The effect of preoperative different dexamethasone regimens on postoperative glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing total joint arthroplasty: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of preoperative intravenous dexamethasone on postoperative glycemic control in diabetic patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This study aimed to determine relationships between preoperative different dexamethasone regimens and postoperative fasting blood glucose (FBG), as well as to identify risk factors for postoperative FBG ≥ 200 mg/dl in diabetic patients undergoing TJA. METHODS: This retrospective study included 1216 diabetic patients undergoing TJA and categorized into group A (dexamethasone = 0 mg), group B (dexamethasone = 5 mg), and group C (dexamethasone = 10 mg). All dexamethasone was administered before skin incision. FBG levels were monitored until postoperative day (POD) 3. Analyses were conducted for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and wound complications during 90 days postoperatively. And the risk factors for postoperative FBG ≥ 200 mg/dl were identified. RESULTS: Preoperative dexamethasone administration resulted in a transiently higher FBG on POD 0 and POD 1 (all P < 0.001). However, no differences were observed on POD 2 (P = 0.583) and POD 3 (P = 0.131) among three groups. While preoperative dexamethasone led to an increase in postoperative mean FBG and postoperative maximum FBG (all P < 0.001), no differences were found in wound complications (P = 0.548) and PJI (P = 1.000). Increased HbA1c and preoperative high FBG, but not preoperative dexamethasone, were identified as risk factors for postoperative FBG ≥ 200 mg/dl. Preoperative HbA1c level of ≥ 7.15% was associated with an elevated risk of postoperative FBG ≥ 200 mg/dl. CONCLUSIONS: Although preoperative intravenous administration of 5 mg or 10 mg dexamethasone in diabetic patients showed transient effects on postoperative FBG after TJA, no differences were found in the rates of PJI and wound complications during 90 days postoperatively. Notably, patients with a preoperative HbA1c level of ≥ 7.15% and elevated preoperative FBG may encountered postoperative FBG ≥ 200 mg/dl.

Cell transplantation therapies for spinal cord injury focusing on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells: Advances and challenges.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition with complex pathological mechanisms that lead to sensory, motor, and autonomic dysfunction below the site of injury. To date, no effective therapy is available for the treatment of SCI. Recently, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) have been considered to be the most promising source for cellular therapies following SCI. The objective of the present review is to summarize the most recent insights into the cellular and molecular mechanism using BMMSC therapy to treat SCI. In this work, we review the specific mechanism of BMMSCs in SCI repair mainly from the following aspects: Neuroprotection, axon sprouting and/or regeneration, myelin regeneration, inhibitory microenvironments, glial scar formation, immunomodulation, and angiogenesis. Additionally, we summarize the latest evidence on the application of BMMSCs in clinical trials and further discuss the challenges and future directions for stem cell therapy in SCI models.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and exercise restore motor function following spinal cord injury by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Although many therapeutic interventions have shown promise in treating spinal cord injury, focusing on a single aspect of repair cannot achieve successful and functional regeneration in patients following spinal cord injury . In this study, we applied a combinatorial approach for treating spinal cord injury involving neuroprotection and rehabilitation, exploiting cell transplantation and functional sensorimotor training to promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Here, we used a mouse model of thoracic contusive spinal cord injury to investigate whether the combination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and exercise training has a synergistic effect on functional restoration. Locomotor function was evaluated by the Basso Mouse Scale, horizontal ladder test, and footprint analysis. Magnetic resonance imaging, histological examination, transmission electron microscopy observation, immunofluorescence staining, and western blotting were performed 8 weeks after spinal cord injury to further explore the potential mechanism behind the synergistic repair effect. In vivo, the combination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and exercise showed a better therapeutic effect on motor function than the single treatments. Further investigations revealed that the combination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and exercise markedly reduced fibrotic scar tissue, protected neurons, and promoted axon and myelin protection. Additionally, the synergistic effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and exercise on spinal cord injury recovery occurred via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. In vitro, experimental evidence from the PC12 cell line and primary cortical neuron culture also demonstrated that blocking of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway would aggravate neuronal damage. Thus, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation combined with exercise training can effectively restore motor function after spinal cord injury by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

