Effects of Methylprednisolone in the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries by Evaluation of microRNA-21: An Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most complicated pathologies that affect active young males. miR-21 primarily regulates several cellular processes. We aimed to elucidate the regulatory role of miR-21 and test methylprednisolone as a disease-modifying agent on experimental SCI tissues. METHODS: A total of 36 8- to 10-week-old adult female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250 to 300 g were used. Animals were randomly divided into six groups. Except for groups 1 and 4, the spinal trauma model was applied to all animal groups using the clipping method. In groups 3 and 6, methylprednisolone was given. For real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) investigations, rats in groups 1, 2, and 3 were reoperated on after the first postoperative day, whereas those in groups 4, 5, and 6 were reoperated on after postoperative day 7 and spinal cord samples from the laminectomy area were removed for gene expression analysis. Relative gene expression of miR-21, Gfap, Vim, Stat3, Faslg, Pten, Bax, Bcl2, Cox2, and Il6 were determined with quantitative reverse transcription (qRT) PCR. RESULTS: In group 3, the miR-21 expression significantly increased compared with groups 1 and 2. When compared with group 3, a decrease in miR-21 expression was observed in group 6 (p < 0.05). When compared with group 4, group 6 had lower levels of Gfap, Pten, Stat3, and Bax (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: miR-21 supports the beneficial aspects of the body's healing mechanisms following SCI. In the acute phase, the use of methylprednisolone increases miR-21 expression in the early period of trauma. Methylprednisolone increases some astrogliosis and inflammation biomarkers' levels; however, it did not affect the apoptotic biomarkers.

Alternative surgical management of oroantral fistula using auricular cartilage.

One of the clinical complications encountered by oral and maxillofacial surgeons is oroantral communication (OAC) with subsequent formation of oroantral fistula (OAF). Many techniques and treatment modalities have been described for the management of OAC and OAF. There are advantages and disadvantages of all these techniques. We report a 21-year-old male patient who was admitted to our department for the presence of an OAF and was treated using an auricular cartilage graft. This technique may be useful to treat OAF and to provide a solid alveolar bone site for subsequent pre-implant surgery. Key words:Auricular cartilage, implant surgery, oroantral fistula.

Comparison of effects of unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparin on skin wound healing of rats.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of unfractionated heparin (UH) and a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on skin wound healing of rats. METHODS: Forty eight male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 8mm full thickness dorsal skin wounds and were randomly assigned to three equal groups. In experimental group A, heparin sodium was injected at a concentration of 1000U/kg. In experimental group B, enoxaparin was injected at a concentration of 1mg/kg. Physiologic saline (0.5ml) was administered to the control group. Injections were made subcutaneously, once daily, for seven days. At 7th and 10th days tissue samples were taken from all rats. Histologic examination of these tissues was made under light microscope and scored. RESULTS: Histological examination showed a significant difference between the 7th and 10th day groups in wound healing. It was observed that wound healing of LMWH injected group is better. This difference is statistically significant at 10th day. CONCLUSIONS: Daily administration of single doses of unfractionated heparin and a low molecular weight heparin improves wound healing positively. Low molecular weight heparin induces wound healing more than unfractionated heparin.

Comparison of effects of unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparin on skin wound healing of rats / Comparação dos efeitos da heparina não fracionada e heparina de baixo peso molecular na cicatrização de feridas na pele de ratos

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of unfractionated heparin (UH) and a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on skin wound healing of rats. METHODS: Forty eight male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 8mm full thickness dorsal skin wounds and were randomly assigned to three equal groups. In experimental group A, heparin sodium was injected at a concentration of 1000U/kg. In experimental group B, enoxaparin was injected at a concentration of 1mg/kg. Physiologic saline (0.5ml) was administered to the control group. Injections were made subcutaneously, once daily, for seven days. At 7th and 10th days tissue samples were taken from all rats. Histologic examination of these tissues was made under light microscope and scored. RESULTS: Histological examination showed a significant difference between the 7th and 10th day groups in wound healing. It was observed that wound healing of LMWH injected group is better. This difference is statistically significant at 10th day. CONCLUSIONS: Daily administration of single doses of unfractionated heparin and a low molecular weight heparin improves wound healing positively. Low molecular weight heparin induces wound healing more than unfractionated heparin.

OBJETIVO: Comparar os efeitos da heparina não fracionada (HNF) e da heparina de baixo peso molecular (HBPM) na cicatrização de feridas cutâneas de ratos. MÉTODOS: Quarenta e oito ratos machos Sprague-Dawley foram submetidos à ferida na pele dorsal com espessura total de 8mm e foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos iguais. No grupo experimental A, a heparina sódica foi injetada a uma concentração de 1000U/kg. No grupo experimental B, a enoxaparina foi injetada a uma concentração de 1mg/kg. Solução salina fisiológica (0,5ml) foi administrada para o grupo controle. As injeções foram feitas por via subcutânea, uma vez por dia, durante sete dias. Nos dias 7º e 10º amostras de tecido foram obtidas de todos os ratos. O exame histológico destes tecidos foi realizado em microscópio de luz. RESULTADOS: O exame histológico mostrou uma diferença significativa entre os grupos no 7º e 10º dias na cicatrização das feridas. Observou-se que a cicatrização de feridas do grupo com heparina de baixo peso molecular foi melhor. Esta diferença foi estatisticamente significante no 10º dia. CONCLUSÕES: A administração diária de doses únicas de heparina não fracionada e de heparina de baixo peso molecular melhora a cicatrização de feridas. A heparina de baixo peso molecular induz melhor a cicatrização de feridas do que a heparina não fracionada.

Use of dental implants to retain finger prostheses: a case report.

Fingers as organs of manipulation have an important role in function and aesthetics. Moreover, for the majority of patients, the loss of the finger can lead to psychological problems. This case report presents the use of osseointegrated dental implants for the retention of finger prostheses. The possibility of using osseointegrated implant-retained prostheses offers a real alternative for the reconstruction of fingers in cases where other techniques are not applicable.