BACKGROUND:Hydrolysis in vivo is the key mechanism of degradation in DL-polylactic acid (PDLLA). When it is combined with hydroxyapatite (HA), could the biodegradation and weight loss rate be improved? OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes in the interface and structure of HA/PDLLA composite after in vivo implantation into rabbit femoral defects.DESIGN: Randomized grouping and controlled observation.SETTING: Biomedical Materials and Engineering Research Center, Wuhan University of Technology.MATERIALS: Forty healthy adult Japan White Rabbits of 2.0-2.5 kg, either male or female were provided by the Animal Experimental Center of Hubei Province (No. SCXK. 2003-0005).METHODS: The experiment was conducted in Biomedical Materials and Engineering Research Center, Wuhan University of Technology from June 2005 to March 2006. ①The rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: HA/PDLLA group and PDLLA control group with 20 animals in each group. After anesthetized with ketamine and proazamine, the sample rods of HA/PDLLA and PDLLA were respectively implanted into the drilled bone cavities (φ5 mm × 8 mm) among condyles of femur sites of the rabbits, and the rod could be slightly higher than the surface of bone substance. The samples were covered by periosteum and skin, and then the skin and periosteum were repositioned. ②The complete implants and peripheral bone tissues were taken out respectively after 3, 6, 12 and 24 weeks implantation. The changes in the interface and structure of HA/PDLLA composite after in vivo implantation were observed by using scanning electron microscope (SEM, JSM-5610LV, Japan).MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in the interface and structure of HA/PDLLA composite after in vivo implantation.RESULTS: Totally 40 rabbits were involved in the result analysis. After the materials were implanted, HA granules shed from the material surface, some fibroblasts grew into the tissue and a little new osteotylus was formed, indicating HA/PDLLA composite had capabilities of bone-formation and bone-connection. After 24 weeks implantation, the material was divided and wrapped by tissues, neogenetic bone tissue grew into the material, and the fracture healed well,indicating HA/PDLLA composite had good biocompatibility. As for biodegradable PDLLA polymer, hydrolysis in vivo is the most main mechanism of degradation; the degradation speed was decreased owing to being compounded with HA.CONCLUSION: HA/PDLLA composite has capabilities of bone-formation and bone-connection; the biocompatibility of the composite is improved accordingly on account of the decrease of the degradation speed. HA/PDLLA composite is suitable for clinical application as absorbable materials for internal fixation.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of PRGD composite nerve conduit in the treatment of human large-diameter,critical peripheral nerve defect in upper extremity.Methods From December,2011 to August,2014,19 patients with large-diameter,critical peripheral nerve defect in upper extremity were treated with PRGD composite nerve conduit.The patients were followeded-up periodically.The sensory and motor function recovery,high frequency ultrasound,and EMG were employed to assess the efficacy.Results The patients were followed up for an average time of 12-32 months(mean 21.75 ± 6.86 months),sensory and motor function recovered excellent in 7 patients,satisfactory in 7 patients,tolerable in 3 patients and no improvement in 2 patients were obtained according to the peripheral nerve function assessment standard built by British medical research council,the rate excellent and satisfactory results was 73.7％.Conclusion It is clinically promising to use PRGD composite nerve conduit to repair large-diameter,critical peripheral nerve defect in upper extremity,thus laying a foundation for its further application in clinical practice.

