OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility of reconstruction of rabbit urethra using urethral extracellular matrix.

METHODSExtracellular matrix was obtained from the urethra of 20 donor New Zealand rabbits. In experimental group, 20 rabbits underwent segmental urethral resection (about 1.0 to 1.5 cm in length) and the defects were replaced by a tube of extracellular matrix. The serum TNFalpha was detected by ELISA to assess the immunity response preoperatively and 12, 24, 48 h postoperatively. The regenerated urethral segments were taken for histologic and pathologic study 10 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 24 weeks after operation. The urodynamics, urethroscopy and urethrography were also performed.

RESULTSThe serum TNFalpha in experiment group slightly rised, with no significant difference when compared with that in control group. 10 days after operation, epithelial cell migrated into the extracellular matrix from two ends, and small vessels were also found. 3 weeks later, several layers of urothelium covered the whole surface of the matrix tube. 6 weeks later, the irregularly arranged smooth muscle fibers were fist observed by Van Gieson staining. 24 weeks after operation, the smooth muscle cells increased, the appearance of the regenerated urethra segments were very similar to normal urethral wall components. The urethrography and urodynamic evaluation revealed no difference between the normal and the regenerated urethral tube.

CONCLUSIONSThe urethral extracellular matrix might be an ideal replacement material for urethral defect.

Absorbable Implants ; Animals ; Biocompatible Materials ; Extracellular Matrix ; transplantation ; Male ; Rabbits ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Regeneration ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism ; Urethra ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of botulinum toxin type A on the expression of substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta1) and alpha smooth muscle actin A (alpha-SMA) in wound healing.

METHODS60 rats were randomly divided into group C (control) group L (low-dose) and group H (high-dose), with 20 rats in each group. The wound-healing model was established by excision of four full-thickness skin (1 cm x 1 cm, around the injection site) on the back of all SD rats on the 7th day after BTA injection. The wound size was measured and the expression of SP, CGRP, TGF-beta1 and alpha-SMA in wound granulation tissue was assayed by immunohistochemical staining and computerized image analysis before operation, and 3 days, 7 days and 14 days after operation.

RESULTSAll the wounds healed 14 days after operation. The wound size in L and H group was not significantly different with that in C group on the 3rd day and 7th day after operation. The positive immuno-staining of SP, CGRP, TGF-beta1 and alpha-SMA in group L and H was significantly weaker than those in C group. Meanwhile, the positive immuno-staining of all above substances in H group was weaker than those in L group significantly.

CONCLUSIONSBotulinum toxin type A can decrease the expression of SP, CGRP, TGF-beta1, and alpha-SMA in wound healing in a dose-dependent manner with no effect on the healing time.

Actins ; metabolism ; Animals ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; pharmacology ; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide ; metabolism ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Skin ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Substance P ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism ; Wound Healing ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo explore the feasibility of transfecting recombinant Sp1 into hypertrophic scar fibroblasts and investigate the proliferation and collagen I, III synthesis in the transfected cells.

METHODSRecombinant human Sp1 was transfected into hypertrophic scar fibroblasts with the karyocyte expressive vector. The expression of Sp1, collagen I, III mRNA was tested by real time PCR. The change of cell proliferation was observed with CCK8 colorimeter.

RESULTSAbout 30% of transfected hypertrophic scar fibroblasts showed green fluorescence positive. The relative expression of Sp1 mRNA in transfected cells, empty-vector cell or untransfected cells group was 5.26 +/- 0.76, 1.08 +/- 0.18, 1.09 +/- 0.15, respectively, showing a significant difference between thansfected and untransfected cells or between the transfected cells and empty-vector group (P <0.01, n = 5). Expression of collagen I, III mRNA was 2.49 +/- 0.40 and 1.88 +/- 0.30 in transfected cells, 0.96 +/- 0.18 and 0.95 +/- 0.18 in empty-vector cell, and 0.97 +/- 0.15 and 0.93 +/- 0.13 in untransfected cells, respectively, showing a significant difference between thansfected and untransfected cells or between the transfected cells and empty-vector group (P < 0.01, n = 5).

