In vitro effects of concentrated growth factors (CGF) on human SH-SY5Y neuronal cells.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test the in vitro differentiation effects of concentrated growth factors (CGF), a platelet rich preparation, using SH-SY5Y cells, derived from human neuroblastoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SH-SY5Y cells were cultured in presence of CGF or retinoic acid (RA). After 72 h of treatment, different parameters were investigated: cell proliferation by an automated cell counter; cell viability by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay; cell differentiation markers, i.e., neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN), synaptophysin (SYP) and ß3-tubulin, by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting techniques; release of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived growth factor (BDNF) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and neurite outgrowth by a dedicated image software. RESULTS: In presence of CGF, the cell proliferation rate and viability decreased, as expected for differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. On the contrary, the cellular differentiation markers increased their expression together with the release of growth factors. Moreover, the neurite outgrowth was improved. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that CGF treatment positively affects the cell differentiation, regulating the expression of neuronal markers, the release of growth factors and the neurite length. Taken together these results seem to be promising in the development of new approaches for neural regeneration.

A review of the effects of dietary silicon intake on bone homeostasis and regeneration.

OBJECTIVE: Increasing evidences suggest that dietary Silicon (Si) intake, is positively correlated with bone homeostasis and regeneration, representing a potential and valid support for the prevention and improvement of bone diseases, like osteoporosis. This review, aims to provide the state of art of the studies performed until today, in order to investigate and clarify the beneficial properties and effects of silicates, on bone metabolism. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature search up to March 2013, using two medical databases (Pubmed and the Cochrane Library), to review the studies about Si consumption and bone metabolism. RESULTS: We found 45 articles, but 38 were specifically focused on Si studies. CONCLUSION: RESULTS showed a positive relationship between dietary Si intake and bone regeneration.

Swine vesicular disease in northern Italy: diffusion through densely populated pig areas.

At the end of 2006, a recrudescence of swine vesicular disease (SVD) was recorded in Italy and the disease spread widely throughout the northern regions. Lombardy, a densely populated pig area, was most affected and the presence of the disease caused heavy economic losses to the entire pig industry. Although SVD is considered only moderately contagious, the epidemic in the north was characterised by a rapid spread of the condition. Numerous difficulties were encountered in eradicating it. Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the population of pigs in Lombardy, concentrated mainly in a few areas which were the most severely affected during the 2006 to 2007 SVD epidemic. Increases in both the pig population and animal movements, combined with weak biosecurity measures, increased the spread rate of the disease and hampered eradication activities.