Increase of TNFα-stimulated osteoarthritic chondrocytes apoptosis and decrease of matrix metalloproteinases 9 by NF-κB inhibition.

Objective: To investigate the in vitro effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a NF-κB inhibitor, on the apoptosis of osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes and on the regulation of the gelatinases matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9).

Methods: Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) labeling and western blotting were used to observe and determine the apoptosis in TNFα-stimulated primary cultured osteoarthritic chondrocytes. Also, gelatin zymography was applied to examine MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in supernatants.

[Primary culture and adipogenic process of pre-adipocytes from infrapatellar fat pad of osteoarthritic patients].

Objective: To investigate the primary culture and adipogenic process of pre-adipocytes from infrapatellar fat pad of osteoarthritic patients.

Methods: The pre-adipocytes were isolated by enzymatic digestion. The morphological changes of cultured cells were observed and the growth curve was drawn by CCK-8 method.

[The Biomechanics Influence of unilateral laminectomy and discectomy surgery on the adjacent different grades of Disc Degeneration].

Objectives: To study the stress distribution of the adjacent different grades of disc degeneration underwenting unilateral laminectomy and discectomy surgery using non-linear finite element analysis.

Methods: Based on the lumbar CT scans, the finite element model (FEM) of lumbar spinal segment (L3-L5) was established. According to L3-L4 intervertebral disc degeneration, different grades of disc degeneration (healthy, mild, moderate and severe) models were established and unilateral laminectomy and discectomy surgery were also established.