Effect of compressive force on the expression of inflammatory cytokines and their receptors in osteoblastic Saos-2 cells

OBJECTIVE: In orthodontic tooth movement, some cytokines released from periodontal ligament fibroblasts and alveolar bone osteoblasts on the pressure side can alter the normal processes of bone remodelling, resulting in physiological bone resorption. We examined the effect of compressive force and interleukin (IL)-1 type I receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) on the expression of inflammatory cytokines that promote osteoclast formation, as well as on their receptors, in osteoblastic Saos-2 cells. DESIGN: The cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum with or without continuous compressive force (0.5-3.0 g/cm(2)) and/or IL-1ra for up to 24h. The gene expression levels of the cytokines and their receptors were estimated by determining mRNA levels using real-time PCR; the protein levels were determined using ELISA or immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: The expression of IL-1beta, IL-1 receptor, IL-6, IL-6 receptor, IL-8 receptor, IL-11 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) increased depending on the strength and duration of the compressive force, whereas the expression of IL-8, IL-11 receptor and TNFalpha receptor did not change with the application of compressive force. The expression of cytokines and their receptors produced by 3.0 g/cm(2) of compressive force decreased with the simultaneous addition of IL-1ra and the decrease was remarkable in IL-8 receptor, IL-11 and TNFalpha. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that mechanical stress induces the production of inflammatory cytokines and their receptors in osteoblasts and the phenomenon is enhanced by the autocrine action of IL-1beta, which is increased in amount by mechanical stress.     

Subpial schwannoma of the cervical spinal cord mimicking an intramedullary tumor

We report a rare case of a subpial schwannoma of the cervical cord mimicking an intramedullary tumor in a 65-year-old woman. The magnetic resonance imaging findings are presented and discussed.     

Autism-spectrum quotient Japanese version measures mental health problems other than autistic traits

The purpose of the present paper was to examine the extent to which the Autism Spectrum Quotient Japanese version (AQ-J) measures mental health problems other than autistic traits, with the 12-item General Health Questionnaire Japanese version (GHQ-12) as a criterion. A questionnaire involving AQ-J and GHQ-12 was sent to 2000 adults aged 20-39 randomly selected from the general population, and intact data were obtained from 215 (mean age, 30.4 years; 86 male). The AQ-J score was significantly associated with the GHQ-12 score (r=0.518) and was significantly higher in 111 scoring >or=4 on the GHQ-12 (mean=24.8+/-6.5) than in 104 scoring <4 (mean=19.4+/-5.5). At a cut-off 22, the AQ-J had modest sensitivity (0.64) and specificity (0.66) for predicting mental health problems. The 21-item mental health AQ-J (AQJ-21MH; range, 0-21; cut-off, 9; sensitivity, 0.69; specificity, 0.76), items of which had a significant odds ratio (OR) for GHQ-12>or=4, and the AQ-J-4MH (range, 0-4; cut-off, 2; sensitivity, 0.68; specificity, 0.74) consisting of four items with a significant OR adjusted for collinearity selected from the 21 items by multiple logistic regression, were more efficient than the AQ-J. Because the AQ-J and its short forms measure mental health problems other than autistic traits, it is important to consider such problems in interpreting AQ-J scores to identify persons who may need professional help when screening normally intelligent adolescents and adults with pervasive developmental disorders.     

Biliary Peritonitis after Radiofrequency Ablation Diagnosed by Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced MR Imaging

This study describes the first case of biliary peritonitis after radiofrequency ablation diagnosed by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA), a hepatocyte-specific MR imaging contrast agent. The image acquired 300 minutes after the administration of Gd-EOB-DTPA was useful to make a definite diagnosis and to identify the pathway of bile leakage. It is important to decide on the acquisition timing with consideration of the predicted location of bile duct injury.     

Plasma klotho levels decrease in both anorexia nervosa and obesity

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the associations of klotho with body mass index (BMI) in patients with restricting-type anorexia nervosa (r-AN) and obesity.MethodWe examined plasma klotho as well as adiponectin and its isoform levels in comparison in 11 obese patients, 12 r-AN patients, and 11 control participants.ResultsPlasma klotho levels were markedly lower in the obesity and r-AN groups than in the control group. Moreover, plasma klotho levels increased significantly after the recovery of BMI in r-AN patients. Total and high-molecular-weight adiponectin levels were significantly decreased only in obesity. There was no relationship between klotho and total adiponectin levels or klotho and respective adiponectin isoform levels in the entire study population.ConclusionsThese results suggest that klotho may reflect normal nutritional state, and that the decrease of klotho in r-AN and obesity may underlie the deteriorating processes of these disorders.     

Study on regeneration of mandibular bone with bioabsorbable organic/inorganic composite membrane

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) has attracted much attention as a means to treat bone defects and congenital malformation. However, presently available materials are not ideal and further improvements are necessary. Hence we have been developing a novel bioabsorbable composite material beta-TCP/CPLA for the GBR technique. The polymeric matrix is a copolymer of poly-L-lactide acid and fatty polyester (CPLA) that is biodegradable by hydrolysis, and the ceramic filler is beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) that is bioabsorbable and has good osteoconductivity. The materials were evaluated by in vivo and in vitro experiments. Furthermore, animal experiments with mandibular bones defects in dogs were carried out. Good bone regeneration was observed in the case of the treatment with beta-TCP/CPLA membrane whereas almost no bone regenerated in the cases without the membrane. beta-TCP/CPLA membranes were suggested to have promising properties for bone defect treatment.