Efficacy and safety of a crystalline lactulose preparation (SK-1202) in Japanese patients with chronic constipation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding study.

BACKGROUND: Clinical evidence of lactulose for chronic constipation in Japan was lacking. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding study in Japanese patients with chronic constipation to estimate the optimal clinical dose of lactulose. METHODS: Overall, 250 patients were randomized to receive SK-1202 (13, 26, or 39 g/day, as crystalline lactulose dosage) or placebo twice daily (morning and evening) orally for 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline frequency of spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) at Week 1. The secondary endpoints included the change from baseline of SBMs at Week 2, percentage of patients experiencing SBM within 24 and/or 48 h of the initial dose, stool consistency, and constipation severity, and adverse events were also evaluated. RESULTS: The 26 and 39 g/day of SK-1202 induced significantly and dose-dependently more increase in SBM at Week 1 than placebo (p = 0.003, p < 0.001). These groups also showed significant improvements in the secondary endpoints. There were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) between the placebo and SK-1202 groups. Gastrointestinal disorder was the most common ADR, and diarrhea developed in 6 patients (9.7%) treated with 39 g/day; however, the symptoms were mild in severity and resolved after follow-up, dose reduction, or dose suspension. SK-1202 was generally well tolerated up to 39 g/day. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that SK-1202 is useful in Japanese patients with chronic constipation, and optimal dose of SK-1202 is 26 g/day.

In vivo neurochemical evidence that stimulation of accumbal GABAA and GABAB receptors each reduce acetylcholine efflux without affecting dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens of freely moving rats.

Cholinergic neurons in the nucleus accumbens contain GABAA and GABAB receptors that are thought to inhibit neural activity. We analyzed the roles of GABAA and GABAB receptors in regulating accumbal acetylcholine efflux of freely moving rats using in vivo microdialysis. The effects of GABA receptor ligands on the accumbal dopamine efflux were also analyzed because accumbal cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons could mutually interact. Drugs were applied intracerebrally through the dialysis probe. Doses of compounds indicate total amount administered (mol) during 30-60 min infusions. To monitor basal acetylcholine, a low concentration of physostigmine (50 nM) was added to the perfusate. GABAA receptor agonist muscimol (3 and 30 pmol) induced a dose-related decrease in accumbal acetylcholine. GABAB receptor agonist baclofen (30 and 300 pmol) also produced a dose-related decrease in acetylcholine. GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline (60 pmol) which failed to alter baseline acetylcholine counteracted the muscimol (30 pmol)-induced decrease in acetylcholine. GABAB receptor antagonist 2-hydroxysaclofen (12 nmol) which failed to change baseline acetylcholine, counteracted the baclofen (300 pmol)-induced decrease in acetylcholine. Neither muscimol (30 pmol) nor baclofen (300 pmol) which reduced accumbal acetylcholine altered baseline accumbal dopamine. Neither bicuculline (60 pmol) nor 2-hydroxysaclofen (12 nmol) also affected the baseline dopamine. These results show that GABAA and GABAB receptors each exert inhibitory roles in the regulation of accumbal cholinergic neural activity. The present results also provides in vivo neurochemical evidence that stimulation of GABAA and GABAB receptors each reduce acetylcholine efflux without affecting dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens of freely moving rats.

