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Objective To determine the effect of isopsoralen(ISO)on the healing of tibia fracture in mice and explore its underlying mechanism.Methods Fifty male C57BL/6 mice(2 month old,20±2 g)were randomly divided into model group and ISO treatment group,with 25 animals in each group.From the 3rd day after modeling,the mice from the ISO group were given an intragastric gavage of 40 mg/kg ISO,once per day for 28 consecutive days,while those of the model group was given same volume of normal saline in same way.On the 7th,14th,21st,and 28th day after gavage,the tibia on the surgical side was taken,and the fracture area was quantified by bone volume/total volume(BV/TV)after micro-CT scanning.The healing and shaping of the fracture end were observed through HE staining.ELISA was used to detect the serum contents of bone alkaline phosphatase(BALP)and procollagen type I N-terminal peptide(PINP)on the 14th day of gavage.Western blotting was employed to determine the expression levels of Collagen Ⅰ,Runx2,BMP2,OSX,and VEGF in the tibial callus tissue in 7 and 14 d after gavage.Vascular perfusion was applied to observe the callus microvessels in 28 d to quantitatively analyze the vascular volume fraction and vessel diameter.Immunohistochemical staining was conducted to observe the expression of VEGF in the callus in 14 d after gavage.Results HE staining displayed that the ISO group had faster healing process than the model group.Micro-CT quantification results showed that the ISO group had higher BV/TV ratio in 7 d after gavage though no statistical difference,significantly higher ratio in 14 d(P＜0.05),but obviously lower ratio in 21 and 28 d after gavage(both P＜0.05)when compared with the model group.The serum contents of BALP and PINP were also remarkably higher in the ISO group than the model group(P＜0.05).Western blotting results indicated that the expression levels of Collagen Ⅰ,Runx2,BMP2,OSX and VEGF in the ISO group were higher than those in the model group(P＜0.05).The results of angiography revealed that the vascular volume fraction and vessel diameter were notably increased in the ISO group than the model group(both P＜0.05).Immunohistochemical assay showed that the expression of VEGF was higher in the ISO group than the model group(P＜0.05).Conclusion ISO can improve the activity of osteoblasts,increase the expression of osteogenesis-related proteins,and accelerate the angiogenesis to promote fracture healing.
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Objective:To study the effects of a simulated plateau environment on fracture healing in rats.Methods:A rat model of mid-femoral fracture was established by hacksaw truncation and intramedullary fixation with Kirschner wires in 60 male Wistar rats which were divide into 2 groups ( n=30) by the random number table method. The rats in the control group were raised in the animal experiment center of The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese PLA at an altitude of 1,400 m, while the rats in the plateau group were placed in an animal experimental cabin in a simulated plateau environment at a simulated altitude of 5,000 m. The body weight was weighed once a week and X-ray films were taken every 2 weeks. Blood samples were collected after 4 weeks for detection of biochemical indicators of bone metabolism. After 8 weeks, the femurs of the surgical side were taken for bone biomechanical detection and the bone mineral density of the healthy side was detected. After 4 and 8 weeks, the femurs of the surgical side were taken for in vitro Micro-CT scanning and angiography detection. After 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks, the femurs of the surgical side were taken for bone histopathologic detection. Results:During the entire experiment, no rats in the control group died while the mortality rate of the rats in the plateau group was as high as 26.7% (8/30). In the plateau group, some organs were pathologically damaged in the rats, fracture union was delayed, and the callus differentiated and matured slowly with the chondrocytes still dominant at the 8th week. The bone mineral density and the maximum load of the femur in the plateau group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P< 0.05). Angiography showed that the rats in the plateau group had microvascular proliferation which did not penetrate the fracture end at the 8th week. The bone formation indexes like osteocalcin, procollagen type Ⅰ N-terminal propeptide (PⅠNP), and osteoprotegerin of the rats in the plateau group were significantly lower than those in the control group at the 4th week ( P<0.05). The bone resorption indexes like tartrate resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) and receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) in the plateau group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:A simulated plateau environment at an altitude of 5,000 m may lead to delayed fracture healing in rats.
