Iodine-doped TiO2 nanotube coatings: a technique for enhancing the antimicrobial properties of titanium surfaces against Staphylococcus aureus.

BACKGROUND: Implant-related infections are a challenging complication of orthopedic surgery, primarily due to the formation of bacterial biofilms on the implant surface. An antibacterial coating for titanium implants was developed to provide novel insights into the prevention and treatment of implant-related infections. METHODS: Titanium plates were coated with TiO2 nanotubes by anodization, and iodine was doped onto the coating via electrophoretic deposition. The obtained plates were characterized using a range of analytical techniques. Subsequently, Staphylococcus aureus was inoculated onto the surfaces of untreated titanium plates (control group), TiO2-nanocoated titanium plates (TiO2 group), and iodine-doped TiO2-nanocoated titanium plates (I-TiO2 group) to compare their antibacterial properties. RESULTS: Twenty-four hour in vitro antimicrobial activity test of the I-TiO2 group against Staphylococcus aureus was superior to those of the other groups, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This coating technology provides a new theoretical basis for the development of anti-infective implants against Staphylococcus aureus in orthopedics.

Scooping Technique to Acquire Cancellous Bone for Grafting in the Masquelet Procedure: A Retrospective Study.

Background: The Masquelet procedure is effective in overcoming large bone defects; however, the limited number of cancellous bone and donor site complications remains a challenge. We developed a scooping technique to harvest sufficient cancellous bone from iliac crests for grafting during the Masquelet procedure. We hypothesized that this method would be efficient and safe. Methods: This retrospective study included 13 patients who underwent the Masquelet procedure with cancellous bone grafting using the scooping technique. The following parameters were observed: (1) duration and total volume of cancellous bone extraction; (2) amount of bleeding and drainage fluid, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score of pain at the donor site during different periods; and (3) complications and bone regeneration at the ilium at the final follow-up. Results: The median follow-up duration was 17 months. There were 3 unilateral and 10 bilateral extraction sites. The mean total amount extracted, extraction duration, bleeding, and drainage were 39 mL, 23 min, 49 mL, and 44 mL, respectively. Only three patients felt pain (VAS score: 1 point) at the final follow-up. Postoperatively, one case each of hematoma and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury supervened, and no infections or other complications occurred. The last computed tomography examination showed varying degrees of bone regeneration in the ilium. Conclusion: The scooping technique for the iliac crest produced a substantial amount of autogenous cancellous bone using a small incision. It retained the appearance and morphology of the ilium with few complications. We believe it is a successful and safe option for treating bone defects.

Acute gout attacks during the perioperative period and risk factors of recurrence after orthopedic surgery among untreated gout patients.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics of perioperative acute gout attacks in patients with varying uric acid levels undergoing orthopedic surgery, identify the risk factors for gout recurrence within the first postoperative year, and provide a disease prevention and diagnostic reference. METHODS: This hospital-based retrospective study was conducted between January 2018 and December 2020. According to the blood uric acid levels at admission, the patients were grouped into either the normal uric acid level group or the hyperuricemia group. Patient comorbidities, serum uric acid levels, inflammatory indicators, follow-up recurrence rates, and other indicators were compared. RESULT: The uric acid decline ratio and the inflammatory indexes (white blood cell count and C-reactive protein level) at the time of the attack were significantly higher in the normal uric acid level group than in the hyperuricemia group (P < 0.05). Patients in the hyperuricemia group with diabetes and tophi and those administered diuretics were more prone to acute gout attacks than those in the normal uric acid level group (P < 0.05). In the normal uric acid level group, 22 patients (84.6%) exhibited single joint involvement, whereas only 18 patients (47.4%) in the hyperuricemia group demonstrated single joint involvement (P < 0.05). After 1 year of follow-up, the gout recurrence rate in the hyperuricemia group was 44.7%, which was significantly higher that the recurrence rate in the normoglycemic group (11.5%; P < 0.05). Presenting tophi in perioperative orthopedic surgery patients was found to be an independent risk factor for gout recurrence within 1 year (RR = 4.80; P = 0.029). CONCLUSION: The recurrence rate of gout in patients with hyperuricemia during perioperative period increased 1 year after operation. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the uric acid level to prevent acute gout attacks during the perioperative period and recurrence during the 1-year follow-up period. Moreover, the risk of an acute gout recurrence 1 year after operation increased in patients who presented tophi; therefore, it is necessary to maintain appropriate blood uric acid level during perioperative period among patients undergoing orthopedic surgery.

