PURPOSE: Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) has been widely used in the evaluation of regenerated bone tissue but the reliability of micro-CT has not yet been established. This study evaluated the correlation between histomorphometric analysis and micro-CT analysis in performing new bone formation measurement. METHODS: Critical-size calvarial defects were created using a 8 mm trephine bur in a total of 24 Sprague-Dawley rats, and collagen gel mixed with autogenous rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) or autogenous rat BMSCs transduced by adenovirus containing bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) genes was loaded into the defect site. In the control group, collagen gel alone was loaded into the defect. After 2 and 4 weeks, the animals were euthanized and calvaria containing defects were harvested. Micro-CT analysis and histomorphometric analysis of each sample were accomplished and the statistical evaluation about the correlation between both analyses was performed. RESULTS: New bone formation of the BMP-2 group was greater than that of the other groups at 2 and 4 weeks in both histomorphometric analysis and micro-CT analysis (P=0.026, P=0.034). Histomorphometric analysis of representative sections showed similar results to histomorphometric analysis with a mean value of 3 sections. Measurement of new bone formation was highly correlated between histomorphometric analysis and micro-CT analysis, especially at the low lower threshold level at 2 weeks (adjusted r2=0.907, P<0.001). New bone formation of the BMP-2 group analyzed by micro-CT tended to decline sharply with an increasing lower threshold level, and it was statistically significant (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both histomorphometric analysis and micro-CT analysis were valid methods for measurement of the new bone in rat calvarial defects and the ability to detect the new bone in micro-CT analysis was highly influenced by the threshold level in the BMP-2 group at early stage.
Adenoviridae ; Animals ; Bone and Bones ; Bone Regeneration ; Collagen ; Genetic Therapy ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; Osteogenesis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Skull ; X-Ray Microtomography

As an adjunct to cancer treatment, the use of health functional foods (HFFs) seems to be increasing. However, little is known for the use of HFFs among cancer patients in Korea. The aims of this study were to investigate the exposure rate of HFF use among gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients and to examine the relationship of socio-demographic and disease-related characteristics with the use of HFFs. A total of 126 patients diagnosed with GI cancer participated in the study. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a questionnaire. Over a half of all the patients surveyed (n = 67; 53.2%) used HFFs. Patients who were younger, had higher income, or longer duration of disease showed a trend to use HFFs more frequently, even though the tendency was not statistically significant. The most commonly used HFF was vitamin complex (n = 20; 16%), followed by red ginseng (n = 15; 12%), and sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) (n = 11; 8.8%). About 26% of all responders expressed concerns for using HFFs. The primary concern was 'going against physician's recommendations' (36.8%). About 63% of respondents expressed a desire to consult with their physicians and follow their recommendations. More basic scientific data and educational materials regarding HFFs are required for both health-care professionals and cancer patients. A larger sample and size-controlled groups representing each cancer type will continue to be recruited for participation in this survey.
Artemisia ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Functional Food* ; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms* ; Humans ; Korea ; Panax ; Vitamins