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Objective To study the effects of the compound medicine of icariin and puerarin on peak bone mass in rats during growth period, and to explore its possible mechanism. Methods Forty female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 1 month were randomly divided into normal control group( C), icariin group( I), puerarin group( P), icariin and puerarin compound groupc(I+P), 10 in each group. The body weights were recorded once every two weeks, and the bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry every month. After the bone mineral density of the whole body was significantly different between the control group and drug groups the animals were sacrificed. The right femur and vertebrae were separated to measure the bone mineral density. The biomechanical properties of the femur and vertebra were detected by AG-IS series desktop electronic universal testing machine. The bone formation index osteocalcin, PINP and bone resorption index were determined by ELISA. Changes in the contents of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b(TRACP 5b) and CTX-1; and changes in trabecular bone related parameters were recorded after magenta-picric acid staining. Results There was no significant difference in body weight between the two groups (P＞0.05). There was no significant difference in whole body bone density after 1 month of treatment (P＞0.05). After 2 months of treatment, the body bone density of the drug-administered group was higher than that of the control group. Whole body bone density, femur and vertebral bone density, femur maximum load value, maximum vertebrae load value and trabecular bone number and area, serum OC and PINP levels increased, while TRACP 5b and CTX-1 levels decreased(P＜0.01) in drug group. The difference from the control group was statistically significant (P＜0. 05). There were significant differences in biochemical parameters and bone histomorphology between the compound drug group and the two-flavor monomer group ( P＜0. 01). There was no significant difference in bone mineral density and biomechanics, but the average value was higher than that of the monomer group. Conclusion The combination of icariin and puerarin can effectively increase the peak bone mass in rats.
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Objective To investigate the signal transduction mechanisms of time-dependent effects of 50 Hz 1.8 mT sinusoidal electromagnetic fields(SEMFs)on osteoblastic activity.Methods Newborn rat calvarial osteoblasts(ROBs) were treated with 50 Hz 1.8mT SEMFs for 30,60,90,120,and 150 min,respectively.Intracellular alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was assayed,and protein expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2),Smad1/5/8 and mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs)were examined by Western blot.The Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay System was used to measure the activity of the Wnt pathway.Immunofluorescence staining and laser confocal microscopy were applied to examine the nuclear translocation of Smad1/5/8 and β-catenin.Changes in ALP activity were determined after inhibiting p38 MAPK using a specific inhibitor.Results ALP activity of ROBs increased after 30,60,90,120 and 150 min of SEMFs treatment,compared with the control group(51.41±5.21,59.47±4.02,67.56[4.68,63.69±3.92,and 58.16±3.61 vs.45.53± 3.24),and reached the highest value at 90 min and then started to decline.Protein expression of Runx-2,p-Smad1/5/8,p-p38 and β-catenin increased after SEMFs treatment,and reached the highest value at 90 min and then gradually returned to baseline levels.The values for Wnt pathway activity for the control group and with SEMFs treatment at 30,60,90,120 and 150 min were 0.49± 0.06,0.52 ± 0.09,0.75±0.05,0.77 ± 0.42,0.58 ± 0.08 and 0.42 ± 0.09,respectively.Wnt pathway activity,the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and Smad1/5/8 reached the highest level at 90 min.Values of ALP activity in the control group and the SEMFs group were 44.60±3.84 and 71.54±7.34,respectively,before specifically inhibiting p38 MAPK,and were 52.08±0.83 and 52.15±10.77,respectively,after p38 MAPK inhibition,indicating that ALP activity could not be increased with inhibition.Conclusions 50 Hz 1.8 mT SEMFs increase osteoblastic activity by activating the BMP-2/Smad1/5/8,Wnt/β-catenin and p38 MAPK signal pathways.The optimal duration of treatment is 90 min per day.
