Improved connective integration of a degradable 3D-nano-apatite/agarose scaffold subcutaneously implanted in a rat model.

In this work, we evaluate the tissue response and tolerance to a designed 3D porous scaffold composed of nanocrystalline carbonate-hydroxyapatite and agarose as a preliminary step in bone repair and regeneration. These scaffolds were subcutaneously implanted into rats, which were sacrificed at different times. CD4+, CD8+ and ED1+ cells were evaluated as measurements of inflammatory reaction and tolerance.

Osteostatin-loaded onto mesoporous ceramics improves the early phase of bone regeneration in a rabbit osteopenia model.

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is an important modulator of bone formation. Recently, we reported that PTHrP (107-111) (osteostatin) coating onto mesoporous ceramics confers osteogenic activity to these materials. Bone repair is dramatically compromised in osteopenia/osteoporosis.

Tropoelastin and fibulin overexpression in the subepithelial connective tissue of human pterygium.

Purpose: To evaluate possible changes in the collagen and elastic components of the subepithelial connective tissue of human pterygium.

Design: Immunohistochemical study.

Methods: Immunohistochemical staining using antitropoelastin, anti-fibulin-2, and anti-fibulin-3 antibodies was performed in 10 normal conjunctival and 20 pterygium specimens.

The osteoinductive properties of mesoporous silicate coated with osteostatin in a rabbit femur cavity defect model.

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is an important regulator of bone formation and remodeling. Our recent findings demonstrate that PTHrP (107-111) (osteostatin) loaded onto silica-based ordered mesoporous SBA15 materials exhibit osteogenic features in osteoblastic cell cultures. We aimed here to elucidate whether these peptide-coated materials might be suitable for promoting bone repair following a cavitary defect in the rabbit femur.

Active matrix metalloproteinase-2 upregulation in the abdominal skin of patients with direct inguinal hernia.

Background: Prior studies suggest impaired collagen metabolism involving the whole abdominal wall including the skin in patients with abdominal hernia. We compared expression patterns of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and its modulators membrane type-1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT-1 MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in the skin of patients with and without primary inguinal hernia.

Materials And Methods: Skin biopsy specimens from abdominal wall incisions were obtained during surgery from patients with direct inguinal hernia, indirect inguinal hernia or without hernia (controls).