Effects of mechanical loading on the expression of pleiotrophin and its receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase beta/zeta in a rat spinal deformity model.

Mechanical loading of the spine is a major causative factor of degenerative changes and causes molecular and structural changes in the intervertebral disc (IVD) and the vertebrae end plate (EP). Pleiotrophin (PTN) is a growth factor with a putative role in bone remodeling through its receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase beta/zeta (RPTPβ/ζ). The present study investigates the effects of strain on PTN and RPTPβ/ζ protein expression in vivo.

Macrophage-specific metalloelastase (MMP-12) immunoexpression in the osteochondral unit in osteoarthritis correlates with BMI and disease severity.

Background: Metalloproteinase 12 (MMP-12) is induced in chondrocytes during fetal development and malignant transformation.

Objectives: The aim of our study is to examine the expression of MMP-12 in the cartilage and the subchondral bone of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and to correlate its expression with disease severity and anthropometric characteristics.

Methods: Overall, 60 sections from 20 patients with idiopathic OA, were examined for the immunolocalization of MMP-12.

European braces widely used for conservative scoliosis treatment.

A systematic examination of the braces commonly used in Europe lacks in literature. Therefore the objective of this report is the description of the European braces widely used. The history, design rationale, indications, biomechanics, outcomes and comparison between some braces are reported.