SARS-CoV-2 induces "cytokine storm" hyperinflammatory responses in RA patients through pyroptosis.

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a pandemic disease that threatens worldwide public health, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common autoimmune disease. COVID-19 and RA are each strong risk factors for the other, but their molecular mechanisms are unclear. This study aims to investigate the biomarkers between COVID-19 and RA from the mechanism of pyroptosis and find effective disease-targeting drugs. Methods: We obtained the common gene shared by COVID-19, RA (GSE55235), and pyroptosis using bioinformatics analysis and then did the principal component analysis(PCA). The Co-genes were evaluated by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and ClueGO for functional enrichment, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built by STRING, and the k-means machine learning algorithm was employed for cluster analysis. Modular analysis utilizing Cytoscape to identify hub genes, functional enrichment analysis with Metascape and GeneMANIA, and NetworkAnalyst for gene-drug prediction. Network pharmacology analysis was performed to identify target drug-related genes intersecting with COVID-19, RA, and pyroptosis to acquire Co-hub genes and construct transcription factor (TF)-hub genes and miRNA-hub genes networks by NetworkAnalyst. The Co-hub genes were validated using GSE55457 and GSE93272 to acquire the Key gene, and their efficacy was assessed using receiver operating curves (ROC); SPEED2 was then used to determine the upstream pathway. Immune cell infiltration was analyzed using CIBERSORT and validated by the HPA database. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and molecular mechanics-generalized born surface area (MM-GBSA) were used to explore and validate drug-gene relationships through computer-aided drug design. Results: COVID-19, RA, and pyroptosis-related genes were enriched in pyroptosis and pro-inflammatory pathways(the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome complex, death-inducing signaling complex, regulation of interleukin production), natural immune pathways (Network map of SARS-CoV-2 signaling pathway, activation of NLRP3 inflammasome by SARS-CoV-2) and COVID-19-and RA-related cytokine storm pathways (IL, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), TNF signaling pathway and regulation of cytokine-mediated signaling). Of these, CASP1 is the most involved pathway and is closely related to minocycline. YY1, hsa-mir-429, and hsa-mir-34a-5p play an important role in the expression of CASP1. Monocytes are high-caspase-1-expressing sentinel cells. Minocycline can generate a highly stable state for biochemical activity by docking closely with the active region of caspase-1. Conclusions: Caspase-1 is a common biomarker for COVID-19, RA, and pyroptosis, and it may be an important mediator of the excessive inflammatory response induced by SARS-CoV-2 in RA patients through pyroptosis. Minocycline may counteract cytokine storm inflammation in patients with COVID-19 combined with RA by inhibiting caspase-1 expression.

