The increase of osteopontin and ß-carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen enhances the risk of hip fracture in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Hip fracture in the elderly is a health burden worldwide due to its high mortality rate. This study was conducted to determine the possible mechanisms of osteopontin (OPN) and ß-carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (ß-CTX) in hip fracture in the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the study, we recruited 108 elderly patients with hip fracture diagnosed from May 2012 to May 2015 at the Third Hospital of Xiamen and 86 healthy individuals without a history of hip fracture were taken as controls. Serum levels of OPN and ß-CTX were then determined. The T and Z values for bone mineral density (BMD) were also measured. Moreover, logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk and protective factors for hip fracture in the elderly. RESULTS: Serum levels of both OPN and ß-CTX were increased in elderly patients with hip fracture. OPN was positively correlated with ß-CTX. In addition, the levels of OPN and ß-CTX shared a positive association with the age, and a negative association with the BMD, in terms of T and Z values of the hip. In addition, increased BMD and outdoor sports might be protective factors for hip fracture, and an increase in levels of OPN and ß-CTX might be associated with a higher risk of hip fracture in the elderly population. DISCUSSION: Collectively, increased serum levels of OPN and ß-CTX might be correlated with a higher risk of a hip fracture and have predictive values in the occurrence of hip fracture in the elderly.

MicroRNA-874 targeting SUFU involves in osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in osteoporosis rats through the Hedgehog signaling pathway.

Osteoporosis is widely viewed as a major public health concern, but the exact magnitude of the problem is uncertain. MicroRNAs play a key role in maintaining bone development and metabolism. This study aims to investigate the effects that microRNA-874 (miR-874) has on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in osteoporosis rats by targeting SUFU through the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Twenty Wistar female rats were selected for following experiment, and another 20 rats were served as the normal group. Their osteogenic tissues were obtained and the positive expression of SUFU in tissues was determined. Rat osteoblasts were isolated and. The targeting relationship between SUFU and miR-874 was verified and the expression of miR-874, SUFU, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Ptch, Smoothened (Smo), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP2), Runx2, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) were identified. Besides, cell viability apoptosis, and differentiation were confirmed respectively. Moreover, calcium nodules were observed. Overexpression of SUFU and Bax but lower expression of miR-874, Shh, Ptch, Smo, BMP2, Runx2, and PCNA were found in osteoporosis mice. Besides, elevated expression of miR-874, Shh, Ptch, Smo, BMP2, Runx2 and PCNA, as well as increased cell viability, ALP activity and calcium nodules but decreased expression of SUFU and Bax, and reduced cell apoptosis were confirmed when treated with miR-874 mimic. And it is reciprocal when miR-874 was inhibited. Our study demonstrated that through targeted inhibition of SUFU and activation of Hedgehog signaling pathway, miR-874 could promote the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts in osteoporosis rats.

Aspirin alleviates orthopedic implant­associated infection.

Implant­associated infection (IAI), a common condition marked by progressive inflammation and bone destruction, is mentally and financially devastating to those it affects, causing severe morbidity, prolonged hospital admissions, significant hospital costs and, in certain cases, mortality. Aspirin, a popular synthetic compound with a history of >100 years, is antipyretic, anti­inflammatory and analgesic. It is the most active component of non­steroidal anti­inflammatory drugs. However, the effects of aspirin on IAI remain unknown. In the present study, an IAI animal model was used, in which a stainless steel pin coated with Staphylococcus aureus was implanted through the left shaft of the tibia in mice. The animals were then randomized into five groups and subjected respectively to IAI, IAI + 15 mg aspirin treatment, IAI + 30 mg aspirin treatment, IAI + 60 mg aspirin treatment and IAI + 120 mg aspirin treatment groups. Aspirin was injected intraperitoneally twice daily for 11 days. Micro­CT and histological assays were performed to assess the effects of aspirin on IAI. It was found that aspirin reduced osteolysis and periosteal reaction, inhibited the activation of osteoclasts, promoted the activation of osteoblasts and facilitated healing of the infected fracture.