Purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) extract effects on levels of inflammatory markers and chondrocyte count in gout arthritis Wistar rat model.

BACKGROUND: Recently, herbal medicine has become alternative in management of gout. Our aim is to assess effectiveness of purple sweet potato extract in gout. METHOD: In vivo study with randomized posttest only control group design. Purple sweet potato extract administered to 16 Wistar rats with MSU-induced gout. Independent t-test for analyzing interleukin-1 ß (IL-1ß), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and number of chondrocytes results. RESULTS: Decreased level of IL-1ß (3.81 ± 1.54 ng/mL vs. 2.55 ± 0.59 ng/mL, p = 0.04), MDA (5.04 ± 1.02 ng/mL vs. 2.27 ± 0.57 ng/mL, p = 0.04), MMP-3 (5.66 ± 1.02 ng/mL vs. 3.84 ± 1.37 ng/mL, p = 0.01) COMP (21.01 ± 3.57 ng/mL vs. 17.27 ± 2.60 ng/mL, p = 0.03), and increasing chondrocytes (35.17 ± 12.35 lp vs. 48.56 ± 7.17 lp, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Purple sweet potato extract with anthocyanin inhibits inflammation and cartilage degeneration in gout. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1.

An Arthroscopic Approach for the Intralesional Curettage of Giant Cell Tumor of the Distal Femur: A Case Report.

As a locally aggressive primary benign tumor, giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) presents a challenge to surgeons, as it often recurs regardless of surgical resection. This report describes a case of GCTB of the distal femur in a man, aged 39 years, treated with intralesional curettage through an arthroscopic approach. A 360° view of the tumor cavity can be achieved with the help of an arthroscope, which can help complete intralesional curettage and minimize possible larger approach-related complications. The result is favorable in terms of functional outcome and recurrence after 1-year follow-up.

A Systematic Review of Scoring System Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Parameters to Predict Outcome in Cervical Spinal Cord Injury.

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a potential tool for the objective assessment of spinal cord injury (SCI) because it correlates well with the spatial and temporal extension of spinal cord pathology. This study aimed to systematically identify currently available scoring system based on MRI parameters, including measurement of the spinal cord lesion length in sagittal view (intramedullary lesion length (IMLL)) and morphology of the lesion in axial view (Brain and Spinal Injury Center (BASIC) score). Methods: A systematic search was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE database for English-language studies with the keywords "cervical," "spinal cord injury," "scoring system," "scoring," "classification," and "magnetic resonance imaging" to systematically identify the scoring system based on MRI parameters. The main outcomes of interest are the scoring system's inter- and intraobserver reliabilities and its predictive accuracy of neurological outcome. Results: After assessing the full text and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 articles were found to be eligible. The inter- and intraobserver reliabilities were rated as good until perfect for increased signal intensity (ISI), maximum canal compromise (MCC), maximum spinal cord compression (MSCC), BASIC score, cord-canal-area ratio, space available for the cord, and the compression ratio. The weighted mean difference of IML between the group with converted ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) grade and the group without conversion is 31.79 (I2 =93%, P=0.008). The percentage of agreement between the initial BASIC score of 4 with AIS grade of A at follow-up is 100%. Conclusions: Certain MRI parameters, including IML and BASIC score, have good reliability and correlate well with neurological outcome, making them candidates for building simple and objective scoring system for cervical SCI. Level of Evidence: 2A.

bcl-2 and p53 as novel biomarkers for predicting malignant transformation in chronic osteomyelitis.

PURPOSE: To find whether B-cell lymphoma 2 (bcl-2) and p53 proteins could be used as parameters to detect malignant transformation of chronic osteomyelitis. We also attempted to determine whether they could be used to differentiate between secondary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) resulting from chronic osteomyelitis, and primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: Retrospective study was conducted during 5 years period, resulting in 7 patients in each group: secondary squamous cell carcinoma arising from chronic osteomyelitis, primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, and chronic osteomyelitis patients. Immunohistochemistry staining with bcl-2 and p53 was performed with the pathologist blinded to the sample groups. RESULTS: Contingency coefficient test was performed to assess the correlation between the biomarker status (bcl-2 and p53) and the case groups. Significant moderate correlations of bcl-2 and p53 were found between groups of chronic osteomyelitis and squamous cell carcinoma arising from chronic osteomyelitis in terms of malignant transformation (p = 0.005 for bcl-2 and p = 0.031 for p53). Insignificant correlations of bcl-2 and p53 expression were found between primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and secondary squamous cell carcinoma arising from chronic osteomyelitis group (p = 0.577). CONCLUSIONS: The expression of bcl-2 and p-53 is significantly correlated with chronic osteomyelitis malignant transformation into squamous cell carcinoma.

Adjunctive platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid injection after arthroscopic debridement in Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 and 4 knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of pain and disability, predominantly affecting the knee. The current management of knee OA falls short of completely stopping disease progression, particularly in Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade 3 and 4 knee OA. As such, joint replacement is often recommended, although only 15%-33% of candidates accept it. Alternative therapeutic options are still needed to prevent the progression of joint damage and delay the need for knee arthroplasty. AIM: To investigate the effect of adjunctive platelet rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) after arthroscopic debridement in KL grade 3 and 4 knee OA. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score and WOMAC sub-scores (pain, stiffness, and function) to assess 21 patients, grouped according to medical record data of treatment received: Arthroscopic debridement (n = 7); arthroscopic debridement with PRP (n = 7); or arthroscopic debridement with HA (n = 7). WOMAC scores and sub-scores at baseline and at 3 mo and 5 mo posttreatment were recorded. The three-group data were statistically analyzed using the tests of paired t, one-way analysis of variance, and post hoc least significant difference. RESULTS: All three treatment groups showed significant improvements in WOMAC score and sub-scores from before treatment to 3 mo and 5 mo after treatment. However, the arthroscopic debridement with PRP treatment group, in particular, showed a significantly lower WOMAC pain score than the group who received arthroscopic debridement alone at 5 mo after the procedure (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Compared to arthroscopic debridement alone, adjunctive PRP after arthroscopic debridement significantly lessened the patients' pain symptom.

