BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence suggests that lithium influences mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. As decreased bone formation in femoral heads is induced by glucocorticoids (GCs), we hypothesized that lithium has a protective effect on GC-induced osteonecrosis of femoral heads (ONFH). METHODS: A rat ONFH model was induced by methylprednisolone (MP) and the effect of lithium chloride on the models was evaluated. Micro-computed tomography (CT)-based angiography and bone scanning were performed to analyze the vessels and bone structure in the femoral heads. Hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining were performed to evaluate the trabecular structure and osteocalcin (OCN) expression, respectively. Bone marrow-derived MSCs were isolated from the models, and their proliferative and osteogenic ability was evaluated. Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed to detect osteogenic-related proteins including Runx2, alkaline phosphatase, and Collagen I. RESULTS: Micro-CT analysis showed a high degree of osteonecrotic changes in the rats that received only MP injection. Treatment with lithium reduced this significantly in rats that received lithium (MP + Li group); while 18/20 of the femoral heads in the MP showed severe osteonecrosis, only 5/20 in the MP + Li showed mild osteonecrotic changes. The MP + Li group also displayed a higher vessel volume than the MP group (0.2193 mm3vs. 0.0811 mm3, P < 0.05), shown by micro-CT-based angiography. Furthermore, histological analysis showed better trabecular structures and more OCN expression in the femoral heads of the MP + Li group compared with the MP group. The ex vivo investigation indicated higher proliferative and osteogenic ability and upregulated osteogenic-related proteins in MSCs extracted from rats in the MP + Li group than that in the MP group. CONCLUSIONS We concluded that lithium chloride has a significant protective effect on GC-induced ONFH in rats and that lithium also enhances MSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in rats after GC administration.
Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; Femur Head ; Femur Head Necrosis/drug therapy* ; Glucocorticoids ; Lithium Chloride ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells ; Osteogenesis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; X-Ray Microtomography

BACKGROUNDPhotoselective vaporization of the prostate is a technique that is widely used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and has pronounced advantages compared to the traditional transurethral resection of the prostate. Following the recent introduction of end-firing lithium triborate lasers, we have created a new technique called photoselective vaporesection of the prostate (PVRP). This study described our initial experience using the PVRP technique for the treatment of BPH.

METHODSThis prospective study included a total of 35 patients with BPH who underwent PVRP from August 2013 to July 2014. The chief clinical parameters were obtained and evaluated during the perioperative period and follow-up, including the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) score, maximum urinary flow rate, and prostate volume. All variables were evaluated for statistically significant differences compared to baseline values using the analysis of variance.

RESULTSThe mean subgroup IPSS and QoL scores significantly improved during follow-up; the respective decreases in IPSS storage score, IPSS voiding score, IPSS nocturia score, and QoL score were 75.3%, 83.6%, 51.4%, and 71.7%, respectively (all P < 0.001 compared with baseline). Three patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer based on postoperative pathological examinations. There were no serious perioperative complications.

CONCLUSIONThe PVRP technique demonstrates satisfactory short-term clinical outcomes and perioperative safety in the treatment of BPH.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Borates ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Laser Therapy ; methods ; Lithium Compounds ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Perioperative Period ; Postoperative Complications ; Prospective Studies ; Prostate ; surgery ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome

Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β and related enzymes are associated with various forms of neuroinflammation, including spinal cord injury (SCI). Our aim was to evaluate whether lithium, a non-selective inhibitor of GSK-3β, ameliorated SCI progression, and also to analyze whether lithium affected the expression levels of two representative GSK-3β–associated molecules, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf-2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) (a target gene of Nrf-2). Intraperitoneal lithium chloride (80 mg/kg/day for 3 days) significantly improved locomotor function at 8 days post-injury (DPI); this was maintained until 14 DPI (P<0.05). Western blotting showed significantly increased phosphorylation of GSK-3β (Ser9), Nrf-2, and the Nrf-2 target HO-1 in the spinal cords of lithium-treated animals. Fewer neuropathological changes (e.g., hemorrhage, inflammatory cell infiltration, and tissue loss) were observed in the spinal cords of the lithium-treated group compared with the vehicle-treated group. Microglial activation (evaluated by measuring the immunoreactivity of ionized calcium-binding protein-1) was also significantly reduced in the lithium-treated group. These findings suggest that GSK-3β becomes activated after SCI, and that a non-specific enzyme inhibitor, lithium, ameliorates rat SCI by increasing phosphorylation of GSK-3β and the associated molecules Nrf-2 and HO-1.
Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Glycogen Synthase Kinases ; Glycogen Synthase* ; Glycogen* ; Heme Oxygenase-1* ; Heme* ; Hemorrhage ; Lithium Chloride ; Lithium* ; Phosphorylation ; Rats* ; Spinal Cord Injuries* ; Spinal Cord*

