BACKGROUND: A variety of angiogenic factors are involved in bone healing after osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
OBJECTIVE:To explore the role and mechanism of angiogenic factors in osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
METHODS: A computed-based online search of PubMed, Google and SpringerLink databases was performed using the key words of “angiogenic factors, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-1, fibroblast growth factor-2, hypoxia inducible factor-1, calcitonin gene related peptide and hypoxia inducible factor-1α” for literatures published from December 1980 to May 2015.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Finaly, 68 articles were included. Bone angiogenesis which is dependent on special signaling factors in the microenvironment is closely linked with bone repair. A variety of cytokines, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-1, fibroblast growth factor-2, platelet-derived growth factor, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and hypoxia inducible factor-1α, have been identifiedto control angiogenesis in different ways and be involved in the repair of necrotic femoral head.

Objective To investigate the concentration of 17β-estradiol in bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) and different tissues of rats, and study the function of estradiol produced in extragonadal sites prelimi-narily. Methods (1) The concentration of 17β-estradiol in lysate of BMSCs and in supernatant cell culture media were detected by Elisa method after rats BMSCs were serum-free cultured in 0 h , 24 h and 48 h respective ly . (2) The tissues of organs were grinded and broken under ultrasonic wave , then washed and weighed. The con-centration of 17β-estradiol in different tissues was detected by Elisa method. Results Compared with the concen-tration of 17β-estradiol at 24 h, the concentration of 17β-estradiol at 48h significantly increased (P < 0.05). The concentration of 17β-estradiol among different tissues were higher, but the difference is not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions (1) 17β-estradiol can be secreted by BMSCs , and the concentration is proportional to the time to some degree. But whether the extragonadal estrogen can function locally is still unclear. (2) The concentration of 17β-estradiol is non- gonad dependent but whether it is secreted locally remains to be elucidated. The non- gonad estrogen could be the estrogen source of bone metabolism in order to sustain bone health after menopause.

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the recent use of immunosuppressive agents for renal transplantation patients during our hospital.METHODS:Case history of124renal transplantation patients in our hospital in2004was reviewed ret-rospectively,and the categories and the associated costs of immunosuppressive agents were statistically analyzed,which were compared with that of2000.RESULTS:In2004,patients’mean hospitalization cost was74462.77yuan and mean immuno-suppressive agents cost was25809.93yuan,increased by75.12%and175.35%,respectively as compared to2000.Of the total drug costs,the immunosuppressive agents accounted for61.37%in2004and46.4%in2000.Dominated the first3places in the list of DDDs of immunosuppressive agents in2004were Methylprednisolone,ciclosporin A and dehydrocortisone,respec-tively.CONCLUSIONS:As compared with2000,the application categories and costs of neotype immunosuppressive agents for renal transplantation patients in our hospital increased in2004,thus to find a more effective immunosuppressive remedy that of less adverse drug reaction and lower cost is of great significance.

BACKGROUND:Estrogen signaling pathway for interaction between aromatase and estrogen-related receptor may exist in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s, which is used for regulating biological activity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s. OBJECTIVE:To observe the expression of aromatase and estrogen-related receptors in adult bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s during osteogenic differentiation. METHODS:Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s were respectively cultured in low-glucose DMEM medium (control group) and osteogenic induction medium (induction group). Cel proliferation and calcium deposition were determined by MTT assay and alizarin red staining, respectively. The expression of aromatase, estrogen receptorα, estrogen receptorβ, and estrogen-related receptorαduring osteogenic differentiation were determined by real-time PCR and western blot analysis. Estradiol levels in supernatants and lysates were detected by ELISA method. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In the induction group, the proliferation ability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s was the strongest at 72 hours of culture;while there were a great amount of calcium nodules formed at 21 days of culture. Results from PCR and western blot assay showed that the expression of aromatase and estrogen receptorαwas improved in the induction group, but the expression of estrogen-related receptorαwas inhibited. There was no difference in the expression of estrogen receptorβbetween the two groups. ELISA results indicated that the level of estradiol in the supernatant of induction group was the highest. These findings indicate that aromatase, estrogen receptorα, estrogen receptorβand estrogen-related receptorαare al involved in osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s. Moreover, estradiol can be synthesized and secreted in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s, and most likely, promote the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s by related receptor pathway.

Objective To investigate the relationship between the serum SRC-3 levels and the bone loss severity in postmenopausal women. Methods Fifty-eight PMW with osteopenia or osteoporosis and nineteen healthy PMW were enrolled in this study from June 2012 to September 2013. BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck were observed by DXA Lunar Prodigy Vision. The levels of serum SRC-3 were detected by ELISA. The diagnosis value was evaluated by the ROC curves analysis. Results The levels of serum SRC-3 were significant higher in the normal group than those in the osteopenia or the osteoporosis groups (P<0.001 for both), no statistical significance was found between the osteopenia and the osteoporosis group(P=0.056). The levels of serum SRC-3 were negatively correlated with the BMD diagnosis grading (r=-0.543, P < 0.001). By using the ROC curve analysis, the serum level of SRC-3 for PMW with osteoporosis and osteopenia were found to be 0.297 ng/mL and 0.347 ng/mL, respectively. The levels of serum SRC-3 were positively associated with BMI (r=0.395, P<0.001) and LS-BMD (r=0.503,P<0.001) in the postmenopausal women. Conclusion SRC-3 might be an useful index to reflect the severity of lumbar spine bone loss.

