A comparative study on inhibition of total astragalus saponins and astragaloside IV on TNFR1-mediated signaling pathways in arterial endothelial cells.

Background: Both total astragalus saponins (AST) and it's main component astragaloside IV (ASIV) have been used in China as cardiovascular protective medicines. However, the anti-inflammatory activities that are beneficial for cardiovascular health have never been compared directly and the molecular mechanisms remain unresolved. This study was conducted to compare the inhibitory effects of these drugs on TNFα-induced cell responses, related signaling pathways, and the underlying mechanisms in mouse arterial endothelial cells.

[Fabrication of larynx-shape tissue engineered cartilage by means of filling together with wrapping with pedicle myofascial flap].

Objective: To explore the method of fabricating larynx-shape tissue engineered cartilage by means of filling together with wrapping with pedicle myofascial flap.

Methods: Serial steps of solution casting, extrusion molding and particulate leaching were used to make larynx-shape [poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate), PHBHH] biomaterial models. The chondrocytes were seeded onto PHBHH models to form cell-PHBHH composites for culture in vitro for one week and then to fill and wrap larynx-shape composites with pedicle myofascial flap.

[Fabrication of laryngeal cartilage by means of tissue engineering technique].

Objective: To explore the method of fabricating tissue engineered laryngeal cartilage.

Methods: The rib and articular cartilage of infant New Zealand white rabbits were harvested in sterile condition. The chondrocytes were separated by collagenase digestion and cultured in vitro for 3 passage.

[Improvement upon construction of tissue-engineered allogeneic cartilage molded with polyglycolic acid as the scaffold].

Objective: To improve the method for constructing allogeneic molded cartilage by means of tissue engineering techniques.

Methods: The chondrocytes from the rib and articular cartilage of infant rabbits were harvested by type II collagenase digestion, followed by in vitro cell culture for 3 to 4 passages. The chondrocytes were then prepared into cell suspension and seeded onto C -and O -shaped pre-molded polyglycolic acid (PGA) scaffolds form chondrocyte-PGA composites, which were subsequently cultured in vitro for 7 to 10 d before implanted subcutaneously into adult rabbits.