Chondroitin Sulfate for Cartilage Regeneration, Administered Topically Using a Nanostructured Formulation.

In the pharmaceutical sector, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) are vital for drug delivery incorporating a lipid core. Chondroitin sulfate (CHON) is crucial for cartilage health. It is often used in osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. Due to conflicting results from clinical trials on CHON's efficacy in OA treatment, there has been a shift toward exploring effective topical systems utilizing nanotechnology. This study aimed to optimize a solid lipid nanoparticle formulation aiming to enhance CHON permeation for OA therapy. A 3 × 3 × 2 Design of these experiments determined the ideal parameters: a CHON concentration of 0.4 mg/mL, operating at 20,000 rpm speed, and processing for 10 min for SLN production. Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the nanoparticles' spherical morphology, ensuring crucial uniformity for efficient drug delivery. Cell viability assessments showed no significant cytotoxicity within the tested parameters, indicating a safe profile for potential clinical application. The cell internalization assay indicates successful internalization at 1.5 h and 24 h post-treatment. Biopharmaceutical studies supported SLNs, indicating them to be effective CHON carriers through the skin, showcasing improved skin permeation and CHON retention compared to conventional methods. In summary, this study successfully optimized SLN formulation for efficient CHON transport through pig ear skin with no cellular toxicity, highlighting SLNs' potential as promising carriers to enhance CHON delivery in OA treatment and advance nanotechnology-based therapeutic strategies in pharmaceutical formulations.

Síndrome de Williams-Campbell: reporte de caso / Williams-Campbell Syndrome: Case Report

El síndrome de Williams-Campbell (SWC) es una entidad clínica caracterizada por la deficiencia de cartílago en la pared bronquial de los bronquios subsegmentarios. Es una condición congénita que por lo general se diagnostica en la niñez, pero hay reportes de caso en la población adulta y se cree que esto se debe a un menor déficit de cartílago. Los síntomas principales de esta condición son la presencia de tos, disnea e infecciones respiratorias a repetición. Radiológicamente, se evidencia la presencia de bronquiectasias de pared delgada. El diagnóstico se basa en descartar otras causas más comunes de bronquiectasias, así como en la identificación de las características radiológicas y la presencia del componente congénito. Presentamos el caso de un joven con síntomas respiratorios desde la infancia, con necesidad de múltiples hospitalizaciones por procesos infecciosos de origen pulmonar a repetición, con lo cual se llega al diagnóstico de un síndrome de Williams-Campbell.

Williams-Campbell syndrome (WCS) is a clinical entity characterized by cartilage deficiency in the bronchial wall of the subsegmental bronchi. It is a congenital condition that is usually diagnosed in childhood, but there are case reports in the adult population, and it is believed that this is due to a minor cartilage deficiency. The main symptoms of this condition are the presence of cough, dyspnea and repeated respiratory infections. Radiologically, the presence of thin-walled bronchiectasis is evident. The diagnosis is based on ruling out other more common causes of bronchiectasis, as well as identifying the radiological characteristics and the presence of the congenital component. We present the case of a young man with respiratory symptoms since childhood requiring multiple hospitalizations due to repeated infectious processes of pulmonary origin, in which the diagnosis of Williams-Campbell syndrome was reached.

Osteocondroma en una localización atípica. Reporte de Caso / Osteochondroma in an atypical location. Case report

INTRODUCCIÓN. Los osteocondromas son considerados como el tumor benigno más común entre los de origen óseo, se denomina también exostosis, y se lo define por la Organización Mundial de la Salud como una proyección ósea cubierta de una capa cartilaginosa en la superficie externa. Representa el 20-50% de todos los tumores benignos óseos. Se diagnostica en su mayoría en pacientes pediátricos. RESULTADOS. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 8 años con osteocondroma único en escápula de aparición espontánea, sin otras lesiones en el cuerpo. DISCUSIÓN. Los lugares comunes de aparición de osteocondromas son los huesos largos con placa de crecimiento o metáfisis, localizaciones raras como la escapula comprenden menos del 1%. El tratamiento es expectante y al momento de producirse síntomas, está indicado la excision quirúrgica. CONCLUSIÓN. La enfermedad tiene un curso benigno sin complicaciones cuando se trata de un tumor esporádico, en los síndormes de exostosis, las recurrencias y riesgo de malignidad hacen necesario un seguimiento más cercano.

