Comparison of Muscle Regeneration Effects at Different Melittin Concentrations in Rabbit Atrophied Muscle.

This research aimed to explore the healing impacts of Melittin treatment on gastrocnemius muscle wasting caused by immobilization with a cast in rabbits. Twenty-four rabbits were randomly allocated to four groups. The procedures included different injections: 0.2 mL of normal saline to Group 1 (G1-NS); 4 µg/kg of Melittin to Group 2 (G2-4 µg/kg Melittin); 20 µg/kg of Melittin to Group 3 (G3-20 µg/kg Melittin); and 100 µg/kg of Melittin to Group 4 (G4-100 µg/kg Melittin). Ultrasound was used to guide the injections into the rabbits' atrophied calf muscles following two weeks of immobilization via casting. Clinical measurements, including the length of the calf, the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of the tibial nerve, and the gastrocnemius muscle thickness, were assessed. Additionally, cross-sectional slices of gastrocnemius muscle fibers were examined, and immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses were performed following two weeks of therapy. The mean regenerative changes, as indicated by clinical parameters, in Group 4 were significantly more pronounced than in the other groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius muscle fibers and immunohistochemical indicators in Group 4 exceeded those in the remaining groups (p < 0.05). Western blot analysis also showed a more significant presence of anti-inflammatory and angiogenic cytokines in Group 4 compared to the others (p < 0.05). Melittin therapy at a higher dosage can more efficiently activate regeneration in atrophied gastrocnemius muscle compared to lower doses of Melittin or normal saline.

Polydeoxyribonucleotide and Shock Wave Therapy Sequence Efficacy in Regenerating Immobilized Rabbit Calf Muscles.

This study primarily aimed to investigate the combined effects of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) sequences on the regenerative processes in atrophied animal muscles. Thirty male New Zealand rabbits, aged 12 weeks, were divided into five groups: normal saline (Group 1), PDRN (Group 2), ESWT (Group 3), PDRN injection before ESWT (Group 4), and PDRN injection after ESWT (Group 5). After 2 weeks of cast immobilization, the respective treatments were administered to the atrophied calf muscles. Radial ESWT was performed twice weekly. Calf circumference, tibial nerve compound muscle action potential (CMAP), and gastrocnemius (GCM) muscle thickness after 2 weeks of treatment were evaluated. Histological and immunohistochemical staining, as well as Western blot analysis, were conducted 2 weeks post-treatment. Staining intensity and extent were assessed using semi-quantitative scores. Groups 4 and 5 demonstrated significantly greater calf muscle circumference, GCM muscle thickness, tibial nerve CMAP, and GCM muscle fiber cross-sectional area (type I, type II, and total) than the remaining three groups (p < 0.05), while they did not differ significantly in these parameters. Groups 2 and 3 showed higher values for all the mentioned parameters than Group 1 (p < 0.05). Group 4 had the greatest ratio of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) in the GCM muscle fibers compared to the other four groups (p < 0.05). Western blot analysis revealed significantly higher expression of angiogenesis cytokines in Groups 4 and 5 than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The combination of ESWT and PDRN injection demonstrated superior regenerative efficacy for atrophied calf muscle tissue in rabbit models compared to these techniques alone or saline. In particular, administering ESWT after PDRN injection yielded the most favorable outcomes in specific parameters.

Width of the orbicularis oculi fibers extending to the upper lip with the lateral and inferior lengths of the orbicularis oculi at the lateral canthus level: application to botulinum neurotoxin type A injection for crow's feet.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the width of the fibers that extend from the orbicularis oculi muscle (OOc) to the upper lip, and the lateral and inferior lengths of the OOc at the lateral canthus level. METHODS: The OOc was investigated in the 40 hemifaces of 20 Korean cadavers. The lateral fibers of the OOc (OOc lat) were traced to determine whether or not these fibers extended to the upper lip. RESULTS: The OOc lat extended to the upper lip at the lateral canthus level in 31 of the 40 specimens (77.5%), whereas some inferolateral fibers of the OOc that extended to the upper lip were observed near the level of the lower margin of the OOc in the other 9 specimens (22.5%). The mean ± SD and maximum widths of the OOc lat that extended to the upper lip at the lateral canthus level were 6.9 ± 3.3 mm and 14.3 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: The obtained data will be helpful to distinguish the muscles that underly the wrinkles around the lateral canthus for safer and more-efficient BoNT-A treatments for crow's feet.

