Te Wang

The protective effects of silibinin in the treatment of streptozotocin-induced diabetic osteoporosis in rats

Diabetic osteoporosis (DO) is a complication of diabetes mellitus. Our previous study showed that silibinin can attenuate high glucose mediated human bone marrow stem cells dysfunction through antioxidant effect. However, no study has yet investigated the effect of silibinin in diabetic rats. Therefore, we assessed the effects of silibinin on bone characteristics in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The aim of our study was to determine whether providing silibinin in the different supplementation could prevent bone loss in diabetic rats or not. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: (1) control group (CG) (n=10); (2) diabetic group (DG) (n=10); (3) diabetic group with 50mgkg-1day-1 of silibinin orally (DG-50) (n=10); and (4) diabetic group with 100mgkg-1day-1 of silibinin orally (DG-100) (n=10). 12 weeks after streptozotocin (STZ) injection, the femora from all rats were assessed and oxidative stress was evaluated. Bone mineral density was significantly decreased in diabetic rats; these effects were prevented by treatment with silibinin (100mgkg-1day-1 orally). Similarly, in the DG and DG-50 groups, changes in microarchitecture of femoral metaphysis assessed by microcomputed tomography demonstrated simultaneous existence of diabetic osteoporosis; these impairments were prevented by silibinin (100mgkg-1day-1 orally). In conclusion, silibinin supplementation may have potential use as a possible therapy for maintaining skeletal health and these results can enhance the understanding of diabetic osteoporosis induced by diabetes.

Comparison of the Tight Rope Technique and Clavicular Hook Plate for the Treatment of Rockwood Type III Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation

ABSTRACT Aim: Acromioclavicular joint dislocation is one of the most common shoulder problems and may lead to instability or degenerative changes. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of the Tight Rope system and clavicular hook plate for Rockwood type III acromioclavicular joint dislocation in adults. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, randomized study in a hospital setting. From January 2012 to December 2014, 69 patients with type III injury were reviewed. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group A was treated using the TightRope system and Group B with the clavicular hook plate. All participants were followed up for 12 months. Clinical outcomes, radiological results and postoperative complications were recorded. Results: The length of incision was significantly shorter in Goup A than that in Group B. The blood loss of surgery was significantly less in the Group A. Significant difference could be found between the two groups regarding the Visual Analogue Scale scores one day after surgery, at the 3 and 12 months follow-up. There were no differences according to the improvement of the Constant–Murley score and the coracoclavicular distance between the groups. Conclusions: The two groups have similar clinical and radiological outcomes. Both treatments could relieve the pain of dislocation, improve the function of Acromioclavicular joint and rectify the coracoclavicular distance measured in plain films. However, the TightRope system exhibited some advantages in terms of length of incision, blood loss of surgery, the pain postoperatively and no need for a second surgery.

Baicalin suppresses IL-1β-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines via blocking NF-κB in human osteoarthritis chondrocytes and shows protective effect in mice osteoarthritis models

ABSTRACT Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease with an inflammatory component that drives the degradation of cartilage extracellular matrix. Baicalin, a predominant flavonoid isolated from the dry root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has been reported to have anti‐inflammatory effects. However, the anti‐inflammatory effects of baicalin on OA have not been reported. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of baicalin on OA both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, human OA chondrocytes were pretreated with baicalin (10, 50, 100 &mgr;M) for 2 h and subsequently stimulated with IL‐1&bgr; for 24 h. Production of NO and PGE2 were evaluated by the Griess reaction and ELISAs. The mRNA expression of COX‐2, iNOS, MMP‐3, MMP‐13, ADAMTS‐5, aggrecan and collagen‐II were measured by real‐time PCR. The protein expression of COX‐2, iNOS, MMP‐3, MMP‐13, ADAMTS‐5, p65, p‐p65, I&kgr;B&agr; and p‐I&kgr;B&agr; was detected by Western blot. The protein expression of collagen‐II was evaluated by immunofluorescence. Luciferase activity assay was used to assess the relative activity of NF‐kB. In vivo, the severity of OA was determined by histological analysis. We found that baicalin significantly inhibited the IL‐1&bgr;‐induced production of NO and PGE2, expression of COX‐2, iNOS, MMP‐3, MMP‐13 and ADAMTS‐5 and degradation of aggrecan and collagen‐II. Furthermore, baicalin dramatically suppressed IL‐1&bgr;‐stimulated NF‐&kgr;B activation. In vivo, treatment of baicalin not only prevented the destruction of cartilage but also relieved synovitis in mice OA models. Taken together, these results suggest that baicalin may be a potential agent in the treatment of OA. HighlightsBaicalin inhibited IL‐1&bgr;‐induced NO, PGE2, iNOS, COX‐2 expression in human osteoarthritis chondrocytes.Baicalin inhibited IL‐1&bgr;‐induced MMP‐3, MMP‐13 and ADAMTS‐5 expression in human osteoarthritis chondrocytes.Baicalin inhibited IL‐1&bgr;‐induced aggrecan and collagen‐II degradation in human osteoarthritis chondrocytes.Baicalin inhibited the IL‐1&bgr;‐induced NF‐kB p65 activation in human osteoarthritis chondrocytes.Baicalin alleviated the progression of OA in mice OA models.

