Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway reduces tumor necrosis factor-alpha production in the cellular response to wear particles in vitro.

Joint replacement is the most effective treatment for end-stage osteoarticular disease. However, macrophage-mediated aseptic loosening of joint prosthesis severely hampers the clinical effects of joint replacement. Until now, the mechanism by which macrophages regulate the secretion of inflammatory cytokines after particle stimulation is not clear.

[Case-control study on comprehensive rehabilitation for postoperative pain after spinal surgery].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of interferential electrical stimulation (IES) in pain relief after spine surgery.

Methods: From January 2004 to December 2008, 166 patients after spine operation received pain treatment. All the patients were divided into two groups: the drug treatment group, which was the control group, including 46 cases, 22 patients were male and 24 patients were female, with an average age of (51.

[Association of 86 bp variable number tandem repeat polymorphism of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene with lumbar disc disease].

Objective: To investigate the association of 86 bp variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) gene with lumbar disc disease and intervertebral disc degeneration.

Methods: The 86 bp VNTR polymorphism of IL-1Ra gene was analyzed with PCR and electrophoresis for 81 patients with lumbar disc disease and 101 volunteers without sciatica (control). The grade of intervertebral disc degeneration was determined with magnetic resonance imaging, and the association of 86 bp VNTR polymorphisms with lumbar disc disease and intervertebral disc degeneration in those younger than 45 years was assessed.

[The vitamin D receptor gene Tru I polymorphisms and its effect on the detection of Bsm I polymorphisms in Han nationality].

Objective: To explore the polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene Tru I polymorphisms and the influence of this variation on Bsm I polymorphisms in Han nationality.

Methods: Venous blood samples from 80 healthy individuals of Han nationality were collected and genomic DNA was extracted, VDR Bsm I and Tru I were tested by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) to analyze the polymorphisms of VDR gene; After using another primers to test VDR Bsm I in the same samples, the consistence of each method was assessed.

Results: The frequencies of the VDR Tru I genotype in the groups were: TT 68.

[The risk factors and preventive strategies of heterotopic ossification after artificial disc replacement in lumbar spine].

Objective: To analyze the risk factors of heterotopic (HO) ossification after total lumbar disc replacement and probe the preventive strategies for it.

Methods: The radiographs and clinical data of 78 discs in 65 patients who received artificial lumbar disc replacement (ADR) from April 1998 to December 2003 were analyzed retrospectively by two radiologists and one orthopaedic surgeon and then postoperative HO were graded according to McAfee system. The bony formations in disc spaces, time of HO were found, and range of motion (ROM) of the operated levels were measured on radiographic films.

[The role of artificial disc replacement in restoring lumbar segment motion and intervertebral height].

Objective: To investigate the role of artificial disc replacement (ADR) in restoring lumbar segment motion and intervertebral height (IH).

Methods: Seventy-five patients with intervertebral disc diseases underwent artificial disc replacement and were divided into 3 groups to be followed up for 2 years (group A, n = 32), 3 years (group B, n = 27), and 5 years (group C, n = 19) respectively. Before the operation and during the follow-up the range of motion (ROM) of the involved lumbar segments and IH were assessed.