Therapeutic effect of microcurrent on calf muscle atrophy in immobilized rabbit.

INTRODUCTION: Immobilization causes significant muscle loss. In this study we assessed the regenerative effect of microcurrent electrical stimulation (MES) on gastrocnemius muscle (GCM) atrophy induced by immobilization by cast (IC) in rabbits. METHODS: Fifteen rabbits were divided into 3 groups: IC (group 1); IC and free re-ambulation for 2 weeks after cast removal (CR) (group 2); and IC and MES for 2 weeks after CR (group 3). We evaluated clinical parameters (calf circumference, compound muscle action potential of tibial nerve, and thickness of GCM by ultrasound), histomorphometric data (muscle composition and cross-sectional area), and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Mean atrophic changes in clinical parameters in group 3 were significantly less than those in groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). Histomophometric and immunohistochemical parameters in group 3 were significantly greater than those in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION: MES prevents muscle atrophy and facilitates regeneration of muscle. Muscle Nerve 58: 270-276, 2018.

Comparative Histomorphometric Analysis of Maxillary Sinus Augmentation With Deproteinized Bovine Bone and Demineralized Particulate Human Tooth Graft: An Experimental Study in Rabbits.

PURPOSE: The aim of this animal study is to evaluate, by histomorphometric analysis, new bone formation in rabbit maxillary sinuses with Bio-Oss and demineralized particulate human tooth graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bilateral sinus augmentation procedures were performed in 8 adult male rabbits. After preparation of replaceable bony windows on the lateral wall of the nasal cavity with a piezoelectric surgical device, deproteinized bovine graft (Bio-Oss) was grafted in the new compartment of the maxillary sinus after elevation of the sinus membrane in the control group. In the experimental group, the demineralized human particulate tooth bone was grafted in the sinus. The replaceable bony window was repositioned over the bone graft in both groups. Animals were killed at 2 and 8 weeks after the surgical procedure. The augmented sinuses were evaluated by histomorphometric analysis using hematoxylin-eosin and Masson trichrome stains. RESULTS: Histologically, new bone was revealed along the elevated sinus membrane and both bone grafts. In the control group, the new bone area at 8 weeks was not significantly different than that at 2 weeks. In the experimental group, the new bone area at 8 weeks was significantly greater than that at 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: Significant higher new bone formation was revealed in the experimental group than in the control group.

A radial artery originating from the thoracoacromial artery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this case report is to report a rare vascular variation in the upper limbs because of its clinical importance and embryological implication. METHODS: During the educational dissection of a 73-year-old Korean male cadaver`s right upper limb, we found a variant branch which is originated from the thoracoacromial artery. RESULTS: The variant branch from the thoracoacromial artery ran to the distal forearm in the deep fascia. Because it finally coursed like the radial artery in the forearm and the palm, we defined the variant artery as superficial brachioradial artery (SBRA). In the cubital region a little below the intercondylar line, the brachial artery gave off a small communicating branch to SBRA, and continued as the ulnar artery. CONCLUSIONS: We reported this unique variation and discussed its clinical and embryological implication.

Comparative histomorphometric analysis of maxillary sinus augmentation with absorbable collagen membrane and osteoinductive replaceable bony window in rabbits.

PURPOSE: The aim of this animal study was to evaluate, through histomorphometric evaluation, bone regeneration in rabbit maxillary sinuses with absorbable collagen membranes and osteoinductive replaceable bony windows over bone grafts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bilateral sinus augmentation procedures were performed in 16 adult male rabbits. The rabbits were randomly assigned to 4 groups of 4 rabbits each. Rectangular replaceable bony windows were made with a piezoelectric thin saw insert. In control group, grafted ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) was covered by absorbable collagen membranes. In experimental groups, ß-TCP was grafted and covered by replaceable bony windows. The rabbits were killed at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively. The augmented sinuses were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson trichrome stains and examined, under light microscopy, for newly formed bone and soft tissue changes in the maxillary sinuses. RESULTS: Histologically, significantly higher and faster new bone formation was observed in the augmented sinuses of the experimental groups, receiving homologous replaceable bony windows than in those of the control group receiving collagen membranes. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that, for augmentation, the use of the homologous replaceable bony window over bone graft material on the maxillary sinus accelerates bone regeneration.

