HUCMSCs transplantation combined with ultrashort wave therapy attenuates neuroinflammation in spinal cord injury through NUR77/ NF-κB pathway.

AIMS: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major cause of long-term physical impairment. Currently, treatment for SCI is limited to supportive measures, which can lead to permanent disability, representing a serious social burden. The present study aimed to evaluate the inflammatory microenvironment effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs)+ Ultrashort Wave (USW) therapy on SCI and reveal possible mechanisms. MAIN METHODS: Low-dose USW was treated one day after SCI, and HUCMSCs suspension was transferred to the lesion using a micro-syringe 7 days after SCI. The functional effects of HUCMSCs and USW, separately and combinedly, were measured, together with the infiltration of CD3+ cells, formation of A1 astrocytes and activation of NUR77/ NF-κB pathway. KEY FINDINGS: Our results showed that HUCMSCs+USW therapy improved motor function of SCI rat, together with decreased infiltration of CD3+ T cells, and decreased induction of microglia and A1 astrocytes. And also USW treatment played a very important role on decreasing the infiltration of CD3+ T cells and IBA-1+ cells. Reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and IL-6 was also observed in rats receiving HUCMSCs+USW therapy, medicated by NUR77/NF-κB pathway. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings indicated that HUCMSCs+USW therapy could attenuate inflammatory microenvironment through NUR77/NF-κB signaling pathway, which might contribute to its better outcome.

Exercise program combined with electrophysical modalities in subjects with knee osteoarthritis: a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: It is not yet clear which of the various electrophysical modalities used in clinical practice is the one that contributes most positively when added to an exercise program in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinical effects of the inclusion of interferential current therapy (ICT), shortwave diathermy therapy (SDT) and photobiomodulation (PHOTO) into an exercise program in patients with knee OA. METHODS: This prospective, five-arm, randomised, placebo-controlled trial was carried out with blinded participants and examiners. We recruited 100 volunteers aged 40 to 80 years with knee OA. Participants were allocated into five groups: exercise, exercise + placebo, exercise + ICT, exercise + SDT, and exercise + PHOTO. The outcome measures included Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC), numerical rating pain scale (NRPS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), self-perceived fatigue and sit-to-stand test (STST), which were evaluated before and after 24 treatment sessions at a frequency of three sessions per week. RESULTS: In all groups, there was a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in all variables over time, except pressure pain threshold. We observed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the groups for WOMAC function (exercise vs. exercise + placebo, mean difference [MD] = 5.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.63 to 7.46; exercise vs. exercise + ICT, MD = 3.40, 95% CI = 1.46 to 5.33; exercise vs. exercise + SDT, MD = 4.75, 95% CI = 1.85 to 7.64; exercise vs. exercise + PHOTO, MD = 5.45, 95% CI = 3.12 to 7.77) and WOMAC pain, with better scores achieved by the exercise group. However, these differences were not clinically relevant when considering the minimum clinically important difference. CONCLUSION: The addition of ICT, SDT or PHOTO into an exercise program for individuals with knee OA is not superior to exercise performed in isolation in terms of clinical benefit. clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02636764, registered on March 29, 2014.

Chronic pain intervention using pulsed shortwave therapy: the relationship between pain demographics and central sensitization inventory.

Aim: The central sensitization inventory (CSI) is a validated, patient-reported questionnaire that quantifies symptoms of hypersensitivity disorders such as chronic pain, for which central sensitization (CS) may be the etiology. Objective: To investigate the analgesic effectiveness of ActiPatch and analyze the relationship between baseline CSI scores and demographics of chronic pain sufferers. Methods: Upon completing a 7-day ActiPatch trial, baseline CSI scores along with other assessment measures were obtained via e-mail from 174 chronic pain sufferers. Conclusion: CSI scores were positively correlated with gender (higher for women), baseline visual analog scale scores and pain duration. ActiPatch was found to be effective in reducing baseline pain for all subjects by an average of 4.3 visual analog scale points.

Transferrin as a thermosensitizer in radiofrequency hyperthermia for cancer treatment.

