Leucine‐rich glioma inactivated 3 promotes HaCaT keratinocyte migration

Our finding that human skin expresses leucine‐rich glioma inactivated 3 (LGI3) raises the question of the function of this cytokine in keratinocytes. We have shown that LGI3 stimulates human HaCaT keratinocyte migration without affecting viability or proliferation. Western blot analysis showed that LGI3 induced focal adhesion kinase activation, Akt phosphorylation, and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) phosphorylation in these cells. Using the scratch wound assay and a modified Boyden chamber, we found that LY294002, a selective phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase inhibitor, and LiCl, a selective GSK3β inhibitor, abolished LGI3‐induced cell migration. We tested β‐catenin levels after LGI3 treatment because the Akt‐GSK3β pathway regulates β‐catenin accumulation, and β‐catenin promotes cell migration. LGI3 treatment increased β‐catenin protein and nuclear localization, whereas LY294002 prevented LGI3‐induced focal adhesion kinase and Akt activation as well as β‐catenin accumulation. Overall, these data suggest that LGI3 stimulates HaCaT cell migration following β‐catenin accumulation through the Akt pathway.     

Clinical Application of Image-Enhanced Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery for Gastric Cancer: A Prospective Observational Study

Background

This study was performed to validate the feasibility and role of image-guided robotic surgery using preoperative computed tomography (CT) images for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Methods

Twelve patients scheduled to undergo robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer were registered. Vessels encountered during gastrectomy were reconstructed using 3D software and their anatomical variation was evaluated using preoperatively performed CT-angiography. The vascular information was transferred to a robot console using a multi-input display mode. Radiologic findings acquired from preoperative CT by the radiologist were compared with intraoperative findings of the surgeon. This study is registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01338948.

Results

All 12 robotic gastrectomies were performed without any problems. All anatomical data acquired using 3D software were transferred successfully during surgery. Intraoperative vascular images depicted vasculatures around the stomach and could identify important vascular variations. During surgery, relevant vascular information led the surgeon to branch sites and facilitated lymphadenectomy around the vessels. Image-guidance during the operation provided a vascular map and enabled the surgeon to avoid accidental bleeding and damage to other organs by preventing vascular injuries.

Conclusion

Image-guided robotic surgery for gastric cancer using preoperative CT-angiography reconstructed during operation by a surgically trained radiologist who could adjust the images by anticipating the operative procedure was feasible and improved the efficiency of surgery by eliminating the possibility of vascular injuries.     

The Effect of Zoledronic Acid on the Volume of the Fusion-Mass in Lumbar Spinal Fusion

Background

Few studies have explored the effects of bisphosphonates on bony healing in patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery. Most previous studies used animal models and found that bisphosphonate shows negative effects on spinal fusion consolidation. We intended to evaluate the effect of a single-dose of zoledronic acid on the volume of the fusion-mass in lumbar spinal fusion.

Methods

A retrospective review was carried out on 44 patients with symptomatic degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis who underwent one or two-level posterolateral fusion from January 2008 and January 2011. They were divided into 4 groups: group 1, autograft and zoledronic acid; group 2, allograft and zoledronic acid; group 3, autograft alone; and group 4, allograft alone. Functional radiography and three-dimensional computed tomography scans were used to evaluate and quantify the volume of the fusion-mass. The visual analog scale (VAS), the Oswestry disability index (ODI), and the short form 36 (SF-36) were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes.

Results

The mean volume of the fusion-mass per level was 8,814 mm³, 8,035 mm³, 8,383 mm³, and 7,550 mm³ in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, but there were no significant differences between the groups (p = 0.829). There were no significant decreases in the volume of the fusion-mass (p = 0.533) in the zoledronic acid groups (groups 1 and 2). The VAS, the ODI, and the SF-36 at the 6-month follow-up after surgery were not significantly different (p > 0.05) among the 4 groups. The VAS, the ODI, and the SF-36 were not correlated with the volume of the fusion-mass (p = 0.120, 0.609, 0.642).