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Objective@#To investigate the signal transduction mechanisms of time-dependent effects of 50 Hz 1.8 mT sinusoidal electromagnetic fields(SEMFs)on osteoblastic activity.@*Methods@#Newborn rat calvarial osteoblasts(ROBs)were treated with 50 Hz 1.8mT SEMFs for 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 min, respectively.Intracellular alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity was assayed, and protein expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2(Runx2), Smad1/5/8 and mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs)were examined by Western blot.The Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay System was used to measure the activity of the Wnt pathway.Immunofluorescence staining and laser confocal microscopy were applied to examine the nuclear translocation of Smad1/5/8 and β-catenin.Changes in ALP activity were determined after inhibiting p38 MAPK using a specific inhibitor.@*Results@#ALP activity of ROBs increased after 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 min of SEMFs treatment, compared with the control group(51.41±5.21, 59.47±4.02, 67.56±4.68, 63.69±3.92, and 58.16±3.61 vs.45.53±3.24), and reached the highest value at 90 min and then started to decline.Protein expression of Runx-2, p-Smad1/5/8, p-p38 and β-catenin increased after SEMFs treatment, and reached the highest value at 90 min and then gradually returned to baseline levels.The values for Wnt pathway activity for the control group and with SEMFs treatment at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 min were 0.49±0.06, 0.52±0.09, 0.75±0.05, 0.77±0.42, 0.58±0.08 and 0.42±0.09, respectively.Wnt pathway activity, the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and Smad1/5/8 reached the highest level at 90 min.Values of ALP activity in the control group and the SEMFs group were 44.60±3.84 and 71.54±7.34, respectively, before specifically inhibiting p38 MAPK, and were 52.08±0.83 and 52.15±10.77, respectively, after p38 MAPK inhibition, indicating that ALP activity could not be increased with inhibition.@*Conclusions@#50 Hz 1.8 mT SEMFs increase osteoblastic activity by activating the BMP-2/Smad1/5/8, Wnt/β-catenin and p38 MAPK signal pathways.The optimal duration of treatment is 90 min per day.
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Objective To study the effect of stenting on intravascular pressure difference at both ends of stenosis in patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis (CAS).Methods Eleven patients with moderate-severe internal CAS were included in this study.Their distal mean arterial pressure was measured by pushing the pressure guide wire into the distal end of stenosis and the proximal mean arterial pressure was measured by placing the pressure receptor connecting pipe into the proximal end of stenosis.The intravascular pressure difference at both ends of stenosis was calculated.Correlation between the stenosis rate and intravascular pressure difference at both ends of stenosis was analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis.The intravascular pressure difference before and after stenting was analyzed according to the Wicoxon test.Results Complete intravascular pressure difference value was detected in 11 CAS patients before and after operation.No complications and adverse events occurred during the perioperative period.The stenosis rate was 64％-95％ (74.18％±8.70％) and 0％30％ (12.64％±11.07％) respectively before and after operation.The intravascular pressure was 5-72 (15.64±19.64) mm Hg before operation and was 0-9 (2.64±2.69) mm Hg after operation (P=0.035,P=0.000).Spearman correlation analysis showed that the stenosis rate was positively related with the intravascular pressure difference (r=0.767,P＜0.01).Conclusion Carotid artery stenting can reduce both the stenosis rate and intravascular pressure difference at both ends of stenosis.
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Objective: To investigate the function of primary cilium as an oxygen sensor in PC12 cells. Methods: The PC12 cells were transfected with IFT88 siRNA. The nuclear translocation of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), and ciliogenesis were observed by immunofluorescence staining; and the mRNA expressions of HIF-1α, Nrf2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected by real-time RT-PCR. Results: The ciliogenesis was inhibited in PC12 cells transfected with IFT88 siRNA. In hypoxia group and scramble control group, nuclear translocations of HIF-1α and Nrf2 were observed and mRNA expressions of HIF-1α, Nrf2, VEGF were increased, and those of SOD were decreased. While in PC12 cells transfected with IFT88 siRNA, nuclear translocations of HIF-1α and Nrf2 were not observed, and mRNA expressions of HIF-1α, Nrf2, VEGF were inhibited, and mRNA expression of SOD was increased. Conclusion: Primary cilia may act as an oxygen sensor to transfer the information related to hypoxia and oxidative stress into cells, activating intracellular defense mechanism against the hypoxic injuries.