The Effect of Different Frequencies of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Cartilage Repair of Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes in Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: The intra-articular injection of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes has already been proved to reverse osteoarthritic cartilage degeneration. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) has been found to regulate the biogenic function of MSCs. However, the effect of PEMF on MSC-derived exosomes has not yet been characterized. The aim of this study was to elucidate the regulatory role of different frequencies of PEMF in promoting the osteoarthritic cartilage regeneration of MSC-derived exosomes. METHODS: The adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AMSCs) were extracted from the epididymal fat of healthy rats and further exposed to the PEMF at 1 mT amplitude and a frequency of 15, 45, and 75 Hz, respectively, in an incubator. The chondrocytes were treated with interlukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and the regenerative effect of co-culturing with PEMF-exposed AMSC-derived exosomes was assessed via Western blot, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and ELISA assays. A rat model of osteoarthritis was established by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) surgery and received 4 times intra-articular injection of PEMF-exposed AMSC-derived exosomes once a week. After 8 weeks, the knee joint specimens of rats were collected for micro-computed tomography and histologic analyses. RESULTS: PEMF-exposed AMSC-derived exosomes could be endocytosed with IL-1ß-induced chondrocytes. Compared with the AMSC-derived exosomes alone, the PEMF-exposed AMSC-derived exosomes substantially suppressed the inflammation and extracellular matrix degeneration of IL-1ß-induced chondrocytes as shown by higher expression of transcripts and proteins of COL2A1, SOX9, and ACAN and lower expression of MMP13 and caspase-1. Of these, the 75-Hz PEMF presented a more significant inhibitive effect than the 15-Hz and 45-Hz PEMFs. Furthermore, the intra-articular injection of 75-Hz PEMF-exposed exosomes could obviously increase the number of tibial epiphyseal trabeculae, lead to a remarkable decrease in Osteoarthritis Research Society International score, and upregulate the COL2A1 and ACAN protein level of the degenerated cartilage. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that PEMF stimulation could effectively promote the regeneration effects of AMSC-derived exosomes on osteoarthritic cartilage. Compared with other frequency parameters, the PEMF at a frequency of 75 Hz showed a superior positive effect on AMSC-derived exosomes in suppressing the IL-1ß-induced chondrocyte inflammation and extracellular matrix catabolism, as well as the osteoarthritic cartilage degeneration.

Mesenchymal stromal cell-based therapy for cartilage regeneration in knee osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis, as a degenerative disease, is a common problem and results in high socioeconomic costs and rates of disability. The most commonly affected joint is the knee and characterized by progressive destruction of articular cartilage, loss of extracellular matrix, and progressive inflammation. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-based therapy has been explored as a new regenerative treatment for knee osteoarthritis in recent years. However, the detailed functions of MSC-based therapy and related mechanism, especially of cartilage regeneration, have not been explained. Hence, this review summarized how to choose, authenticate, and culture different origins of MSCs and derived exosomes. Moreover, clinical application and the latest mechanistical findings of MSC-based therapy in cartilage regeneration were also demonstrated.