Lithium is a well-known treatment for patients with mood disorders. Intoxication by lithium may be lethal particularly in elderly due to altered pharmacokinetics, renal impairment or multiple drug use. We presented a 74-year-old female patient who had been stabile with lithium carbonate 600 mg/day for 5 years and developed lithium intoxication after bronchiolitis. She presented with altered mental status. The neurological signs resolved slowly after lithium and moxifloxacin were stopped immediately and fluid resuscitation administered. Considering possible drug interactions on elderly patients receiving lithium is essential.
Aged ; Bronchiolitis ; Drug Interactions ; Female ; Humans ; Lithium Carbonate ; Lithium* ; Mood Disorders ; Pharmacokinetics ; Resuscitation

Because adenine is effective for managing cases of radiation-induced and drug-induced leukopenia, it may be effective in cases of antipsychotic-induced leukopenia and neutropenia. Here, we report our experience with patients with leukopenia and neutropenia caused by an antipsychotic overdose or discontinuation of lithium carbonate, in whom adenine administration ameliorated the white blood cell and neutrophil counts. The progress of patients suggests that adenine is effective in cases of leukopenia and neutropenia associated with lithium carbonate discontinuation and an antipsychotic overdose.
Adenine* ; Antipsychotic Agents* ; Humans ; Leukocytes ; Leukopenia* ; Lithium Carbonate* ; Lithium* ; Neutropenia* ; Neutrophils

OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between the interleukin-17 (IL-17) level of peripheral blood and aggression of bipolar mania. METHODS: Thirty-six patients of bipolar mania were selected as experimental group by DSM-IV-TR and received treatment with quetiapine and lithium. Thirty-six healthy volunteers with similar age and gender were selected as control group. The level of IL-17 at baseline in each group and the level of IL-17 in the experimental group after treatment for 2, 4 and 8 weeks were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: The level of IL-17 in experimental group at baseline, after treatment for 2 and 4 weeks were all significantly higher than that in control group. After 8 weeks treatment, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). After 2, 4 and 8 weeks treatment, the total score and aggression score of Young Mania Rating Score (YMRS) were significantly lower than the baseline level (P < 0.05). In experimental group, the level of IL-17 was positively correlated with the two scores of YMRS at baseline (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Bipolar mania may be related to the up-regulation of IL-17. The level of IL-17 is related to the severity of manic symptoms at baseline, especially aggression symptom.
Aggression/drug effects* ; Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic use* ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Bipolar Disorder/drug therapy* ; Case-Control Studies ; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ; Double-Blind Method ; Humans ; Interleukin-17/metabolism* ; Lithium Compounds/therapeutic use* ; Quetiapine Fumarate/therapeutic use* ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes in the functional activity of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) in the hepatic tissue after endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) tolerance and explore the effects of LPS-induced GSK-3 inhibition on glycogen metabolism in the liver.

METHODSMale SD rats were randomly divided into normal control, endotoxin pretreatment and GSK-3 inhibitor (lithium chloride) groups with corresponding pretreatments prior to a large dose of LPS challenge (10 mg/kg) to induce liver injury. Glycogen deposition and content in the hepatic tissue was detected using periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and a glycogen quantification kit, respectively. Western blotting was performed for semi-quantitative analysis of protein level and inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK-3, and a Coomassie brilliant blue G-250-based colorimetric assay was used to detect calpain activity in the liver.

RESULTSGlycogen content in the liver decreased significantly after LPS challenge in all the 3 groups (P<0.05) but showed no significant difference among the groups (P>0.05). Both LPS and lithium chloride pretreatments caused a significant increase of liver glycogen content (P<0.05). LPS pretreatment induced inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK-3β (P<0.05) and partial cleavage of GSK-3α but did not affect the expression of GSK-3 protein (P>0.05). Large-dose LPS challenge significantly increased the activity of calpain in the liver tissue (P<0.05) to a comparable level in the 3 groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONEndotoxin pretreatment induces inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK-3β and partial cleavage of GSK-3α and promotes the deposition of liver glycogen but does not affect the activity of calpain, which may contribute to an increased glycogen reserve for energy supply in the event of large-dose LPS challenge.

