Monocrotaline Suppresses RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis In Vitro and Prevents LPS-Induced Bone Loss In Vivo.

Background/aims: Extensive osteoclast formation plays a critical role in bone diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, periodontitis and the aseptic loosening of orthopedic implants. Thus, identification of agents that can suppress osteoclast formation and bone resorption is important for the treatment of these diseases. Monocrotaline (Mon), the major bioactive component of crotalaria sessiliflora has been investigated for its anti-cancer activities.

Artesunate inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption in vitro and prevents LPS-induced bone loss in vivo.

Osteoclasts are multinuclear giant cells responsible for bone resorption in lytic bone diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis, periodontitis, and bone tumors. Due to the severe side-effects caused by the currently available drugs, a continuous search for novel bone-protective therapies is essential. Artesunate (Art), the water-soluble derivative of artemisinin has been investigated owing to its anti-malarial properties.

Morphological, physiological, and structural responses of two species of artemisia to NaCl stress.

Effects of salt stress on Artemisia scoparia and A. vulgaris "Variegate" were examined. A.

[Three-dimensional kinematic characteristics of motion of lower limb joints in stroke patients with chronic hemiplegia].

Objective: To quantitatively analyze the three-dimensional kinematic features of the motion of lower limb joints in stroke patients with chronic hemiplegia.

Methods: A three-dimensional motion analysis system was used to measure the gait of 39 patients with chronic hemiplegia due to stroke, 12 males and 15 females, aged 57.11 +/- 9.