INTRODUCTION. Osteochondromas are considered the most common benign tumor among those of bone origin, it is also called exostosis, and is considered by the World Health Organization as a bone projection covered with a cartilaginous layer on the external surface), it represents 20­50% of all benign tumors and is mostly diagnosed in pediatric patients. RESULTS. We present the case of an 8-year-old female with a single osteochondroma in the scapula of spontaneous appearance, without other lesions in the body. DISCUSSION: The common places of appearance are long bones with a growth plate or metaphysis, rare locations such as the scapula comprise less than 1%. The treatment is expectant, and when symptoms occur, surgical excision is indicated. CONCLUSION: The disease has a benign course without complications when it is a sporadic tumor, in exostosis syndromes the recurrences and risk of malignancy make closer follow-up necessary.

Estudo histológico e imunohistoquímico da degeneração da região central da cartilagem de Meckel na mandíbula em desenvolvimento de ratos / Histological and immunohistochemical study of the degeneration of the central region of Meckel's cartilage in the developing mandible of rats

A cartilagem de Meckel é uma estrutura transitória embrionária presente durante os estágios iniciais da formação da mandíbula, localizada em toda sua extensão e dividida em três porções, anterior, intermediária e posterior. O enfoque deste trabalho foi direcionado à elucidação do destino final da porção intermediária por meio de um estudo temporal sequenciado. Por isso, foi investigado a presença de células de reabsorção e a presença de fibras colágenas, bem como da proteína óssea osteopontina (OPN) na cartilagem de Meckel na região do germe do 1º molar inferior e no seu entorno. Foram utilizados fetos de ratos Wistar em períodos gestacionais pré-estabelecidos, G18 a G21 (grupos de dias intrauterinos), bem como P0 e P1 (recém-nascidos) para remoção das cabeças. Em sequência, os espécimes foram fixados em solução de formaldeído 4% + glutaraldeído 0,1% com tampão fosfato 0,1M, descalcificados em EDTA 4,13%, desidratados em concentrações crescentes de etanol e incluídos em parafina. As amostras foram coradas em hematoxilina e eosina (HE) e tricrômico de Mallory para análise histológica. Adicionalmente, os grupos G19 a P0 foram submetidos à reação histoquímica de TRAP para determinação da presença de células clásticas. Além disso, os grupos G21 e P0 (dia do nascimento) passaram por reações de imunomarcação para análise da expressão de OPN. Foi observado a degeneração gradual da cartilagem com a observação de mudanças estruturais, a justaposição de células clásticas na superfície da cartilagem por reação histoquímica TRAP a partir do G21, o aparecimento de colágeno tipo I nas fases terminais da degeneração, assim como a marcação positiva para a osteopontina na superfície de G21 e em todo o remanescente da cartilagem de Meckel no grupo P0. O estudo apontou um processo de degeneração da cartilagem com evidências de formação de matriz mineralizada de natureza óssea, a qual foi reabsorvida por células clásticas, sugerindo a ossificação da porção intermediária da cartilagem de Meckel.

Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Products in Bone and Cartilage Defects.

The number of patients with functional loss of bone and cartilage tissue has shown an increasing trend. Insufficient or inappropriate conventional treatments applied for trauma, orthopedic diseases, or other bone and cartilage-related disorders can lead to bone and cartilage damage. This represents a worldwide public health issue and a significant economic burden. Advanced therapeutic medicinal products (ATMPs) proposed promising alternative therapeutic modalities by application of cell-based and tissue engineering approaches. Recently, several ATMPs have been developed to promote bone and cartilage tissue regeneration. Fifteen ATMPs, two related to bone and 13 related to cartilage, have received regulatory approval and marketing authorization. However, four ATMPs were withdrawn from the market for various reasons. However, ATMPs that are still on the market have demonstrated positive results, their broad application faced limitations. The development and standardization of methodologies will be a major challenge in the coming decades. Currently, the number of ATMPs in clinical trials using mesenchymal stromal cells or chondrocytes indicates a growing recognition that current ATMPs can be improved. Research on bone and cartilage tissue regeneration continues to expand. Cell-based therapies are likely to be clinically supported by the new ATMPs, innovative fabrication processes, and enhanced surgical approaches. In this study, we highlighted the available ATMPs that have been used in bone and cartilage defects and discussed their advantages and disadvantages in clinical applications.