Animals ; Calpain ; metabolism ; Glycogen ; metabolism ; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism ; Lipopolysaccharides ; adverse effects ; Lithium Chloride ; pharmacology ; Liver ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of hydrofluoric acid etching and Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation on the shear bond strength of resin cement to lithium disilicate ceramic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-five ceramic blocks (5 mm x 5 mm x 2 mm) were fabricated and embedded in acrylic resin. Their surfaces were finished with 1000-grit silicon carbide paper. The blocks were assigned to five groups: 1) 9.5% hydrofluoric-acid etching for 60 s; 2-4), 1.5-, 2.5-, and 6-W Er,Cr:YSGG laser applications for 60 seconds, respectively; and 5) no treatment (control). One specimen from each group was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Ceramic primer (Rely X ceramic primer) and adhesive (Adper Single Bond) were applied to the ceramic surfaces, followed by resin cement to bond the composite cylinders, and light curing. Bonded specimens were stored in distilled water at 37degrees C for 24 hours. Shear bond strengths were determined by a universal testing machine at 1 mm/min crosshead speed. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Adhesion was significantly stronger in Group 2 (3.88 +/- 1.94 MPa) and Group 3 (3.65 +/- 1.87 MPa) than in Control group (1.95 +/- 1.06 MPa), in which bonding values were lowest (P<.01). No significant difference was observed between Group 4 (3.59 +/- 1.19 MPa) and Control group. Shear bond strength was highest in Group 1 (8.42 +/- 1.86 MPa; P<.01). CONCLUSION: Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation at 1.5 and 2.5 W increased shear bond strengths between ceramic and resin cement compared with untreated ceramic surfaces. Irradiation at 6 W may not be an efficient ceramic surface treatment technique.
Adhesives ; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic ; Ceramics ; Collodion ; Dental Porcelain ; Hydrofluoric Acid ; Light ; Lithium ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Resin Cements ; Silicon Compounds ; Water

This study aimed to compare epithelial cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to human ameloblast-lineage cells (ALCs), as a way to determine their potential use as a cell source for ameloblast regeneration. Induced by various concentrations of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), retinoic acid (RA) and lithium chloride (LiCl) for 7 days, hESCs adopted cobble-stone epithelial phenotype (hESC-derived epithelial cells (ES-ECs)) and expressed cytokeratin 14. Compared with ALCs and oral epithelial cells (OE), ES-ECs expressed amelogenesis-associated genes similar to ALCs. ES-ECs were compared with human fetal skin epithelium, human fetal oral buccal mucosal epithelial cells and human ALCs for their expression pattern of cytokeratins as well. ALCs had relatively high expression levels of cytokeratin 76, which was also found to be upregulated in ES-ECs. Based on the present study, with the similarity of gene expression with ALCs, ES-ECs are a promising potential cell source for regeneration, which are not available in erupted human teeth for regeneration of enamel.
Ameloblasts ; physiology ; Amelogenesis ; genetics ; Amelogenin ; analysis ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 ; pharmacology ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cell Line ; Cell Lineage ; Embryonic Stem Cells ; drug effects ; physiology ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; physiology ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 8 ; analysis ; Hedgehog Proteins ; analysis ; Homeodomain Proteins ; analysis ; Humans ; Keratins ; analysis ; classification ; Lithium Chloride ; pharmacology ; MSX1 Transcription Factor ; analysis ; Mouth Mucosa ; cytology ; Phenotype ; Regeneration ; physiology ; Skin ; cytology ; Transcription Factors ; analysis ; Tretinoin ; pharmacology

PURPOSE: This study aimed to provide comparative measurements of the effective dose from direct and indirect digital panoramic units according to phantoms and exposure parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dose measurements were carried out using a head phantom representing an average man (175 cm tall, 73.5 kg male) and a limbless whole body phantom representing an average woman (155 cm tall, 50 kg female). Lithium fluoride thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) chips were used for the dosimeter. Two direct and 2 indirect digital panoramic units were evaluated in this study. Effective doses were derived using 2007 International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommendations. RESULTS: The effective doses of the 4 digital panoramic units ranged between 8.9 microSv and 37.8 microSv. By using the head phantom, the effective doses from the direct digital panoramic units (37.8 microSv, 27.6 microSv) were higher than those from the indirect units (8.9 microSv, 15.9 microSv). The same panoramic unit showed the difference in effective doses according to the gender of the phantom, numbers and locations of TLDs, and kVp. CONCLUSION: To reasonably assess the radiation risk from various dental radiographic units, the effective doses should be obtained with the same numbers and locations of TLDs, and with standard hospital exposure. After that, it is necessary to survey the effective doses from various dental radiographic units according to the gender with the corresponding phantom.
Female ; Fluorides ; Head ; Humans ; Lithium ; Lithium Compounds ; Radiation Dosage ; Radiography, Dental, Digital ; Radiography, Panoramic