IFI44 is an immune evasion biomarker for SARS-CoV-2 and Staphylococcus aureus infection in patients with RA.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a global pandemic of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common pathogenic bacteria in humans, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is among the most prevalent autoimmune conditions. RA is a significant risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 and S. aureus infections, although the mechanism of RA and SARS-CoV-2 infection in conjunction with S. aureus infection has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study is to investigate the biomarkers and disease targets between RA and SARS-CoV-2 and S. aureus infections using bioinformatics analysis, to search for the molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 and S. aureus immune escape and potential drug targets in the RA population, and to provide new directions for further analysis and targeted development of clinical treatments. Methods: The RA dataset (GSE93272) and the S. aureus bacteremia (SAB) dataset (GSE33341) were used to obtain differentially expressed gene sets, respectively, and the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined through the intersection. Functional enrichment analysis utilizing GO, KEGG, and ClueGO methods. The PPI network was created utilizing the STRING database, and the top 10 hub genes were identified and further examined for functional enrichment using Metascape and GeneMANIA. The top 10 hub genes were intersected with the SARS-CoV-2 gene pool to identify five hub genes shared by RA, COVID-19, and SAB, and functional enrichment analysis was conducted using Metascape and GeneMANIA. Using the NetworkAnalyst platform, TF-hub gene and miRNA-hub gene networks were built for these five hub genes. The hub gene was verified utilizing GSE17755, GSE55235, and GSE13670, and its effectiveness was assessed utilizing ROC curves. CIBERSORT was applied to examine immune cell infiltration and the link between the hub gene and immune cells. Results: A total of 199 DEGs were extracted from the GSE93272 and GSE33341 datasets. KEGG analysis of enrichment pathways were NLR signaling pathway, cell membrane DNA sensing pathway, oxidative phosphorylation, and viral infection. Positive/negative regulation of the immune system, regulation of the interferon-I (IFN-I; IFN-α/ß) pathway, and associated pathways of the immunological response to viruses were enriched in GO and ClueGO analyses. PPI network and Cytoscape platform identified the top 10 hub genes: RSAD2, IFIT3, GBP1, RTP4, IFI44, OAS1, IFI44L, ISG15, HERC5, and IFIT5. The pathways are mainly enriched in response to viral and bacterial infection, IFN signaling, and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3. IFI44, OAS1, IFI44L, ISG15, and HERC5 are the five hub genes shared by RA, COVID-19, and SAB. The pathways are primarily enriched for response to viral and bacterial infections. The TF-hub gene network and miRNA-hub gene network identified YY1 as a key TF and hsa-mir-1-3p and hsa-mir-146a-5p as two important miRNAs related to IFI44. IFI44 was identified as a hub gene by validating GSE17755, GSE55235, and GSE13670. Immune cell infiltration analysis showed a strong positive correlation between activated dendritic cells and IFI44 expression. Conclusions: IFI144 was discovered as a shared biomarker and disease target for RA, COVID-19, and SAB by this study. IFI44 negatively regulates the IFN signaling pathway to promote viral replication and bacterial proliferation and is an important molecular target for SARS-CoV-2 and S. aureus immune escape in RA. Dendritic cells play an important role in this process. 1,25-Dihydroxy vitamin D3 may be an important therapeutic agent in treating RA with SARS-CoV-2 and S. aureus infections.

MALAT-1 is Associated with the Doxorubicin Resistance in U-2OS Osteosarcoma Cells.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between MALAT-1 (metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1) expression and the chemotherapy drug resistance in osteosarcoma. METHODS: The U-2OS osteosarcoma cell line was selected for the experiment. The cells were treated with methotrexate, doxorubicin, cisplatin, and ifosfamide, respectively. RT-PCR was applied to detect the MALAT-1 expression in cells. The doxorubicin-resistant cell line was constructed. The cells were divided into doxorubicin-sensitivity group (DS/shCtrl), doxorubicin-resistance group (DR/shCtrl) and shMALAT1-doxorubicin-resistance group (DR/shMALAT1). The colony formation assay and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay were used to detect cell proliferation. PI staining was used to detect the cell cycle. Transwell assay and wound healing assay were used to observe the migration and invasion ability. Annexin V-FITC assay was used to detect cell apoptosis. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression and potential mechanism. The impacts of MALAT-1 expression were verified in vivo. RESULTS: The MALAT-1 was upregulated in the doxorubicin-resistant U-2OS osteosarcoma cells. Downregulating MALAT-1 in the doxorubicin-resistant cells inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasiveness, increased the ratio of cells in the G0/G1 phase, promoted apoptosis. In the doxorubicin-resistant U-2OS cells, the extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) phosphorylation was declined, which could be reversed by downregulating MALAT-1. In vivo assay indicated that the growth of doxorubicin-resistant solid osteosarcoma could be suppressed by downregulating MALAT-1. CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence that doxorubicin may upregulate MALAT-1 in osteosarcoma. Downregulating MALAT-1 in the doxorubicin resistance U-2OS cells could reverse the resistance and may improve chemotherapeutic efficiency. Some conclusions in previous literature may be one-sided.