AIM: To detect whether N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) inhibits epithelial-mes-enchymal transition in A549 cells induced by TGF-β1 through suppressing the expression of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) and zinc finger proteins Snail (including SNAI1and SNAI2) which ultimately inhibited the deposition of type I and type III collagens.METHODS:The colocalizations of HSP27 and SNAI1/SNAI2 respectively on A549 alveolar epi-thelial cells induced by TGF-β1 were measured by confocal microscopy .The expression of HSP27, SNAI1 and SNAI2 at mRNA level was detected by real-time PCR.Western blotting analysis was used to detect the expression of HSP 27, SNAI1 and SNAI2 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition in A549 cells induced by TGF-β1 and also the deposition of type I and type III collagens in A549 cells transfected with HSP27shRNA prior to TGF-β1 stimulation.RESULTS: Compared with control group, TGF-β1 increased the expression of HSP27, SNAI1, SNAI2, type I and type III collagen, which decreased significantly followed by Ac-SDKP intervention.The expression of SNAI1, type I and type III collagen decreased signifi-cantly after transfected with HSP27shRNA in A549 cells, which had the similar effect on Ac-SDKP intervention.CON-CLUSION:Ac-SDKP inhibits the transition of cultured A 549 cells to myofibroblasts and attenuates collagen synthesis by suppressing the expression of HSP 27 and zinc finger proteins SNAI 1 and SNAI2.

[Abstract ] Objective Silicosis is one of the most serious occupational diseases in China .In this study,we explored the reg -ulatory effect of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline ( Ac-SDKP ) on angiotensin ( Ang ) Ⅱ-induced extracellular signal-regulated ki-nase ( ERK1/2) and Jun N-terminal kinase ( JNK) signals and its inhibitory effect on the differentiation of human embryonic lung MRC-5 fibroblasts to myofibroblasts via Ang Ⅱ-induced ERK1/2 and JNK signals . Methods Human embryonic lung MRC-5 fibro-blasts were induced by Ang Ⅱand pre-treated with the JNK signal inhibitor ( SP600125 ) , the ERK1/2 signal inhibitor ( PD98059 ) or Ac-SDKP.The proliferation of the cells was measured by MTT assay .The expressions of αS-MA, SRF, p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK were determined by immunocytochemical staining , and the expression levels of these proteins and collagen Ⅰwere detected by Western blot .Results The A value of Ang Ⅱ group (0.56 ±0.08) measured by MMT assay was 2.07 fold as control group ( 0.27 ±0.05 ). Pretreatment with SP600125 , PD98059 and Ac-SDKP, the A value were (0.39 ±0.02), (0.40 ±0.03) and (0.36 ±0 0.5) that had a statistical significance with Ang Ⅱgroup.The up-regulation of colla-gen type Ⅰ,α-SMA, SRF were induced by Ang Ⅱ by 4.50, 3.50 and 3.00 fold compared with control group.Moreover, the expression of p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK were increased as 6.71 and 7.90 fold as control. Pre-treatment with Ac-SDKP could inhibit p-JNK and p-ERK1/2 to 29.79% and 46.84% compared with AngⅡ group. Conclusion Ac -SDKP can inhibit the differentiation of human embryonic lung MRC-5 fibroblasts to myofibroblasts by regulating AngⅡ-induced JNK and ERK1/2 signals.

The PDLLA/HA compound fibers with excellent properties could be obtained by melt-spinning. This study inquired about the mechanical properties, change rule and influencing factors. The results showed that the composites fibers of mechanical properties were good in the PDLLA(molecular weight 120,000) to which were added the 4-20 microm HA particles. In the matrix of PDLLA with accretion (10%) of HA particles, the tensile strength of the compound fibers was the highest, compared with the others. The tensile strength of the compound fibers of PDLLA (molecular weight 20,000-300,000) was high. The tensile strength of the compound fibers decreased with the increase of the fiber diameter, and the PDLLA/HA fibers 40-60 micrometers in diameter had the highest elongation at break.
Biocompatible Materials ; chemistry ; Bone Substitutes ; chemistry ; Durapatite ; chemistry ; Lactic Acid ; chemistry ; Polyesters ; Polymers ; chemistry ; Tensile Strength ; Tissue Engineering ; methods

