[Spinal ozone therapy]. / Spinale Ozontherapie.

CLINICAL/METHODOLOGICAL PROBLEM: Technical advances in the field of spinal interventional neuroradiology allow the application of a wide range of targeted, minimally invasive treatment options including targeted spinal ozone therapy for back pain. This article provides an overview of the biochemical, molecular, immunologic, and pharmaceutical mechanisms and delivery techniques of targeted ozone therapy. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: Computed tomography (CT), conventional X­ray (fluoroscopy). PERFORMANCE: Computed tomography-guided interventions (epidural, periradicular, facet joint, and intradiscal) have the highest place value and have historically prevailed. Fluoroscopy-guided procedures may also be used. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Ozone therapy provides promising results. The article is intended to provide information on the basics of the technique(s).

[Spondylodiscitis and epidural abscesses]. / Spondylodiszitis und epiduraler Abszess.

CLINICAL/METHODOLOGICAL PROBLEM: Spondylodiscitis is an inflammation of the intervertebral disc, which in adults is generally associated with spondylitis of the adjacent vertebrae. It often presents clinically with nonspecific symptoms such as back or neck pain. It may be caused by various pathogens, especially bacteria. One or more vertebral segments can be affected. The infection can spread to surrounding compartments and can lead to epidural abscesses. Radiology, in particular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), plays an important role in the diagnostic work-up and in the follow-up to monitor response to therapy. Treatment consists of conservative (antibiotics) and invasive approaches, including surgery. Interventional puncture and drainage is a promising alternative to surgery, especially in early stages of abscess formation. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), nuclear medical procedures, conventional x­ray. PERFORMANCE: MRI has the highest value. CT and nuclear medical procedures can be used as a supplement to MRI and in patients with contraindications for MRI. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: With adequate diagnosis and therapy, spondylodiscitis has a good prognosis. In addition to targeted or calculated drug therapy, invasive treatment is the main focus, especially for epidural abscesses. Interventional radiological drainage can represent a less invasive alternative to surgical treatment.

[Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty for spinal trauma]. / Kyphoplastie und Vertebroplastie bei Wirbelsäulentraumata.

CLINICAL ISSUE: Minimally invasive treatment of spinal fractures. STANDARD TREATMENT PROCEDURES: Conservative treatment versus spinal surgery. TREATMENT INNOVATIONS: Minimally invasive stabilization techniques, such as percutaneous (assisted) cementoplasty have been introduced as new procedures. DIAGNOSTIC WORK-UP: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X­rays and computed tomography (CT) are the imaging techniques of first choice. The most important questions concern recent fractures, instability and indications for minimally invasive treatment. PERFORMANCE: Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are established methods for the treatment of patients with osteoporosis. ACHIEVEMENTS: Cementoplasty techniques are promising treatment options for traumatic spinal injuries. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: The application of the techniques should best be carried out in individual cases within the framework of prospective controlled studies.

Tissue-specific somatic stem-cell isolation and characterization from human endometriosis. Key roles in the initiation of endometrial proliferative disorders.

AIM: The endometrial-proliferation related diseases leads to endometrial hyperplasia, i.e., endometriosis. Endometrial progenitor and stem cells play key roles in the beginning of endometrial proliferative disorders. The purpose of this study was the isolation of stem cells in the endometriosis lesion as well as the evaluation and comparison of the stemness-related target genes in endometriosis endometrial stem cells (EESCs), normal endometrial stem cell (ESCs), endometrial lesions stem cell (ELSCs) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). METHODS: EESCs, ESCs, ELSCs and MSCs were isolated. Flowcytometry and real-time PCR were utilized to detect the cell surface marker and expression pattern of 16 stemness genes. The proliferation of all stem cells was observed by MTT assay. The differentiation potential was evaluated by alizarin red, oil red O and RT-PCR method. The karyotyping was performed on EESCs and ELSCs at passage 20. RESULTS: The unique patterns of gene expression were detected although EESCs, ESCs, ELSCs and MSCs have a background expression of stemness-related genes. Spindle-like morphology, normal karyotype, adipogenic and osteogenic potential, significantly expression of Oct4, SALL4, DPPA2, Sox2, Sox17 and also specific surface markers such as CD44, CD105, CD90, CD73 and CD146 in EESCs and ELSCs was observed. CONCLUSION: According to our data, stem cells in endometriosis endometrial and endometriosis are such a informative tools to study of pathogenesis of gynecological diseases. Furthermore, endometrial stem/progenitor cells which easily obtain from tissue may be valuable targets for early diagnosis of endometrial disorders in the future.