Low-Frequency Fluctuations Amplitude Signals Exhibit Abnormalities of Intrinsic Brain Activities and Reflect Cognitive Impairment in Leukoaraiosis Patients.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to explore the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) for whole-brain in leukoaraiosis (LA) patients suffering from cognitive decline or impairment. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients were selected by employing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique. According to results of the clinical dementia rating and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), patients were divided into 3 groups: LA patients diagnosed as vascular mild-cognitive impairment (LA-VaMCI, n=28), LA patients diagnosed as vascular-dementia (LA-VaD, n=18), and normal individuals (NC, n=28). Executive functions were evaluated by using the Stroop test and Trail Making Test (TMT). The higher scores in TMT test mean greater impairments. Changes for the ALFF were measured by using resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) technique. Correlations between ALFF and cognition scores were analyzed. RESULTS It was found that widespread differences in ALFF were present predominantly in the posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus (PCC/PCu) and in the right inferior temporal gyrus (ITG). Compared with the NC group, ALFF values in PCC/PCu were significantly decreased (F=3.273, P=0.022) and ALFF values were significantly increased (F=2.864, P=0.033) in temporal regions of the LA-VaD patients. ALFF values in LA-VaMCI patients were significantly increased in ITG compared to that in the NC group (F=1.064, P=0.042) and the LA-VaD group (F=2.725, P=0.037). Impairment in executive functions were positively correlated with average ALFF of the left PCu. CONCLUSIONS This research showed that LA patients exhibited abnormal intrinsic-brain activities. Furthermore, altered ALFF was positively correlated with executive function scores.

Structural changes in white matter lesion patients and their correlation with cognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND: White matter lesions (WMLs) play a role in cognitive decline and dementia. Little is known about gray matter (GM) changes in WMLs. This study aimed to investigate GM changes in WML patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Correlations between altered structural volume and cognitive assessment scores were investigated. GM and white matter (WM) changes in 23 WML-vascular dementia (VaD) patients, 22 WML-non-dementia vascular cognitive impairment (VCIND) patients, and 23 healthy control (HC) subjects were examined. Gray matter density (GMD) was calculated by measuring local proportions of GM at thousands of homologous cortical locations. WM volume was obtained by fully automated software using voxel-based morphometry (VBM). RESULTS: Widespread GMD was significantly lower in WML patients compared to control subjects in cortical and subcortical regions (p<0.05). Greatest differences were found in the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex, inferior frontal gyrus, insula, angular gyrus, caudate, precentral gyrus, and right middle temporal gyrus, right thalamus. Secondary region of interest (ROI) analysis indicated significantly greater GMD in the bilateral caudate among WML-VCIND patients (n=22) compared to HCs (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in WM volume between WML patients and control subjects (p<0.05). Greatest differences were located in the genu/body/splenium of the corpus callosum and superior corona radiata L, and posterior corona radiata L. There was a significant association between structural changes and cognitive scores (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA] score) (p<0.05). There was no significant correlation between structural changes and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: GMD and WM volume were changed in WMLs, and the changes were detectable. Correlation between structural changes and cognitive function was promising in understanding the pathological and physiological mechanisms of WMLs.

Regulatory Mechanisms of the Ihh/PTHrP Signaling Pathway in Fibrochondrocytes in Entheses of Pig Achilles Tendon.

This study is aimed at exploring the effect of stress stimulation on the proliferation and differentiation of fibrochondrocytes in entheses mediated via the Indian hedgehog (Ihh)/parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) signaling pathway. Differential stress stimulation on fibrochondrocytes in entheses was imposed. Gene expression and protein levels of signaling molecules including collagen type I (Col I), Col II, Col X, Ihh, and PTHrP in the cytoplasm of fibrochondrocytes were detected. Ihh signal blocking group was set up using Ihh signaling pathway-specific blocking agent cyclopamine. PTHrP enhancement group was set up using PTHrP reagent. Ihh/PTHrP double intervention group, as well as control group, was included to study the regulatory mechanisms of the Ihh/PTHrP signaling pathway in fibrochondrocytes. Under low cyclic stress tensile (CTS), PTHrP, Col I, and Col II gene expression and protein synthesis increased. Under high CTS, Ihh and Col X gene expression and protein synthesis increased. Blocking Ihh signaling with cyclopamine resulted in reduced PTHrP gene expression and protein synthesis and increased Col X gene expression and protein synthesis. Ihh and PTHrP coregulate fibrochondrocyte proliferation and differentiation in entheses through negative feedback regulation. Fibrochondrocyte is affected by the CTS. This phenomenon is regulated by stress stimulation through the Ihh/PTHrP signaling pathway.