CONCLUSIONSThe hypertrophic scar fibroblasts could be as the target cells of Sp1 gene transfection. Sp1 gene may play an important role in abnormal collagen metabolism in hypertrophic scar.

Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Collagen ; metabolism ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; Fibroblasts ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Recombinant Proteins ; genetics ; Skin ; metabolism ; Sp1 Transcription Factor ; genetics ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of Notch receptors, ligands and downstream target genes in hypertrophic scar and normal skin, and to investigate its role in the development of hypertrophic scar.

METHODSBy immunohistochemistry, the expression of epidermal differentiation markers- beta1 integrin, keratin 14 (K14) and keratin 19 (K19), as well as Notch 1-4 and Jagged1 were examined in hypertrophic scars and normal skins. The expression of Notch downstream genes- P21 and P63 was analyzed with real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry staining.

RESULTSHistological analysis revealed a significant epidermal thickening in the hypertrophic scars, with excessive cell layers above the basal layer. Compared to the normal epidermis, the expression of beta1 integrin, K19 and K14 decreased in hypertrophic scars (P <0.05). Positive expression rate of Notch1 and Jagged1 in keratinocytes was significantly higher in hypertrophic scar than in normal skin (P < 0.05), while there was no difference in Notch2 and 3 positive expression rate. Furthermore, the expression of P21 was significantly up-regulated, while the expression of P63 was down-regulated in keratinocytes of hypertrophic scar (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSNotch signal may play an important role in hypertrophic scar pathogenesis. Over-differentiation of Keratinocytes in hypertrophic scar may be related to the overexpression of Notch1 and Jagged1, up-regulation of P21 gene and down-regulation of P63 gene.

Adult ; Calcium-Binding Proteins ; metabolism ; Case-Control Studies ; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic ; metabolism ; pathology ; Down-Regulation ; Epidermis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Integrin beta1 ; metabolism ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; metabolism ; Jagged-1 Protein ; Keratin-14 ; metabolism ; Keratin-19 ; metabolism ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; metabolism ; Receptor, Notch1 ; metabolism ; Serrate-Jagged Proteins ; Signal Transduction ; Up-Regulation ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of intralesional steroid, interferon alpha-2b or verapamil injection on proliferation, apoptosis and TGF-beta1 expression in keloid and hypertrophic scar in vivo.

METHODS6 patients with keloids and 6 patients with hypertrophic scar were treated with intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide (40 mg/ml) or IFN alpha-2b (15 x 10(5) U/ml) or verapamil (2.5 mg/ml). Samples were collected on the 7th day after intralesional injection. Samples of untreated keloid and hypertrophic scar and normal skin were used as control. Expression of PCNA and TGF-beta1 was detected in situ by immunohistochemical staining, and apoptosis was detected in situ by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL).

RESULTS1) Triamcinolone acetonide could prohibit proliferative scars through inhibiting cell proliferation and TGF-beta1 expression, as well as inducing apoptosis. 2) IFN alpha-2b could prohibit proliferative scars through inhibiting cell proliferation and TGF-beta1 expression, but not inducing apoptosis; 3) Verapamil could also prohibit proliferative scars through inhibiting proliferation and TGF-beta1 expression in fibroblasts, as well as inducing apoptosis. While the effect of inducing apoptosis was stronger than that of triamcinolone acetonide, the effect of inhibiting TGF-beta1 expression was weaker than those of triamcinolone acetonide and IFN alpha-2b.

CONCLUSIONSAlthough intraleional injection of steroid, interferon alpha-2b or verapamil were all effective in the treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scar, their mechanisms are not similar.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Apoptosis ; Child ; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic ; drug therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins ; Steroids ; therapeutic use ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism ; Verapamil ; therapeutic use ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate individualized one-staged correction of alveolar cleft and lip and nasal deformities secondary to lip cleft.

METHODSThe alveolar cleft and lip and nasal deformities secondary to lip cleft were corrected in one stage.

