Association between Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin and Platelet Distribution Width Ratio and Knee Osteoarthritis Severity.

BACKGROUND: The goal was to simply and efficiently predict the indicators of disease severity in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients. METHODS: One hundred eighty-four patients with KOA and 126 healthy subjects were included. WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) was used as a reference index for disease severity in KOA patients, in which WOMAC < 80 was classified as mild and WOMAC ≥ 80 as moderate and severe. Blood routine parameters of the KOA and the healthy groups were analyzed by the Mann Whitney U test. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of mean corpuscular hemoglobin and platelet distribution width ratio (MPR) and monocyte and hemoglobin ratio (MHR) indicators. The correlation between MPR and MHR and disease severity of KOA was determined by bivariate regression analysis. Independent predictors of disease severity in patients with KOA were assessed by multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: MPR, MHR, and WOMAC were significantly higher in the KOA group. The ROC curve indicated that the cutoff values of MPR and MHR were 2.09 and 0.0030, respectively, with sensitivity of 86.4% and 68.5% and specificity of 99.2% and 79.4%. Bivariate regression analysis found that MPR was better correlated with disease severity than MHR. The results of multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that the MPR values of moderate and severe patients were more than 19 times that of mild patients, and the OR values were 21.695 and 19.558, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MPR and MHR demonstrated a good correlation with disease severity in patients with KOA. MPR is a potential independent predictor of disease severity in patients with KOA.

IGF-1 from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells promotes radioresistance of breast cancer cells.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) on radioresistance of breast cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MTT assays were used to detect any influence of AMSC supernatants on proliferation of breast cancer cells; cell migration assays were used to determine the effect of breast cancer cells on the recruitment of AMSCs; the cell survival fraction post-irradiation was assessed by clonogenic survival assay; γ-H2AX foci number post-irradiation was determined via fluorescence microscopy; and expression of IGF-1R was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: AMSC supernatants promoted proliferation and radioresistance of breast cancer cells. Breast cancer cells could recruit AMSCs, especially after irradiation. IGF-1 derived from AMSCs might be responsible for the radioresistance of breast cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that AMSCs in the tumor microenvironment may affect the outcome of radiotherapy for breast cancer in vitro.

The Visible Human Projects in Korea and China with improved images and diverse applications.

PURPOSE: The Visible Human Projects, which were launched in the United States, have also been developed in Korea and China during the past decade. This article includes the new trials to promote a variety of their applications. METHODS: In a Korean laboratory, whole bodies of two cadavers were serially sectioned (Visible Korean), while two Chinese institutes have sectioned nine cadavers (Chinese Visible Human and Virtual Chinese Human). For acquiring sectioned images and stereoscopic models of better quality, appropriate cadavers were chosen; equipments and techniques for embedding, sectioning, photography, and computer processing were continuously improved in the two countries. To facilitate the research, Korean and Chinese scientists have visited each other. RESULTS: The sectioned images with thinner intervals (0.2 mm or less) and higher resolution were obtained. From the advanced data, the segmented images of comprehensive structures were prepared to construct three-dimensional models. Then, cross-sectional images and models were offered for medical education and clinical practice such as electronic anatomy atlas and virtual lumbar puncture. CONCLUSION: Every project has its strengths and weaknesses with regard to the image data; users in the world can choose the project that best suits their needs.

[Effect of allogenic adipose-derived stem cell grafting on serum biochemical indicators and sporting ability of endurance trained rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of transplantation of allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on serum biochemical indicators and sporting ability in highly endurance-trained rats from a fasciological perspective. METHODS: The ADSCs were cultured in vitro. Forty male Wistar rats were randomized into 4 equal groups, namely the blank control group, overtraining (model) group, transplantation without training group and overtraining plus transplantation group. The rats in the two overtraining groups were subjected to exhaustive swimming for 1 week, and in the two transplantation groups, cultured allogeneic ADSCs (2×10(6)/ml) were injected via the tail vein. The exhaustion time in swimming and the serum levels of BUN, LDH, BLa, and Hb of the rats were recorded after the treatments. RESULTS: The rats in the model group showed significantly increased serum BUN, LDH and BLa levels and decreased Hb level with a extended exhaustion time as compared with those in the blank control group (P<0.01). The BUN, LDH and BLa was significantly lower, Hb level higher and the exhaustion time significantly longer in the overtraining plus transplantation group than those in the model group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: ADSCs can effectively prolong the exhaustion time of rats during exhaustive swimming and enhance their sporting ability.