Effects of 830 nm low-power laser irradiation on body weight gain and inflammatory cytokines in experimental diabetes in different animal models.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The present investigation was carried out to determine the levels of blood serum components and inflammatory cytokines in diabetic rat models [Goto-Kakizaki (GK), Zucker, and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced Sprague Dawley (SD) rats] which underwent abdominal Low-Power Laser Irradiation (LPLI) and compare them with non-irradiated controls. METHODS: The animals were subdivided into the following groups: diabetic control rats (GK, Zucker, STZ) and diabetic rats treated with LPLI (GK + LPLI, Zucker + LPLI, and STZ + LPLI) (n = 7). The animals were irradiated three times weekly for 12 weeks in LPLI (830 nm) at a dose of 5 J/cm2 for 500 s. RESULTS: Body weight was significantly lowered in the Zucker- LPLI group compared to control at 10 weeks and this pattern was maintained until 12 weeks of age. TNF-α, IL-1I and IL-6 levels were significantly decreased (5.1 ± 1.1 vs 3.3 ± 0.5, p < 0.01; 43.6 ± 8.8 vs 27.1 ± 3.8, p < 0.01; 98.3 ± 15.8 vs 62.2 ± 12.1, p < 0.01) in the Zucker- LPLI group compared with the control rats. The small intestinal transit rates of charcoal meals were significantly decreased (58.1 ± 10.1 vs 73.4 ± 13.3, p < 0.05) in the Zucker-LPLI group compared with the control rats. Similarly, the serum levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides of LPLI groups were decreased in comparison with that of diabetic control rats. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that abdominal LPLI can reduce body weight and LPLI could be applicable for use against diabetic-induced inflammatory factors.

The Effects of Low-Power Laser Irradiation on Inflammation and Apoptosis in Submandibular Glands of Diabetes-Induced Rats.

Diabetes can lead to dysfunction of the secretory capacity in salivary glands. Activation of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and its ligands has been suggested to participate in chronic disorders such as diabetes and its complications. In this study, the expression of RAGE, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and advanced glycation end products (AGE), as well as the effects of low-power laser irradiation (LPLI) in salivary glands of diabetic rats were evaluated, and the mechanisms involved were characterized. The expression of RAGE and HMGB1 at the protein and mRNA levels was observed in submandibular glands (SMGs) of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. A diode laser was applied at 660 nm, 70 mW, 20 J/cm2, 0.56 J/point, with a spot area of 0.028 cm2 and its in vivo effects and the pathways involved were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting analysis were performed for inflammatory and apoptosis markers. Diabetes up-regulates HMGB1/AGE/RAGE axis gene expression in SMGs that is associated with activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. Interestingly, LPLI suppresses NF-κB activation induced by inflammation. LPLI also reduces diabetes-induced apoptosis. That effect was accompanied by decreased levels of Bax, and cleaved caspase 3, which were up-regulated in diabetes. Taken together, our data suggest that LPLI reduces diabetes-induced inflammation by reducing the induction of HMGB1, ultimately leading to inhibition of apoptosis in submandibular glands of diabetic rats.

Effect of the surface morphology of silk fibroin scaffolds for bone regeneration.

Existing scaffolds cannot adequately satisfy the simultaneous requirements for the regeneration of bone. The challenge remains of how to improve the integration of newly formed bone with the surrounding tissues. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two silk fibroin scaffolds, a hexafluoro isopropanol-based silk fibroin (HFIP-F) and an aqueous-based silk fibroin (A-F), for their osteoinductive potentials in large critical size bone defects in vivo. ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) was used as a positive control. After implantation into defects created in the knee joints of rabbits for 1 and 2 weeks, hematoxylin and eosin (H-E) and Azan staining revealed that the A-F scaffold as well as ß-TCP had stronger osteoinductive ability than the HFIP-F scaffold. The A-F scaffold exhibited prominent areas of neo-tissue containing bone-like nodules. Furthermore, induced osteointegration was observed between native and neo-tissue within the osteo defects in the knee joints of rabbits. Immunohistochemical staining showed the highest expression of Runx2, BMP-2, BMP-7, Smad1/5/9 and Phospho-Smad in the A-F scaffold implants. Osteoinduction of the porous A-F scaffold might be influenced by the amount of BMP signaling present in the local microenvironment in the implants. This study opens a new avenue to use A-F silk fibroin scaffolds for the regeneration of bone defects.

