AIM： To investigate the effect of a new oral preparation, highly concentrated in fish cartilage, in a group of inflammatory bowel diseases （IBD） patients with chronic iron deficient anemia. METHODS： In an open lab...AIM： To investigate the effect of a new oral preparation, highly concentrated in fish cartilage, in a group of inflammatory bowel diseases （IBD） patients with chronic iron deficient anemia. METHODS： In an open label pilot study, we supplemented a group of 25 patients （11 with Crohn＇s disease and 14 with ulcerative colitis） in stable clinical conditions and chronic anemia with a food supplement which does not contain iron but contains a standardized fraction of fish cartilage glycosaminoglycans and a mixture of antioxidants （Captafer Medestea, Turin, Italy）. Patients received 500 mg, twice a day during meals, for at least 4 mo. Patients were suggested to maintain their alimentary habit. At time 0 and after 2 and 4 too, emocrome, sideremia and ferritin were examined. Paired data were analyzed with Student＇s t test. RESULTS： Three patients relapsed during the study （2 in the 3^rd too, 1 in the 4^th too）, two patients were lost to follow up and two patients dropped out （1 for orticaria, 1 for gastric burning）. Of the remaining 18 patients, levels of serum iron started to rapidly increase within the 2^nd mo of treatment, P 〈 0.05）, whereas serum ferritin and hemoglobin needed a longer period to significantly improve their serum levels （too 4） P 〈 0.05. The product was safe, easy to administer and well tolerated by patients. CONCLUSION： These data suggest a potential new treatment for IBD patients with iron deficiency chronic anemia and warrant further larger controlled studies.展开更多
Background Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein （COMP） is mainly found in the skeletal system and vascular smooth muscle cells. Recent researches showed that it had a protective function on blood vessels and could al...Background Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein （COMP） is mainly found in the skeletal system and vascular smooth muscle cells. Recent researches showed that it had a protective function on blood vessels and could also inhibit vascular calcification. We investigated the serum COMPs in coronary heart disease （CHD） patients, and the relationship between serum COMP and the calcification of coronary artery. Methods A total of 233 consecutive chest pain patients who first underwent coronary angiography followed by multi-slice computed to- mography （MSCT） within six months were recruited and divided into two groups according to the coronary angiography luminal diameter narrowing percentages： CHD group （diameter narrowing 〉 50%, n = 194） and control group （diameter narrowing 〈 50%, n = 39）. The Gen- sini score, Syntax score and coronary artery calcium score （CACs） were calculated. The serum COMP level was determined using ELISA. Results The levels of COMP were significantly higher in the CHD group than in the control group 155.7 （124.5-194.5） ng/mL vs. 128.4 （113.0-159.9） ng/mL, P = 0.019. There were no correlation between COMP, Gensini score, Syntax score, severity of coronary stenosis and the number of coronary artery with stenosis 〉 50%. The serum COMP was correlated with age （r = 0.294, P 〈 0.001）, fasting glucose （r = 0.163, P = 0.015）, HbAlc （r = 0.194, P = 0.015） and CACs （r = 0.137, P = 0.037）. Stepwise linear regression analysis showed that COMP level and age were independent predictors of CACs in the CHD patients （fl = 0.402, t = 2.612, P = 0.015; fl = 0.472, t = 3.077, P = 0.005）. Performance of COMP for predicting CHD was shown as area under curve （AUC）： 0.632, 95% CI： 0.549-0.715 and upper tertile CACs was AUC： 0.602, 95% CI： 0.5264）.678 in receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve analysis. Conclusion Calcification of coronary artery was an independent predictor of serum COMPs.展开更多
