TGF-β3 and IGF-1 synergy ameliorates nucleus pulposus mesenchymal stem cell differentiation towards the nucleus pulposus cell type through MAPK/ERK signaling

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the synergy between transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF-β3) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) on nucleus pulposus-derived mesenchymal stem cells (NP-MSCs) and the underlying mechanism using a serum-free culture system. NP-MSC proliferation and viability were measured using a CCK-8 assay and annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide, respectively. NP-MSCs in micromasses were investigated for differentiation towards nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). SOX-9, collagen-I, collagen-II, aggrecan and decorin expressions were detected by RT-PCR and immunoblotting. Matrix deposition was assessed by sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) analysis. Novel chondrogenic and nucleus pulposus (NP) genes were detected to distinguish differentiated cell types. MAPK/ERK and TGF/Smad signaling pathways were also examined. As a result, the synergy between TGF-β3 and IGF-1 enhanced NP-MSC viability, extracellular matrix (ECM) biosynthesis and differentiation towards NPCs, partly through the activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Therefore, the synergy between TGF-β3 and IGF-1 ameliorates NP-MSC viability, differentiation and promotes intervertebral disc regeneration.     

提高中药粉粒体蒸汽灭菌的效率和节能探讨

介绍一种利用单锥真空干燥机进行中药材蒸汽灭菌,既可避免料盘式蒸汽灭菌箱的手工装卸料盘的操作性污染,又可提高灭菌工作效率和节省能耗。     

Dynesys非融合动态系统在腰椎间盘突出症疗效观察

目的:观察后路Dynesys非融合动态系统在腰椎间盘突出症近期疗效及安全性。方法:2010年4月至2012年4月,对我科经症状及动力位X片、CT、MRI等资料确诊的30例腰椎间盘突出症患者行了Dynesys动态非融合螺钉固定结合全椎板切除减压手术,术后随访(6-12)个月,分别对术前1天、术后1周、术后3个月、术后6个月患者VAS评分及ODI评分进行配对t检验。结果:术前1天VAS(6.8—8.5分),平均7.9分,术后1周(1.7—3.1),t=49.395,P0.001,术后3月(1.1-2.6),t=88.304,P0.001,术后6个月(0.5—1.8),t=93.721,P0.001,术前1天ODI:68%--79%,平均74%,术后1周:17.6%--21%,t=82.006,P0.001,术后3月:14.5%--19%,t=88.344,P0.001,术后6月:11.5%--18.5%,t=90.113,P0.001。术后1周、3月、6月均给予X线复查,未发现螺钉松动及断钉。结论:Dynesys后路非融合动态稳定系统与减压结合在腰椎间盘突出症近期疗效安全确切,Dynesys保留了病变腰椎的活动度,保证了后柱稳定性,纠正腰椎失稳。     

Cyanidin-3-glucoside protects against high glucose-induced injury in human nucleus pulposus cells by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling

Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) is a well-known natural anthocyanin with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we explored the role and action mechanism of C3G in high glucose (HG)-induced damage of human nucleus pulposus cells (HNPCs). Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay. TUNEL assay was performed for detecting apoptotic rate. Western blot was performed to determine the expression levels of cl-caspase-3, caspase-3, Bax, Bim, collagen II, aggrecan, MMP-3, MMP-13, and ADAMTS5. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was analyzed using DCFH-DA staining. The Nrf2 was knocked down or overexpressed in HNPCs through transfection with si-Nrf2 or pcDNA3.0-Nrf2. C3G treatment (12.5, 25, and 50 μM) improved cell viability of HNPCs under HG condition. HG-induced cell apoptosis of HNPCs was attenuated by C3G with decreased apoptotic rate and relative levels of cl-caspase-3/caspase-3, Bax, and Bim. C3G treatment caused significant increase in expression levels of collagen II and aggrecan and decrease in the relative levels of MMP-3, MMP-13, and ADAMTS5. After treatment with C3G, ROS generation in HNPCs was markedly reduced. Treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) reversed HG-induced cell apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. C3G treatment induced the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in HG-induced HNPCs. Moreover, knockdown of Nrf2 reversed the inhibitory effect of C3G on ROS production. Summarily, C3G exerted a protective effect on ROS-mediated cellular damage in HNPCs under HG condition, which was attributed to the induction of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.     