[Effect of allogenic adipose-derived stem cell transplantation on bone mass in rats with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of systemic transplantation of allogenic adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), the main undifferentiated cells in the supporting-storing system based on the fasciology hypothesis, on the bone mineral density (BMD) and histomorphometry in rats with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) rats, and explore a new therapeutic approach for osteoporosis. METHODS: Forty female adult Wistar rats were randomized equally into blank control group (A), model group (B), control treatment group (C) and treatment group (D). In groups B, C, and D, osteoporosis was induced by injection of prednisolone (8 mg/kg) via the tail vein 3 times a week for 12 consecutive weeks. After successful establishment of osteoporosis, allogenic ADSCs (3×10(6)/ml) were transplanted via the tail vein. The BMD at the L3-L5 levels and of the right femurs were detected, and the histomorphometry of the right tibias was analyzed in all the rats. RESULTS: After prednisolone injection, the BMD of L3-L5 vertebrae and the right femurs, the percent trabecular area, trabecular thickness and trabecular number of the right tibias were all obviously lowered while the trabecular separation and osteoclast number increased in group B as compared to those in group A (P<0.05). Four weeks after ADSC transplantation, all these indices were significantly improved in group D, showing significant differences from those in group B (P<0.05) and also group C. CONCLUSION: Transplantation of allogenic ADSCs can restore the BMD and bone histomorphometric properties of rats with GIOP, and may serve as a potential treatment for GIOP. These results also provide partial experimental evidence supporting the hypothesis of fasciaology.

Review of evidence suggesting that the fascia network could be the anatomical basis for acupoints and meridians in the human body.

The anatomical basis for the concept of meridians in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has not been resolved. This paper reviews the evidence supporting a relationship between acupuncture points/meridians and fascia. The reviewed evidence supports the view that the human body's fascia network may be the physical substrate represented by the meridians of TCM. Specifically, this hypothesis is supported by anatomical observations of body scan data demonstrating that the fascia network resembles the theoretical meridian system in salient ways, as well as physiological, histological, and clinical observations. This view represents a theoretical basis and means for applying modern biomedical research to examining TCM principles and therapies, and it favors a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment.

[Immunophenotypic comparison of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells from the greater omentums and subcutaneous adipose tissues of rats].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) isolated from the greater omentums and subcutaneous adipose tissues of rats for their characteristics in cell morphology, growth kinetics and immunophenotypes. METHODS: ADMSCs were isolated from the greater omentums and inguinal fat pads of 6 SD rats and cultured in vitro. The morphologies of the ADMSCs were observed using phase-contrast microscopy, and their growth curves were generated and the doubling times determined. The phenotypic marker profiles including CD11b, CD29, CD45, CD49d, CD90 and CD106 of the ADMSCs in the fourth passage were determined using flow cytometry. RESULTS: The ADMSCs harvested from the greater omentums and inguinal fat pads showed almost identical morphologies. The growth curves and the mean doubling time of the ADMSCs from the two different sources showed no obvious difference. With similar positivity rates for CD11b, CD29, CD106 and CD90, the two ADMSCs exhibited different expression rates of CD45 and CD49d. CONCLUSIONS: The immunophenotypic characteristics of the ADMSCs from the greater omentums and subcutaneous adipose tissues are not totally identical.

Possible applications for fascial anatomy and fasciaology in traditional Chinese medicine.

Research using medical imaging instruments such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging has led to the proposal that the fascial network distributed over the human body is the anatomical basis for the acupoints and meridians of traditional Chinese medicine. Therefore, we put forward a new theory of anatomy called fascial anatomy. In fascial anatomy, a human body is divided into two major systems. One is the supporting-storing system of unspecialized connective tissues. The other is a functional system. An undifferentiated non-specific connective tissue network, with the participation of the nervous and the immune systems, constitutes the supporting-storing system of the human body. The various differentiated functional cells in the body that are supported and surrounded by the supporting-storing system constitute the functional system. The discipline that studies the supporting-storing system and the mutual relationship between this system and the functional system in a living human body is called fasciaology. The establishment of fascial anatomy and fasciaology opens a new research field in anatomy; consequently, fasciaology will play a significant role in biological medicine and traditional Chinese medical research, as well as future clinical practice.