A bifid ureter originating from separate major calyx and renal pelvis with dual calyceal systems: a case report.

Present case report describes a case of bifid ureter arising directly from separate calyces and renal pelvis of the kidney. Incomplete ureter duplication on the left side in a 78-year-old male cadaver was found during an anatomy class. These ureters converged in a Y-shaped pattern just above the level of the anterior superior iliac spine. In the coronal section of the kidney, the anterior ureter arose from a renal pelvis that was divided into two major calyces in the lower two-thirds of the kidney. On the other hand, the posterior ureter was directly connected to a major calyx in the upper third of the kidney, without the formation of a renal pelvis. This anatomical variation has implications for diagnostic approaches, especially in the use of imaging techniques by urologists for the insertion of stents in the treatment of phyelonephritis.

Comparative proteome analysis of Tumor necrosis factor α-stimulated human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in response to melittin.

BACKGROUND: Bee venom has been used to relieve pain and to treat inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, in humans. To better understand the mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerosis effect of bee venom, gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were used to identify proteins whose expression was altered in human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (hVSMCs) stimulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha after 12 h in the presence of melittin. RESULTS: To obtain valuable insights into the anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerosis mechanisms of melittin, two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF/TOF were used. The proteome study, we showed 33 significant proteins that were differentially expressed in the cells treated with tumor necrosis factor alpha and melittin. Thirteen proteins were significantly increased in the cells treated with tumor necrosis factor alpha, and those proteins were reduced in the cells treated with melittin. Five of the proteins that showed increased expression in the cells treated with tumor necrosis factor alpha are involved in cell migration, including calreticulin, an essential factor of development that plays a role in transcription regulation. The proteins involved in cell migration were reduced in the melittin treated cells. The observed changes in the expression of GRP75, prohibitin, and a select group of other proteins were validated with reverse transcribed-PCR. It was confirmed that the observed change in the protein levels reflected a change in the genes level. In addition, the phosphorylation of EGFR and ERK was validated by analyzing the protein pathway. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these data established that the expression of some proteins was significantly changed by melittin treatment in tumor necrosis factor alpha stimulated the cells and provided insights into the mechanism of the melittin function for its potential use as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Comparative Histomorphometric Analysis of Bone Regeneration According to Bone Graft Type.

PURPOSE: To use histomorphometric analysis to evaluate bone reconstruction in rabbit calvaria with autogenous bone, anorganic bovine bone, undecalcified human tooth bone (UdTB), and decalcified human tooth bone (dTB) grafts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extracted human teeth were crushed, and tooth bone with and without decalcification was prepared. Bony defects were made in 10 rabbit calvaria and allocated to one of the following four groups: group 1, in which UdTB was grafted; group 2, in which dTB was grafted; group 3, in which anorganic bovine bone was grafted; group 4, in which autogenous bone was grafted. The rabbits were sacrificed at 2 or 8 weeks postoperatively, and histomorphometric comparison was performed. RESULTS: Histologically, new bone formation was observed at the defect margin and around all graft materials. The dTB group revealed significantly greater new bone areas at 2 and 8 weeks compared to the UdTB group and the anorganic bovine bone group (P < .05). The dTB group revealed no significant difference in the new bone area at 2 weeks but revealed significantly less new bone area at 8 weeks compared to the autogenous bone group (P < .05). The dTB group also revealed significantly less graft material area compared to the anorganic bovine bone group at 8 weeks (P < .05). The autogenous bone group revealed significantly less graft material area and significantly greater bone marrow area compared to other groups at 8 weeks (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Grafting with dTB resulted in better bone regeneration than UdTB and anorganic bovine bone grafting at 8 weeks and addresses the potential disadvantages of autogenous bone grafting.