Low-Frequency Vibration Promotes Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Production to Increase Cartilage Degeneration in Knee Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Low-frequency vibration accelerates cartilage degeneration in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rat model. In this article, we investigated whether whole-body vibration (WBV) increases cartilage degeneration by regulating tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in KOA. DESIGN: Proteomics analysis was used to filter candidate protein from synovial fluid (SF) in KOA people after WBV. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to estimate changes in TNF-α levels in SF. The C57 mice and TNF-α knock-out mice were sacrificed for the KOA model and WBV intervention. The cartilage was tested by ELISA, histology, terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL), immunohistochemistry, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Luciferase activity test in vitro study was conducted to confirm the relationship between TNF-α and the candidate protein. RESULTS: Differentially expressed proteins were enriched in the glycolytic process, glucose catabolic, and regulation of interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion processes. Phosphoglycerate kinase, triosephosphate isomerase 1, T cell immunoglobulin- and mucin-domain-containing molecules 2, fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH), and TNF were the hub node. TNF-α expression increased in SF after WBV (P < 0.05). The cartilage was more degenerated in the TNF-α-/- mice group compared to controls. A significant change was observed in collagen II and FAH (P < 0.05). TNF-α expression improved in C57 mice (P < 0.05). Apoptosis of chondrocytes was inhibited in TNF-α-/- mice by the TUNEL test. Luciferase activity significantly increased in TNF-α + FAH-Luc cells (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A novel mechanism underlying WBV-triggered cartilage degeneration was found in KOA that demonstrated the critical regulatory function of TNF-α and FAH during WBV.

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields promote cognitive function and hippocampal neurogenesis of rats with cerebral ischemia.

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) can improve the learning and memory impairment of rats with Alzheimer's disease, however, its effect on cerebral ischemia remains poorly understood. In this study, we established rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion. One day after modeling, a group of rats were treated with ELF-EMF (50 Hz, 1 mT) for 2 hours daily on 28 successive days. Our results showed that rats treated with ELF-EMF required shorter swimming distances and latencies in the Morris water maze test than those of untreated rats. The number of times the platform was crossed and the time spent in the target quadrant were greater than those of untreated rats. The number of BrdU+/NeuN+ cells, representing newly born neurons, in the hippocampal subgranular zone increased more in the treated than in untreated rats. Up-regulation in the expressions of Notch1, Hes1, and Hes5 proteins, which are the key factors of the Notch signaling pathway, was greatest in the treated rats. These findings suggest that ELF-EMF can enhance hippocampal neurogenesis of rats with cerebral ischemia, possibly by affecting the Notch signaling pathway. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Sichuan University, China (approval No. 2019255A) on March 5, 2019.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing screening and pre-operative pulmonary rehabilitation reduce postoperative complications and improve fast-track recovery after lung cancer surgery: A study for 342 cases.

BACKGROUND: An evaluation of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) screening and pre-operative pulmonary rehabilitation in reducing postoperative complications and improving fast-track recovery in high-risk patients who undergo resection for lung cancer. METHODS: Of 342 potential lung cancer cases, 142 high-risk patients were finally divided into two groups: group R (n = 71) underwent an intensive pre-operative pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP), followed by lobectomy; group S (n = 71) underwent only lobectomy with conventional management. Postoperative complications, average days in hospital, postoperative days in hospital, and cost were analyzed. RESULTS: The 142 high-risk patients were screened by smoking history and CPET. Sixty-eight patients had bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and 47 patients had peak expiratory flow <250 L/minute by CPET. The rate of postoperative total complications in group R (16.90%) was significantly lower than in group S (83.31%) (P = 0.00), as was the rate of postoperative pulmonary complications PPC: group R (12.81%) versus S (13.55%) (P = 0.009); the PPC in the left lung (17.9%) was higher than in the right lung (2.3%) (P = 0.00). The average days in hospital in group S was significantly higher than in group R (P = 0.03). There was no difference between groups in average hospital cost (P = 0.304). CONCLUSION: Pre-operative screening using CPET is conducive to identifying high-risk patients for lung resection. Pre-operative pulmonary rehabilitation is helpful to reduce postoperative complications and improve fast-track recovery.

[Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Osteogenic Differentiation and Wnt/ß-catenin Signaling Pathway in Rat Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of pulsed electromagnetic tields (FEMFs) on osteogemc differentiation and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). METHODS: Rat BMSCs were isolated and the passage 3 cells were divided into 3 groups. Cells were cultured in LG-DMEM complete medium for 1 d to ensure fully adherent. Then, change the medium. Cells were maintained in complete medium (Control group) or in osteo-induction medium (OM group). The cells in PEMFs group were cultured in complete medium and exposed to 8 Hz, 3. 8 mT PEMF stimulation for 40 min/d. The intervention lasted for 21 d. Cell proliferation activity was determined by using MTT. The effects of PEMF onosteogenic differentiation were assessed by ALP and Alizarin Red S staining. Various osteoblast-relevant genes and genes of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling were analyzed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: We. found that OM could significantly promote the proliferation of BMSC at 7 d, 14 d, 21 d (P<0. 05), but the effect was not obviously found in PEMFs group. For osteogenic differentiation, the positive rates of ALP or Alizarin Red S staining were detected higher in PEMFs/ OM group (P < 0. 05). Quantitative RT-PCR revealed PEMFs or OM could increase mRNA levels of Wnt1, Wnt3a, LRP5, ß-catenin, BMP-2, Runx2, ALP, OC at special time point (P<0. 05). Compared to OM group, PEMFs have a lower expression in each detection, but the trends were consistent. CONCLUSION: PEMFs (8 Hz, 3. 8 mT) could induce the osteogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs via activating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields for postmenopausal osteoporosis and concomitant lumbar osteoarthritis in southwest China using proximal femur bone mineral density as the primary endpoint: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis (OP) and osteoarthritis (OA) are prevalent skeletal disorders among postmenopausal women. Coexistence is common especially that of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) and lumbar OA. An hypothesis has been raised that OP and OA might share the same pathogenic mechanism, and pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) were reported to have anti-osteoporosis and anti-osteoarthritis properties, but this suggestion was based primarily on biomarker data. Therefore, whether these two effects could take place simultaneously has not yet been investigated. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) is designed to explore the effect of PEMFs for PMO and concomitant lumbar OA. METHODS/DESIGN: The study will include PMO patients (postmenopausal women; aged between 50 and 70 years; have been postmenopausal for at least 5 years and diagnosed with OP using proximal femur T-score) with concomitant lumbar OA (patients with confounding disorders like diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and previous fracture history, etcetera, will be excluded) will be randomly assigned to two arms: PEMFs group and sham PEMFs group. There will be 25 participants in each arm (50 in total) and the outcome assessment, including the primary endpoint (proximal femur bone mineral density), will be performed at 5 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after enrollment. DISCUSSION: PMO and lumbar OA are prominent public health problem, especially for postmenopausal women. We hope this RCT will provide scientific evidence to primary care of the postmenopausal women regarding the use of these nonpharmaceutical, noninvasive modalities, PEMFs, in managing PMO and lumbar OA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-TRC-14005156 (28 August 2014).

[Effects of whole body vibration on structural and functional remodeling of subchondral bones in rabbits with early osteoarthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of whole body vibration therapy (WBVT) on structural and functional remodeling of subchondral bone in rabbits with early Osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Twenty-four adult rabbits received anterior cruciate ligament transaction (ACLT) to establish knee osteoarthritis model. The rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: ACLT group and WBVT+ ACLT group. The rabbits in the WBVT+ ACLT group received whole body vibration treatment (Frequency: 40 Hz; Amplitude: 2-4 mm; 40 min/d, 5 d/week, 4 weeks) two months after surgery. After interventions, the left femur and tibia of all rabbits were placed in a Micro-CT scanning system. The bone volume fraction (BVF), trabecular thickness (Tb. Th), trabecular spacing (Tb. Sp), trabecular number (Tb. N), volumetric BMD (vBMD), and tissue BMD (tBMD) of the bones of femoral condyle and tibia were analysed using three-dimensional reconstruction Micview V2.1.2 and ABA analysis software. Geomagic Studio 11.0 software were used to calculate modulus (EM), reaction force (RF) and average Von Miss stress (VMF). RESULTS: Higher levels of BVF, Tb. N, Tb. Th, EM, RF, VMF, vBMD and tBMD and lower levels of Tb. Sp were found in distal femora and tibia of the rabbits in the WBVT+ACLT group compared with the controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: WBVT can effectively improve bone microstructure and mechanical properties of rabbits with early knee osteoarthritis.