[Three-dimensional design of surgery for mandibular retrusion].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of surgical design for mandibular retrusion using three-dimensional software. METHODS: Three-dimensional reconstruction was performed by Mimics software based on the preoperative CT data. The model of the maxillofacial region was imported into Rapidform software for measuring the associated parameters and Geomagic software for simulation of osteotomy. The reliability of the virtual operation was validated during the surgery. RESULTS: The model of mandibular retrusion was reconstructed and successfully used to simulate the surgery. The simulation result was applied in subsequent actual surgery and good surgical outcomes were achieved. CONCLUSION: The three-dimensional software can be used to simulate the surgery for mandibular retrusion and improve the predictability and accuracy of the surgery.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass promotes expression of PDX-1 and regeneration of beta-cells in Goto-Kakizaki rats.

AIM: To study the effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on the expression of pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1) and pancreatic beta-cell regeneration/neogenesis, and their possible mechanisms in diabetics. METHODS: Three groups of randomly selected non-obese diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats were subjected to RYGB, sham-RYGB and sham-operation (sham-op) surgery, respectively. The rats were euthanized at post-operative 1, 2, 4 and 12 wk. Their pancreases were resected and analyzed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to detect the mRNA of PDX-1. Anti-PDX-1 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and Western blotting were used to detect the protein of PDX-1. Double IHC staining of anti-Brdu and -insulin was performed to detect regenerated beta-cells. The index of double Brdu and insulin positive cells was calculated. RESULTS: In comparison with sham-RYGB and sham-op groups, a significant increase in the expressions of PDX-1 mRNA in RYGB group was observed at all experimental time points (1 wk: 0.378 +/- 0.013 vs 0.120 +/- 0.010, 0.100 +/- 0.010, F = 727.717, P < 0.001; 2 wk: 0.318 +/- 0.013 vs 0.110 +/- 0.010, 0.143 +/- 0.015, F = 301.509, P < 0.001; 4 wk: 0.172 +/- 0.011 vs 0.107 +/- 0.012, 0.090 +/- 0.010, F = 64.297, P < 0.001; 12 wk: 0.140 +/- 0.007 vs 0.120 +/- 0.010, 0.097 +/- 0.015, F = 16.392, P < 0.001); PDX-1 protein in RYGB group was also increased significantly (1 wk: 0.61 +/- 0.01 vs 0.21 +/- 0.01, 0.15 +/- 0.01, F = 3031.127, P < 0.001; 2 wk: 0.55 +/- 0.00 vs 0.15 +/- 0.01, 0.17 +/- 0.01, F = 3426.455, P < 0.001; 4 wk: 0.39 +/- 0.01 vs 0.18 +/- 0.01, 0.22 +/- 0.01, F = 882.909, P < 0.001; 12 wk: 0.41 +/- 0.01 vs 0.20 +/- 0.01, 0.18 +/- 0.01, F = 515.833, P < 0.001). PDX-1 mRNA and PDX-1 protein production showed no statistical significance between the two sham groups. Many PDX-1 positive cells could be found in the pancreatic islets of the rats in RYGB group at all time points. In addition, the percentage of Brdu-insulin double staining positive cells was higher in RYGB group than in the other two groups (1 wk: 0.22 +/- 0.13 vs 0.03 +/- 0.06, 0.03 +/- 0.06, P < 0.05; 2 wk: 0.28 +/- 0.08 vs 0.00 +/- 0.00, 0.03 +/- 0.06, P < 0.05; 4 wk: 0.24 +/- 0.11 vs 0.07 +/- 0.06, 0.00 +/- 0.00, P < 0.001; 12 wk: 0.20 +/- 0.07 vs 0.03 +/- 0.06, 0.00 +/- 0.00, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: RYGB can increase the expression of pancreatic PDX-1 and induce the regeneration of beta-cells in GK rats. The associated regeneration of islet cells may be a possible mechanism that how RYGB could improve type 2 diabetes mellitus.

[Expression of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases in the subcutaneous fascia of rats and their changes after acupuncture].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture on the expression of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) in the subcutaneous fascia of SD rats. METHODS: Eighteen SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=3) including 5 acupuncture groups and a control group. The rats in the 5 acupuncture groups received electro-acupuncture therapy in the regions of the inguinal groove, and at 0, 1, 6, 12, and 36 h after the last therapy, the superfacial fascia surrounding the acupuncture point (about 1.5 cm in diameter) were collected. The fascia tissues at the corresponding sites and at the acupoint Zusanli (ST36) were obtained from the control rats. The expression of ERK1/2 and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in the tissues were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 expressions were detected in the tissues harvested from both the acupoint and the non-acupoint in the control rats with similar expression intensities. In the rats of each acupuncture group, ERK1/2 expression was significantly increased on the acupuncture side in comparison with the control side. CONCLUSION: The normal loose connective tissue may participate in tissue proliferation and differentiation possibly via phosphorylation of ERK. Acupuncture can promote the signal transduction pathway of ERK, which can be a possible mechanism for the effect of acupuncture in modulating the physiopathological conditions.