五步复位法治疗气滞血瘀型腰椎间盘突出症的临床疗效

目的 评价五步复位法治疗气滞血瘀型腰椎间盘突出症的临床疗效。方法 将2018年8月至2019年12月入组的70例气滞血瘀型腰椎间盘突出症患者随机分为两组,每组各35例。治疗组采用五步复位法治疗,对照组采用传统推拿法治疗,分别比较两组患者疗效及治疗前后疼痛评分、ODI功能障碍指数。结果 治疗1个疗程后,治疗组临床总有效率为91.43%,明显高于对照组的85.72%,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),治疗组临床疗效明显优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗后两组VAS疼痛评分及ODI功能障碍指数均较治疗前降低,差异有统计学意义(P0.01),且治疗后治疗组ODI指数较对照组降低更为显著,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。结论 五步复位法能明显提高气滞血瘀型腰椎间盘突出症临床疗效,更好改善腰椎功能,且方法简便验廉,值得临床推广应用。     

A simulated passive intervertebral motion task: observations of performance in a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Passive motion palpation is an integral component in examination, diagnosis or classification, and treatment of persons with mechanical disorders of the cervical spine. If the magnitude of force application during passive movement assessment is associated with greater palpatory accuracy has not been established.

Methods: This investigation used a novel mechanical model as a basis for assessing the palpatory force of students and clinicians. The model included multiple palpable resistance and displacement levels similar to that observed in humans. The ability of the subjects to discriminate the various levels of resistance and displacement offered by the model was concurrently measured.

Results: Large variability occurred in the amount of force applied by the subjects in completing the palpatory examination. The data indicated no major differences in palpatory accuracy across the student and clinician groups with different training and experience levels beyond basic competency. Those subjects applying less force in the palpatory exam demonstrated greater accuracy of palpatory assessment with one measure.

Discussion: The data indicate training and experience had minimal relationship to palpatory interpretation precision beyond the basic level and individual natural discriminatory ability may be a factor in accuracy of palpatory skill. The results demonstrate remarkable inconsistency in palpatory force among examiners and suggest that palpatory accuracy may be related to less force application.     

Zina percutaneous screw fixation combined with endoscopic lumbar intervertebral fusion under intraoperative neuromonitoring: A case report

Introduction:Traditional open discectomy and intervertebral fusion surgery is the common strategy for lumbar disc herniation (LDH). However, it has the disadvantages of long recovery time and severe paravertebral soft tissue injury. Zina percutaneous screw fixation combined with endoscopic lumbar intervertebral fusion (ZELIF), as a novel minimally invasive surgical technique for LDH, has the advantages in quicker recovery, less soft tissue destruction, shorter hospital stays and less pain. We report a novel technique of ZELIF under intraoperative neuromonitoring (INM) for the treatment of LDH.Patient concerns:A 51-year-old male presented to our hospital with left lower extremity pain and numbness for 1 year.Diagnosis:Lumbar disc herniation (LDH).Interventions:This patient was treated with Zina percutaneous screw fixation combined with endoscopic neural decompression, endplate preparation, and intervertebral fusion through Kambin''s triangle. Each step of the operation was performed under INM.Outcomes:The follow-up period lasted 12 months; the hospitalization lasted 4 nights; the blood loss volume was 65 ml, and the time of operation was 266 min. INM showed no neurological damage during the surgery. No surgical complications, including neurological deterioration, cage migration, non-union, instrumentation failure or revision operation, were observed during the follow-up period. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score reduced from 7 to 1; the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) decreased from 43 to 14; the EQ-5D score was 10 preoperatively and 15 at the final follow-up visit; the Physical Component Summary of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was 48 preoperatively and 49 at the last follow up visit; the SF-36 Mental Component Summary was 47 before surgery and decreased to 41 postoperatively.Conclusion:ZELIF under INM may represent a feasible, safe and effective alternative to endoscopic intervertebral fusion and percutaneous screw fixation, for decompressing the lumbar''s exiting nerve root directly with minimal invasion in selected patients.