Efficacy of Intra-articular Triamcinolone and Hyaluronic Acid in a Frozen Shoulder Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: Intra-articular corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid (HA) is commonly prescribed for frozen shoulder. However, few studies have investigated histological and molecular changes after injection. PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of intra-articular injections of triamcinolone and HA in a frozen shoulder rat model and verify a greater effect of triamcinolone in passive shoulder abduction compared with HA. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups (n = 5 in each): control group, which did not receive cast immobilization or injection, and 3 experimental groups, which received 3 weeks of unilateral shoulder immobilization followed by intra-articular injections (normal saline, triamcinolone, or HA) at the immobilized shoulder. Passive shoulder abduction angle, histological and immunohistochemical staining, and Western blotting results were assessed 2 weeks after injection. The intensity and extent of staining were converted to semiquantitative scores for further analysis. RESULTS: Shoulder abduction angles before sacrifice were 153.0°± 2.7° (control group), 107.0°± 5.7° (saline group), 139.0°± 9.6° (triamcinoline group), and 110.0°± 10.6° (HA group), showing significant differences between control and saline groups, control and HA groups, saline and triamcinoline groups, and triamcinoline and HA groups (P < .001) but not between control and triamcinoline groups (P = .053). Histologic evaluation revealed an increase in synovial folds and thickening of the capsular membrane in the saline and HA groups; this change was not evident in the triamcinolone group. A comparison of semiquantitative scores revealed greater expression levels of proteins involved in fibrosis and angiogenesis in the saline and HA groups compared with the control and triamcinolone groups. In Western blotting, the expression of inflammatory cytokines and the receptor for advanced glycation end products was significantly lower in the triamcinolone and HA groups than in the saline group. CONCLUSION: Triamcinolone injection was more effective than normal saline or HA injection in improving range of motion and reversing fibrotic and angiogenic features of frozen shoulder. Both triamcinolone and HA injections elicited anti-inflammatory effects. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The antifibrotic and antiangiogenic properties of triamcinolone and the anti-inflammatory properties of both triamcinolone and HA should be considered when performing injections in clinical settings.

Ascochlorin suppresses TGF-ß1-induced PAI-1 expression through the inhibition of phospho-EGFR in rat kidney fibroblast cells.

Fibrosis is induced by the excessive and abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) with various growth factors in tissues. Transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), the growth factor involved in fibrosis, modulates ECM synthesis and accumulation. TGF-ß1 enhances the production of stimulators of ECM synthesis such as plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1). As such, PAI-1 expression directly influences the proteolysis, invasion, and accumulation of ECM. It was shown in this study that ascochlorin, a prenylpenl antiobiotic, prevents the expression of profibrotic factors, such as PAI-1 and collagen type I, and that the TGF-ß1-induced PAI-1 promoter activity is inhibited by ascochlorin. Ascochlorin abolishes the phosphorylation of the EGFR-MEK-ERK signaling pathway to regulate the TGF-ß1-induced expression of PAI-1 without the inhibition of TßRII phosphorylation. Furthermore, the MEK inhibitor and EGFR siRNA block PAI-1 expression, and the Raf-1, MEK, and ERK signaling pathways for the regulation of PAI-1 expression. Ascochlorin suppresses the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity to activate the heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), to induce the phosphorylation of EGFR, and the MMPs inhibitor suppresses EGFR phosphorylation and the PAI-1 mRNA levels. These results suggest that ascochlorin prevents the expression of PAI-1 via the inhibition of an EGFR-dependent signal transduction pathway activated by MMPs.

Regeneration of Chronic Rotator Cuff Tear in a Rabbit Model: Synergetic Benefits of Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Polydeoxyribonucleotides, and Microcurrent Therapy.