Objective To study whether the effects of bone mineral density by a kidney-tonifying herbal fufang treatment in senile osteoporosis mice (P6) is by the mechanism of improving the expression level of GH mRNA and IGF-1 mRNA. Methods The experimental points four groups as following:SAMR1 mice which feed saline lavage,SAMP6 divid as saline lavage group,subcutaneous injection of rhGH group and a kidney-tonifying herbal fufang treatment group. All intervention is one time everyday. After 3 months and 6 months intervention,we measure the BMD and the expression level of the GH mRNA and of IGF-1 mRNA. Results After 3 months intervention,the BMD of R1 group and the Kidney group were higher than the P6 blank group;but there is no difference in BMD between RhGH group and the P6 blank group. The effect of GH mRNA and IGF-1 mRNA expression levels:the R1 group,rhGH and kidney group were higher than the P6 blank group. After six months intervention,the BMD of the rhGH group and kidney group are higher than the P6 blank group. GH mRNA and IGF-1 mRNA expression levels:GH group and kidney group are higher than the P6 blank group. The expression level of GH mRNA and IGF-1 mRNA in four groups has positive correlation. After six months intervention ,we found the positive correlation between the expression level of GH mRNA and IGF-1 mRNA and each part of the whole body BMD. Conclusion A kidney-tonifying herbal fufang can improve the bone mineral density of P6,and its mechanism may be related to improve expression level of GH mRNA and IGF-1 mRNA.

Aim To investigate the effects of maternal chronic aluminum exposure on memorial behaviour and hippocampal intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i)on their offspring after the induction of LTP(long-term potentiation). Methods Adult Wistar rats (150~200 g) were exposed to aluminum by drinking distilled water, the concentration of AlCl3 is 0.015 mol?L-1(2 g?L-1) and 0.03 mol?L-1(4 g?L-1) aluminum chloride (AlCl3) solution, respectively, for 30 days prior to mating and during the whole gestation and suckling period. Their offspring were distributed into three experimental groups: control group; two exposed groups (represented by 0.2%-Al and 0.4%-Al ) administrated aluminum exposure ended at postnatal day 21. The brain tissue and blood aluminum levels were measured by Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Memorial ability of the offspring was tested by Step down test.[Ca2+]i was measured by the technique of Fura-2/AM calcium ions fluorescence indicator. Results The mean aluminum content in blood and brain tissue was significantly higher than the control group(P0.05), but was significantly decreased in 0.4%-Al exposed group(P

The model of knee OA (KOA) was established in our laboratory with three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technique based on the CT data. We then designed the unicompartmental prosthesis matching KOA model with parametric software Pro/e 5. 0. Finally, the models were used to mimic the operation of knee unicompantment replacement and the model of unicompartmental knee athroplasty (UKA) was analyzed using 3D finite element method. The results indicates that the approach for designing the model by 3D parametric is effective and meets the need of automation and efficacy to design unicompartmental prosthesis. The results proves that the model is vivid and precise, and the 3D parameteric modeling method can provide biomechanical research of unicompantment replacement with model foundation and new experimental method. It can be widely utilized in the clinics and research.
Algorithms ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; methods ; Computer-Aided Design ; Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; methods ; Knee Joint ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Knee Prosthesis ; Prosthesis Design ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

This paper is aimed to acquire high Geometric similar Subject-specific three-dimensional (3D) finite element mesh model of hip joint containing necrotic femoral head according to individual patient's X-ray, CT and MRI by using the image registration and fusion technology. We selected a middle-aged female patient with osteonecrosis of femoral head, obtained the X-ray, CT and MRI images respectively. Then we established 3D solid model separately based on these image data by using Mimics 13. 1 and Pro/E 5.1 software. We confirmed the match points and then proceed the 2D image registration after image projection conversion. Finally we showed the 3D finite element mesh model. A highly geometric similar subject-specific 3D finite element mesh model for osteonecrosis of femoral head has been established, which included normal cortical bone, cancellous bone, articular cartilage and necrotic zone, fractured trabecular bone within the femoral head. The model truly reflects the morphological characteristics and relationship of hip joint with osteonecrosis of femoral head, provides a relatively ideal research platform for further biomechanical analysis and surgical simulation.
Female ; Femur Head Necrosis ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Middle Aged ; Models, Anatomic ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Objective To compare the effects of gastric gavage and intramuscular injection of prednisone on the bone mineral density, skeletal biomechanical properties and bone metabolism in rats.Methods A total of 45 SPF rats were randomly divided into three groups:normal group, intragastric administration group, and intramuscular injection group.The normal group, as a control group, was administrated with normal saline 2 mL per day, both the intragastric administration group and i.m.injec-tion group received prednisone 0.5 mg/(kg.d) for 12 weeks.All rats were examined for bone mineral density (BMD) and the level of serum β-CTX and PINP.The femoral cortical biomechanical properties ( elastic load, maximal load, rupturing load) were measured by three point bending test.Results After 12 weeks, compared with the normal group, BMD and elastic load, maximal load, and rupturing load of the femur were significantly decreased.Compared with the intragastric gavage group, BMD was significantly decreased, while the elastic load, maximal load, and rupturing load of the femur were not significantly changed in the i.m.injection group (P＜0.05 for all).Compared with the normal group, the level of serum β-CTX was significantly raised (P＜0.05) and the level of serum PINP was significantly decreased (P＜0.05).Compared with the intragastric gavage group, the level of serumβ-CTX was also significantly raised (P＜0.05), the level of serum PINP was significantly decreased (P＜0.05), the bone trabecula and hemopoietic tissue were obviously decreased, while the adipose tissue increased obviously. Conclusions Both intragastric gavage and intramuscular injection of prednisone affect the level of BMD, skeletal biomechanical properties and bone metabolism.However, i.m.injection of prednisone decreases the BMD and bone strength more significantly, leading to a higher bone turnover with increased bone resorption, and leads to osteoporosis earlier.Our results may suggest that oral administration of prednisone is more safe in clinical treatment.