We have previously shown that capacitively coupled electrical stimulation of either normal bovine articular chondrocytes or osteoarthritic human articular cartilage explants resulted in up-regulation of cartilage matr...We have previously shown that capacitively coupled electrical stimulation of either normal bovine articular chondrocytes or osteoarthritic human articular cartilage explants resulted in up-regulation of cartilage matrix gene expression and down-regulation of metalloproteinase gene expression. In addition, collagen and proteoglycan protein levels were also elevated. To determine visually the effect of specific electric fields on modifying cartilage structure, freshly harvested human full-thickness osteoarthritic cartilage explants were stimulated in the absence or presence of interleukin-1β, an inflammatory cytokine, and were examined photographically and spectrophotometrically. Hexosamine and hydroxyproline contents were also determined. Spectrophotometric analysis was used to quantify any changes in the depth of defects in the cartilage ranging from surface level (red-colored) to the deepest affected layer (blue-colored). Interleukin-1β treatment alone caused significant additional cartilage erosion. Electrical stimulation alone resulted in significant decreases in the cartilage defects. Electrical stimulation in the presence of interleukin-1β resulted in a small, but significant, surface improvement. Meta-analysis also confirmed a significant increase in the hexosamine and hydroxyproline contents (indicating matrix deposition). It was concluded that an appropriate electric field could modify osteoarthritic lesions in full-thickness cartilage plugs by increasing matrix production and/or by decreasing matrix destruction. Furthermore, it appears that spectrophotometric analysis is a relatively easy method for quantifying the “filling in” or healing of articular cartilage defects.展开更多
The skeletal system is responsible for weight-bearing,organ protection,and movement.Bone diseases caused by trauma,infection,and aging can seriously affect a patient’s quality of life.Bone targeted biomaterials are s...The skeletal system is responsible for weight-bearing,organ protection,and movement.Bone diseases caused by trauma,infection,and aging can seriously affect a patient’s quality of life.Bone targeted biomaterials are suitable for the treatment of bone diseases.Biomaterials with bone-targeted properties can improve drug utilization and reduce side effects.A large number of bone-targeted micro-nano materials have been developed.However,only a few studies addressed bone-targeted hydrogel.The large size of hydrogel makes it difficult to achieve systematic targeting.However,local targeted hydrogel still has significant prospects.Molecules in bone/cartilage extracellular matrix and bone cells provide binding sites for bone-targeted hydrogel.Drug delivery systems featuring microgels with targeting properties is a key construction strategy for bone-targeted hydrogel.Besides,injectable hydrogel drug depot carrying bone-targeted drugs is another strategy.In this review,we summarize the bone-targeted hydrogel through application environment,construction strategies and disease applications.We hope this article will provide a reference for the development of bone-targeted hydrogels.We also hope this article could increase awareness of bone-targeted materials.展开更多
The skeletal system,which contains bones,joints,tendons,ligaments and other elements,plays a wide variety of roles in body shaping,support and movement,protection of internal organs,production of blood cells and regul...The skeletal system,which contains bones,joints,tendons,ligaments and other elements,plays a wide variety of roles in body shaping,support and movement,protection of internal organs,production of blood cells and regulation of calcium and phosphate metabolism.The prevalence of skeletal diseases and disorders,such as osteoporosis and bone fracture,osteoarthritis,rheumatoid arthritis,and intervertebral disc degeneration,increases with age,causing pain and loss of mobility and creating a huge social and economic burden globally.Focal adhesions(FAs)are macromolecular assemblies that are composed of the extracellular matrix(ECM),integrins,intracellular cytoskeleton and other proteins,including kindlin,talin,vinculin,paxillin,pinch,Src,focal adhesion kinase(FAK)and integrin-linked protein kinase(ILK)and other proteins.FA acts as a mechanical linkage connecting the ECM and cytoskeleton and plays a key role in mediating cell–environment communications and modulates important processes,such as cell attachment,spreading,migration,differentiation and mechanotransduction,in different cells in skeletal system by impacting distinct outside-in and inside-out signaling pathways.This review aims to integrate the up-to-date knowledge of the roles of FA proteins in the health and disease of skeletal system and focuses on the specific molecular mechanisms and underlying therapeutic targets for skeletal diseases.展开更多