Objective: To investigate synergic therapeutic effects of combined injection of intralesional mesenchymal stem cells derived from human umbilical cord blood (UCB-MSCs) and polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) combined with microcurrent therapy (MIC) on full thickness rotator cuff tendon tear (FTRCTT) in rabbit models. Methods: Thirty-two rabbit models were assigned to 4 different groups. FTRCTT in the supraspinatus tendon was created. After 6 weeks, 4 types of procedures (0.2 mL normal saline injection, group 1 (G1-NS); 0.2 mL SC injection, group 2 (G2-MSC); 0.2 mL SC and weekly four injections of 0.2 mL PDRN with sham MIC, group 3 (G3-MSC+PDRN+sham MIC); and 0.2 mL SC and weekly four injections of 0.2 mL PDRN with MIC for four weeks, group 4 (G4-MSC+PDRN+MIC)) were performed in FTRCTT. Gross morphologic and histological changes of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1) and motion analysis were performed. Results: There was a significant difference in gross morphologic changes between baseline and week 4 posttreatment in group 4 compared to the other three groups (p = 0.01). In groups 3 and 4, all parameters of histochemical and motion analysis have been found to be significantly greater than the ones in groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.05). In group 4, PCNA-, VEGF-, and PECAM-1-stained cells, as well as walking distance, were significantly greater than the ones in group 3 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The treatment with UCB-MSCs and PDRN combined with MIC might be the most effective in rabbit models' traumatic FRTCTT.

Combination Therapy of Polydeoxyribonucleotide and Microcurrent in Muscle Regeneration on Cast-Induced Muscle Atrophy in Rabbit.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate how polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and microcurrent therapy (MT) functioned synergistically in a cast-immobilized rabbit model with an atrophied calf muscle. Methods: At the age of 12 weeks, 32 male New Zealand rabbits were enrolled in four groups. After 2 weeks of cast-immobilization, 4 procedures were performed on atrophied calf muscle [weekly two injections normal saline 0.2 ml injection group 1 (G1-NS), weekly two injections 0.2 ml PDRN injection group 2 (G2-PDRN), MT group 3 (G3-MT), and 0.2 ml PDRN injection with MT group 4 (G4-PDRN+MT)]. For 2 weeks, MT was used for 60 minutes each day. The calf circumference (CC), the thickness of gastrocnemius muscle (TGCM), and the tibial nerve compound muscle action potential (CMAP) were evaluated using ultrasound before and after 2 weeks of treatment. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), vascular endothelial growth factor, and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) of GCM fibers (type I, type II, and total) were measured. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA. Results: The mean atrophic alterations of right CC, CMAP, and TGCM (medial/lateral) were substantially lower in G4-PDRN+MT than in the G1-NS, G2-PDRN, and G3-MT, respectively (p < 0.05). Furthermore, mean CSAs (type I, type II, and total) of medial and lateral GCM muscle fibers in G4-PDRN+MT were significantly higher when compared to other three groups (p < 0.05). In terms of the PCNA-, VEGF-, and PECAM-1-positive cell ratio of medial and lateral GCM muscle fibers, G4-PDRN+MT was considerably higher than G1-NS, G2-PDRN, and G3-MT (p < 0.05). Conclusions: On the atrophied calf muscle of the rabbit model, PDRN injection combined with MT was more effective than PDRN injection alone, MT alone, and normal saline injection separately.

Variant muscle fibers connecting the orbicularis oculi to the orbicularis oris: case report.

The orbicularis oculi (OOc) is a sphincteric muscle of the eyelids, whereas contraction of the orbicularis oris (OOr), another sphincteric muscle, causes narrowing of the lips. Facial muscle fibers normally blend with adjacent muscles. However, muscle fibers connecting the various facial muscles that have different actions and that are located at distant sites, such as the OOc and the OOr have been rarely reported. Herein, we report a rare case of connecting fibers between the inferior margin of the OOc and the OOr. These connecting fibers were blended with the OOr between the inserting fibers of the levator labii superioris and levator anguli oris. Contraction of such variant muscles might affect typical facial expressions.

The effects of treatment using polydeoxyribonucleotide through extracorporeal shock wave therapy: synergic regeneration effects on atrophied calf muscles in immobilized rabbits.