One of the main characteristics of cancer tissues is poor development of neovascularization that results in a limited blood circulation. Because of this phenomenon, it is harder for cancer tissues to diffuse their elevated heat into other parts of the body. The scientific principle of radiofrequency hyperthermia relies on this quality of cancer tissues which with higher temperature becomes more apparent. Despite the obvious necessity to selectively heat the cancer tissue for radiofrequency hyperthermia, a proper thermosensitizer has not been developed until now. Here, we show that transferrin containing ferric ion could be an ideal thermosensitizer for the increased efficiency of radiofrequency hyperthermia. In our result, the ferric ion-enriched cancer tissues dramatically react with 13.56 MHz radiofrequency wave to cause cancer-selective dielectric temperature increment. The overall anticancer efficacy of a 13.56 MHz radiofrequency hyperthermia using transferrin as a thermosensitizer was much higher than the oncotherapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel, successfully eradicating cancer in a tumor-xenografted mouse experiment.

Low-energy shock wave preconditioning reduces renal ischemic reperfusion injury caused by renal artery occlusion.

PURPOSE:: To evaluate whether low energy shock wave preconditioning could reduce renal ischemic reperfusion injury caused by renal artery occlusion. METHODS:: The right kidneys of 64 male Sprague Dawley rats were removed to establish an isolated kidney model. The rats were then divided into four treatment groups: Group 1 was the sham treatment group; Group 2, received only low-energy (12 kv, 1 Hz, 200 times) shock wave preconditioning; Group 3 received the same low-energy shock wave preconditioning as Group 2, and then the left renal artery was occluded for 45 minutes; and Group 4 had the left renal artery occluded for 45 minutes. At 24 hours and one-week time points after reperfusion, serum inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), creatinine (Cr), and cystatin C (Cys C) levels were measured, malondialdehyde (MDA) in kidney tissue was detected, and changes in nephric morphology were evaluated by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS:: Twenty-four hours after reperfusion, serum iNOS, NGAL, Cr, Cys C, and MDA levels in Group 3 were significantly lower than those in Group 4; light and electron microscopy showed that the renal tissue injury in Group 3 was significantly lighter than that in Group 4. One week after reperfusion, serum NGAL, KIM-1, and Cys C levels in Group 3 were significantly lower than those in Group 4. CONCLUSION:: Low-energy shock wave preconditioning can reduce renal ischemic reperfusion injury caused by renal artery occlusion in an isolated kidney rat model.

Chondroprotective effects of pulsed shortwave therapy in rabbits with experimental osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis (OA) represents a public health challenge since the pathogenic treatment, able to induce cartilage regeneration, still remains unknown. Ageing of the population and increasing OA prevalence have led to a lot of research, aiming to identify treatments acting on chondrocytes that play a determinant role in cartilage degeneration÷regeneration balance. Pulsed shortwave therapy (with the classical application form - Diapulse) is a physiotherapy method with anabolic effects demonstrated on nervous, conjunctive and vascular tissues, but its effects on OA cartilage are not known. AIM: Our aim was to demonstrate the effects of Diapulse on the cartilage in experimental induced OA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental OA was induced in 10 mature female rabbits by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Ten weeks after ACLT, rabbits were randomized in a treatment group and a control group. Treatment group was exposed to Diapulse at a frequency of 27.12 MHz, pulse length of 65 µs, pulse frequency of 300 pulses÷s (300 Hz) for 10 minutes÷day. Control group was exposed to sham therapy. After treatment, rabbits were sacrificed and the cartilage was evaluated by histopathological examinations with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: OA characteristic changes were found in both groups. In the treatment group, we found that Diapulse influenced the degenerative process in the OA cartilage by improving the chondrocyte viability and the capacity to maintain cellular matrix integrity and structure. CONCLUSIONS: Diapulse can be considered a disease modifying therapeutic procedure and could be a reliable option for treatment of OA patients.