Internal suspension sutures in tip rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Achieving an aesthetically pleasant tip rotation is paramount in rhinoplasty, and these results should be long-lasting. However, even powerful structural techniques such as septal extension grafts can lose rotation over time, as most support depends on the attachment of the graft to the septal cartilage. METHODS: We describe a simple suture technique to strengthen tip support in rhinoplasty, by suspending it to the cartilaginous dorsum, providing additional support to the tip against forces, such as gravity, scar contraction and muscle tension. CONCLUSIONS: Combining traditional techniques with suspension sutures can improve intraoperative results and could enhance long-term tip stability.

Chelidonine reduces IL-1ß-induced inflammation and matrix catabolism in chondrocytes and attenuates cartilage degeneration and synovial inflammation in rats.

Chondrocyte inflammation and catabolism are two major features in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Chelidonine, a principal alkaloid extracted from Chelidonium majus, is suggested to show anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, and anti-oxidation activities in various diseases. However, its potential effects on OA cartilage degeneration remains unclear. To evaluate the effect of chelidonine on OA and its underlying mechanism, we incubated chondrocytes with interleukin (IL)-1ß and chelidonine at varying concentrations. Then, we performed the CCK-8 assay, fluorescence immunostaining, reverse transcription PCR, ELISA, and western blotting to evaluate cell viability, catabolic/inflammatory factors, levels of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related proteins, and the involved pathways. H&E and Safranin-O staining and ELISA were performed to measure cartilage degradation and synovial inflammation. Chelidonine suppressed the IL-1ß-mediated catabolism and inflammation of chondrocytes. Chelidonine suppressed the NF-κB pathway activation. Similarly, our in vivo experiment showed that chelidonine partially attenuated cartilage degradation while inhibiting synovial inflammation. Chelidonine inhibited inflammation and catabolism through modulation of NF-κB pathways in vitro, thereby avoiding rat cartilage degeneration and synovial inflammation within OA.

Manga traqueal cartilaginosa. Reporte de dos casos / Tracheal cartilaginous sleeve. Report of two cases

La manga traqueal cartilaginosa es una malformación de la vía aérea donde no se distinguen anillos traqueales. Un segmento continuo de cartílago se extiende desde el cricoides, pudiendo llegar hasta los bronquios principales. Está asociada a síndromes de craneosinostosis con la mutación FGFR2, además de muertes prematuras por oclusión de la tráquea con tapones mucosos. Se presenta el curso clínico de pacientes portadores de manga traqueal cartilaginosa en el contexto de una malformación craneofacial. Caso 1. Masculino, al nacer hipoplasia del tercio medio facial. Polisomnografía: índice de apnea/hipopnea de 37,7/hr. Laringotraqueobroncoscopía (LTBC): tráquea sin anillos cartilaginosos desde cricoides hasta bronquios fuentes. Se indica traqueostomía. Caso 2. Masculino, al nacer cráneo en trébol. Poligrafía: Síndrome de apnea/hipopnea obstructiva del sueño (SAHOS) leve. Revisión vía aérea: desde subglotis hasta bronquios principales se extiende tráquea en manga. Se indica traqueostomía. En el contexto de una craneosinostosis en niños, especialmente con mutación FGFR2, creemos necesario realizar una LTBC en búsqueda de manga traqueal, ya que si es diagnosticada se debe recomendar traqueostomía, mejorando su expectativa de vida. Si la indicación de traqueostomía fuese por SAHOS, es obligatoria una LTBC preoperatoria, para evitar el no tener referencias anatómicas en el proceso.

A tracheal cartilaginous sleeve is a malformation of the airway in which the tracheal rings are indistinguishable. A continuous segment of cartilage extends from the cricoid, and it may reach all the way to the main bronchi. It is associated with various craniosynostosis syndromes with the FGFR2 mutation, in addition to premature deaths due to occlusions caused by mucus plugs in the trachea. Here we present the clinical course of patients who suffer from Tracheal Cartilaginous Sleeve in the context of a craniofacial malformation. First case. Male, presenting at birth a midfacial hypoplasia. Polysomnography: presents a 37,7/h index of apnea/hypopnea. Laryngotracheobronchoscopy (LTB): trachea is without cartilaginous rings from the cricoid to the main bronchi. A tracheostomy is indicated. Second case. Male, cloverleaf skull at birth. Polysomnography: Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) non-severe degree. Revision of the airway: the trachea in sleeve extends from the subglottis to the main bronchi. A tracheostomy is indicated. In the context of craniosynostosis in children, especially with FGFR2 mutation, we believe it is necessary to do an LTB in the search of a tracheal sleeve, since if it is diagnosed a tracheostomy must be indicated, to better the life expectancy of the patient. If the tracheostomy indication comes from an OSAHS, a preoperatory LTB is obligatory to avoid not having anatomical references during the procedure.