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Animals , Rats , Cilia , Metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation , Oxygen , Metabolism , PC12 CellsABSTRACT
Objective: To compare the effects of 50 Hz 1.8 mT sinusoidal magnetic field (SEMF) and 50 Hz 0.6 mT pulsed electromagnetic field(PEMF) on the maturation and mineralization of rat calvaria osteoblasts. Methods: Primary cultured rat calvarial osteoblasts were divided into 3 groups:blank control group, SEMF group and PEMF group. The rats in SEMT and PEMT groups were treated with 50 Hz 1.8 mT SEMF or 50 Hz 0.6 mT PEMF for 90 min/d, respectively. Western blotting and Real-time RT-PCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of Collagen-1, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), osterix (OSX) and Runt-associated transcription factor 2(Runx-2). The alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activity was detected by ALP test kits at d6 and d9 after treatment, and by ALP staining using azo coupling at d10 after treatment. The formation of calcium nodules was observed by alizarin red staining. Results: Compared with blank control group, the protein and mRNA expressions of Collagen-1, BMP-2, OSX and Runx-2 in SEMT and PEMT groups were significantly increased (P P PP0.05); after 9 days treatment, the activities of ALP in both PEMF and SEMP groups were significantly higher than that in blank control group (all PP0.05). After 10 days treatment, ALP staining was increased in both PEMF and SEMF groups compared with that in blank control group (all PPPPConclusion: Both 50 Hz 1.8 mT that in SEMF and 50 Hz 0.6 mT PEMF can promote the maturation and mineralization of osteoblasts, and the effect of PEMF is more marked.
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Animals , Rats , Calcification, Physiologic , Cell Differentiation , Cells, Cultured , Electromagnetic Fields , Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental , Radiation Effects , Magnetic Fields , Osteoblasts , Cell Biology , Radiation Effects , SkullABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the effect of resveratrol on peak bone mineral density and bone mass in growing rats. Methods: Thirty-six female healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, icariin group and resveratrol group with 12 rats in each group. Icariin (25 mg·kg-1·d-1), resveratrol (8.4 mg·kg-1·d-1) or equal volume of distilled water were given by gavage to icariin group, resveratrol group and control group, respectively. The rats were sacrificed after 12 weeks. The organ indexes were calculated and pathology sections were observed; the bone mineral density (BMD), bone biomechanics, serum bone metabolism index, and results of micro-CT scan were analyzed. Results: During the experiment, the body weight of rats showed an increasing trend and there was no significant difference among three groups (P0.05). There were no significant differences in organ index of vital organs and pathological changes among the groups (all P0.05). Compared with the control group, the whole body BMD, and the BMDs of femur and vertebrae in icariin and resveratrol groups were significantly increased after 12 weeks (all PPPPPPPConclusion: Resveratrol can inhibit bone resorption and enhance bone formation, so as to improve the peak bone mass and bone density, enhance bone strength and improve the microstructure of bone tissue in young rats.
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Animals , Female , Rats , Bone Density , Bone and Bones , Diagnostic Imaging , Femur , Osteocalcin , Genetics , Metabolism , Random Allocation , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Rats, Wistar , Resveratrol , Pharmacology , Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase , Genetics , MetabolismABSTRACT
Objective To analyze the effect of carotid artery stenting (CAS) on cerebralblood flow and cerebrovascular reactivity in patients with severe carotid stenosis.Methods Twenty patients with unilateral severe internal carotid artery stenosis,conformed by carotid color ultrasonography or MR angiography in our hospital from August 2014 to December 2015,were chosen in our study.CAS was performed;relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) detection and relative cerebrovascular reactivity (rCVR) assessment were performed by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) combined with carbon dioxide (CO2) inhalation within one week before surgery and 3 months after surgery.Four regions of interest (ROIs) in the bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory of internal carotid stenosis were selected for data analysis.The changes of rCBF and rCVR before and after CAS between the ipsilateral and contralateral ROIs of these patients were compared.Results In these 20 patients,80 ROIs from each patient were obtained.Preoperative ipsilateral rCBF averaged 0.883±0.075,and contralateral rCBF averaged 0.929±0.033;preoperative ipsilateral rCVR averaged 0.010±0.055,and contralateral rCBF averaged 0.124±0.053;postoperative ipsilateral rCBF and rCVR averaged 0.927±0.040 and 0.092±0.058,and contralateral rCBF averaged 0.938±0.038 and 0.127±0.054.Postoperative ipsilateral rCBF and rCVR were significantly improved as compared with preoperative ones (P＜0.05).Postoperative contralateral rCBF and rCVR were improved as compared with preoperative ones,without significant differences (P＞.05).Conclusions CAS can not only improve rCBF and rCVR of the MCA in the carotid artery stenosis,but also improve the contralateral side.