Low-energy shock wave preconditioning reduces renal ischemic reperfusion injury caused by renal artery occlusion

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate whether low energy shock wave preconditioning could reduce renal ischemic reperfusion injury caused by renal artery occlusion. Methods: The right kidneys of 64 male Sprague Dawley rats were removed to establish an isolated kidney model. The rats were then divided into four treatment groups: Group 1 was the sham treatment group; Group 2, received only low-energy (12 kv, 1 Hz, 200 times) shock wave preconditioning; Group 3 received the same low-energy shock wave preconditioning as Group 2, and then the left renal artery was occluded for 45 minutes; and Group 4 had the left renal artery occluded for 45 minutes. At 24 hours and one-week time points after reperfusion, serum inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), creatinine (Cr), and cystatin C (Cys C) levels were measured, malondialdehyde (MDA) in kidney tissue was detected, and changes in nephric morphology were evaluated by light and electron microscopy. Results: Twenty-four hours after reperfusion, serum iNOS, NGAL, Cr, Cys C, and MDA levels in Group 3 were significantly lower than those in Group 4; light and electron microscopy showed that the renal tissue injury in Group 3 was significantly lighter than that in Group 4. One week after reperfusion, serum NGAL, KIM-1, and Cys C levels in Group 3 were significantly lower than those in Group 4. Conclusion: Low-energy shock wave preconditioning can reduce renal ischemic reperfusion injury caused by renal artery occlusion in an isolated kidney rat model.

Effects of short-wave therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of short-wave therapy with sham or no intervention for the management of patients with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: We searched the following databases from their inception up to 26 October 2016: MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, CINAHL and OpenGrey. Studies included randomized controlled trials compared with a sham or no intervention in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The results were calculated via standardized mean difference (SMD) and risk ratio for continuous variables outcomes as well as dichotomous variables, respectively. Heterogeneity was explored by the I2 test and inverse-variance random effects analysis was applied to all studies. RESULTS: Eight trials (542 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The effect of short-wave therapy on pain was found positive (SMD, -0.53; 95% CI, -0.84 to -0.21). The pain subgroup showed that patients received pulse modality achieved clinical improvement (SMD, -0.83; 95% CI, -1.14 to -0.52) and the pain scale in female patients decreased (SMD, -0.53; 95% CI, -0.98 to -0.08). In terms of extensor strength, short-wave therapy was superior to the control group ( p < 0.05, I2 = 0%). There was no significant difference in the physical function (SMD, -0.16; 95% CI, -0.36 to 0.05). For adverse effects, there was no significant difference between the treatment and control group. CONCLUSION: Short-wave therapy is beneficial for relieving pain caused by knee osteoarthritis (the pulse modality seems superior to the continuous modality), and knee extensor muscle combining with isokinetic strength. Function is not improved.

An over-the-counter central sensitization therapy: a chronic back pain registry study of pain relief, medication use and their adverse effects.

AIM: Back pain, the most prevalent musculoskeletal chronic pain condition, is usually treated with analgesic medications of questionable efficacy and frequent occurrence of adverse side effects. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the effectiveness of the ActiPatch medical devices in reducing chronic back pain, document medication related adverse side effects and establish their impact on quality of life. METHODS: Upon completing a 7-day trial, subjects were contacted via email with an assessment form using the Constant Contact email program. A total of 1394 responses were collected from subjects who used the device for back pain. CONCLUSION: Medication adverse effects are common and impact quality of life in the lay population. ActiPatch is an effective intervention for the majority of subjects for treating chronic back pain, although this requires further investigation in randomized clinical trials.

[Non-drug rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease concurrent with hypertension]. / Nemedikamentoznaya reabilitatsiya bol'nykh khronicheskoi obstruktivnoi bolezn'yu legkikh s arterial'noi gipertoniei.

AIM: to evaluate the efficiency of decimeter wave therapy and halotherapy, which were additionally added to basic therapy, in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) concurrent with hypertension at the inpatient stage. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 36 patients aged 20 to 75 years with Stages I-II COPD concurrent with Stages I-II, first-second grade hypertension were examined and treated. The clinical examination included collection of complaints and medical history data, clinical laboratory and instrumental (electrocardiography, spirography) studies, and health-related quality of life (using the SF-36 questionnaire). The patients were randomized into two groups: a study group and a comparison group. The study group patients received decimeter wave therapy and halotherapy in addition to basic drug treatment; the comparison patients had basic drug therapy. RESULTS: Pre- and postoperative comparative analysis of the major clinical manifestations of comorbidities revealed more pronounced positive changes with the lower rate of clinical manifestations in the study group. It was also observed to have a more marked reduction in blood pressure (BP) with its goal levels achieved. The mean pulse BP decreased by 28% in the study group (p=0.000005) and did not statistically reduced in the comparison group. In the study group patients, the integral quality-of-life indicator after a package of medical rehabilitation measures became statistically significantly higher by 35%. This indicator in the comparison group was statistically significantly unchanged. CONCLUSION: The directionality of the proposed rehabilitation complex towards the common pathogenetic components of the development and progression of COPD and hypertension, as well as the high efficiency of the complex justify its appropriate inclusion in the combination treatment and rehabilitation of this category of patients.