Hyaluronic acid (HA) preparations have emerged as pivotal components in contemporary dentistry, gaining widespread recognition for their multifaceted roles in various biological functions. Extensive literature undersc...Hyaluronic acid (HA) preparations have emerged as pivotal components in contemporary dentistry, gaining widespread recognition for their multifaceted roles in various biological functions. Extensive literature underscores the significance of HA in maintaining tissue water balance, fostering cell proliferation, promoting rapid cell migration, influencing cell differentiation during organism development, and facilitating tissue regeneration. Notably, HA’s interactions with cell surface receptors contribute to the viscosity of synovial fluid, activate the immune system, and enhance cartilage elasticity. Beyond these established functions, HA has also been investigated for its potential involvement in determining and studying the hormetic effects of radon water, adding a novel dimension to its applications in dental research. A thorough exploration of existing studies reveals a nuanced understanding of how HA interventions impact the outcomes of dental procedures. The comprehensive scope of these investigations allows for a more accurate assessment of the potential effectiveness of specific interventions and provides valuable insights into post-procedural prognoses for individual patients. This synthesis of literature serves as the foundation for elucidating the intricate interplay between HA, radon exposure, and their relevance in modern dental practices.展开更多
Background Cardiovascular disease(CVD)is a common cause of death in China.There have been many evidences that inflammatory factors and acute phase reactants play an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary heart...Background Cardiovascular disease(CVD)is a common cause of death in China.There have been many evidences that inflammatory factors and acute phase reactants play an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease and acute coronary syndromes,and their related factors may become indicators for predicting and diagnosing early cardiovascular disease.Recent evidence has shown that human cartilage glycoprotein 39(YKL-40)is related to metabolic disorders caused by inflammatory diseases and heart diseases.YKL-40 is a new type of inflammation marker.Studies have shown that YKL-40 can further aggravate vascular damage and can be used as a biomarker for assessing the severity of cardiovascular disease and judging the prognosis.This article reviewed the biological characteristics of YKL-40 and its relationship with cardiovascular diseases.[S Chin J Cardiol 2021;22(1):57-64]展开更多
文摘AIM： To investigate the effect of a new oral preparation, highly concentrated in fish cartilage, in a group of inflammatory bowel diseases （IBD） patients with chronic iron deficient anemia. METHODS： In an open label pilot study, we supplemented a group of 25 patients （11 with Crohn＇s disease and 14 with ulcerative colitis） in stable clinical conditions and chronic anemia with a food supplement which does not contain iron but contains a standardized fraction of fish cartilage glycosaminoglycans and a mixture of antioxidants （Captafer Medestea, Turin, Italy）. Patients received 500 mg, twice a day during meals, for at least 4 mo. Patients were suggested to maintain their alimentary habit. At time 0 and after 2 and 4 too, emocrome, sideremia and ferritin were examined. Paired data were analyzed with Student＇s t test. RESULTS： Three patients relapsed during the study （2 in the 3^rd too, 1 in the 4^th too）, two patients were lost to follow up and two patients dropped out （1 for orticaria, 1 for gastric burning）. Of the remaining 18 patients, levels of serum iron started to rapidly increase within the 2^nd mo of treatment, P 〈 0.05）, whereas serum ferritin and hemoglobin needed a longer period to significantly improve their serum levels （too 4） P 〈 0.05. The product was safe, easy to administer and well tolerated by patients. CONCLUSION： These data suggest a potential new treatment for IBD patients with iron deficiency chronic anemia and warrant further larger controlled studies.