Worldwide research productivity in the field of spine surgery: a 10-year bibliometric analysis.

PURPOSE: Bibliometrics is increasingly used to assess the quantity and quality of scientific research output in many research fields worldwide. However, the bibliometric studies in the field of spine surgery are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the worldwide research productivity in the field of spine surgery using bibliometric methods and to provide an insight into the spine research for surgeons and researchers. METHODS: Articles published between 2004 and 2013 were retrieved using the Scopus database in 5 spine journals, including Spine, European Spine Journal, The Spine Journal, Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, and Journal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques. The number of articles, trend of publications, countries' contribution and h-index, authorship, subspecialty, funding source, journal pattern, institutions, and top cited articles were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 13,115 publications were identified in the database of Scopus from 2004 to 2013. The time trend of the number of articles showed a significant increase of 1.9-fold between 2004 and 2013 (p = 0.000). The largest number of articles in the field of spine surgery was from United States (39.17%), followed by Japan (10.74%) and China (8.62%). United States also have the highest h-index (106), followed by Canada (60) and United Kingdom (54). China (p = 0.000) and South Korea (p = 0.000) have a significantly increasing trend of contribution proportion to the world spine production over time in years, but h-index was still low (39 and 38, respectively). Spine published the highest number of articles (45.44%), followed by European Spine Journal (21.43%) and Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine (13.32%). The most productive institutions were University of California, San Francisco (1.98%), followed by Thomas Jefferson University (1.61%) and University of Toronto (1.41%). CONCLUSIONS: There has a rapid increase of scientific research productivity in the field of spine surgery during the past 10 years. United States has special contributions to the body of spine publications. China and South Korea have increasing contributions to the field of spine surgery.

Danggui sini decoction ameliorates myelosuppression in animal model by upregulating Thrombopoietin expression.

Danggui Sini decoction (DSD), a famous Chinese medicine, has been used therapeutically in various diseases. In this study, we tried to investigate whether and how DSD could ameliorate myelosuppression in an animal model, in which myelosuppression is induced by cyclophosphamide treatment. The myelosuppression model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg cyclophosphamide in mice. Flow cytometry was used to assess cell numbers and evaluate the bone marrow cell cycle distribution. Spleen samples were collected, and the mRNA expression levels of thrombopoietin (TPO) and c-Mpl were analyzed by RT-PCR. Our results demonstrated that DSD could significantly elevate the level of bone marrow hematopoietic stem progenitor cells in myelosuppression mice model. DSD also accelerated cell proliferation by switching cell cycles from G0/G1 phase to S and G2/M phase. Moreover, DSD significantly elevated the mRNA expression level of TPO, but not c-Mpl in spleen. Overall, the present results indicated that DSD is a promising Chinese medicine that is highly potent to ameliorate myelosuppression induced by chemotherapy by upregulating TPO expression.

Gemcitabine for the treatment of patients with osteosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Patients with recurrent or refractory osteosarcoma are considered to have a very poor prognosis, and new regimens are needed to improve the prognosis in this setting. Gemcitabine, a nucleoside antimetabolite, is an analog of deoxycytidine which mainly inhibits DNA synthesis through interfering with DNA chain elongation and depleting deoxynucleotide stores, resulting in gemcitabine-induced cell death. Here we performed a systemic analysis to evaluate gemcitabine based chemotherapy as salvage treatment for patients with recurrent or refractory osteosarcoma. METHODS: Clinical studies evaluating the impact of gemcitabine based regimens on response and safety for patients with osteosarcoma were identified by using a predefined search strategy. Pooled response rates (RRs) of treatment were calculated. RESULTS: In gemcitabine based regimens, 4 clinical studies which included 66 patients with recurrent or refractory osteosarcoma were considered eligible for inclusion. Systemic analysis suggested that, in all patients, pooled RR was 12.1% (8/66) in gemcitabine based regimens. Major adverse effects were hematologic toxicity, including grade 3 or 4 anemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia in gemcitabine based treatment. No treatment related death occurred in gemcitabine based treatment. CONCLUSION: This systemic analysis suggests that gemcitabine based regimens are associated with mild activity with good tolerability in treating patients with recurrent or refractory osteosarcoma.