Effect of the addition of different concentrations of Solanum glaucophyllum desf. extract on chondrocyte cultures from the growth cartilage of newborn rats.

Solanum glaucophyllum Desf. is a calcinogenic plant responsible for enzootic calcinosis that affects ruminants and causes alterations in bone and cartilaginous tissues, among others. It is believed that changes in cartilage tissue, with reduced bone growth, are due to hypercalcitoninism, caused by excess vitamin D. However, we hypothesized that S. glaucophyllum Desf. can act directly on chondrocytes and therefore, chondrocyte cultures from the epiphysis of the long bones of newborn rats were used as a model to elucidate the direct effects of S. glaucophyllum Desf. on bone growth. Plant samples were collected from Cañuelas, Argentina. An aliquot of the plant extract was used to quantify vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3). The effects of the three concentrations of the plant extract were tested in cultures of chondrocytes extracted from the epiphyses of the long bones of 32 three-day-old Wistar rats. A control group (without extract), and three groups treated with different concentrations of plant extract were formed: group 1 (100 µL/L); group 2 (1 mL/L), and group 3 (5 mL/L), containing respectively 1 × 10-9 M, 1 × 10-8 M, and 5 × 10-8 M of 1,25(OH)2D3. After 7, 14, and 21 days of culture, MTT assay for cell viability, alkaline phosphatase activity, and quantification of the percentage of areas with glycosaminoglycans (GAG) stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) were performed. On day 7, all chondrocytes in group 3, that is, those with the highest concentration of plant extract, died. On days 14 and 21, groups 1 and 2 showed a significant reduction in chondrocyte viability compared to the control. At 7, 14, and 21 days, groups 1 and 2 showed significantly lower alkaline phosphatase activity than the control. On day 21, group 2 showed a significant reduction in areas with PAS + GAGs. There were no significant differences between the groups in the expression of gene transcripts for Sox9, Col2, ColX, and aggrecan. The S. glaucophyllum Desf. extract directly affected growing rat chondrocytes by reducing viability, alkaline phosphatase activity, and GAG synthesis without altering the expression of gene transcripts for Sox9, Col2, ColX, and aggrecan, which may be one of the mechanisms by which there is a reduction in bone growth in animals intoxicated by the plant.

Revisiting femoral cartilage thickness in cases with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in thyroidology: a single institute experience.

OBJECTIVE: Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroiditis, is a considerable part of the spectrum of chronic autoimmune thyroid gland disorders which is pathologically associated with various degrees of lymphocytic infiltration. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether cartilage thickness is affected in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis or not in thyroidology. METHODS: A total of 61 individuals had been evaluated in this case-control study, including 32 euthyroid Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients and 29 healthy subjects comparable in age, sex, and body mass index. The patients with a history of knee trauma or knee surgery, an additional systemic disease such as diabetes mellitus, or an inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and scleroderma had not been included in the study. The thickness of the femoral articular cartilage was measured using B-mode ultrasonography, and the right lateral condyle, right intercondylar area, right medial condyle, left medial condyle, left intercondylar area, and left lateral condyle were also measured. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference between patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis diagnosis and healthy controls in terms of age, age groups, gender, and body mass index (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: As a consequence, no obvious connection between autoimmune markers and cartilage thickness in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis was recognized. Although the diverse manifestation of Hashimoto's thyroiditis could be observed, it seems to be no liaison between thyroid autoimmunity and cartilage thickness.

Comparative study of the effectiveness of the surgical technique with and without preservation of the conchal cartilage in otoplasty through the measure of the cephalo-auricular and scapho-conchal angles.