Effect of fibroblast growth factor and enamel matrix derivative treatment on root resorption after delayed replantation.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal ligament (PDL) healing and long term prognosis of replanted avulsed teeth should rely on several factors including length of extra-oral dry time and type of the storage medium. The status of periodontal ligament is critical for the healing of replanted teeth. Different substances have been used for root surface treatment to promote formation of PDL and increase the survival of avulsed teeth submitted to replantation. AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (bFGF) and enamel matrix derivative (EMD) on root resorption after delayed replantation. DESIGN: 18 freshly extracted single-rooted incisor and premolar teeth were extracted from the beagle dogs and immersed in whole bovine milk for 45 and 60 min (n = 3 each). Following storage period, sockets washed and teeth were treated with bFGF and EMD and replanted into the sockets. After 8 weeks, dogs were sacrificed, specimens processed to 4-µm thick serial sections for histopathologic examination and morphometric assessments. Thus, the proportions of the roots that exhibited signs of surface resorption, inflammatory resorption, and replacement resorption, that is, ankylosis and normal PDL were noted. RESULTS: The percentage of root resorption was in the following order: EMD>milk>bFGF for 45 min and milk>EMD>bFGF for 60 min. For all groups, teeth stored 60 min showed significantly higher incidence of PDL resorption than those stored for 45 min (P < 0.01). The highest incidence of replacement resorption was observed in teeth treated with EMD for 60 min. After 8 weeks, the least resorption was found in bFGF-treated group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that use of bFGF favored the formation of new periodontal ligament; prevent ankylosis and resorption process following delayed replantation of teeth while EMD shows replacement resorption, which may turn to ankylosis.

Anti-inflammatory activities of light emitting diode irradiation on collagen-induced arthritis in mice (a secondary publication).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an auto-immune disease afflicting multiple joints of the body, where as a result of the increase in inflammatory cytokines and tissue destructive factors such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, deterioration of the bones and cartilages of the joints occurs. The present investigation was carried out to study the anti-inflammatory activities of light emitting diode (LED) irradiation on hind paw inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice models. MATERIALS AND METHOD: RA in the CIA mouse model was induced by immunization of DBA/1J mice with intradermal injections of an emulsion of bovine type II collagen and complete Freund's adjuvant. A total of 20 CIA mice were subdivided into the following groups: control group, CIA group and 2 groups of LED irradiated CIA mice (LED groups) (n=5 per group). The mouse knee joint area in the LED groups (the 570 nm and 940 nm groups) was irradiated with LED energy, three times a week for 500 s per session over 8 weeks at a dose of 5 J/cm(2). The hind paw swelling was assessed by the increase in hind paw thickness. The serum levels of the inflammatory cytokines and arthritic factor MMP-3 were determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: In the LED-570 and LED-940 groups at 4 weeks after arthritis induction, the swelling inhibition index was 18.1±4.9 and 29.3±4.0 respectively. Interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6 and MMP-3 serum levels were significantly lower in the LED-940 group. CONCLUSIONS: LED irradiation, particularly in the near-infrared was effective for inhibition of the inflammatory reactions caused by RA.

Reduction of IL-20 Expression in Rheumatoid Arthritis by Linear Polarized Infrared Light Irradiation.

BACKGROUND: Low-level laser is being evaluated for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recently, the linear polarized infrared light (Super Lizer, SL) irradiation may also be useful for RA treatment. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the effectiveness of SL on RA is unclear. It has been IL-20 may involved in RA disease progression. AIM: To understand how SL action, we constructed the experimental model in vitro using human rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocyte (MH7A) and collagen induced (CIA) RA rat in vivo. We examined the effect of SL irradiation on IL-20 gene expression in MH7A and IL-20 protein production in CIA) rat joints. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MH7A was cultured and challenged with IL-1ß, then examined IL-20 and IL-20R mRNA level by DNA microarray. IL-20 protein expression was examined by immunohistochemistry using a specific antibody against rat IL-20. RESULT: Scatter plot analysis demonstrated that an increase in IL-20 gene expression by IL-1ß was reduced by SL irradiation, but IL-20R did not show a significant change. The Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated a strong IL-20 staining in synovial membrane tissue of CIA rat joint, and SL irradiation significantly reduced the staining. DISCUSSION: Since IL-20 has been identified as an important cytokine in the pathogenesis of RA, the reduction of IL-20 expression by SL irradiation may be one of mechanisms in reduction of inflammation in RA joints by SL irradiation suggesting that SL irradiation may be useful for RA therapy.

