Long Noncoding RNA Zinc Finger Antisense 1 Affects Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head by Performing as a ceRNA for MicroRNA-124-3p and Accelerating Transforming Growth Factor Type III Receptor.

In recent years, plentiful studies have uncovered the long noncoding RNA's (lncRNA's) momentous functions in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), but the specific mechanism has not been fully illustrated. The study was to figure out lncRNA Zinc finger antisense 1 (LncZFAS1)'s biological function and its latent downstream molecular mechanism in glucocorticoid- (GC-) induced ONFH. The results manifested LncZFAS1 and transforming growth factor type III receptor (TGFBR3) were elevated, while microRNA- (miR-) 124-3p was reduced in ONFH tissues and cells. Knockdown LncZFA1 reduced rat femoral cell apoptosis, perfected bone microstructure and bone density, and accelerated osteogenic proteins bone morphogenetic protein- (BMP-) 9, BMP-3, and osteocalcin. In vitro studies manifested knockdown LncZFAS1 prevented GC-induced reduction in osteoblast advancement with facilitating osteoblast calcification capacity, ALP activity, and osteogenic proteins. Elevation of LncZFAS1 further aggravated GC-induced osteoblast injury, but this effect was turned around by enhancement of miR-124-3p or knockdown of TGFBR3. Mechanistically, LncZFAS1 performed as a sponge for miR-124-3p to mediate TGFBR3 expression to motivate GC-induced ONFH. All in all, the results of this study indicate the LncZFAS1/miR-124-3p/TGFBR3 axis is supposed to be a latent therapeutic molecular target for GC-induced ONFH.

[HPLC fingerprint study for the quality evaluation of atractylodis macrocephalae rhizoma].

OBJECTIVE: To establish an HPLC fingerprint analysis method for Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (warm dried). METHODS: Took methanol extract of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma as sample by ultrasonic processing, HPLC analysis was carried out on Sinochrom ODS-BP (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) chromatographic column with mobile phase of acetonitrile (A)-water (B), gradient elution with a flow at 1.0 mL/min, ultraviolet detection wavelength at 242 nm and column temperature at 30 degrees C. RESULTS: An HPLC fingerprint analysis method for Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma was developed. Eight common peaks were obtained and three peaks were identified. CONCLUSION: The method is accurate and credible which can be used for quality control of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (warm dried).

[Repair of radius bone defect with the nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen/calcium alginate].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the osteogenic potential of the nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen/calcium alginate composite implanted in animals. METHODS: Eighteen 3-month-old New Zealand white rabbits were adopted to prepare 15 mm segmental defect model at the middle part of radius. Rabbit models were randomly divided into experimental group and blank control group. Nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen/calcium alginate was implanted into the defects of experimental group. Four, 8, and 12 weeks after operation, all specimens were examined by X-ray and histological methods. RESULTS: All the 18 rabbit models entered the final analysis. X-ray showed that osteotylus was seen in the whole defect area in the experimental group 12 weeks after operation, during which osteogenesis was more obvious than in weeks 4 and 8 and the bridge grafting of defect area was obviously visible. In the blank control group, osteotylus was only observed at the two ends of the defects, and no osteogenesis was found in the central part of the defect area. Histological examination showed that new osteoid formation was seen in internal porous zone in the experimental group in weeks 4 and 8; in week 12, more woven bone-like tissues were visible and trabecular-like structure was formed. CONCLUSION: The nano-hydroxyapatite/ collagen/calcium alginate has good osteogenic potential.