[Best knee flexion angle through anteromedial portal during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the best knee flexion angle by analyzing the length and orientation of the femoral tunnel through anteromedial portal (AM) at different flexion angles during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: Twelve fresh cadaveric knees were selected to locate the center of ACL femoral footprint through AM using the improved hook slot vernier caliper, and to locate the posterior bone cortex using a diameter 3 mm ball at flexion of 90, 100, 110, 120, and 130 degrees. The femoral tunnel length, standard coronal and sagittal plane angles, and the position relation between exit point and the lateral epicondyle were measured; the tunnel orientation on the anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films was also measured. RESULTS: With increasing flexion of the knee, the femoral tunnel length showed a first increasing and then stable tendency; significant difference was found between at flexion of 90 degrees and at flexions of 100, 110, 120, and 130 degrees, and between flexions of 100 degrees and 120 degrees (P < 0.05). The femoral tunnel showed a trend of decreasing with coronal angle, whereas gradually increasing with sagittal angle. The knee flexion angle had significant difference either among flexions of 90, 110, and 130 degrees or between flexions of 100 degrees and 120 degrees (P < 0.05). The exit point of the femoral tunnel located at the lateral epicondyle of the femur proximal to posterior region at flexion of 90 degrees in all knees, and at flexion of 100 degrees in 7 knees, but it located at the lateral epicondyle of the femur proximal to anterior region at flexion of 110, 120, and 130 degrees in all knees. As the knee flexion angle increasing, the angle between femoral tunnel with the tangent of internal-external femoral condyle on anteroposterior X-ray films showed a trend of decreasing gradually, but a trend of increasing gradually on lateral X-ray films. On the anteroposterior X-ray films, significant differences were found in the angle either among flexions of 90, 110, and 130 degrees or between flexions of 100 degrees and 120 degrees (P < 0.05). On the lateral X-ray films, there were significant differences in the angle among flexions of 90, 100, 110, 120, and 130 degrees (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: During ACL reconstruction by AM, 110 degrees is the best flexion angle, which can get the ideal femoral tunnel.

Expression of FGF-2 and IGF-1 in diabetic rats with fracture.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the change of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in serum and bone callus after fracture in diabetic rats, and to explore molecular biological mechanism of healing of diabetic fracture. METHODS: Thirty male SD rats were designed into normal (n=15) and control (n=15) groups randomly. Venous blood was extracted on the lst, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th week after surgery. It was certificated and the serum was obtained. Left lower extremity was observed by X- ray. Bone callus at broken ends was observed under light microscope. Expressions of FGF-2 and IGF-1 in tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry method, and ELISA was used to detect expression of FGF-2 and IGF-1 in serum. RESULTS: The results showed a significant increase in the density and area of newly formed bone in the distraction gaps of normal rats compared to control rats. Increased cell proliferation was also found in the distraction gaps of normal rats versus control rats. There was significant difference in serum levels of FGF-2 and IGF-1 between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease of FGF-2 and IGF-1 both in the serum and in the fracture region is one of the reasons for bad bone healing or delayed union in rats' fracture with diabetes. There are some synergistic effects possibly between FGF-2 and IGF-1.

[Study progress of growth differentiation factor 5 or osteogenic protein 1 injection into a degenerated disc].

OBJECTIVE: To review the advance in the experimental studies and evaluate the potential therapeutic application of the growth differentiation factor 5(GDF-5) and osteogenic protein 1 (OP-1) in intervertebral disc degeneration. Methods Relevant literature at home and abroad published in recent years was searched and analyzed comprehensively. Results The growth factor was one of the most potential proteins in curing the intervertebral disc degeneration. In vitro, exogenous GDF-5 or OP-1 increased the deoxyribonucleic acid and proteoglycan contents of both nucleus pulposus and annlus fibrosis cells types significantly. GDF-5 at 200 ng/mL or OP-1 significantly stimulated proteoglycan synthesis and collagen synthesis. In vivo, the injection of GDF-5 (100 microg) or OP-1(100 microg in 10 microL 5% lactose) resulted in a restoration of disc height, improvement of magnetic resonance imaging scores, and histologic grading scores had statistical significance. CONCLUSION: A single injection of GDF-5 or OP-1 has a reparative capacity on intervertebral discs, presumably based on its effect to stimulate matrix metabolism of intervertebral disc cells and enhance extracellular matrix production. A single injection of exogenous GDF-5 or OP-1 in the degenerated disc shows a good prospect.

