Relaxin attenuates silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by regulating collagen type I and MMP-2.

Silicosis is one of the most prevalent occupational lung diseases, but the pathogenic mechanisms of silicosis are largely unknown and an effective treatment is not yet available. In this study, we investigated the potential effects of relaxin (RLX) on fibrosis by an in vitro model involving silica-induced and macrophage-mediated pulmonary fibroblasts. Following pre-treatment with DQ12 quartz, the culture supernatant of human monocytic THP-1 cells was added to human fetal lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells with or without RLX.

[Progressing study in treating discogenic low back pain].

Lumbago is a general, frequently and complicated clinical symptom. 60% to 80% in adults suffer from back pain of varying degrees. The pain causing by various pathological changes stimulateing the ache receptor in intervertebral disc is call discogenic low back pain.