RESULTSFrom 2004 to 2007, 37 cases were treated. 33 patients were treated successfully with primary healing in bony recipient area. Cancellous bone exposure happened in 3 cases. The wounds healed after debridement and drainage. The cosmetic results were satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONSOne-staged correction of alveolar cleft and the lip and nasal deformities secondary to lip cleft can achieve good results.

Adolescent ; Alveolar Process ; abnormalities ; Child ; Cleft Lip ; complications ; surgery ; Cleft Palate ; complications ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Nose ; abnormalities ; Nose Deformities, Acquired ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo study the relationship of nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) and poliovirus receptor-related 1 exon3 (PVRL1exon3) polymorphisms in Han People of Jiangzhe area.

METHODSPVRL1exon3 was examined by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) technique in the 50 patients with NSCL/P and 85 healthy parents.

RESULTSNo W185X mutation was found in the PVRL1exon 3.

CONCLUSIONIt indicates that there is no relationship between NSCL/P and PVRL1exon3 in Han People in Jiangzhe area.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Cell Adhesion Molecules ; genetics ; Child, Preschool ; Cleft Lip ; genetics ; Cleft Palate ; genetics ; Exons ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Nectins ; Pedigree ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Receptors, Virus ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo explore the application of MS-CT and 3D reconstruction in diagnosis and treatment of vascular malformations in head and neck.

METHODS20 cases with vascular malformations in head and neck underwent MS-CT and 3-D reconstruction. Then the treatment was determined based on the results of MSCT scanning. The postoperative results were evaluated.

RESULTSThe images of MS-CT showed the edge of vascular malformations partially or completely in 16 cases of venous malformations. The lesion's anatomic site and 3-D position was obtained. The 3-D images also showed the overexpanded supply arteries in 4 case of arteriovenous malformations. 2 case of venous malformations in lip underwent resection and healed completely. 12 cases of venous malformations in buccal and floor of mouth were treated with compartmentalized sclerotherapy with partial lesion involution. 2 case of venous malformations in mouth floor were treated with operation followed by sclerotherpy with partial lesion involution. 4 cases of arteriovenous malformations were treated with Superselective Artery Embolization with partial lesion involution.

CONCLUSIONMS-CT and 3D reconstruction can play an important role in diagnosis and treatment of vascular malformations in head and neck.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Head ; blood supply ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; methods ; Male ; Neck ; blood supply ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; Vascular Malformations ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the therapeutic effect of dermis-fat graft combined with Medpor implant shaped by reverse engineering technique in the correction of the progressive hemifacial atrophy.

METHODSA skull model was made by rapid prototyping and the bony deficiency model was acquired with reverse engineering technique. The Medpor implant was shaped precisely based on the deficiency model and implanted with dermis-fat graft at the same stage.

RESULTS11 cases were treated successfully without infection, necrosis and rejection. The patients were followed up for six months to one year with satisfactory cosmetic improvement. The dermis-fat graft survived without obvious absorption.

CONCLUSIONThe technique can correct both the bony and soft tissue deficiency for progressive hemifacial atrophy. It is very practical and easily performed with reliant results and less morbidity.

Adipose Tissue ; transplantation ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Dermis ; transplantation ; Facial Hemiatrophy ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Polyethylenes ; Prostheses and Implants ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the transcranial surgical method with lateral orbital approach for the treatment of cranio-orbital fibrous dysplasia.

METHODSLateral orbital transcranial extradural approach was adopted to correct complicated fibrous dysplasia in which the frontal, orbital, sphenoid, temporal bones were involved. Partial lesion removal and optic nerve decompression were performed through the transcranial extradural route by fronto-temporal cranial bone flap exposure. The fronto-orbital skeleton was shaped after bone flap deactivation.

RESULTS8 cases were treated successfully with no complication. The period of follow-up ranged from 9 months to 3 years. The appearance and the vision improved greatly. Cranial CT showed good bony union with no relapse.

CONCLUSIONSLateral orbital transcranial surgical approach is an optimal technique to correct cranio-orbital fibrous dysplasia.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Fibrous Dysplasia of Bone ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Orbit ; surgery ; Orbital Diseases ; surgery ; Skull ; surgery ; Young Adult