[Biocompatibility between human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and porcine bone scaffolds].

OBJECTIVE: To study the compatibility between human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and porcine bone scaffolds. METHODS: Porcine bone tissues were co-cultured with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and the complex was observed under scanning electron microscope. The viability and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of the cells were examined with the cells co-cultured with human bone scaffold as the control. RESULTS: At 4 and 10 days after the co-culture, the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were observed to extend pseudopodia to adhere to the two scaffold materials. MTT assay showed that the cell proliferation on both of the materials increased with time, and the two cell complexes exhibited similar pattern of changes in ALP activity. CONCLUSION: As the seed cells, human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells exhibit good comparability with porcine bone scaffold, suggesting their potential of constructing tissue-engineered bone graft.

[Variation of nestin expression in SD rat eyes in different stages of postnatal development].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the position and quantity of nestin expression in SD rat eyes in different stages of postnatal development. METHODS: Immunocytochemical method was used to identify nestin expression in the eyes of SD rats of 1 to 30 days old. RESULTS: Nestin expression was detected in the retina and extraocular muscles of SD rats. The expression varied with the time of postnatal development, distributing in the entire retina layers in earlier stages and confined in the nerve fiber layer in later stages. The quantities of nestin expression in the extraocular muscles decreased gradually with growth. CONCLUSION: Nestin expression in the retinas and extraocular muscles of SD rats decreases during the postnatal development.

[Effect of L-arginine on rabbit sinoatrial node functions and atrioventricular nodal effective refractory period during ischemia-reperfusion of the right coronary artery].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of L-arginine (L-Arg) on sinoatrial conduction time (SACT) and sinus node recovery time (SNRT) and atrioventricular nodal effective refractory period (AVERP) in the course of ischemia- reperfusion (IR) of the right coronary artery in rabbits. METHODS: Thirty-two rabbit models of ischemia-reperfusion of the right coronary artery were randomly divided into control group, IR+saline group, IR+L-Arg group and IR+ L-arginine-methyl ester (IR+L-NAME group, 8 rabits in each group. At different time points after ligation or loosening of the artery, SACT, SNRT and AVERP were measured respectively by fast pacing of the right atrium and programmed electrical stimulations. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, SACT, SNRT and AVERP of the other groups were all prolonged significantly P<0.01 . In comparison with IR+NS group, at each time point, SACT, SNRT and AVERP of IR+L-Arg group were decreased during ischemia and in the early phases of reperfusion, followed by elevation during the latter stages of the reperfusion, as were contrary to the changes in IR+L-NAME group. CONCLUSIONS: The longer duration of ischemia persists, the severer are the functional damages of the sinoatrial node. Adequate supply of L-Arg to the tissues during ischemia and the early stages of the reperfusion may alleviate the damages, but its administration in the latter stages of reperfusion might contribute to the contrary result.

[Improvement of specimen sectioning technique for Virtual Chinese Human study].

OBJECTIVE: To improve the image quality of the specimen serial sections for establishing the Virtual Chinese Human dataset and to extend the durability of the milling tools. METHOD: The image quality of the serial sections obtained by using tangential and radial indexable milling tools was compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with radial milling tools, tangential ones were more suitable for use in this study to ensure high-quality section image acquisition, showing the advantages such as high efficiency, long durability and low cost.

[Anatomic observation of the prostate for clinical application of local drug injection through the rectum for chronic prostatitis].