To evaluate the sealing potential of self-designed root canal filling material made of calcium phosphate cement (alpha-TCP/TTCP, CPC), the apices of root canals of six adult dogs were purposely perforated and enlarged up to the No 40 instrument. Then CPC was used to fill the root canal. Mean while either calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) paste or hydroxyapatite (HA) paste was used as control. The animals were killed at 4, 12, 20 weeks postoperatively. The different materials about ways of apical closure, restoration periapocal tissues and adaptability to the dentinal surface were observed by histomorphology and scanning electron microscopic. This study revealed that CPC had excellent biocompatibility and adaptability to the dentinal wall. Its osteoconduction can promote the formation of calcific barriers and healing of periapical tissue. The apex can be closed completely. Compared with the control pastes it has advantages of ease of manipulation and better sealing capability. The results showed that CPC could be used as a root canal filling material for pupless teeth with open apex and destructive periapical tissue.
Animals ; Calcium Phosphates ; pharmacology ; Dogs ; Root Canal Filling Materials ; pharmacology ; Root Canal Therapy

OBJECTIVE: To investigate a new way to yield plenty of high purity olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) and its biocompatibility with appropriate scaffolds. METHODS: OECs were prepared from neonatal Wister rats and co-cultured with poly [LA-co-(Glc-alt-Lys)] (PLGL). Its contact angle, adherent rate, and activity rate were tested. RESULTS: The contact angle of poly (D, L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) (84.5 degree+/-1.5 degree) was significantly higher than that of PLGL (52.6 degree+/-0.8 degree), the adherent rate of PLGL (80%) was significantly higher than that of the PDLLA (57%), and the activity rate of PLGL (88%) was much higher than that of the PDLLA (76%). CONCLUSION PLGL possesses better hydrophilicity and biocompatibility than PDLLA, and it can provide a better cell growth circumstance which is helpful for the effective treatment of nerve injury.
Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Biocompatible Materials ; Cells, Cultured ; Lactic Acid ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology ; Nerve Regeneration ; Olfactory Bulb ; cytology ; Polyglycolic Acid ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology ; Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; physiopathology ; Tissue Engineering ; methods ; Tissue Scaffolds ; chemistry

Febrile seizure(FS) is generally defined as seizures occurring in children typically 6 months to 5 years of age in association with a fever greater than 38℃, who do not have evidence of an intracranial cause, another definable cause of seizure, or a history of an a febrile seizure.At present, it is considered that FS is caused by multiple factors, mainly duing to the developing central nervous system is vulnerable to fever and potential risk factors (including environmental and genetic factors). According to the type of seizures, it can be divided into simple FS and complex FS, distinguishing the type will be helpful to formulate clinical intervention strategies.Benzodiazepines can quickly stop convulsion, and it is mostly used for patients with a duration of more than 5 minutes.At the same time, intermittent diazepam treatment can effectively reduce the risk of recurrence of FS and relieve parents′ anxiety and fear.This review briefly summarized the risk factors, clinical evaluation and treatment of FS in order to improve understanding.

The inhibitory effect of hydroxyapatite ultrofine powder (HAUFP) on tumor and the effect on the immunity function of body were investigated. The levels of IL-2 in the spleen cells and serum TNF levels in the tumor-bearing mice at the 7th day and 14th after peritoneal injection of HAUFP were detected by using the methods of colorimetric analysis of MTT and crystal purple decoration, respectively. The disappearance of the ascites of the mice was observed. The results showed that the levels of IL-2 and TNF in the tumor-bearing mice were higher obviously in the drug-treated group than in the control group (P<0.01), the ascites growth was inhibited. It was suggested that HAUFP could increase the levels of IL-2 and TNF of the tumor-bearing mice and improve the immune function of body.

The inhibitory effect of hydroxyapatite ultrofine powder (HAUFP) on tumor and the effect on the immunity function of body were investigated. The levels of IL-2 in the spleen cells and serum TNF levels in the tumor-bearing mice at the 7th day and 14th after peritoneal injection of HAUFP were detected by using the methods of colorimetric analysis of MTT and crystal purple decoration, respectively. The disappearance of the ascites of the mice was observed. The results showed that the levels of IL-2 and TNF in the tumor-bearing mice were higher obviously in the drug-treated group than in the control group (P<0.01), the ascites growth was inhibited. It was suggested that HAUFP could increase the levels of IL-2 and TNF of the tumor-bearing mice and improve the immune function of body.