文摘Background Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein （COMP） is mainly found in the skeletal system and vascular smooth muscle cells. Recent researches showed that it had a protective function on blood vessels and could also inhibit vascular calcification. We investigated the serum COMPs in coronary heart disease （CHD） patients, and the relationship between serum COMP and the calcification of coronary artery. Methods A total of 233 consecutive chest pain patients who first underwent coronary angiography followed by multi-slice computed to- mography （MSCT） within six months were recruited and divided into two groups according to the coronary angiography luminal diameter narrowing percentages： CHD group （diameter narrowing 〉 50%, n = 194） and control group （diameter narrowing 〈 50%, n = 39）. The Gen- sini score, Syntax score and coronary artery calcium score （CACs） were calculated. The serum COMP level was determined using ELISA. Results The levels of COMP were significantly higher in the CHD group than in the control group 155.7 （124.5-194.5） ng/mL vs. 128.4 （113.0-159.9） ng/mL, P = 0.019. There were no correlation between COMP, Gensini score, Syntax score, severity of coronary stenosis and the number of coronary artery with stenosis 〉 50%. The serum COMP was correlated with age （r = 0.294, P 〈 0.001）, fasting glucose （r = 0.163, P = 0.015）, HbAlc （r = 0.194, P = 0.015） and CACs （r = 0.137, P = 0.037）. Stepwise linear regression analysis showed that COMP level and age were independent predictors of CACs in the CHD patients （fl = 0.402, t = 2.612, P = 0.015; fl = 0.472, t = 3.077, P = 0.005）. Performance of COMP for predicting CHD was shown as area under curve （AUC）： 0.632, 95% CI： 0.549-0.715 and upper tertile CACs was AUC： 0.602, 95% CI： 0.5264）.678 in receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve analysis. Conclusion Calcification of coronary artery was an independent predictor of serum COMPs.
文摘We have previously shown that capacitively coupled electrical stimulation of either normal bovine articular chondrocytes or osteoarthritic human articular cartilage explants resulted in up-regulation of cartilage matrix gene expression and down-regulation of metalloproteinase gene expression. In addition, collagen and proteoglycan protein levels were also elevated. To determine visually the effect of specific electric fields on modifying cartilage structure, freshly harvested human full-thickness osteoarthritic cartilage explants were stimulated in the absence or presence of interleukin-1β, an inflammatory cytokine, and were examined photographically and spectrophotometrically. Hexosamine and hydroxyproline contents were also determined. Spectrophotometric analysis was used to quantify any changes in the depth of defects in the cartilage ranging from surface level (red-colored) to the deepest affected layer (blue-colored). Interleukin-1β treatment alone caused significant additional cartilage erosion. Electrical stimulation alone resulted in significant decreases in the cartilage defects. Electrical stimulation in the presence of interleukin-1β resulted in a small, but significant, surface improvement. Meta-analysis also confirmed a significant increase in the hexosamine and hydroxyproline contents (indicating matrix deposition). It was concluded that an appropriate electric field could modify osteoarthritic lesions in full-thickness cartilage plugs by increasing matrix production and/or by decreasing matrix destruction. Furthermore, it appears that spectrophotometric analysis is a relatively easy method for quantifying the “filling in” or healing of articular cartilage defects.
基金This work was funded by the National Key R&D Program of China(2018YFC2001500)Key Project of The National Natural Science Foundation of China(82230071)National Natural Science Foundation of China(82172098,32101084).
文摘The skeletal system is responsible for weight-bearing,organ protection,and movement.Bone diseases caused by trauma,infection,and aging can seriously affect a patient’s quality of life.Bone targeted biomaterials are suitable for the treatment of bone diseases.Biomaterials with bone-targeted properties can improve drug utilization and reduce side effects.A large number of bone-targeted micro-nano materials have been developed.However,only a few studies addressed bone-targeted hydrogel.The large size of hydrogel makes it difficult to achieve systematic targeting.However,local targeted hydrogel still has significant prospects.Molecules in bone/cartilage extracellular matrix and bone cells provide binding sites for bone-targeted hydrogel.Drug delivery systems featuring microgels with targeting properties is a key construction strategy for bone-targeted hydrogel.Besides,injectable hydrogel drug depot carrying bone-targeted drugs is another strategy.In this review,we summarize the bone-targeted hydrogel through application environment,construction strategies and disease applications.We hope this article will provide a reference for the development of bone-targeted hydrogels.We also hope this article could increase awareness of bone-targeted materials.
