Cu-Co Co-Doped Microporous Coating on Titanium with Osteogenic and Antibacterial Properties.

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are widely used in bone surgery by virtue of their excellent mechanical properties and good biocompatibility; however, complications such as loosening and sinking have been reported post-implantation. Herein we deposited a copper-cobalt (Cu-Co) co-doped titanium dioxide (TUO) coating on the surface of Ti implants by microarc oxidation. The osteogenic and antimicrobial properties of the coating were evaluated by experiments, and we also assessed -catenin expression levels on different sample surfaces.

Fibroblasts: Heterogeneous Cells With Potential in Regenerative Therapy for Scarless Wound Healing.

In recent years, research on wound healing has become increasingly in-depth, but therapeutic effects are still not satisfactory. Occasionally, pathological tissue repair occurs. Influencing factors have been proposed, but finding the turning point between normal and pathological tissue repair is difficult.

The Smad Dependent TGF-β and BMP Signaling Pathway in Bone Remodeling and Therapies.

Bone remodeling is a continuous process that maintains the homeostasis of the skeletal system, and it depends on the homeostasis between bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-absorbing osteoclasts. A large number of studies have confirmed that the Smad signaling pathway is essential for the regulation of osteoblastic and osteoclastic differentiation during skeletal development, bone formation and bone homeostasis, suggesting a close relationship between Smad signaling and bone remodeling. It is known that Smads proteins are pivotal intracellular effectors for the members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP), acting as transcription factors.

Apoptotic bodies from endplate chondrocytes enhance the oxidative stress-induced mineralization by regulating PPi metabolism.

This study aimed to investigate the role of apoptotic bodies (Abs) from the oxidative stressed endplate chondrocytes in regulating mineralization and potential mechanisms. Endplate chondrocytes were isolated from rats and treated with H2O2 to induce oxidative stress. The calcium deposition for matrix mineralization in the cells was examined by histological staining.

Long Non-coding RNAs: A New Regulatory Code for Osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass and degradation of the bone microstructure, which increases bone fragility and fracture risk. However, the molecular mechanisms of osteoporosis remain unclear. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have become important epigenetic regulators controlling the expression of genes and affecting multiple biological processes.

Osteoclast-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Novel Regulators of Osteoclastogenesis and Osteoclast-Osteoblasts Communication in Bone Remodeling.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, play an important role in cellular communication during skeletal growth and homeostasis. Bioactive molecules carried by EVs are transported to neighboring and distant cells to trigger a series of signaling cascades influencing bone homeostasis. The bioactive activities of osteoclast-derived EVs include regulation of osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast-osteoblast communication.

A Radiographic Measurement of the Anterior Epidural Space at L Disc Level.

To observe the morphology character of the anterior epidural space at the L disc level and to provide an anatomical basis for safely and accurately performing a percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD). Fifty-five cases with L S lumbar disc herniation were included in this study, and cases with L disease were excluded. When the puncture needle reached the epidural space at the L S level, iohexol was injected at the pressure of 50 cm H O during the PELD, then C-Arm fluoroscopy was used to obtain standard lumbar frontal and lateral images.

Leonurine hydrochloride inhibits osteoclastogenesis and prevents osteoporosis associated with estrogen deficiency by inhibiting the NF-κB and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.

Osteoclasts, the primary bone resorbing cells, are responsible for destructive bone diseases such as postmenopausal osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and periodontitis. Many plant-derived traditional medicines that might suppress the formation and/or function of osteoclasts are promising treatments for osteoclast-related diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of leonurine hydrochloride (LH) on receptor activator NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and ovariectomy-induced bone loss.

DNA methylation: roles in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an immune-mediated disease of unknown cause that primarily affects the joints and ultimately leads to joint destruction. In recent years, the potential role of DNA methylation in the development of RA is raising great expectations among clinicians and researchers. DNA methylation influences diverse aspects of the disease and regulates epigenetic silencing of genes and behavior of several cell types, especially fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), the most resident cells in joints.

Acid-sensing ion channel 1a-mediated calcium influx regulates apoptosis of endplate chondrocytes in intervertebral discs.

Background: Acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a), the primary acid sensors in the nervous system, has been studied earlier in various physiopathologic conditions. However, little is known about the role of ASIC1a in endplate chondrocytes in intervertebral discs (IVDs).

Methods: The expression of ASICs was examined in rat endplate chondrocytes.

Acid-sensing ion channel 1a is involved in acid-induced osteoclastogenesis by regulating activation of the transcription factor NFATc1.