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Objective To observe the correlation between degrees ofextracranial cerebral artery stenosis and pressure ratio across stenosis.Methods The patients with ≥ 50％ stenosis,admitted to our hospital and conformed by DSA from September 2015 to February 2017,were collected in this study.Collateral circulation compensation was assessed by DSA.The distal stenosis pressure (Pd) and stenosis pressure (Pa) were measured by pressure wire system;the pressure ratio across stenosis was recorded.Correlations of pressure ratio with stenosis rate and collateral circulation compensation were analyzed by Spearman correlation.Results Thirty one stenotic extracranial cerebral arteries (9 of carotid stenosis,12 of vertebral artery stenosis and 10 of subclavian artery stenosis) in 28 patients were collected.There were no perioperative complications or adverse events.The vascular stenosis rate showed negative correlation with pressure ratio (r=-0.615,P=0.000).In the subgroups,pressure gradient was negatively correlated with carotid artery stenosis rate (r=-0.948,P=-0.000),vertebral artery stenosis rate (r=-0.757,P=0.004) and subclavian artery stenosis (r=-0.759,P=0.011).Pressure ratio and collateral circulation compensation showed negative correlated relation (r=-0.475,P=0.007).Conclusion The pressure ratio across stenosis gets worse impairment with increase of severity of stenosis,and the collateral circulation influences the pressure ratio.
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To study the effects of 1.8 mT sinusoidal electromagnetic fields of different frequencies on bone mineral density (BMD) and biomechanical properties in young rats.A total of 32 female SD rats (6-week-old) were randomly divided into 4 groups (8 in each):control group, 10 Hz group, 25 Hz group and 40 Hz group. The experimental groups were given 1.8 mT sinusoidal electromagnetic field intervention 90 min per day. The whole body BMD of rats was detected with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry after 4 and 8 weeks of intervention. After 8 weeks of intervention, all rats were sacrificed, and the BMD of femur and lumbar vertebra, the length and diameter of femur, the width between medial and lateral malleolus were measured. Electronic universal material testing machine was used to obtain biomechanical properties of femur and lumbar vertebra, and micro CT scan was performed to observe micro structures of tibial cancellous bone.Compared with the control group, rats in 10 Hz and 40 Hz groups had higher whole body BMD, BMD of femur, maximum load and yield strength of femur, as well as maximum load and elastic modulus of lumbar vertebra (all<0.05). But no significant differences in the length and diameter of femur, and the width between medial and lateral malleolus were observed between control group and experimental groups (all>0.05). Micro CT scan showed that the trabecular number and separation degree, bone volume percentage were significantly increased in 10 Hz and 40 Hz groups (all<0.01). Rats in 25 Hz group also had higher BMD and better in biomechanical properties than control group, but the differences were not statistically significant (all>0.05).10 and 40 Hz of 1.8 mT sinusoidal electromagnetic field can significantly improve the bone density, microstructure and biomechanical properties in young rats.