Effect of plasma-irradiated silk fibroin in bone regeneration.

We have recently identified plasma-irradiated silk fibroin (P-AF) as a key regulator of bone matrix properties and composition. Bone matrix properties were tested in 48 femur critical size defects (3.25 mm in diameter) with the expression of osteoblast specific genes at 1 and 2 weeks after surgery. The scaffolds were characterized by various states of techniques; the scanning electronic microcopy revealed the large sized pores in the aqueous-based silk fibroin (A-F) scaffold and showed no alteration into the architecture by the addition of plasma irradiation. The contact angle measurements confirmed the introduction of plasma helped to change the hydrophobic nature into hydrophilic. The histological analyses confirmed the presence of silk fibroin in scaffolds and newly formed bone around the scaffolds. Immunohistochemical examination revealed the increased expression pattern in a set of osteoblast specific genes (TGF-ß, TGF-ß type III receptor, Runx2, type I collagen and osteocalcin). These data were the first to show that the properties of bone matrix are regulated, specifically through Runx2 pathway in P-AF group. Thus, an employment of P-AF increases several compositional properties of bone, including increased bone matrix, mineral concentration, cortical thickness, and trabecular bone volume.

Expression of caveolin-1 in the early phase of beta-TCP implanted in dog mandible.

Caveolin is an essential and signature protein of caveolae. Caveolin-1 participates in signal transduction processes by acting as a scaffolding protein that concentrates, organizes and functional regulates signalling molecules within caveolar membranes. Beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) has been widely used for scaffold in tissue engineering due to its high biodegradability, osteoconductivity, easy manipulation, and lack of histotoxicity. To better understand the role of caveolin-1 in bone homeostasis and response to ß-TCP scaffold, ß-TCP was implanted into the dog mandible defects in beagle dogs, and gene expression profiles were examined focused on the molecular components involved in caveolin-1 regulation. Here we showed the quantitative imageology analysis characterized using in vivo micro-computed tomography (CT) images at 4 and 7 days after ß-TCP implanted in dog mandibles. The bone reformation by using the ß-TCP scaffolds began within 4 days of surgery, and was healing well at 7 days after surgery. Higher mRNA level of caveolin-1 was observed in ß-TCP-implanted Beagle dog mandibles compared with controls at day 4 and day 7 post-surgery. The enhancement of caveolin-1 by ß-TCP was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analysis. We further revealed increased Smad7 and Phospho Stat3 expression in ß-TCP-implanted specimens. Taken together, these results suggest that the enhancement of caveolin-1 play an important role in accelerating bone formation by ß-TCP.

Silk fibroin-based scaffolds for bone regeneration.

Porous scaffolds were prepared using regenerated Bombyx mori silk fibroin dissolved in water or hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP). The effects of these two preparations on the formation and growth of new bone on implantation into the rabbit femoral epicondyle was examined. The aqueous-based fibroin (A-F) scaffold exhibited significantly greater osteoconductivity as judged by bone volume, bone mineral content, and bone mineral density at the implant site than the HFIP-based fibroin (HFIP-F) scaffold. Micro-CT analyses showed that the morphology of the newly formed bone differed significantly in the two types of silk fibroin scaffold. After 4 weeks of implantation, new trabecular bone was seen inside the pores of the A-F scaffold implant while the HFIP-F scaffold only contained necrotic cells. No trabecular bone was seen within the pores of the latter scaffolds, although the pores of these did contain giant cells and granulation tissue.