基金supported,in part,by the National Key Research and Development Program of China Grants(2019YFA0906004)the National Natural Science Foundation of China Grants(82230081,82250710175,81991513 and 81870532)+1 种基金the Guangdong Provincial Science and Technology Innovation Council Grant(2017B030301018,China)the Shenzhen Municipal Science and Technology Innovation Council Grant(20200925150409001,China).
文摘The skeletal system,which contains bones,joints,tendons,ligaments and other elements,plays a wide variety of roles in body shaping,support and movement,protection of internal organs,production of blood cells and regulation of calcium and phosphate metabolism.The prevalence of skeletal diseases and disorders,such as osteoporosis and bone fracture,osteoarthritis,rheumatoid arthritis,and intervertebral disc degeneration,increases with age,causing pain and loss of mobility and creating a huge social and economic burden globally.Focal adhesions(FAs)are macromolecular assemblies that are composed of the extracellular matrix(ECM),integrins,intracellular cytoskeleton and other proteins,including kindlin,talin,vinculin,paxillin,pinch,Src,focal adhesion kinase(FAK)and integrin-linked protein kinase(ILK)and other proteins.FA acts as a mechanical linkage connecting the ECM and cytoskeleton and plays a key role in mediating cell–environment communications and modulates important processes,such as cell attachment,spreading,migration,differentiation and mechanotransduction,in different cells in skeletal system by impacting distinct outside-in and inside-out signaling pathways.This review aims to integrate the up-to-date knowledge of the roles of FA proteins in the health and disease of skeletal system and focuses on the specific molecular mechanisms and underlying therapeutic targets for skeletal diseases.
文摘Hyaluronic acid (HA) preparations have emerged as pivotal components in contemporary dentistry, gaining widespread recognition for their multifaceted roles in various biological functions. Extensive literature underscores the significance of HA in maintaining tissue water balance, fostering cell proliferation, promoting rapid cell migration, influencing cell differentiation during organism development, and facilitating tissue regeneration. Notably, HA’s interactions with cell surface receptors contribute to the viscosity of synovial fluid, activate the immune system, and enhance cartilage elasticity. Beyond these established functions, HA has also been investigated for its potential involvement in determining and studying the hormetic effects of radon water, adding a novel dimension to its applications in dental research. A thorough exploration of existing studies reveals a nuanced understanding of how HA interventions impact the outcomes of dental procedures. The comprehensive scope of these investigations allows for a more accurate assessment of the potential effectiveness of specific interventions and provides valuable insights into post-procedural prognoses for individual patients. This synthesis of literature serves as the foundation for elucidating the intricate interplay between HA, radon exposure, and their relevance in modern dental practices.
基金supported by Science and Technology Key Research Project in Jining(No.2018SMNS006)Teaching Case Library Project of 2018 Professional Degree Graduate Student in Shandong Province(No.SDYAL18100)
文摘Background Cardiovascular disease(CVD)is a common cause of death in China.There have been many evidences that inflammatory factors and acute phase reactants play an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease and acute coronary syndromes,and their related factors may become indicators for predicting and diagnosing early cardiovascular disease.Recent evidence has shown that human cartilage glycoprotein 39(YKL-40)is related to metabolic disorders caused by inflammatory diseases and heart diseases.YKL-40 is a new type of inflammation marker.Studies have shown that YKL-40 can further aggravate vascular damage and can be used as a biomarker for assessing the severity of cardiovascular disease and judging the prognosis.This article reviewed the biological characteristics of YKL-40 and its relationship with cardiovascular diseases.[S Chin J Cardiol 2021;22(1):57-64]
