The slow-aging growth hormone receptor/binding protein gene-disrupted (GHR-KO) mouse is protected from aging-resultant neuromusculoskeletal frailty

Neuromusculoskeletal (physical) frailty is an aging-attributable biomedical issue of extremely high import, from both public health and individual perspectives. Yet, it is rarely studied in nonhuman research subjects and very rarely studied in animals with extended longevity. In an effort to address this relatively neglected area, we have conducted a longitudinal investigation of the neuromusculoskeletal healthspan in mice with two senescence-slowing interventions: growth hormone (GH) resistance, produced by GH receptor “knockout” (GHR-KO), and caloric restriction (CR). We report marked improvements in the retention of strength, balance, and motor coordination by the longevity-conferring GHR/BP gene disruption, CR regimen, or a combination of the two. Specifically, GHR-KO mice exhibit superior grip strength, balance, and motor coordination at middle age, and CR mice display superior grip strength at middle age. The advantageous effects established by middle-age are more pronounced in old-age, and these robust alterations are, generally, not gender-specific. Thus, we show that genetic and/or dietary interventions that engender longevity are also beneficial for the retention of neuromusculoskeletal health and functionality. The translational knowledge to be gained from subsequent molecular or histological investigations of these models of preserved functionality and decelerated senescence is potentially relevant to the efforts to reduce the specter of fear, falls, fracture, and frailty in the elderly.     

Testing a novel pictorial medication sheet to improve adherence in veterans with heart failure and cognitive impairment

Objectives(a) To evaluate efficacy of a pictorial medication sheet to improve adherence in veterans with heart failure (HF) and cognitive impairment (CI); (b) to describe acceptance of the intervention.BackgroundCI is prevalent in HF and is associated with worsened medication adherence. The Veteran's Administration has developed a medication image library; however, use of images to improve adherence has not been tested.MethodsThirty-six veterans with HF and CI were enrolled and provided pictorial medication sheets and an optional alarmed pillbox. Adherence pre-and post-intervention was determined by 30-day pill counts. Acceptance was assessed from interviews.ResultsTwenty-seven veterans (75%) completed the study. Overall medication adherence was poor, however there was significant improvement from pre-intervention (M = 79.74, SD = ±16.98) to post-intervention (M = 84.74, SD = ±10.00) adherence (t(26) = 2.16, p < .05, Cohen's d = .42).ConclusionsThis pilot study provides preliminary evidence that medication images improve adherence with complex medication regimens. The intervention was well received by patients.     

Hydroxyapatite nanorods loaded with parathyroid hormone (PTH) synergistically enhance the net formative effect of PTH anabolic therapy

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been a major contributor to the anabolic therapy for osteoporosis, but its delivery to bone without losing activity and avoiding adverse local effects remain a challenge. Being the natural component of bone, use of hydroxyapatite for this purpose brings a major breakthrough in synergistic anabolism. This study focuses on synthesis, characterization and evaluation of in vitro and in vivo efficacy of PTH (1-34) adsorbed hydroxyapatite nanocarrier for synergistic enhancement in the anabolic activity of PTH for bone regeneration. The negative zeta potential of this nanocarrier facilitated its affinity to the Ca²⁺ rich bone tissue and solubilization at low pH enhanced specific delivery of PTH to the resorption pits in osteoporotic bone. In this process, PTH retained its anabolic effect and at the same time an increase in bone mineral content indicated enhancement of the net formative effect of the PTH anabolic therapy.     

Reproductive actions of prolactin mediated through short and long receptor isoforms

Prolactin (PRL) is a polypeptide hormone with a wide range of physiological functions, and is critical for female reproduction. PRL exerts its action by binding to membrane bound receptor isoforms broadly classified as the long form and the short form receptors. Both receptor isoforms are highly expressed in the ovary as well as in the uterus. Although signaling through the long form is believed to be more predominant, it remains unclear whether activation of this isoform alone is sufficient to support reproductive functions or whether both types of receptor are required. The generation of transgenic mice selectively expressing either the short or the long form of PRL receptor has provided insight into the differential signaling mechanisms and physiological functions of these receptors. This review describes the essential finding that both long and short receptor isoforms are crucial for ovarian functions and female fertility, and highlights novel mechanisms of action for these receptors.     

激素联合个性化药物治疗非动脉炎性前部缺血性视神经病变的疗效

 目的 探讨激素联合个性化药物治疗非动脉炎性前部缺血性视神经病变(non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, NAION)的效果。方法 选取NAION患者56例(61眼),根据其病因、发病时间、眼部检查、视野检查及眼底荧光血管造影(FFA)结果,制定激素联合个性化药物治疗方案,观察治疗前后视力、视野、眼底改善情况,判断综合疗效。结果 治疗后56例(61眼)视力均明显改善;治疗前56例(61眼)视野均出现特征性改变,治疗后视野缺损范围较治疗前缩小30°以上者48眼,显效率78.7%;治疗前FFA检查56例(61眼)荧光造影特征性改变, 治疗后54眼荧光造影改善,显效率88.5%。结论 激素联合个性化药物治疗,对NAION病预后有明显改善作用。     

Symptomatic hyponatremia induced by low-dose cyclophosphamide in patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report

Rationale:Cyclophosphamide (CY) is an alkylating agent used widely to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. Hyponatremia is a common adverse effect of high-dose and moderate-dose of intravenous CY, but is rare in patients treated with low-dose (<15 mg/kg).Patient concerns:A 52-year-old woman with new-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was treated with low-dose cyclophosphamide (8 mg/kg, CY), but showed sudden headaches, disorientation and weakness. Laboratory examinations revealed severe isovolumic hyponatremia along with low-serum osmolality and high urine osmolality.Diagnosis:The acute hyponatremia was consistent with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) and was an adverse event of low-dose CY, with no evidence of endocrine, cancer, pulmonary, or cerebral abnormalities relevant to the SIADH.Intervention:The hyponatremia was resolved after the supplementation of NaCl solution.Outcomes:The hyponatremia was resolved without any complications.Lessons:Hyponatremia induced by low-dose CY should be recognized as an underlying life-threatening complication in clinical practice.