Identification by DNA microarray of genes involved in Candida albicans-treated gingival epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Oral epithelial cells significantly influence host inflammatory responses against Candida albicans in oropharyngeal candidiasis. Pro-inflammatory cytokines function as an early innate immune system mediator during C. albicans infection in oral epithelial cells. We sought to elucidate the pattern of the molecular mechanisms governing the human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) to C. albicans infection likely involve multiple converging signal transduction pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary HGECs were cultured with C. albicans ATCC90029. Total RNA was extracted after 8 h of infection and monitored mRNA levels using Affymetrix GeneChip (Human Genome U133 plus 2.0 Array, 48 000 genes). GeneChip data was analyzed by GeneSpring software and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis system. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate gene expression changes. RESULTS: The differentially expressed genes represented functions as diverse as immune response and inflammatory disease. IL-8, ICAM-1 and Cox-2 showed a greater than two fold change in expression relative to those in control cells. Altered mRNA levels in GeneChip analysis were confirmed by RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR. Stronger immunoreactivity against ICAM-1 and Cox-2 was also observed in the infection with C. albicans in rat gingival epithelium. We have identified differential gene expression up-regulated or down-regulated with the up-regulation of IL-8 in C. albicans-treated cells. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that the molecular mechanisms underlying the IL-8 response of HGECs to C. albicans infection likely involve multiple converging signal transduction pathways.

Reduction of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in rheumatoid arthritis rat joints with light-emitting diode phototherapy.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder that involves inflammation and pain of the joints. Light-Emitting Diode (LED) irradiation is being evaluated for treating RA; however, the mechanism is unclear. Monocyte chemotaxis protein (MCP)-1 is a key chemokine in the inflammatory status of RA, and MCP-1 levels in plasma are described as a marker for joint inflammation in RA. AIM: To understand the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of LED irradiation on RA, the expression of MCP-1 was examined in the knee joints of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rats were immunized with type II collagen and CIA development was confirmed. CIA rat joints were irradiated with LED energy (3 sessions/week, 2 weeks. 840 nm, 2 J/cm(2)). Total RNA was isolated from the rat knee joint tissues and the MCP-1 mRNA levels were monitored with the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique and real-time PCR. MCP-1 production in the rat knee joints was analyzed immunohistochemically. RESULTS: RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that MCP-1 mRNA levels had increased in CIA animals when compared to controls, and LED irradiation significant reduced the gene expression in CIA rats. Real-time PCR analysis confirmed a significant reduction in MCP-1 gene expression. The immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated strong MCP-1 staining in CIA rat joint synovial membrane tissue, and LED irradiation significantly reduced the staining. DISCUSSION: Since MCP-1 has been identified as an important chemokine in the pathogenesis of RA, the reduction of MCP-1 expression would appear to be one of the mechanisms in the reduction of inflammation by LED irradiation. CONCLUSION: LED irradiation reduced RA-related inflammation through the reduction of MCP-1 gene expression in CIA rat knee joint synovial tissue.

Low-level laser irradiation treatment reduces CCL2 expression in rat rheumatoid synovia via a chemokine signaling pathway.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory joint disorder whose progression leads to the destruction of cartilage and bone. Although low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) is currently being evaluated for the treatment of RA, the molecular mechanisms underlying its effectiveness remain unclear. To investigate possible LLLI-mediated antiinflammatory effects, we utilized a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model and analyzed gene expression profiles in the synovial membranes of the knee joint. Total RNA was isolated from the synovial membrane tissue of the joints of untreated CIA rats or CIA rats treated with LLLI (830 nm Ga-Al-As diode), and gene expression profiles were analyzed by DNA microarray (41,000 rat genes), coupled with Ingenuity pathways analysis (IPA). DNA microarray analysis showed that CCL2 gene expression was increased in CIA tissue, and that LLLI treatment significantly decreased CIA-induced CCL2 mRNA levels. IPA revealed that chemokine signal pathways were involved in the activation of CCL2 production. These microarray data were further validated using real-time PCR and reverse transcription PCR. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that CCL2 production was decreased in CIA rats treated with LLLI. These findings suggest that decreased CCL2 expression may be one of the mechanisms involved in LLLI-mediated RA inflammation reduction.