[The effect of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields on balance ability of patients with post-menopausal osteoporosis].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs)on balance ability of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. METHODS: 43 eligible patients were randomly divided into experimental (n = 24) and control (n = 19) groups. Patients in both groups received conventional drug therapy. Meanwhile, patients in the experimental group were given PEMFs once a day for 30 days. RESULTS: The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores increased and the timed upand to test (TUG) scores, sway index (forward-backward), rectangle area and sway path decreased in the patients in the experimental group (P < 0.05). In the patients in the control group, only changes in BBS scores and sway path were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The decrease of sway index (forward-backward) in the experimental group was greater than that of the control group (P < 0 01). CONCLUSION: PEMFs can improve the balance ability of patients with post-menopausal osteoporosis.

[Effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on cartilage and subchondral bone remodeling in rabbits with ACLT-induced osteoarthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on the protection of cartilage and subchondral bone remodeling in rabbits with osteoarthritis induced by anterior cruciate ligament transaction (ACLT). METHODS: Anterior cruciate ligament transaction was performed on 24 adult rabbits to establish knee osteoarthritis models. The rabbits were randomly divided into two groups, with one group receiving extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and the other group serving as controls. The ESWT was set at energy 0.16 MPa/time, frequency 5 Hz, 1 200 shock per side, 3 times per week, and a total of 6 times in 4 weeks. Histological observations were undertaken with articular cartilages under mascroscope and microscope; bone mineral density (BMD) was measured. The subchondral bones of femoralcondyle and tibial plateau were given a bone histomorphometry analysis. The levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and nitric oxide (NO) were detected by ELISA. The expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP 3, MMP-13) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) in cartilage were determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Lower levels of histological result in medial femoral condyles (by both mascroscope and microscope examinations) and higher levels of BMD (in distal femora) were found in the ESWT treated rabbits compared with the controls (P < 0.05). The ESWT treated rabbits also had decreased trabecular bone relative volume and trabecular bone thickness, increased bone separation, lower levels of expressions of MMP-1 and MMP-3, and higher levels of TIMP-1. CONCLUSION: ESWT can protect cartilage from damages and prevent subchondral sclerosis through regulating MMP-1, MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in cartilages and modulating subchondral bone metabolisms.

[The estrogen-like and antioxidant effects of pilose antler blood wine in female rats with ovariectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether pilose antler blood wine has the effects of estrogen-like activity and antioxidant in the ovariectomized (OVX) female rats. METHODS: The rat model of oxidative stress was established by ovariectomy. The female rats were divided into 6 groups: normal control group, OVX group, base wine group, and 3 pilose antler blood wine treated OVX groups (low, medium and high dose of wine at a dose of 4.5 g/kg, 9.1 g/kg and 13.6 g/kg respectively). After the feeding of pilose antler blood wine (saline in control and OVX group) for 31 days, the serum estrodial level, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the content of methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) were measured. RESULTS: The one month treatment of daily drink of pilose antler blood wine could significantly promote the serum estrodial level in OVX rats (P < 0.05). Either low or medium dose could inhibit the decrease of serum SOD activity and the increase of MDA content in OVX rats, and the inhibition effects were more obvious in low dose group compared with high dose group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The daily drink of pilose antler blood wine showed the effects on increasing estrodial level and antioxidation in OVX rats.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields on postmenopausal osteoporosis in Southwest China: a randomized, active-controlled clinical trial.

