[RNAi-mediated knockdown of cyclooxygenase 2 inhibits the growth and migration of SaOS2 human osteosarcoma cells].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of a knockdown of cyclooxygenase 2 upon the growth and migration of SaOS2 cells. METHODS: We employed lentivirus mediated-RNA interference technology to knockdown the endogenous expression of gene COX-2 in human osteosarcoma cells (SaOS2) and analyzed their phenotypical changes. The effects of COX-2 silencing on the proliferation, cell cycle and migration of SaOS2 cells were assessed by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide, flow cytometry and migration assays respectively. COX-2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) mRNA and protein expression were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. RESULTS: A decreased expression of COX-2 in human osteosarcoma cells significantly inhibited the growth and decreased the migration ability of SaOS2 cells. Furthermore, it also reduced VEGF, EGF and bFGF mRNA and protein expression. CONCLUSION: The COX-2 signaling pathway may provide a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of human osteosarcoma.

[Short fusion and long fusion for degenerative lumbar scoliosis with lumbar stenosis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the indications, surgical techniques and prognostic factors of short fusion versus long fusion for elder patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients undergoing different kinds of surgical procedures for lumbar spinal scoliosis between June 2005 and October 2010 were recruited for this retrospective study. The mean patient age at surgery was 64.2 years (range: 61 - 75). The short fusion group included 13 patients and the long fusion group 25 patients. RESULTS: There were a variety of treatment methods of degenerative scoliosis based on the symptomatology and radiological measurements of scoliosis and stenosis. Thirty-eight patients were followed up for an average of 37 months. The number of fused levels was 2.8 ± 0.7 segments in the short fusion group versus 5.1 ± 1.4 in the long fusion group. The average preoperative Cobb angle was 18.6° (range: 12 - 27) in the short fusion group versus 33.5° (range: 3 - 42) in the long fusion group. The correction of Cobb angle averaged 40% in the short fusion group versus 67% in the long fusion group. Clinical symptoms and functional tolerance for daily activities improved postoperatively. Radiographic evaluations showed reduced deformity on the frontal and sagittal planes. There were no infections, pseudoarthrosis, instrument-related failures or reoperations. CONCLUSIONS: Long segment fusion is superior to its short segment counterpart in correcting scoliotic curvature and coronal imbalance and improving rotational subluxation of apical vertebra. Careful perioperative preparation is essential in the treatment of elder patients with lumbar spinal scoliosis.

Experience of GU Wei-chao in Treating Heart and Lung Diseases Through Application of Modified Shengxian Decoction / 中国中医药信息杂志

Professor GU Wei-chao is with great academic and clinical experience. He has thoughts in ZHANG Xi-chun's academic thoughts, especially his application of Zhang's theory. He added Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma, Agrimoniae Herba, Taxilli Herba, Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma, Corni Fructus, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle to Shengxian Decoction to make modified Shengxian Decoction to strengthen the efficacy of invigorating qi and ascending qi collapse, reinforcing heart and astringing qi, cultivating the essence and notifying kidney, and inducing resuscitation and allaying tiredness, with a purpose to treat sinking qi syndrome of heart and lung diseases and expand the application areas of Zhang's Shengxian Decoction. This article introduced experience of GU Wei-chao in treating heart and lung diseases by using modified Shengxian Decoction through three clinical cases of effusion after lung surgery, chest and heart pain and difficulties in breathing.