS score in the SuperPath group at the 1-week, 1-month and 3-month postoperative intervals were lower than those VAS scores in the conventional group. The Harris Hip Score and Barthel Index (BI) for Activities of Daily Living in the SuperPath group were significantly higher at the 1- and 3-month follow-up intervals and were not significantly different 1 year after operation. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective randomized study reveals that the SuperPath technique was associated with shorter LOS, earlier time to walk and climb, and lower postoperative pain levels. It also allowed early postoperative rehabilitation and faster recovery than conventional technique.

Serum leptin, bone mineral density and the healing of long bone fractures in men with spinal cord injury.

Previously reported fracture rates in patients with spinal cord injury range from 1% to 20%. However, the exact role of spinal cord injury in bone metabolism has not yet been clarified. In order to investigate the effects of serum leptin and bone mineral density on the healing of long bone fractures in men with spinal cord injury, 15 male SCI patients and 15 matched controls were involved in our study. The outcome indicated that at 4 and 8 weeks after bone fracture, callus production in patients with spinal cord injury was lower than that in controls. Besides, bone mineral density was significantly reduced at 2, 4 and 8 weeks. In addition, it was found that at each time point, patients with spinal cord injury had significantly higher serum leptin levels than controls and no association was found between serum leptin level and bone mineral density of lumbar vertebrae. Moreover, bone mineral density was positively correlated with bone formation in both of the groups. These findings suggest that in early phases i.e. week 4 and 8, fracture healing was impaired in patients with spinal cord injury and that various factors participated in the complicated healing process, such as hormonal and mechanical factors.

Multiple radiographic projections in detecting intra-articular screw penetration during fixation of femoral neck fractures.

The authors performed a cadaveric study to evaluate the efficacy of multiple fluoroscopic projections in detecting intra-articular penetration of the screws during femoral neck fracture fixation and also to determine the most suitable radiographic projection. Models of intra-articular penetration in 8 normal proximal femur specimens were created by placing the pins in different quadrants of the femoral head and extending 1 mm beyond the femoral head surface. The tip-to-surface distance was measured on anteroposterior (AP) and lateral views, with the femur positioned at varying degrees of rotation, flexion, adduction, and abduction. After correcting for differences in magnification, associations between the tip-to-surface distance and femur position were noted. In certain femur positions and K-wire placements, conventional AP and lateral views did not show that the wire extended beyond the surface of the femoral head. The tip-to-surface distance on an AP radiograph with the femur in the neutral position was not comparable to that on the lateral view with the femur positioned at 20° of adduction (P=.821). However, the tip-to-surface distance on an AP radiograph with the femur in the neutral position varied significantly (P<.001) from all other tip-to-surface distances on either the AP or lateral projection. A linear association was found between the tip-to-surface distance and femur rotation angles on AP views and between femur adduction and abduction angles on lateral views. In conclusion, fluoroscopy in varied projections at different angles can detect unrecognized intra-articular screw penetration during internal fixation of femoral neck fracture. Additional special projection methods are suggested to identify and prevent intra-articular screw penetration.

[Treatment of type C pelvic fracture with Stoppa approach and posterior percutaneous plate fixation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical effects of Stoppa approach and posterior percutaneous plate in treating type C pelvic fracture. METHODS: From June 2009 to July 2011,16 patients with type C pelvic fracture were treated with reconstruction plate fixation in Stoppa approach for anterior lesions combined with posterior percutaneous plate fixation for posterior lesions.There were 11 males and 5 females,with an average age of 38.8 years (ranged, 22 to 59 years). According to the Tile classification,10 cases belonged to C1,4 belonged to C2,2 belonged to C3. Tometta and Majeed score standards were used to evaluate clinical results. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were followed up from 4 to 13 months with an average of 7.3 months. Operative time was from 80 to 140 min with an average of 100 min;blood loss volume was from 200 to 500 ml with an average of 280 ml; and the healing time of fracture was from 12 to 16 months with an average of 14 months. According to the Tometta score classification, 9 cases got excellent results, 6 good, 1 fair. According to the Majeed score classification, 9 cases obtained excellent results, 5 good, 2 fair. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction plate fixation in Stoppa approach for anterior lesions combined with posterior percutaneous plate fixation for posterior lesions is an ideal minimally invasive operation in treaing type C pelvic fracture. It can early exercise and has the advandages of small trauma, safe operaton,less complication, stable fixation.