Background: This study aimed to examine the synergic effects of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) through extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on atrophied calf muscles in cast-immobilized rabbit models. Methods: Twenty male New Zealand rabbits (aged 12 weeks) were allocated into four groups. Four types of procedures [0.7 mL normal saline to Group 1 (G1-NS); 0.7 mL PDRN to Group 2 (G2-PDRN); ESWT to Group 3 (G3-ESWT); and 0.7 mL PDRN with ESWT to Group 4 (G4-PDRN + ESWT)] were injected to the atrophied calf muscles of the rabbits after two weeks of cast immobilization. Radial ESWT (0.1 mJ/mm2, 3 Hz, 1,500 shocks) was performed twice weekly. The circumference of the calves, compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of the tibial nerves, and thickness of the gastrocnemius (GCM) muscle were evaluated after two weeks of treatment. Type I and II GCM muscle fibers were immunohistochemically stained using monoclonal anti-myosin, anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), and anti-PECAM-1 (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1) antibodies, and the cross-sectional area (CSA), VEGF ratio, and PECAM ratio were measured after 2 weeks of treatment. Statistical differences among the four groups were determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The G4-PDRN + ESWT group had a significantly greater circumference of calf muscles, thickness of the GCM muscle, CMAP of the tibial nerve, and CSA of the GCM muscle fibers (type I, II, and total) (hereinafter termed "the four categories") than those in the remaining three groups (P<0.05). Rabbits in the G3-ESWT group had significantly higher results in the four categories than in G1-NS and G2-PDRN groups (P<0.05). G2-PDRN rabbits had significantly higher results in the four categories than those in G1-NS (P<0.05). The VEGF and PECAM-1 ratio of the medial GCM muscle fibers in G4-PDRN + ESWT were significantly higher than those in the remaining three groups (P<0.05). Conclusions: ESWT combined with PDRN injection was more effective in muscle regeneration than ESWT, PDRN injection alone, or normal saline injection on atrophied calf muscles in rabbit models.

Insertional anatomy and clinical relevance of the distal biceps tendon.

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence of bifurcated distal biceps tendons and the tendon's insertional footprint on the radial tuberosity. METHODS: Twenty-five embalmed cadaveric specimens were dissected. The relationships and orientation of the muscle bellies and distal biceps tendon were examined. The insertional length, width, and footprint area of the distal biceps tendon on the radial tuberosity were evaluated. RESULTS: In 12 specimens (48%), the distal biceps tendon was in 2 distinct, easily separated parts. The average footprint length, width, and area of the tendon's insertion on the radial tuberosity were 20.5 mm ± 2.0 mm, 9.7 mm ± 1.3 mm, and 156.3 mm(2) ± 29.4 mm(2), respectively. We calculated that the tendon's insertion occupied approximately 35.9% of the area of the radial tuberosity. In the specimens with a bifurcated distal biceps tendon, the long head of the tendon inserted at the posterosuperior portion of the radial tuberosity, and the average area was 71.4 mm(2) ± 11.3 mm(2). The short head of the distal biceps tendon inserted at the anteroinferior portion, and the average area was 88.3 mm(2) ± 24.1 mm(2). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that bifurcated distal biceps tendon insertion is not a rare anatomical variation, showed by recent investigations, and found that the short head of the distal biceps tendon was inserted more anteriorly than the long head on the radial tuberosity. These findings may allow functional independence and isolated rupture of each portion. It can make correct diagnosis possible and allow for a more anatomical orientation of the tendon during surgical repair.

Comparison of immunohistochemical analysis on sinus augmentation using demineralized tooth graft and bovine bone.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this animal research was to compare bone regeneration in augmented rabbit maxillary sinuses treated with demineralized particulate human-tooth graft and anorganic bovine bone by immunohistochemical analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Piezoelectric bilateral sinus augmentation was performed in eight adult rabbits. In the control group, anorganic bovine was grafted in the maxillary sinus following elevation of the sinus membrane. In the experimental group, demineralized human particulate tooth bone was grafted in the sinus. Bone regeneration in augmented sinuses was evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis using various markers of osteoprogenitor cells. RESULTS: The number of bromodeoxyuridine-labeled cells was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group at eight weeks. The immunoreactivity of proliferating-cell nuclear antigen was increased slightly in the experimental group relative to the control group at eight weeks. Other bone markers were expressed equally in the two groups. CONCLUSION: In the rabbit maxillary sinus, higher osteoinduction was correlated with demineralized human particulate tooth bone grafting than with anorganic bovine grafting.