Conclusions

A single dose of zoledronic acid does not decrease the volume of the fusion-mass in patients undergoing spinal fusion with osteoporosis. Therefore, we recommend that zoledronic acid may be used after spinal fusion in osteoporotic patients.     

Evaluation of canting correction of the maxillary transverse occlusal plane and change of the lip canting in Class III two-jaw orthognathic surgery

Objective:To compare the effect of canting correction in anterior maxillary transverse occlusal planes (AMTOP) and posterior maxillary transverse occlusal planes (PMTOP) on the change of lip canting (LC) in two-jaw surgery (TJS) cases.Materials and Methods:The samples consisted of eight young adult patients (three males and five females, mean age  =  24.1 ± 4.5 years) who had skeletal Class III malocclusion (CIII), facial asymmetry (FA), and LC and who underwent TJS. Two-dimensional lateral and posteroanterior cephalograms and three-dimensional facial scanning taken 1 week before (T1) and 6 months after TJS (T2) were combined using the Morpheus 3D program. Six linear and angular variables were measured and statistically analyzed.Results:When comparing the values of the linear and angular variables at the T1 and T2 stages there was significant canting correction of AMTOP (1.7 mm vs −0.3 mm; 3.0° vs 0.1°), PMTOP (3.5 mm vs 0.1 mm, 3.3° vs −0.1°), and LC (3.0 mm vs 0.7 mm, 4.7° vs 2.1°) (all P < .05). Although the angular change ratios (ΔLC/ΔAMTOP and ΔLC/ΔPMTOP) did not exhibit a significant difference (0.99 vs 0.83), the linear change ratio of ΔLC/ΔAMTOP was significantly higher than that of ΔLC/ΔPMTOP (1.67 vs 0.74, P < .05). The angular change of ΔLC showed a significant correlation with ΔAMTOP (r²  =  0.64; P < .05). However, the linear change of ΔLC was significantly correlated with both the angular and linear changes of ΔAMTOP (r²  =  0.62 and 0.66; both P < .05). Therefore, the amount of LC change was more related to the canting correction of AMTOP than to that of PMTOP.Conclusion:In TJS cases with CIII, FA, and LC, the amount of canting correction of the AMTOP should be considered to predict the actual LC change.     

Exercise during energy restriction mitigates bone loss but not alterations in estrogen status or metabolic hormones

Summary

Energy restriction causes bone loss, increasing stress fracture risk. The impact of exercise during energy restriction on bone and endocrine factors is examined. Exercise with energy restriction did not influence endocrine factors, but did mitigate some bone loss seen with energy restriction in sedentary rats.

Introduction

Chronic dietary energy restriction (ER) leads to bone loss and increased fracture risk. Strictly controlled trials of long-term ER with and without vigorous exercise are required to determine whether exercise loading can counterbalance ER-induced bone loss. The aim of this current project is to elucidate the impact of exercise and ER on bone mass, estrogen status, and metabolic hormones.

Methods

Twenty-four virgin female Sprague-Dawley rats (n?=?8/group) were divided into three groups—ad libitum fed?+?exercise (Adlib?+?EX), 40 % energy restricted?+?exercise (ER?+?EX), and 40 % energy restricted?+?sedentary (ER?+?SED). Energy availability between ER groups was equal. Treadmill running was performed 4 days/week at 70 % VO_2max for 12 weeks.

Results

Fat and lean mass and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) were lower after 12 weeks (p?<?0.05) for ER?+?EX vs Adlib?+?EX, but ER?+?EX aBMD was higher than ER?+?SED (p?<?0.0001). Serum leptin and a urinary estrogen metabolite, estrone-1-glucuronide (E1G), were lower at week 12 (p?=?0.0002) with ER, with no impact of exercise. Serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) declined (p?=?0.02) from baseline to week 12 in both ER groups. ER?+?EX exhibited higher cortical volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) at the midshaft tibia (p?=?0.006) vs ER?+?SED.

Conclusion

Exercise during ER mitigated some, but not all, of the bone loss observed in sedentary ER rats, but had little impact on changes in urinary E1G and serum IGF-I and leptin. These data highlight the importance of both adequate energy intake and the mechanical loading of exercise in maintaining bone mass.