[THE BONE DEFECT HEALING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF RADIAL EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK-WAVE THERAPY IN EXPERIMENT].

In experiment on 24 rabbits the processes of reparative osteogenesis in perforated defect of proximal tibial metaphysis under the influence of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy were studied. In accordance to data of clinical, roentgenological and morphological investiagations, conducted in terms 5, 15, 30 and 45 days of observation, there was established, that under the influence of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy in the bone marrow in the traumatic region a vasodilatation, as well as the blood cells exit from capillaries and sinusoid vessels with creation of massive regions of osseous endostal regenerate, guaranteeing the tibial integrity restoration, occurs.

Pulsed shortwave diathermy and joint mobilizations for achieving normal elbow range of motion after injury or surgery with implanted metal: a case series.

CONTEXT: Regaining full, active range of motion (ROM) after trauma to the elbow is difficult. OBJECTIVE: To report the cases of 6 patients who lacked full ROM in the elbow because of trauma. The treatment regimen was thermal pulsed shortwave diathermy and joint mobilizations. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: University therapeutic modalities laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Six patients (5 women [83%], 1 man [17%]) lacked a mean active ROM of 24.5° of extension approximately 4.8 years after trauma or surgery. INTERVENTION(S): Treatment consisted of 20 minutes of pulsed shortwave diathermy at 800 pulses per second for 400 microseconds (40-48 W average power, 150 W peak power) applied to the cubital fossa, immediately followed by 7 to 8 minutes of joint mobilizations. After posttreatment ROM was recorded, ice was applied to the area for about 30 minutes. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE(S): Changes in extension active ROM were assessed before and after each treatment. Once the patient achieved full, active ROM or failed to improve on 2 consecutive visits, he or she was discharged from the study. RESULTS: By the fifth treatment, 4 participants (67%) achieved normal extension active ROM, and 2 of the 4 (50%) exceeded the norm. Five participants (83%) returned to normal activities and full use of their elbows. One month later, the 5 participants had maintained, on average, (mean ± SD) 92% ± 6% of their final measurements. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of thermal pulsed shortwave diathermy and joint mobilizations was effective in restoring active ROM of elbow extension in 5 of the 6 patients (83%) who lacked full ROM after injury or surgery.

[Prophylaxis of adhesive process in patients with extended peritonitis].

The results of treatment of 378 patients, suffering extended peritonitis, were analyzed. For prophylaxis of adhesions formation intraoperatively an adequate surgical correction and measures, directed on elimination of endotoxicosis, were applied; postoperatively--the preparations, suppressing the adhesions formation, were applied. Conduction of intracorporeal and extracorporeal therapy extremely high frequency irradiation in complex of treatment have promoted a trustworthy improvement of motor-evacuatory function stomach and intestinal due to impact on system of coagulation and blockade of the oxidative reactions cascade, as well as due to bacteriostatic effect.

Onda corta para el dolor musculoesquelético. Revisión sistemática / No disponible

La onda corta es un tipo de radiación electromagnética, cuya banda de frecuencia más comúnmente usada es 27,12 MHz con una longitud de onda de 11,06 m, es una de las modalidades más usadas por los fisioterapeutas para el manejo del dolor de origen musculoesquelético. Se realizará una síntesis de la evidencia a través de una revisión sistemática de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados y controlados. Objetivo: Determinar si existe evidencia científica que avale la efectividad analgésica de la onda corta en patologías de origen musculoesquelético. Estrategia de búsqueda: Se incluyeron en la búsqueda ensayos clínicos aleatorizados (ECAs) y ensayos clínicos controlados (ECCs), las bases de datos usadas fueron: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Central, PEDro y LILACS. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 26 artículos que cumplían con nuestros criterios de elegibilidad. Conclusión: Existe moderada evidencia de que a corto y largo plazo la OCP a dosis altas y bajas reducen el dolor y mejoran la función; y el adicionar OCC a un programa de ejercicios y educación no disminuye el dolor ni reduce el consumo de analgésicos en pacientes con OA de rodilla; existe moderada evidencia a corto plazo de que adicionar OCC a un programa terapéutico con AINEs y ejercicios produce una disminución del dolor en pacientes con SDL crónico (AU)