Arthroscopic Management of Giant Cell Tumor of the Calcaneus.

Giant cell tumor of the calcaneal bone is a very rare entity and generally seen in the 30 to 40 years age group. We report a case of a 17-year-old male with giant cell tumor of the calcaneus, presented with left heel pain without another obvious physical abnormality. Radiographs showed a lobulated, well-defined, lytic lesion of the calcaneus with narrow transitional zone without periosteal reaction, no extraosseal spread, and no lung metastases. Arthroscopic procedure was done directly for both diagnostic and curative procedures. All soft, grayish lesions were completely removed arthroscopically using direct lateral portals and the suspected reactive zones debrided using high-speed burr and injected with corticosteroid. Histopathology confirmed the suspected diagnosis. The postoperative clinical course was uneventful with immediate pain relief and full weight bearing and movement allowed soon. The patient had no recurrent pain as well as recurrent radiographic lesions, and normal joint mobility 9 months postoperatively. Considering the accessibility of the lesion, giant cell tumor of the calcaneal bone can be successfully treated arthroscopically using direct lateral approach.Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Retrospective, case report.

High IL-6 level as a marker of lumbar osteoarthritis in patients older than 55 years with low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a common clinical condition encountered by most physicians, but the cause and risk factors are still unclear. Cytokines such as IL-6 play an important role in cartilage degeneration, but the role of IL-6 in osteoarthritis (OA) is still debatable. Herein, we aimed to determine the association between high IL-6 levels and lumbar OA in patients older than 55 years with LBP. METHOD: This was a case-control study. Patients included 10 men and 14 women over 55 years of age with lumbar OA. The control group comprised 10 men and 14 women over 55 years of age without lumbar OA. IL-6 analysis was performed for all study subjects. RESULT: The mean age of patients in the case group for both men and women were 67.7±10.4 and 74.4±10.5 years, while that of the control group for both men and women were 67.7±6.3 and 64.9±6.1 years, respectively. Body mass index was not statistically significantly different between the two groups (men and women). Chi-squared analysis showed no statistically significant differences between nutritional status and lumbar OA. CONCLUSION: The probability of lumbar OA in LBP patients with high IL-6 levels (>6.60 pg/ mL) is five times greater than in those with low IL-6 levels (P=0.009). Women with high IL-6 levels have a 6.9-times greater probability of developing lumbar OA than men (P=0.03).

Recombinant platelet derived growth factor-BB and hyaluronic acid effect in rat osteoarthritis models.

Osteoarthritis (OA) arises from imbalance of cartilage metabolism between the synthesis and degradation of type II collagen by the chondrocyte. Collagen type II degradation is characterized by increase in the biomarker of C-telopeptide fragment of type II collagen (CTX-II), while the anabolic process of cartilage is characterized by an increase in the biosynthesis of procollagen amino terminal N-propeptide type IIA (PIIANP). Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) with Hyaluronic Acid (HA) as a potent growth factor can be used to stimulate the higher formation of chondrocyte and PIIANP levels and lower CTX-II levels in mouse knee osteoarthritis model.

Hernia mesh prevent dislocation after wide excision and reconstruction of giant cell tumor distal radius.

Giant cell tumor (GCT) remains as major health problem. GCT which located at the lower end of the radius tends to be more aggressive. Wide excision and reconstruction of the wrist in stage 3 of distal radius GCT lesion is an optimal modality to prevent tumor recurrence. However, dislocation often occurs as its complication. We are reporting patient with GCT of distal radius treated with wide excision and reconstruction using nonvascularized fibular graft and the addition of hernia mesh. Circumferential non-absorbable polypropylene hernia mesh was applied, covered radioulnar joint and volar aspect of radius, and served as additional support to prevent dislocation. During five years and two months of follow-up, we found no dislocation in our patient. Furthermore, good functional outcome was obtained. Our finding suggests that the addition of hernia mesh after wide excision and reconstruction with nonvascularized fibular graft may benefit to prevent dislocation and provides an excellent functional outcome.

Case Report of the positive exostosin-1 without B-cell lymphoma-2 gene expression of giant cell tumor lesion in hereditary multiple exostosis.

INTRODUCTION: The giant cell tumor, in which BCL-2 gene was expressed only in its malignant transformation, is a benign, primary skeletal neoplasm with variable biologic aggressiveness. The is of the giant cell tumor. A coexistence with hereditary multiple exostosis with expression of EXT-1 is very rare. The correlation between giant cell tumor in hereditary multiple exostosis is still not clearly determined. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 31-years-old female presented with pain and lump on her left wrist and a coexistence of non tender multiple lump in the right and left knee. A wide excision of the tumor and reconstruction using non vascularized fibular graft was performed, followed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry of EXT-1 and BCL-2. DISCUSSION: In this case, the tumor showed negative BCL-2 and positive EXT-1 gene expression. Giant cell tumor and hereditary multiple exostosis also demonstrated associations of chromosomes 11 with a different pathological process. CONCLUSION: Giant cell tumor in hereditary multiple exostosis revealed positive EXT-1 without BCL-2 expression. It still need more investigation to confirm the relationship between these tumors.