Nuray Can

Supramolecular GAG-like Self-Assembled Glycopeptide Nanofibers Induce Chondrogenesis and Cartilage Regeneration.

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and glycoproteins are vital components of the extracellular matrix, directing cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration and tissue homeostasis. Here, we demonstrate supramolecular GAG-like glycopeptide nanofibers mimicking bioactive functions of natural hyaluronic acid molecules. Self-assembly of the glycopeptide amphiphile molecules enable organization of glucose residues in close proximity on a nanoscale structure forming a supramolecular GAG-like system. Our in vitro culture results indicated that the glycopeptide nanofibers are recognized through CD44 receptors, and promote chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. We analyzed the bioactivity of GAG-like glycopeptide nanofibers in chondrogenic differentiation and injury models because hyaluronic acid is a major component of articular cartilage. Capacity of glycopeptide nanofibers on in vivo cartilage regeneration was demonstrated in microfracture treated osteochondral defect healing. The glycopeptide nanofibers act as a cell-instructive synthetic counterpart of hyaluronic acid, and they can be used in stem cell-based cartilage regeneration therapies.

Protective therapeutic effects of peptide nanofiber and hyaluronic acid hybrid membrane in in vivo osteoarthritis model

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition where tissue function is lost through a combination of secondary inflammation and deterioration in articular cartilage. One of the most common causes of OA is age-related tissue impairment because of wear and tear due to mechanical erosion. Hyaluronic acid-based viscoelastic supplements have been widely used for the treatment of knee injuries. However, the current formulations of hyaluronic acid are unable to provide efficient healing and recovery. Here, a nanofiber-hyaluronic acid membrane system that was prepared by using a quarter of the concentration of commercially available hyaluronic acid supplement, Hyalgan®, was used for the treatment of an osteoarthritis model, and Synvisc®, which is another commercially available hyaluronic acid containing viscoelastic supplement, was used as a control. The results show that this system provides efficient protection of arthritic cartilage tissue through the preservation of cartilage morphology with reduced osteophyte formation, protection of the subchondral region from deterioration, and maintenance of cartilage specific matrix proteins in vivo. In addition, the hybrid nanofiber membrane enabled chondrocyte encapsulation and provided a suitable culturing environment for stem cell growth in vitro. Overall, our results suggest that this hybrid nanofibrous scaffold provides a potential platform the treatment of OA. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Osteoarthritis is a debilitating joint disease affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs especially in knees due to aging, sport injuries or obesity. Although hyaluronic acid-based viscoelastic supplements are widely used, there is still no effective treatment method for osteoarthritis, which necessitates surgical operation as an only choice for severe cases. Therefore, there is an urgent need for efficient therapeutics. In this study, a nanofiber-HA membrane system was developed for the efficient protection of arthritic cartilage tissue from degeneration. This hybrid nanofiber system provided superior therapeutic activity at a relatively lower concentration of hyaluronic acid than Hyalgan® and Synvisc® gels, which are currently used in clinics. This work demonstrates for the first time that this hybrid nanofiber membrane scaffold can be utilized as a potential candidate for osteoarthritis treatment.

Effects of Self-Knee Massage With Ginger Oil in Patients With Osteoarthritis: An Experimental Study

Background and Purpose: The purpose of our study was to assess the effects of self-knee massage with ginger oil on pain and daily living activities in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Participants (N = 68) were asked about their sociodemographic characteristics, pain level in the last week using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functionality in activities of daily living with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Standard treatment prescribed by a physician was given to the patients with osteoarthritis. In addition to the standard treatment, self-knee massage with ginger oil twice a week was recommended to the intervention group (n = 34). At the end of the first and fifth week, participants in both groups were assessed regarding pain and functional state. Results: The mean VAS Pain scores of the intervention group were significantly lower at the end of the first and fifth weeks (p < .05). The mean total scores and mean Function subscale scores of the WOMAC were significantly lower in massage group in the first- and fifth-week assessments (p < .05). Implications for Practice: Self-massage of the knee with ginger oil may be used as a complementary method to standard medical treatment. Nurses can easily train patients and their caregivers on knee massage, and the intervention can be implemented by patients at home without any restrictions on location.

Schwannoma on palmar surface of the hand: A rare case report -

Schwannomas, also known as neurilemmomas, are benign, intracapsular peripheral nerve sheath tumors. They are the most common type of peripheral nerve sheath tumors and can be seen between the third and sixth decades of life, but are nevertheless rare. The goal of this report is to raise awareness in the medical community for this type of tumor. A 21-year-old male patient presented with a mass in the right palm. He reported that he had noticed the mass two years before and that the numbness started three months before. We detected a mobile, soft, palpable mass, 3X1 cm in size, in zone three of the palm. Tinel’s test was positive. There was no history of neither neurofibromatosis nor any other hereditary diseases. USG showed a lobulated, encapsulated, highly vascularized and high resistant arterial flow solid mass with 11.5X28mm in size. Total excision was planned. Under general anesthesia the patient was placed in supine position. A 3 cm mid-palmar incision was made on the volar side of the right hand. Digital nerves and arteries were explored. The mass, which was found to be 30X15X10mm in size, emerged from the common digital nerve in zone three and was excised with microsurgical instruments via blunt dissection. The patient healed uneventfully. Histopathological examination of the mass revealed Vimentin S-100 positive schwannoma. Schwannomas are rare, benign tumors. To the best of our knowledge, a similar large mass was reported in an infant and no case has been reported in adults. Hand surgeons should keep the schwannomas’ diagnosis in mind if upper extremity masses are isolated that are palpable and slow growing with positive Tinel’s sign. The presented study showed how big schwannomas can be in size and that the cure is achieved by total excision.

Effect of Spinecor brace on pulmonary functions

Methods A total of 76 consecutive adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients who were treated with brace included in this study. 20 of 45 patients who were treated with SpineCor brace, and 13 of 31 patients who were treated with rigid brace, were able to finish pulmonary function test (PFT). PFT is administered to 33 patients before and immediately after wearing the brace. TLC, RV, RV/TLC, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75 parameters of PFT are compared between SpineCor and rigid brace patients.