[Research progress of mesenchymal stem cells induced to differentiate intervertebral disc cells].

OBJECTIVE: To review the study progress of mesenchymal stem cells induced to differentiate intervertebral disc cells. METHODS: The recent related literature was reviewed. The theorical and experimental studies were summarized. RESULTS: MSCs had the potential of multi-directional differentiation. International experimental studies indicated the potential of MSCs induced to differentiate intervertebral disc cells. CONCLUSION: MSCs induced to differentiate intervertebral disc cells has the fine prospect.

Repair of the radial defect of rabbit with polyester/tricalcium phosphate scaffolds prepared by rapid prototyping technology.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of repairing rabbit radial defects with polyester/tricalcium phosphate scaffolds prepared by rapid prototyping technology loaded with bovine bone morphogenetic protein (bBMP), and find new carriers for growth factors. METHODS: Polyester/tricalcium phosphate scaffolds prepared by rapid prototyping technology loaded with and without bovine BMP were used to repair the 15 mm radial defect in rabbit. Then the results of radiography, histology, scaffolds degrade rates and bone mineral density (BMD) were appraised to examine the effects at the 12th week. RESULTS: At the 12th week postoperatively, all defects treated with bBMP were radiographically repaired. No radius implanted polyester/tricalcium phosphate scaffolds without bBMP showed radiographic and histological union. At experimental groups, longitudinal alignment of lamellar structure was observed histologically at the 12th week, indicating that remodeling of regenerated bone was complete in different degree. Of the three experimental groups, the bony regeneration and remodeling of callus in poly lactide-co-glycolide/tricalcium phosphate (PLGA/TCP) group was the best. The BMD values were beyond 70% of normal value at the 12th week while the PLGA/TCP scaffolds group was the highest, and no abnormalities were observed in the surrounding soft tissue in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Polyester/tricalcium phosphate scaffolds prepared by rapid prototyping technology loaded with bovine BMP can repair a 15 mm radial defect of rabbit. As for the results, the PLGA/TCP scaffold is ideal and better than poly L-lactide-co-D, L-lactide (PDLLA/TCP) scaffold, but the ploy L-lactic acid (PLLA/TCP) is not so good for its low degradation rates.

[Repair of the radial defect of rabbit by polyester/tricalcium phosphate scaffolds prepared by rapid prototyping technology].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the repairing effect of the rabbits radial defects of by polyester/tricalcium phosphate scaffolds prepared by rapid forming technology loaded with bovine BMP, and find a new carrier for growth factor. METHODS: Polyester/Tricalcium phosphate scaffolds prepared by rapid prototyping (RP) technology loaded with and without bovine BMP were used to repair the 15 mm radial defect of rabbit. Then results of radiography, histology, scaffolds degrade rates and bone density were appraised to examine the repairing effects of the scaffolds at 12 weeks. RESULTS: At 12 weeks, all defects treated with bBMP were radiographically repaired. No radii implanted polyester/tricalcium phosphate scaffolds alone showed radiographic and historical union. At experimental groups, longitudinal alignment of lamellar structure was observed histologically at 12 weeks, indicating that remodeling of regenerated bone almost completed, the scaffolds degradation rates were different by 12 weeks, and no abnormalities were observed in the surrounding soft tissue in all groups. CONCLUSION: Polyester/tricalcium phosphate scaffolds prepared by rapid prototyping technology loaded with bovine BMP can repair the rabbits radical defects. As for the effects, the poly (L-lactic-co-glycolide)/tricalcium phosphate (PLGA/TCP) scaffold are ideal and better than poly (L-lacide-co-D, L-lactide)/tricalcium phosphate (PDLLA/TCP) scaffold, but the poly (L-lactic acid)/tricalcium phosphate (PLLA/TCP) is not so good for its low degradation rates.