OBJECTIVES: Prominent ear abnormalities affect 5% of the population. A prospective, double-blind study of patients who underwent otoplasty procedures to correct these abnormalities was conducted to compare two surgical techniques. They diverge by the preservation or not of conchal cartilage. METHODS: The two techniques were compared by measuring the cephalo-auricular and scapho-conchal angles. Measurements were performed in pre and 6-months post-operative periods using alginate molding. Twenty patients were randomly assigned to two groups (with and without cartilage preservation) with 10 participants each. Student's t-test, Covariance Analysis Model (ANCOVA), and non-parametric Mann-Whitney were used in the statistical analyses. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the average of the cephalo-auricular and scapho-conchal angles was observed in both surgical procedures (p<0.001). However, no significant difference was found between them (p=0.887). CONCLUSION: The two techniques analyzed in this study fulfilled their objectives. Therefore, further comparative studies are needed to confirm the superiority of one over the other. LEVEL I: Evidence obtained from at least one properly designed randomized controlled trial.

Proximal ear hole injury heals by limited regeneration during the early postnatal phase in mice.

Ear pinna is a particular feature of mammals that shows several repair responses depending on age. Two millimeter hole made in the pinna of middle-aged female mice heals due to partial reconstitution of new tissues (limited regeneration), whereas a hole punched in the ear of young mice forms a scar tissue. In these studies, the injury is made in the center of the ear pinna, but little is known about the type of reparative response along the proximodistal polarity of the ear. This study evaluated the effect of pinna polarity, age, and sex in the ear hole-repairing response in Balb/c mice. Proximal injuries were repaired more efficiently by limited regeneration than wounds made in the middle region. Non-injured ear histological analysis revealed a higher presence of muscle, adipose tissue, cartilage, and larger blood vessels in the proximal ear area, which could influence ear hole closure by limited regeneration. To evaluate the healing response during ear growth, we punched a standard hole in the proximal area of the ear on postnatal day 21 and 8-month-old mice (adults). Thirty-five days after the wound, both groups reached the same wound closure, despite the greater proportional size of holes made in the younger mice. Ear growth also improved ear hole closure in male mice. These results suggest that ear growth accelerates hole closure, providing an example of enhanced regenerative abilities in growing structures. Finally, hole closure kinetics in the growing ear indicated an early re-differentiation phase exhibited at 14 days post-wound. In conclusion, ear topography and growth positively influenced the healing response to ear holes, making it a tractable model to study in mammals.

Comparison between endoscopic and microscopic butterfly cartilage graft inlay tympanoplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of endoscopic and microscopic approaches for butterfly cartilage graft inlay tympanoplasty regarding anatomical and hearing outcomes through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A search of PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and Virtual Health Library was performed from inception to July 3rd, 2021, using keywords, such as tympanoplasty, cartilage graft, and inlay technique. Data from articles that met inclusion criteria were extracted by two authors independently. The PRISMA statement was followed. RoB-2 and ROBINS-I tools were used to assess risk of bias. The primary outcome was tympanic membrane closure rate. The secondary outcome was improvement of the air-bone gap. RESULTS: Five studies were included, one randomized clinical trial and four retrospective cohorts, in which a total of 318 patients were included. Graft take rate was 91.3% in the endoscopic group and 93.6% in the microscopic group (RR 0.98; 95% CI 0.93-1.03; I2 0%; P = 0.68). Four studies provided data about the secondary outcome, all showing significant reductions in air-bone gap, ranging from 5.7 to 11.0 in the endoscope group and from 5.8 to 11.6 in the microscope group, with a mean difference between groups of 0.85 (95% CI - 0.79 to 2.48). CONCLUSION: Although the overall evidence of the included studies was low, endoscopic and microscopic butterfly cartilage graft inlay tympanoplasties have similar results on anatomical and hearing outcomes, making the selection between such approaches an individual choice for the surgeon.