Regeneration of the femoral epicondyle on calcium-binding silk scaffolds developed using transgenic silk fibroin produced by transgenic silkworm.

Genetically modified silk fibroin containing a poly-glutamic acid site, [(AGSGAG)4E8AS]4, for mineralization was produced as fibers by transgenic silkworms through systematic transformation of the silkworms. The Ca binding activity and mineralization of the transgenic silk fibroin were examined in vitro, showing that this transgenic silk fibroin had relatively high Ca binding activity compared with native silk fibroin. Porous silk scaffolds were prepared with the transgenic and native silk fibroins. Healing of femoral epicondyle defects in rabbit femurs treated with the scaffolds was examined by observing changes in images of the defects using micro-computed tomography. Earlier mineralization and bone formation were observed with scaffolds of transgenic silk fibroin compared with those of native silk fibroin. Thus, this study shows the feasibility of using genetically modified silk fibroin from transgenic silkworms as a mineralization-accelerating material for bone repair.

Reduction of CXCR4 expression in Rheumatoid Arthritis Rat Joints by low level diode laser irradiation.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory joint disorder, whose progression leads to the destruction of cartilage and bone. Chemokines and their receptors are potential therapeutic targets in RA. Among these, it has been suggested that CXC chemokine 4 (CXCR4) and its ligand CXC ligand 12 (CXCL12) are involved in RA pathogenesis. Low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) is currently being evaluated for the treatment of RA; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying its effectiveness remain unclear. AIM: To understand the anti-inflammatory effect of LLLI, we used the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat as RA model and analyzed the gene expression profile in synovial membrane in the hindpaw joints of control, CIA and CIA + LLLI. Expression of CXCR4 and CXCL12 genes were also studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total RNA was isolated from the synovial membrane tissue of CIA rat joints or CIA joints treated with LLLI (830 nm Ga-Al-As diode), and gene expression profiles were analyzed by DNA microarray (41,000 rat genes). The mRNA levels were confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR. Immunohistochemical examination to examine CXCR4 protein expression was also carried out. RESULTS: DNA microarray analysis showed that CXCR4 gene expression was increased in CIA tissue and LLLI treatment significantly decreased CIA-induced CXCR4 mRNA levels. In contrast, CXCL12 did not show any significant changes. The microarray data of CXCR4 mRNA levels were further validated using RT-PCR and real-time PCR. Increased CXCR4 mRNA levels by CIA and its reduction following LLLI was successfully confirmed. CXCR4 production was increased in CIA joints and its production was decreased by LLLI. CONCLUSION: Decreased CXCR4 expression may be one of the mechanisms in LLLI-mediated reduction of RA inflammation.

Reduction of interleukin-6 expression in human synoviocytes and rheumatoid arthritis rat joints by linear polarized near infrared light (Superlizer) irradiation.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder that involves inflammation and pain of joints. Low-level laser irradiation is being evaluated for treating RA, however, the effectiveness of linear polarized near infrared light (SuperLizer; SL) irradiation is unclear. AIM: It has been reported that interleukin 6 (IL-6) plays a key role in the progression of RA. In our previous study, using DNA microarray analysis, we examined the gene expression profiling of human rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocyte MH7A in response to IL-1ß administration and SL irradiation. As a result, IL-6 was listed in altered gene as increased by IL-1ß and decreased by SL irradiation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The reduction of IL-6 gene expression in MH7A by SL irradiation was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR. Effect of SL irradiation on the RA inflammation in the collagen induced arthritis (CIA) rats was also studied by measuring temperature. IL-6 production in knee joint of rats was analyzed by immunohisto-chemistry. RESULTS: Scatter plot analysis demonstrated that an increase in IL-6 gene expression by IL-1ß was reduced by SL irradiation. The reduction of IL-6 mRNA level by SL irradiation was successfully confirmed by RT-PCR and real-time PCR. SL irradiation treated CIA rat decreased the temperature of knee joints. The immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated a strong IL-6 staining in synovial membrane tissue of CIA rat joint, and SL irradiation significantly reduced the staining. DISCUSSION: Since IL-6 has been identified to be an important proinflarnmatory cytokine in the pathogenesis of RA, the reduction of IL-6 expression is one of mechanisms in reduction of inflammation in RA joints by SL irradiation suggesting that SL irradiation may be useful for RA therapy. CONCLUSION: SL irradiation reduced IL-6 gene expression in MH7A, and reduced inflammation and IL-6 protein expression in knee joint of CIA rats.