A randomized, active-controlled clinical trial was conducted to examine the effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) on women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) in southwest China. Forty-four participants were randomly assigned to receive alendronate or one course of PEMFs treatment. The primary endpoint was the mean percentage change in bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (BMDL), and secondary endpoints were the mean percentage changes in left proximal femur bone mineral density (BMDF), serum 25OH vitamin D3 (25(OH)D) concentrations, total lower-extremity manual muscle test (LE MMT) score, and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score. The BMDL, BMDF, total LE MMT score and BBS score were recorded at baseline, 5, 12, and 24 weeks. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D were measured at baseline and 5 weeks. Using a mixed linear model, there was no significant treatment difference between the two groups in the BMDL, BMDF, total LE MMT score, and BBS score (P ≥ 0.05). For 25(OH)D concentrations, the effects were also comparable between the two groups (P ≥ 0.05) with the Mann-Whitney's U-test. These results suggested that a course of PEMFs treatment with specific parameters was as effective as alendronate in treating PMO within 24 weeks.

Effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields on the mRNA expression of CAII and RANK in ovariectomized rats.

The present study was designed to determine the effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) on the mRNA expression of the carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) and receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) in ovariectomized rats. A total of 48 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups [Sham, OVX, PEMFs, and E(2) (premarin)], 12 rats in each group. Rats in the Sham group received sham ovariectomy, while rats in OVX, PEMFs, and E(2) groups received ovariectomy. Twelve weeks following the surgery, rats (whole body) in the PEMFs group were exposed to PEMFs for 30 days with 3.8 mT, 8 Hz, and 40 min per day; rats in the E(2) group were administered premarin (0.0625 mg/kg/d; intragastric administration 1-2 ml/100 g). Rats in the Sham and OVX groups housed in the same conditions. At the end of intervention, the level of serum estradiol of rats was measured. The gene expression of CAII and RANK in the left ilium of rats was determined with real-time fluorescent-nested quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Compared with the Sham group, the level of serum estradiol in the ovariectomized group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05); compared with the OVX group, CAIImRNA expression was significantly decreased in the PEMFs group and E group (P < 0.05, 0.01, respectively). Compared with the E group, RANKmRNA expression was significantly higher in the PEMFs group (P < 0.05); although RANKmRNA expression decreased in PEMFs group, no statistically significant difference was found between PEMF group and OVX group (P = 0.82). These data suggest that PEMFs could regulate the expression of CAIImRNA in ovariectomized rats.

The effect of low-level laser to apoptosis of chondrocyte and caspases expression, including caspase-8 and caspase-3 in rabbit surgery-induced model of knee osteoarthritis.

The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of 810-nm low-level laser to apoptosis of chondrocyte and related proteins, including caspase-3 and caspase-8, in rabbit surgery-induced model of knee osteoarthritis. A total of 24 New Zealand White rabbits were randomly assigned into 3 groups: test group, model group, and normal group. The rabbits in test group and model group received anterior cruciate ligament transection in the right knee. Six weeks after transection, the rabbits in test group were given 10-session 810-nm laser illumination. Eight weeks after transection, all animal were killed. Modified Mankin Score was made for histological assessment. The caspases expressions and chondrocytes apoptosis were tested using the immunohistochemistry and TUNEL assessment, respectively. The modified Mankin Score of test group was significantly lower than model group (P < 0.01) and higher than normal group (P < 0.01). The caspase-8 expression of test group was lower than model group and higher than normal group, but no significant difference was found (P > 0.05). This study revealed that the 810-nm low-level laser can improve cartilage structure, prevent articular cartilage degradation and significantly decrease the expression of caspase-3 in this surgery-induced OA model. Further studies are needed.

[Effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields on biomechanical properties of femur in ovariectomized rats].