The proximal posterior cartilage of the lateral femoral condyle can be used as a reference for positioning the femoral tunnel in ACL reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To describe the femoral insertion of the ACL using the posterior proximal cartilage of the lateral femoral condyle as the anatomical reference. METHODS: Twenty knees were dissected. The X-axis (deep-shallow) and Y-axis (high-low) were determined using the femoral diaphysis and the proximal cartilage of the lateral femoral condyle (point C) as a reference, which were easily identified by direct visualization through the anteromedial portal. The distances to the center of the anteromedial and posterolateral bands and to the center of the ACL were measured. RESULTS: The mean distances were 7.2 mm (SD: 0.7) between the center of the anteromedial bundle and the Y-axis (AM-Y), 9 mm (SD: 1.1) between the center of the ACL and the Y-axis (M-Y), and 12.7 mm (SD: 0.9) between the center of the posterolateral bundle and the Y-axis (PL-Y). Regarding the distance (from point C to the distal cartilage along the X-axis), the center of the anteromedial bundle (AM) was 35% (SD: 4.9%), the center of the posterolateral bundle was 62% (SD: 3.7%), and the center of the ACL (M) was 44% (SD: 7%) of the CD distance on average. CONCLUSION: Given the similarity among the specimens in terms of the height of the ACL on the Y-axis in relation to the proximal posterior cartilage of the femoral lateral condyle (point C), this point can be used as an arthroscopic intraoperative parameter to define the position of the femoral tunnel in ACL reconstruction for single- or double-bundle techniques.

Exposure to endocrine disruptors and alterations in mineralized tissues: a narrative review / Exposición a disruptores endocrinos y alteraciones en tejidos mineralizados: revisión narrativa

Background: Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) would cause alterations in organs/systems of exposed individuals or their progeny. Objetive: To identify and analyze the main published findings on the effects of exposure to EDCs on teeth, cartilage, and bone. Material and Methods: Two databases were analyzed: Medline and Web of Science. Only observational studies analyzing the effect of EDCs on mineralized tissues published since 2006 were included in the study. Results: 25 articles were selected, most of them involving EDCs pesticides, plasticizers, or personal care products, highlighting organochlorine compounds, bisphenols, phthalates, dioxins, parabens, and perfluoroalkyls. Thirty-six per cent of the studies reported an accumulation of EDCs in teeth or bones, while 64% reported alterations in their development or morphology, mainly at the bone level, primarily affecting their mineral density and size, as well as that of the bones of exposed individuals or their progeny. The type of effect observed was related to the EDCs analyzed, and it seemed to depend on variables such as age, sex, ethnicity/race, and even the metabolic status of the individuals in the different species analyzed. No evidence associated with effects on cartilage was found. Conclusion: EDCs in the environment, at work, or at home, under different exposure routes, are capable of accumulating in teeth and bone, particularly affecting the latter. It is necessary to study the effect of EDCs on mineralized tissues in agro-industrial areas, especially on teeth.

Antecedentes: Los Químicos Disruptores Endocrinos (EDCs) causarían alteraciones en órganos/sistemas de individuos expuestos, o su progenie. Objetivo: Identificar y analizar los principales hallazgos publicados sobre el efecto de la exposición a EDCs en dientes, cartílago y hueso. Material y Métodos: Se analizaron dos bases de datos: Medline y Web of Science, incluyendo solo estudios observacionales publicados desde el 2006, analizando el efecto de los EDCs sobre tejidos mineralizados. Resultados:25 artículos fueron seleccionados, siendo la mayoría de los EDCs pesticidas, plastificantes o productos de cuidado personal, destacando los compuestos Organo-clorados, Bisfenoles, Ftalatos, Dioxinas, Parabenos y los Perfluoroalquilos. Un 36% de los estudios reportaron un acúmulo de EDCs en dientes o huesos, mientras que un 64% informaron de alteraciones en su desarrollo o morfología, particularmente a nivel de huesos, afectando principalmente su densidad mineral y su tamaño, así como el de los individuos expuestos o su progenie. El tipo de efecto observado tuvo relación con el EDCs analizado, pareciendo depender de variables tales como edad, sexo, etnia/raza e incluso el estado metabólico de los individuos, en las diferentes especies analizadas. No se encontraron evidencias asociadas a efectos en el cartílago. Conclusión: Los EDCs en el medio ambiente, ámbito laboral o doméstico, bajo distintas rutas de exposición, son capaces de acumularse en diente y hueso, afectando particularmente a este último. Es necesario estudiar el efecto de los EDCs en los tejidos mineralizados en zonas agroindustriales, particularmente a nivel de dientes.

A Key Metabolic Regulator of Bone and Cartilage Health.

