MicroRNA-149 Suppresses Inflammation in Nucleus Pulposus Cells of Intervertebral Discs by Regulating MyD88.

BACKGROUND Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is associated with low back and neck pain, but the mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis are unclear. In this study, we explored the function of microRNA-149 (miR-149) in inflammatory response mediated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect miRNA and mRNA levels, while Western blotting was utilized to determine protein levels.

Effect of the co-culture of human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells with human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) give origin to the marrow tromal environment that supports hematopoiesis. These cells present a wide range of differentiation potentials and a complex relationship with hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and endothelial cells. In addition to bone marrow (BM), MSCs can be obtained from other sites in the adult or the fetus.

[Preliminary investigation of animal model of tibial defection fracture made by drilling hole method ].

Objective: To compare the differences in damage degree, healing time and healing process between two animal models of defection fracture and provide the research data for the establishment of a new animal model.

Methods: Sixty male SPF Spragur-Dawley rats were divided randomly into control group, sawing group and drilling hole group, with 20 rats in each group. Animals of drilling hole group were treated with hone drill and made an 1 mm hole on tibial plateau animals of sawing group were treated with saw and made an 3 mm defection on tibial plateau; nothing to do in animals of control group.

Diffusion tensor imaging in the cervical spinal cord.

There are discrepancy between MR findings and clinical presentations. The compressed cervical cord in patients of the spondylotic myelopathy may be normal on conventional MRI when it is at the earlier stage or even if patients had severe symptoms. Therefore, it is necessary to take a developed MR technique--diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)--to detect the intramedullary lesions.

The protective effects of incadronate on inflammation and joint destruction in established rat adjuvant arthritis.

The effects of a new generation bisphosphonate, incadronate, in established adjuvant arthritis rats were evaluated according to the arthritis index, hind paw volume, and radiological and histopathological examinations. Incadronate suppressed the radiological and histopathological changes of hind paws, as well as the joint swelling in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, the arthritis control rats showed drastic joint inflammation, marked destruction of bone and articular cartilage.

Antiinflammatory and chondroprotective effects of the aminobisphosphonate incadronate (YM175) in adjuvant induced arthritis.

Objective: Incadronate is a third-generation bisphosphonate that suppresses bone resorption and is used to treat skeletal disorders and prevent bone loss in pathological conditions. We evaluated its therapeutic potential and antiinflammatory effects in established adjuvant induced arthritis (AIA), a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: Rats were administered incadronate subcutaneously at a dose of either 0.