[Treatment of proximal radius epiphyseal injuries of O'Brien type III with titanium elastic nail in children].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and clinical effects of titanium elastic nail (TEN) for treatment of proximal radius epiphyseal injuries of O'Brien type III. METHODS: From October 2008 to November 2009,19 patients with proximal radius epiphyseal injuries of O'Brien type III were treated with internal fixation, including 13 males and 5 females with an average age of 8.3 years old ranging from 6 to 12 years. The average time from injury to surgery was 3.5 days (2 to 7 days). The reduction situation after operation was assessed by Métaizeau criteria, and the elbow function after operation were evaluated by Broberg-Morrey elbow score. RESULTS: All patients were followed-up for 8.7 months in average (ranged 6 to 12 months). No infection, TEN brokage, skin bursting and other complications occurrenced. According to Métaizeau criteria, the results were excellent in 7 cases, good in 10 cases and fair in 2 cases. The Broberg-Morrey score rose from preoperative (47.3 +/- 5.1) to (86.6 +/- 6.3) at 3 months followed-up (t=139.17, P=0.0002); the outcome was excellent in 7 cases, good in 9 cases, and fair in 3 cases. CONCLUSION: Internal fixation with TEN in treatment of proximal radius epiphyseal injuries of O'Brien type III has a limited invasion, cosmetic beauty, safety and reliability advantages. This technique provides a reliable alternative in proximal radius epiphyseal injuries of O'Brien type III.

[Treatment of adolescent clavicular fracture with titanium elastic nails].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and clinical effects of titanium elastic nails (TEN) for adolescent clavicular fracture. METHODS: From October 2008 to November 2009, 17 adolescent patients with clavicular fracture were treated with internal fixation, including 11 males and 5 females who ranged in age from 12 to 18 years (mean 15.3 years). The mean time from injury to surgery was 3.5 days (2-7 days). Constant function score before surgery and that 3 months after surgery and shoulder ROM before surgery and that 2 months after surgery were compared. Fracture reduction and healing were followed up by X-rays to analyze internal fixation with the TEN technique. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for a mean of 6.5 months (range 3-8 months), during which no infection, TEN fracture or skin bursting was observed. The Constant score rose from preoperative (45.3 +/- 6.1) to (85.6 +/- 4.3) at 3-month follow up (t = 22.164, P < 0.01),and the shoulder activity degree at 2-week follow up was improved obviosly from preoperative (P < 0.01). X-ray at 12-16 weeks after surgery showed good bone healing and recovery of shoulder function. CONCLUSION: Internal fixation with TEN in the treatment of adolescent clavicular fracture is safe, minimally invasive,reliable and cosmetic. This technique provides a liable ption for the treatment of adolescent clavicular fractire

[Case-control study on the reconstruction of near distal tendo achillis rupture by suture anchors and traditional steel wire].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the curative effects of newly suture anchors and traditional steel wire for the reconstruction of near distal tendo achillis rupture. METHODS: The clinical data of 56 patients with near distal tendo achillis rupture from June 2007 to February 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Among 31 patients receiving reconstruction by suture anchors, 22 patients were male and 9 patients were female, with a mean age of 35.5 years (ranging from 16 to 52 years ). Among 25 patients treated with traditional steel wire, 19 patients were male and 6 patients were female, with a mean age of 37.6 years (ranging from 22 to 53 years). The different rehabilitation was conducted for every patient at different times after operation. The position of suture anchor and steel wire were recorded. The clinical data such as operative time, complications of the surgery and the function of stendo achillis were analyzed. The healing of stendo achillis and functional recovery were assessed by Arner-Lindholm standard. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up with an average during of 24.2 months. There were no intraoperative injuries on blood vessels, nerve and tendon. The average operative time and postoperative complications of suture anchors were lower than there of the traditional steel wire (t = 8.75, P = 0.00; Chi2 = 5.42, P = 0.02). The functional recovery of tendo achillis repaired by suture anchors was better than that in the group of traditional steel wire (Chi2 = 7.65, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Compared to the traditional steel wire, suture anchor demonstrate the superior performance on repairing rupture of the near distal tendo achillis, which is a reliable and effective treatment methods.