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Animals , Female , Rats , Absorptiometry, Photon , Biomechanical Phenomena , Radiation Effects , Bone Density , Radiation Effects , Cancellous Bone , Radiation Effects , Electromagnetic Fields , Femur , Radiation Effects , Lumbar Vertebrae , Radiation Effects , Magnetic Field Therapy , Methods , Osteogenesis , Radiation Effects , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Tibia , Radiation EffectsABSTRACT
To investigate the effect of icariin total flavonoids capsules (ITFC) on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone histomorphometry in growing rats and its anti-osteoporosis mechanism.Thirty female SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups:normal control group, ITFC-1 group and ITFC-2 group. Rats in ITFC-1 group and ITFC-2 group were fed with 50 mg·kg·dor 100 mg·kg·dITFC, respectively, and those in normal control group were fed with equal volume of distilled water. The whole body BMD was measured after 4, 8 and 12 weeks, and BMDs of the right femur and lumbar vertebrae were measured after 12 weeks. The serum levels of tartaric acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP 5b) and bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) were measured by ELISA. Bone morphometry was performed on the right tibia.There were no significant differences in the body weight increase between normal control group and two ITFC groups (all>0.05). There were also no significant differences in whole body BMDs after 4 and 8 weeks between normal control group and ITFC groups (all>0.05). After 12 weeks, the whole body BMD, BMD of bone, serum BALP level and trabecular area in ITFC-1 group and ITFC-2 group were significantly higher, trabecular separation was significantly lower than that in normal control group (all<0.05); and the trabecular width and the number in ITFC-2 group were also significantly higher, and serum TRACP 5b level was significantly lower than that in normal control group (all<0.05). The BMD of bone, serum BALP level, trabecular number and area in ITFC-2 group were significantly higher, and serum TRACP 5b level was significantly lower than that in ITFC-1 group (all<0.05).ITFC can prevent osteoporosis by increasing bone density and bone formation, decreasing bone resorption and improving microstructure of bone.
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Animals , Female , Rats , Alkaline Phosphatase , Blood , Bone Density , Bone Resorption , Drug Therapy , Cancellous Bone , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Femur , Flavonoids , Pharmacology , Lumbar Vertebrae , Osteogenesis , Osteoporosis , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase , Blood , TibiaABSTRACT
Studying effects of 50 Hz sinusoidal electromagnetic fields (SEMFs) with different intensities on peak bone mass (PBM) of rats may provide a theoretical basis for application of electromagnetic clinical field. 30 female SD rats, 6 weeks of age, were randomly divided into three groups: the control group, 0.1 mT electromagnetic field group (EMFs) and 0.6 mT EMFs. The EMFs groups were treated for 3 h/day. After 8 weeks, we examined their bone mineral densities (BMD) , measured their bone biomechanical properties, and made serum levels of osteocalcin (OC), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP 5b), and histomorphometry. It was found that the BMD (P < 0.01), maximum mechanical load (P < 0.01) in the 0.1 mT group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and Yield strength (P < 0.05), the analyses of serum bone turnover markers and histomorphometric parameters were better than those in the control group (P < 0.05). However, the 0.6 mT group did not have significantly difference comparing with that in the control group. This study proved that 50 Hz 0.1 mT SEMFs can increased BMD, bone strength, and bone tissue microstructure. Therefore, 50 Hz 0.1 mT SEMFs can improve peak bone mass of rats.
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Animals , Female , Rats , Acid Phosphatase , Blood , Bone Density , Bone and Bones , Physiology , Electromagnetic Fields , Isoenzymes , Blood , Osteocalcin , Blood , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Tartrate-Resistant Acid PhosphataseABSTRACT
Aim To compare the pharmacological ac-tivity of icariin( ICA) and genistien ( GEN) against os-teoporosis after oral administration with them to growing rats and ovariectomized rats. Methods 25 mg·kg-1 icariin and 10 mg · kg-1 genistein ( equal in molar concentration) were administered to one-month-old fe-male SD rats every day for three months. Treatments at the same dosage were administered to the 6-month-old ovariectomized SD rats every day for three months. Their effects were compared on bone mineral density and biomechanical properties of femurs and vertebrae, serum levels of osteocalcin and tartaric acid phospha-tase 5b ( TRACP 5b) and histomorphometry. Results The results showed that, in young rats, icariin treat-ment significantly increased bone mineral density, the maximum mechanical loads of femurs and vertebrae as well as the bone qualities ( serum markers and microar-chitecture ) , whereas genistein treatment had little effects compared with the non-treatment control. How-ever, genistein treatment was more efficacious than icariin in preventing bone loss and deterioration of bone microarchitecture in ovariectomized rats. Conclusion Our data suggest that, since icariin has a higher os-teogenic activity but lower estrogenic activity, it has been found to be more efficacious than genistein in peak bone mass accrual only in young rats. In the ovariectimized rats, however, as the main force to pre-vent bone loss is the estrogenic activity, genistein has been found to be more efficacious than icariin in reduc-ing bone loss.