Shortwave is a type of electromagnetic radiation whose frequency band commonly used is 27.12 MHz with a wavelength of 11.6 m, is a one of the most commonly used by physiotherapists for pain management of musculoskeletal origin, will be a synthesis of evidence through a systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials. Objetive: To determine whether there is scientific evidence to support the analgesic effectiveness of shortwave therapy in musculoskeletal pathologies source. Search strategy: We included in the search for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs), the databases used were MEDLINE, CINAHL, Central, PEDro, and LILACS. Results: 26 studies that met our eligibility criteria. Conclusions: There is moderate evidence that the short and long term PSW to high and low doses reduce pain and improve function; and the CSW to add an exercise program an education does not reduce pain or analgesic consumption reduced in patients with knee OA; there is moderate evidence that shortterm CSW adding to NSAID and exercise program produces a decrease in pain in patients with chronic low back pain (AU)

[An experience of the use of a curative method of cardiac shock wave therapy in patients with ischemic heart disease].

Aim of the study was to assess effects of cardiac shock wave therapy (CSWT) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) with refractory stable angina pectoris. Seventeen CAD patients with refractory II-IV class angina (3 women and 14 men, mean age 67.4+/-8.6 years) received the course of 9 procedures of CSWT. All patients had I-III New York Heart Association (NYHA) class congestive heart failure. Before and after CSWT medical examination with life quality assessment by means of the Minnesota Living Questionnaire, echocardiography, veloergometry, myocardial perfusion imaging with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) using 99M-Tc-methyl-iodine-benzyl-guanydin (MIBG) and Holter ECG monitoring was performed. The dynamics of pro-angiogenic factors (VEGF, HGF, FGF-) were also measured by ELISA, and of brain natriuretic peptide (Nt-proBNP) by the electrochemoluminescence method. Most patients (80%) had significant life quality (<0.01) and myocardial perfusion improvement. Episodes of angina pectoris and nitrate intake were more than twice decreased. There was a significant increase in exercise tolerance (p<0.01). Holter ECG monitoring showed decreasing of an average heart rate (p<0.02); no worsening of previous cardiac arrhythmias was observed. The significant (p<0.05) decreases in plasma Nt-proBNP and increases in VEGF concentration were revealed after CSWT. CSWT procedures were well tolerated. The results of our study confirm high effectiveness and safety of CSWT in complex treatment of patients with CAD, resistant angina pectoris, including patients after myocardial revascularization and with heart failure.

A randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of intermittent and continuous traction for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of intermittent and continuous traction in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN: A randomized, controlled, observer-blind seven-week trial. SETTING: Hospital-based outpatient practice. SUBJECTS: Ninety-eight patients with stage 3 knee osteoarthritis according to Kellgren-Lawrence radiological rating scale. INTERVENTIONS: All 98 patients were randomly assigned to three treatment groups, for three weeks (weekends excluded). The control group (n=30, mean age: 59.30±8.16) received hot pack and short wave diathermy; the intermittent group (n=30, mean age: 58.20±7.78) received hot pack, short wave diathermy and intermittent traction; and the continuous group (n=30, mean age: 57.97±9.53) received hot pack, short wave diathermy and continuous traction. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The values of the Turkish version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analog scale, and knee passive range of motion were measured at baseline, three-week and seven-week follow-up. RESULTS: Compared with baseline at weeks 3 and 7, all the outcome measures, except range of motion, were significantly reduced in all groups (all P≤0.001). In terms of the change data from baseline to week 3, both traction groups were significantly superior to the control in the WOMAC physical function scores. Considering the change data from baseline to week 7, both traction groups were significantly superior to the control in the pain scores, physical function and total scores, while only the continuous group was significantly better than the control in the stiffness scores (control: 1.17 ± 1.64; continuous: 2.38 ± 1.44) (P=0.014). Compared with baseline at weeks 3 and 7, range of motion values significantly increased in both traction groups (P<0.05) but not in the control (P>0.05). However, there were no significant differences among the three groups considering the change data from baseline to week 7 in range of motion values (P=0.300). CONCLUSIONS: Joint traction was found to be beneficial for the improvement of pain and physical function loss related to knee osteoarthritis.