Possible therapeutic potential of berberine in the treatment of STZ plus HFD-induced diabetic osteoporosis

Diabetic osteoporosis is a complication of diabetes mellitus, and can result in an increased incidence of bone fractures and a delay in fracture healing. Berberine is one of the most widely distributed isoquinoline alkaloid in plants and possesses antioxidant properties. These properties can reduce the high glucose mediated in the dysfunction of human bone marrow stem cells. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the apparent beneficial effect of berberine on bone characteristics in streptozotocin plus HFD-induced diabetic rats. Rats were selected at random and divided into four groups: (A) control group (CG) (n = 10); (B) diabetic group (DG) (n = 10); (C) diabetic group with 50 mg kg-1day-1 of berberine (Brb-50) (n = 10); and (D) diabetic group with 100 mg kg-1day-1 of berberine (Brb-100) (n = 10). After 12 weeks of being treated with berberine, the femora from all rats were assessed and other blood biochemistries evaluated. Berberine at 50 mg/kg showed little effect and significance on diabetic osteopenia, while berberine at 100 mg/kg was significantly increased in diabetic rats. The same group also displayed a significantly decreased serum osteocalcin and serum alkaline phosphatase activity in diabetic rats. The impaired micro-architecture of the femurs in diabetic rats could partially be prevented by berberine with 100 mg/kg. In addition, berberine could to an extent restore the decreased bone formation and reabsorption of the femurs in diabetic rats through the histomorphometric analysis. Berberine could not only significantly lower the oxidative level of DNA damage, but also up-regulate the activity of serum antioxidants. According to our investigations and discoveries, we have found, that berberine may be a potential drug for controlling bone loss in diabetic osteoporosis.

Comparison of Hybrid Fixation to Dual Plating for Both-bone Forearm Fractures in Older Children

When operative stabilization of forearm fractures in older children is necessary, the optimal method of fixation is controversial. This study compared the radiographic and functional outcomes of dual plating to a hybrid fixation construct with elastic intramedullary nailing of the radius and plate fixation of the ulna of forearm fractures in children aged between 10 and 16 years. Nineteen patients were treated using a hybrid fixation construct and 13 patients were treated with dual plating fixation. The 2 groups were compared retrospectively according to perioperative data and patient outcome measures. The hybrid fixation construct group had 19, with a mean age of 13.3 years (range, 10–16 years) and the dual plate group had 13 patients, with a mean age of 12.9 years (range, 10–16 years). Groups were similar for sex, arm injured, and fracture location. Duration of surgery and tourniquet use was significantly shorter in the hybrid fixation construct group. There was no significant difference in either time to union or Price scores for function evaluation between the 2 groups. Complication rates were also similar between groups, with 1 ulna delayed unions, 1 superficial infection at entry of nail in hybrid fixation construct group, and 1 ulna delayed unions in the dual plating group. Hybrid fixation, using open reduction and internal fixation with a plate-and-screw construct on the ulna and closed reduction and elastic intramedullary fixation of the ulna, is an acceptable method for treating both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in skeletally immature patients aged 10–16 years.

The relationship between radiographic parameters and clinical outcome of distal radius fractures in elderly patients.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Treatment of distal radius fractures in elderly patients is controversial. This study explored the relationship between radiographic parameters and clinical outcomes of patients with distal radius fractures following conservative treatment. The study was done using radiographic measurements of distal radius fractures in elderly patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ninety-two active, healthy patients with conservatively managed distal radius fractures were included in the study. Functional and radiographic assessments were made 1 year after injury. Fifty patients who underwent corrective osteotomy comprised the control group. Radiographic parameters and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. The correlation coefficients of the radiographic parameters were analysed using multiple regression. RESULT Radius height (RH), volar tilt (VT) and Mayo wrist and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores in the experimental group were significantly superior to those of the control group. There was no significant group difference in radial inclination. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the most important factor affecting functional outcome was RH, followed by VT. DISCUSSION RH and VT were significantly correlated with the clinical outcomes of conservative treatment of distal radius fractures. RH should be given foremost consideration in elderly patients. Preoperatively, surgeons should evaluate this parameter carefully and be prepared to treat injuries accordingly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV retrospective study.