A biodegradable porous composite scaffold of PGA/beta-TCP for bone tissue engineering.

Polyglycolic acid (PGA) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) each have many applications as tissue repair materials. In this study, three-dimensional (3D) porous composite scaffolds of PGA/beta-TCP (in 1:1 and 1:3 weight ratios) were fabricated using the solvent casting and particulate leaching method. PGA/beta-TCP scaffolds with high porosity, interconnected 3D pores and rough surfaces were obtained and were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). The PGA/beta-TCP scaffolds were investigated during the repair of critical bone defects (3 mm diameter, 2 mm depth) in rat femoral medial-epicondyles, compared with hydroxylapatite (HAP) and no implant as controls. Quantitative imageology analysis (volume and density of new bone) and qualitative histological evaluations (hematoxylin and eosin staining; tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-hematoxylin counterstaining) were characterized using in vivo micro-CT images and histological sections at 0, 14, 30 and 90 days after surgery. Significant differences of all variables were tested by multivariate analysis (p<0.05). The results showed that the bone reformation by using the PGA/beta-TCP scaffolds began within 14 days of surgery, and were healing well at 30 days after surgery. By 90 days after surgery, the bone replacement was almost completed and presented a healthy bone appearance. The new bone mineral densities (mg/cm(3)) with HAP, PGA/beta-TCP (1:1) and PGA/beta-TCP (1:3) at 90 days after surgery were: 390.4+/-18.1, 563.8+/-26.9 and 606.3+/-26.9, respectively. The new bone mineral density with the PGA/beta-TCP scaffold was higher than with HAP (p<0.001), and with the PGA/beta-TCP (1:3) scaffold was higher than with the PGA/beta-TCP (1:1) scaffold at each time examined (p<0.05). The biodegradation percents (%) of HAP, PGA/beta-TCP (1:1) and PGA/beta-TCP (1:3) at 90 days after surgery were: 35.1+/-5.5, 99.0+/-1.0 and 96.2+/-3.3, respectively. The biodegradation percents of the PGA/beta-TCP scaffolds were higher than HAP at each time examined (p<0.01), and matched the osteogenesis rates. The PGA/beta-TCP scaffolds were almost replaced by new growing bone within 90 days after surgery. Thus the PGA/beta-TCP composite scaffold, especially weight ratio 1:3, exhibited a strong ability for osteogenesis, mineralization and biodegradation for bone replacement.

Prevention of trabecular bone loss in the mandible of ovariectomized rats.

The effect of therapeutic agents on trabecular bone loss in the mandible was investigated in ovariectomized rats. Eighty-seven Wistar SPF female rats were ovariectomized (OVX) or given a sham operation (Sham), and maintained on a diet containing 0.1% calcium. Four weeks later, groups of OVX rats were treated with estriol (E3), calcitonin (CT), etidronate, or 2-carboxyethylgermanium sesquioxide (Ge-132). The Basal group was maintained on a diet containing 1.0% calcium, and the OVX and sham groups on a diet containing 0.1% calcium. The trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone mineral content (BMC) in 11 mandibular slices from 0.5 mm at the mesial margin of the first molar to 0.5 mm at the distal margin of the third molar, were measured using peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT). The BMD in the OVX group was lower than that in the Sham group, and decreased BMC was observed only in the molar region. BMD and BMC were increased in the etidronate-treated group, but only BMC was increased in the CT group. E3 treatment increased BMD and BMC; significant increases were also observed beneath the molar. Ge-132 treatment increased both BMD and BMC, especially the latter.