Imprinting and expression status of isoforms 1 and 2 of PEG1/MEST gene in uterine leiomyoma.

PEG1/MEST gene has been known to be an imprinting gene, which is associated with growth of mesodermal origin cells. Its expression was also reported to be increased in leiomyoma. Several reports showed that loss of imprinting is associated with carcinogenesis in some types of cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether overexpression of PEG1/MEST gene in leiomyoma is associated with loss of imprinting of the gene (biallelic), or whether the overexpression occurs while maintaining the imprinting (monoallelic). We investigated the expression and the imprinting status of PEG1/MEST and its isoforms in samples from 25 patients with uterine leiomyomas as well as in matched normal myometrial tissue. The isoform 1 transcripts were found to be more increased in uterine leiomyomas, compared to myometrium. However, there was no difference in the mRNA levels of isoform 2 between normal myometrium and leiomyoma. All normal myometrial tissues and 19 of 20 leiomyomas showed monoallelic expression of PEG1/MEST. Thus, these data demonstrated that tumorigenesis of leiomyoma is associated with overexpression of isoform 1 of PEG1/MEST gene, but not with loss of imprinting of the gene.

Synergic regenerative effects of polydeoxyribonucleotide and microcurrent on full-thickness rotator cuff healing in a rabbit model.

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff tendon tears (RCTTs) are common adult injuries. We hypothesized that a local injection of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and microcurrent therapy (MIC) would be more effective in regenerating a tendon tear than PDRN administration alone. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of PDRN combined with MIC on the regeneration of RCTTs in a rabbit subscapularis tendon chronic RCTT model. METHODS: Rabbits (n=24) were allocated to 3 groups at 6 weeks after full-thickness RCTT (FTRCTT): 0.2mL normal saline (G1-SAL); 0.2mL PDRN with Sham MIC (G2-PDRN+Sham MIC); and 0.2mL PDRN with MIC (G3-PDRN+MIC). All treatments were performed under ultrasound guidance. PDRN was injected weekly for 4 weeks and sham MIC or MIC was applied daily for 4 weeks after the first PDRN injection. RESULTS: In the G3-PDRN+MIC group, the mean (SD) subscapularis tendon tear size was continuously reduced from 1 week post-treatment to 4 weeks and was significantly decreased as compared with the other 2 groups [6.0 (1.5) vs. G1: 11.5 (1.8) and G2: 9.1 (1.6) mm2; G3 vs. G1, P<0.001; G3 vs. G2, P=0.018]. The gross morphologic mean tendon tear size was significantly smaller in the G3-PDRN+MIC group than G1-SAL and G2-PDRN+ Sham MIC groups [8.8 (3.5) vs. 15.9 (2.3) and 12.4 (1.6) mm2; G3 vs. G1, P<0.001; G3 vs. G2, P=0.03]. Mean values for regenerated collagen type 1 fibers, angiogenesis, and walking parameters were all greater for the G3-PDRN+MIC group than the other 2 groups based on histological examination and motion analysis [collagen type 1, G3: 1.60 (0.80) vs. G1: 0.45 (0.60), G2: 1.10 (0.74), G3 vs. G1, P<0.001; G3 vs. G2, P=0.002] [angiogenesis, G3: 2.44 (0.73) vs. G1: 0.80 (0.82) and G2: 2.06 (0.81), G3 vs. G1, P<0.001; G3 vs. G2, P=0.006] [walking distance, G3: 6391.4 (196.9) vs. G1: 4852.8 (137.3) and G2: 5514.4 (257.3) cm; G3 vs. G1, P<0.001; G3 vs. G2, P<0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: On gross morphologic, histological, and motion analysis, combined PDRN with MIC therapy was more effective than PDRN alone treating a rabbit model of chronic traumatic FTRCTT.