OBJECTIVE: To test the effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) with different length of treatment on the biomechanical properties of femurs in ovariectomized rats. METHODS: Fifty female SD rats were randomly divided into five groups: (1) SHAM control (no PEMFs treatment), (2) OVXo control (no PEMFs treatment), (3) OVX(I) (PEMFs treatment at 8 Hz frequency with 3.8 mT intensity, 20 min daily for 30 days), (4) OVX(II) (PEMFs treatment at 8 Hz frequency with 3. 8 mT intensity, 40 min daily for 30 days), and (5) OVX(III) (PEMFs treatment at 8 Hz frequency with 3.8 mT intensity, 60 min daily for 30 days). All of the rats were subject to bilateral overiectomy except those in the SHAM control group. The biomechanical properties of the femurs were assessed at the end of the PEMFs treatment. RESULTS: The rats in the OVX0 control group had significantly lower values in the biomechanical properties than the rats in the other four groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The rats treated with PEMFs showed no significant differences in the biomechanical properties compared with the sham controls (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: PEMFs therapy at 8 Hz and 3.8 mT magnetic intensity for 20 to 60 min everyday prevents decline in biomechanical properties of femurs in ovariectomized rat.

Effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields on the mRNA expression of RANK and CAII in ovariectomized rat osteoclast-like cell.

This study was designed to determine the effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on the mRNA expression of the receptor activator of NF-kappa-B (RANK) and carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) in ovariectomized rat osteoclast-like cells. Marrow cells were harvested from femora and tibiae of rats, from which the ovaries had been totally excised, and cultured in 6-well chamber slides. After 1 day of incubation, the marrow cells were exposed to PEMF for 3 days with 3.8 mT, 8 Hz, and 40 min per day. Osteoclast-like cells were confirmed by both tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) stain and bone resorption assay. The expression of RANK and CA II mRNA was determined with real-time fluorescent-nested quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Compared with the sham group, the level of serum estradiol in the ovariectomized group was significantly decreased ( p < 0.05). The numbers of multinucleated, TRAP-positive osteoclast-like cells and resorption pits formed were observed. In invitro study, the expression of RANK and CA II were measured in sham, ovariectomized without PEMF, and ovariectomized with PEMF treatment. Compared with the ovariectomized (PEMF) experimental group and sham group, CA II mRNA expression was significantly increased in the ovariectomized control group ( p < 0.05, 0.01, respectively). Compared with the sham group, RANK mRNA expression was significantly increased in the ovariectomized control group ( p < 0.05). These data suggest that PEMF could regulate the expression of RANK and CA II mRNA in the marrow culture system.

Correlation between obesity and female hyperostosis.

BACKGROUND: Hyperostosis is a common pathological change among people more than 50 years old; it is connected with many risk factors, which are all indefinite. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the correlation between obesity and female hyperostosis. METHODS: Totally 4326 females were included in this study and their basic information including their age, stature, body weight, course of disease, symptoms, medical complications, frequency of exercise and smoking, and X-ray and bone mineral density (BMD) examination results, was carefully collected for a statistical analysis. The t test or chi(2) test was used to evaluate the differences between two groups; an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the differences among several groups; the relationship between hyperostosis and body mass index (BMI), age, medical complications, exercise, average BMD was analyzed using Logistic regression. RESULTS: The incidence rate of hyperostosis in obese patients was higher than that in patients with normal weight (P = 0.000). Obesity was relevant to hyperostotic sites (P = 0.000), and the incidence of hyperostosis in one or several sites of the lumbar vertebrae, knee joints, and other sites was higher in obese patients than in patients with normal weight. There was also a difference in the extent of hyperostosis between these two groups. BMI had positive effects on the incidence and degree of hyperostosis, which were also relative to the sites of hyperostosis, and the BMI of patients without hyperostosis were much lower than those of the patients with hyperostosis in their lumbar vertebrae, knee joints, or multiple sites. Obesity, age, and exercise had positive effects on the incidence of hyperostosis (P = 0.002, 0.000, 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is a significant potential stimulant of hyperostosis, especially hyperostosis in knee joints and multiple sites; keeping fit might be an important way to prevent it.