It has been known that osteoclastogenesis is induced by extracellular acidosis-evoked the rise of intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)]i), which regulate activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1). However, the acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) involved remain largely unknown. Here, we show that ASIC1a, ASIC1b, ASIC2a, and ASIC3 are expressed in rat osteoclasts, and only ASIC1a is highly upregulated in response to acidosis.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a therapeutic target in rheumatoid arthritis.

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has an important role in the hyperplastic growth of tumor. Similar to tumor growth, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium is hyperplastic, invasive, and expresses EGFR and its ligands. Activation of EGFR signaling is responsible for synovial fibroblast proliferation in RA.

Type 17 T-helper cells might be a promising therapeutic target for osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis, a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, is a pressing public health problem. Recent studies have suggested a possible role of T-helper (Th) cells in the pathogenesis of bone loss which occurs in systemic inflammatory diseases. However, there are contradictions in the published literature regarding the functional role of Th1/Th2 cells in the regulation of the differentiation of osteoclasts.

IL-33: a promising therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis?

Cytokine-mediated immunity plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recently, the IL-1-family-related cytokine, IL-33, was detected at high levels in experimental inflammatory arthritis and in the early phase of human RA, and was reported to exert profound pro-inflammatory effects in several experimental autoimmune models. Moreover, administration of IL-33 leads to the development of severe inflammatory arthritis, suggesting that IL-33 may be therapeutically relevant in RA, and the targeting of IL-33 or the IL-33 receptor has been proposed as a potential therapeutic approach for autoimmune diseases such as RA.

Regulatory T cells as a potent target for controlling bone loss.

Metabolic bone diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoporosis, affect hundreds and millions of people worldwide leading causes of long-term pain and disability. Effective clinical treatment for bone destruction in bone diseases is lacking because the knowledge about molecular mechanisms leading to bone destruction are incompletely understood. Recently, it has been confirmed that regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in suppressing the immune response in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases.

Targeting interleukin-21 in rheumatoid arthritis.

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a new member of the type I cytokine superfamily, which binds to a composite receptor that consists of a private receptor (IL-21R) and the common cytokine receptor γ chain. Recently, increasing evidence has shown that IL-21 contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases because of its pro-inflammatory and immune-mediated properties. IL-21 induced T-cell activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The role of interleukin-17 in mediating joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, persistent inflammatory joint disease with systemic involvement that affects about 1% of the world's population, that ultimately leads to the progressive destruction of joint. Effective medical treatment for joint destruction in RA is lacking because the knowledge about molecular mechanisms leading to joint destruction are incompletely understood. It has been confirmed that cytokine-mediated immunity plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases including RA.

[Sequencing and analysis of the complete genome of encephalomyocarditis virus strain GXLC isolated from swine].

The complete genome of encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV)strain GXLC isolated from swine was sequenced and analyzed. Five overlapped gene fragments covering the entire open reading frame (ORF) were amplified by RT-PCR, and the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) and 5'-UTR were amplified by the 3'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and 5'-RACE method, respectively. The genome sequences of strain GXLC were obtained by assembling the sequences of RT-PCR-generated cDNA fragments.

Inhibition of acid-sensing ion channels in articular chondrocytes by amiloride attenuates articular cartilage destruction in rats with adjuvant arthritis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine whether drugs such as amiloride that block acid sensing ion channels (ASICs) could attenuate articular cartilage destruction in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA).

Methods: Articular chondrocytes were isolated from the normal rats, and intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)]i) was analyzed with laser scanning confocal microscopy. The cell injury was analyzed with lactate dehydrogenase release assay and electron microscopy.

[Controlled clinical trials of therapeutic effects of Chinese herbs promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis on the treatment of reflex sympathetic dystrophy with type of stagnation of vital energy and blood stasis].

Objective: To observe clinical results of Chinese herbs promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis on the treatment of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) with type of stagnation of vital energy and blood stasis.

Methods: RSD with type of stagnation of vital energy and blood stasis was distinguished as erubescence, high temperature, perspiration, damp and acro-edema, with middle level pain. From 2006 to 2008, 58 patients with RSD of stagnation of vital energy and blood stasis were randomly divided into the treatment group (30 cases) and the control group (28 cases).

Reconstructed bladder innervation below the level of spinal cord injury: the knee-tendon to bladder artificial reflex arc.

Background/objective: To study the effectiveness of knee-tendon to bladder artificial reflex arc in dogs.

Methods: In 6 beagles, the proximal end of the right L5 anterior motor root and the distal end of the right S2 anterior root were anastomosed to build a knee-tendon to bladder reflex, whereas the right L5 posterior sensory root was kept intact. Action potential (AP) curves and electromyograms (EMGs) of the detrusor muscle, the intravesical pressure, horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled neurons, and the passing rates of myelinic nerve fibers were calculated to evaluate its feasibility.