OBJECTIVE: To provide anatomic evidences for local drug injection through the rectum for treating chronic prostatitis and observe the therapeutic effect of this treatment. METHODS: Anatomic observation of the median sagittal plane of 16 male pelvic specimens was conducted, with special attention to the structures between the prostate and the rectum. The distance from the posterior wall of the prostate to the anterior wall of the rectum, the scope that allowed the entry of the puncture needle, the appropriate puncture depth, and the distance from the anus to the safe were carefully measured. Analysis of the clinical record was performed in 51 chronic prostatitis cases treated with local injection of prednisolone, antibiotic and lidocaine through the rectum. RESULTS: Only some fat tissues and venous plexus were found between the prostate and the anterior wall of the rectum, and the distance from posterior wall of the prostate to the anterior wall of the rectum averaged 5.773+/-0.710 mm. The scope for possible puncture was 15.408 8+/-1.438 2 mm with a depth of 15.703 1+/-0.944 1 mm. The maximum and minimum distances from the anus to the puncture were 47.594+/-2.432 mm and 35.781+/-1.850 mm, respectively. Among the 51 cases investigated, the total cure rate was 84.31%, and improvement was achieved in 13.73% of the case, with only one case (2%) failed to respond to the treatment. CONCLUSION: Local drug injection through the rectum can be ideal for the treatment of prostatitis for its safety and effectiveness.

[Mechanical strength and in vivo degradation of human hair keratin-polylactic acid composite rods].

OBJECTIVE: To test the mechanical strength and observe the in vivo degradation of self-made human hair keratin-polylactic acid (HHK-PLA) composite rods designed for use in internal fixation. METHODS: Twenty such HHK-PLA composite rods were tested for shear strength, bending strength and bending modulus using the material testing system MTS-858 Mini Bionix. A total of 36 samples of HHK-PLA composite rods designed for internal fixation of bone fracture were randomly implanted in dorsal subcutaneous tissue of 18 SD rats, and weight losses of these rods were measured 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 and 28 weeks after the implantation to evaluate the in vivo degradation of the material. RESULTS: The initial shear strength of HHK-PLA rod was 241 MPa, bending strength 358 MPa, and bending modulus 13 GPa. The test demonstrated a slower rate of degradation in SD rats in earlier period following implantation than in later period. CONCLUSION: HHK-PLA composite rods have good initial mechanical strength and tolerable degradation in vivo, and may be used potentially for internal fixation of the weigh-bearing bones of the limbs.

[Research report of experimental database establishment of digitized virtual Chinese No.1 female].

OBJECTIVE: To establish digitized virtual Chinese No.1 female (VCH-F1) image database. METHODS: A 19 years old female cadaver was scanned by CT, MRI, and perfused with red filling material through formal artery before freezing and em- bedding. The whole body was cut by JZ1500A vertical milling machine with a 0.2 mm inter-spacing. All the images was produced by Fuji FinePix S2 Pro camera. RESULTS: The body index of VCH-F1 was 94%. We cut 8 556 sections of the whole body, and each image was 17.5 MB in size and the whole database reached 149.7 GB. We have totally 6 versions of the database for different applications. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with other databases, VCH-F1 has good representation of the Chinese body shape, colorful filling material in blood vessels providing enough information for future registration and segmentation. Vertical embedding and cutting helped to retain normal human physiological posture, and the image quality and operation efficiency were improved by using various techniques such as one-time freezing and fixation, double-temperature icehouse, large-diameter milling disc and whole body cutting.

[Observation of blood supplies system to mandible in transparent specimen].

OBJECTIVE: To search for a direct observation method in blood supply system of mandible. METHODS: Six specimens of mandible were made transparent specimens after the vascular system was perfused with Chinese ink from the common carotid artery, and the blood supply system of mandible were observed and analyzed. RESULTS: The distribution of mandibular arteries was distinctly demonstrated in transparent specimens. The normal mandible receives its blood supply from the inferior alveolar artery and the periosteal vessel meshwork. CONCLUSION: The transparent specimen is an effective observation method in blood supply system of mandible.

In vitro culture and study of the biological characteristics of rabbit keratocytes.

OBJECTIVE: To improve the technique for culturing rabbit keratocytes in vitro and investigate the biological characteristics of these cells. METHODS: Fresh rabbit corneas were obtained and the epithelial and endothelial cells were removed after digestion with trypsin. The stroma was rinsed, minced, and incubated in DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and the biological characteristics of the keratocytes were observed with MTT assay and compared with those of the cells in serum-free culture media. RESULT: On about the third day of incubation, some keratocytes germinated from the stromal tissues and migrated onto the flask surface presenting fibroblast-like arrangement with spindle-shaped appearance. The keratocytes became confluent after 10 day's incubation and the peak of cell proliferation occurred on day 8 in the presence of serum in the media, while in the absence of serum, the peak took place on day 10. CONCLUSION: The method improved for in vitro keratocyte culture is convenient and effective, and the presence of serum in the media may to some degree affect the growth of the keratocytes.