Noninvasive therapy for the management of patients with advanced coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of cardiac shock wave therapy (CSWT) in the management of patients with end-stage coronary artery disease (CAD). INTRODUCTION: Patients with end-stage CAD have symptoms such as recurrent angina, breathlessness, and other debilitating conditions. End-stage CAD patients are usually those who have angina pectoris following a coronary artery bypass surgery or a percutaneous coronary intervention. These patients are refractory to optimal medical therapy and not fit for a redo procedure, and are often termed as 'no option' patients. METHODS: We carried out a prospective cohort study to examine the effects of CSWT application in patients who had end-stage CAD and were no option patients. Characteristics such as angina class scores and functional status scores among cases (patients with end-stage CAD who received CSWT) and controls (patients with end-stage CAD who did not receive CSWT) were compared at baseline and at 6 months after CSWT therapy. RESULTS: There were 43 patients in the case group and 43 patients in the control group. The mean age of the patients was 58.7 ± 9.5 years in the case group and 56.6 ± 11.6 years in the control group. Other characteristics such as the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery bypass graft and percutaneous coronary intervention were similar in both groups. Clinical results showed a significant improvement in exercise time between the cases and the controls 6 months after treatment with CSWT (20.1 ± 15.7 min in cases vs. 10.1 ± 4.2 min in controls; P<0.0001), and symptomatic improvement in the CCS class scores (1.95 ± 0.80 in cases and 2.63 ± 0.69 in controls; P<0.0001) and NYHA class scores (1.95 ± 0.80 in cases vs. 2.48 ± 0.59 in controls; P<0.001). In the control group, there was no improvement in angina class, functional class and exercise time. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that CSWT application to the ischemic myocardium in patients with refractory angina pectoris improved symptoms and reduced the severity of ischemic areas at 6 months after CSWT treatment compared with the baseline. No side effects were observed with this therapy.

The effect of different treatment time of millimeter wave on chondrocyte apoptosis, caspase-3, caspase-8, and MMP-13 expression in rabbit surgically induced model of knee osteoarthritis.

The aim of this study is to observe the effect of different treatment time of millimeter wave (MMW) on chondrocyte apoptosis, caspase-3, caspase-8, and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) in rabbit knee osteoarthritis induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Thirty-two New Zealand White rabbits were randomly assigned into 4 groups: millimeter wave treatment for 20-min group (MWT20); millimeter wave treatment for 40-min group (MWT40); model control group (MC) and normal control group (NC). All groups received anterior cruciate ligament transection in the right knee except NC group. Six weeks after transection, the MWT20 group and MWT40 group were given millimeter wave (MMW) at 37.5 GHz frequency, 8 mm wavelength, and 10 mW/cm(2) power for 20 and 40 min, respectively, for 10 days. Eight weeks after transection, all animals were killed. Modified Mankin Score was assessed for histological assessment. Chondrocytes apoptosis was tested by the TUNEL assessment, and the expressions of related proteins were tested by the immunohistochemistry observation and Western blot. The modified Mankin Score, the chondrocyte apoptosis, and the expression of caspase-3 and MMP-13 in MWT40 group were significantly lower than those in MC group. Only a decreasing trend of modified Mankin Score and caspase-3 and MMP-13 expression was found in MWT20 group. The caspase-8 expression of the treatment groups was lower than model control group and higher than normal control group, but no significant difference was found. This study revealed MWT40 had a better therapeutic benefit to osteoarthritis cartilage structure, decreased the apoptosis of chondrocyte, and caspase-3 and MMP-13 expression compared to MWT20. But only a decreasing trend of caspase-8 expression was found.