Taurine, a cysteine-derived zwitterionic sulfonic acid, is a common ingredient in energy drinks and is naturally found in fish and other seafood. In humans, taurine is produced mainly in the liver, and it can also be obtained from food. In target tissues, such as the retina, heart, and skeletal muscle, it functions as an essential antioxidant, osmolyte, and antiapoptotic agent. Taurine is also involved in energy metabolism and calcium homeostasis. Taurine plays a considerable role in bone growth and development, and high-profile reports have demonstrated the importance of its metabolism for bone health. However, these reports have not been collated for more than 10 years. Therefore, this review focuses on taurine-bone interactions and covers recently discovered aspects of taurine's effects on osteoblastogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, bone structure, and bone pathologies (e.g., osteoporosis and fracture healing), with due attention to the taurine-cartilage relationship.

Functionalized Hydrogels for Cartilage Repair: The Value of Secretome-Instructive Signaling.

Cartilage repair has been a challenge in the medical field for many years. Although treatments that alleviate pain and injury are available, none can effectively regenerate the cartilage. Currently, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering are among the developed strategies to treat cartilage injury. The use of stem cells, associated or not with scaffolds, has shown potential in cartilage regeneration. However, it is currently known that the effect of stem cells occurs mainly through the secretion of paracrine factors that act on local cells. In this review, we will address the use of the secretome-a set of bioactive factors (soluble factors and extracellular vesicles) secreted by the cells-of mesenchymal stem cells as a treatment for cartilage regeneration. We will also discuss methodologies for priming the secretome to enhance the chondroregenerative potential. In addition, considering the difficulty of delivering therapies to the injured cartilage site, we will address works that use hydrogels functionalized with growth factors and secretome components. We aim to show that secretome-functionalized hydrogels can be an exciting approach to cell-free cartilage repair therapy.

Organokines in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Critical Review.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. Organokines can produce beneficial or harmful effects in this condition. Among RA patients, organokines have been associated with increased inflammation and cartilage degradation due to augmented cytokines and metalloproteinases production, respectively. This study aimed to perform a review to investigate the role of adipokines, osteokines, myokines, and hepatokines on RA progression. PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane were searched, and 18 studies were selected, comprising more than 17,000 RA patients. Changes in the pattern of organokines secretion were identified, and these could directly or indirectly contribute to aggravating RA, promoting articular alterations, and predicting the disease activity. In addition, organokines have been implicated in higher radiographic damage, immune dysregulation, and angiogenesis. These can also act as RA potent regulators of cells proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, controlling osteoclasts, chondrocytes, and fibroblasts as well as immune cells chemotaxis to RA sites. Although much is already known, much more is still unknown, principally about the roles of organokines in the occurrence of RA extra-articular manifestations.

Radial shockwave treatment promotes chondrogenesis in human growth plate and longitudinal bone growth in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: The process of longitudinal bone growth occurs at the growth plate where the chondrocytes undergo apparent structural and molecular changes to promote growth. Recent reports suggest that radial shockwave treatment (rSWT) stimulates bone length in cultured fetal rat metatarsals. Therefore, we investigated if rSWT has similar growth promoting effects on cultured human growth plate fragments and addressed the same in a preclinical in vivo rabbit model by subjecting their growth plates to rSWT. METHODS: Short-term effects of high-energy rSWT were evaluated in a unique model of cultured human growth plate cartilage (n = 5) wherein samples exposed to rSWT were assessed for chondrogenic markers at 24 h in comparison to unexposed samples obtained from the same limb. Local in vivo effects were studied in six-week-old rabbits who had their distal femurs exposed to four weekly sessions of rSWT at low- and high-energy levels (n = 4 each). At sacrifice, histomorphometric and immunohistochemistry analyses were performed. For effect on longitudinal growth, proximal tibiae of 22-week-old rabbits (n = 12) were asymmetrically exposed to rSWT; the contralateral side served as untreated controls. At sacrifice, the final bone length was measured. RESULTS: In the ex vivo model of cultured human growth plate cartilage, rSWT exposure upregulated SOX9 and COL2A1 compared to control. In the immature rabbit model, an increased number of proliferative chondrocytes and column density was seen for both the energy levels. In the adolescent rabbits, an increase in tibial length was observed after the fourth session of high-energy rSWT and until six-weeks after rSWT compared to the untreated limb. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary experimental results suggest that rSWT may serve as a non-invasive treatment and possibly a safe strategy to stimulate longitudinal bone growth. However, further studies are needed to assess the in vivo effects of rSWT in models of disturbed bone growth.