Bilateral Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head in Renal Transplant Recipient: A Case Report

Osteoarticular complications are common after renal transplantation. The complications may result from the bone condition prior to transplantation or the iatrogenic effects of the treatments administered. These complications lead to significant morbidity and mortality, in addition to chronic pain and functional impairment. We report the clinical case of bilateral avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head in a kidney transplant recipient. Clinical Case: 53-year-old male with a history of chronic hypertension. He underwent chronic hemodialysis for 12 months and was treated with Entecavir for chronic hepatitis B. The patient received a kidney transplant from a non-related living donor. Induction therapy included Thymoglobulin along with tapered corticosteroids, reaching a dose of 5 mg/day after 3 months, Mycophenolate mofetil (2 g/day), and Tacrolimus adjusted based on residual levels. There was good recovery of renal graft function. After six months, the patient reported bilateral hip pain and functional impairment of both lower limbs. Pelvic X-rays showed signs suggestive of bilateral AVN of the femoral heads. The diagnosis was confirmed by MRI. The patient underwent right hip drilling and total left hip replacement (THR). A right THR was performed a year later. Conclusion: AVN constitutes a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality after RT. The pathophysiology of osteonecrosis remains complex and multifactorial. We emphasize the importance of conducting a thorough assessment of bone health in patients both before and after RT.

Effect of Yang-Warming and Kidney-Tonifying Prescription on Expression of Osteogenic and Angiogenic Factors and H-Type Vascular Markers in Steroid-Induced Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head in Rabbits

Objective: To investigate the effect of Yang-warming and Kidney-tonifying Prescription (YKP) on the treatment of steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH) in rabbits. And to further explore whether its therapeutic mechanism is related to the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF (angiogenic factors), BMP2 and Osterix (osteogenic factor), CD31 (type H vascular marker) and MMP13 (bone destruction-related factor). Methods: Twenty-seven healthy male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into a normal group, model group, traditional Chinese medcine (TCM) group (clinical equivalent dose group of YKP), miR-130a inhibitor group and TCM + inhibitor group. The SANFH model was established by combining horse serum with methylprednisolone. After the model is successfully established, TCM group was given 6.44 g/kg·d YKP by gavage, and the miR-130a gene inhibitor group was intraperitoneally injected with 25 mg/kg miR-130a inhibitor, locked nucleic acid (LNA)-anti-miR-130a. TCM + inhibitor group was treated with YKP intragastrically and miR-130a inhibitor intraperitoneally. The rabbits in the normal group and the model group were intragastrically administered with normal saline 10 ml/d. Once a day for 4 weeks. The avascular necrosis was detected by HE staining. The contents of HIF-1α, VEGF, BMP2 and Osterix in rabbit tissues were detected by qRT-PCR kit, and the expression of CD31 and MMP13 was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Results: In the normal group, the surface of the cartilage layer of the femoral head was smooth, the bone trabeculae were intact and densely arranged, the cells of each layer were neatly arranged, the morphology of the bone cells, the chondrocytes and the adipocytes were normal. In the model group, cartilage surfaces of the femoral head showed exfoliative cracks. The bone trabecular structure was loose and incomplete, chondrocytes, osteoblasts and bone marrow cells were significantly reduced, and the number of empty bone traps was significantly increased. In the TCM-treated group, more chondrocytes, thicker cartilage layer, and more regular bone trabeculae were detected as compared to model rabbits. In contrast, the cartilage layer was thinner, the destruction and fracture of bone trabeculae was more serious, chondrocytes and osteocytes were decreased as compared to model group. The expression of HIF-1α, VEGF, BMP2, and Osterix in the model group decreased significantly as compared to the normal group (P Conclusion: YKP can regulate the expression of angiogenic-related factors (VEGF and HIF-α), osteogenic-related factors (BMP2 and Osterix), and H-type vascular marker CD31, resulting in increased expressions of VEGF, HIF-α, BMP2, and Osterix, which promote intra-femoral head revascularization. Meanwhile, YKP decreased the expression of bone-destruction-related factor MMP13, thus enhancing the ability of bone tissue to repair itself. Regulation of these molecules’ expression may be one of the mechanisms of YKP in the treatment of hormonal femoral head necrosis.

A Rabbit Model of Hormone-induced Early Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head

Objective To establish an experimental model of early stage avascular necrosis of the femoral head （ANFH） caused by corticosteroid in adult rabbits and to observe the pathological changes with various imaging techniques. Methods ANFH was induced by a combination of hypersensitivity vasculitis caused by injection of horse serum and subsequent administration of a high dose of corticosteroid. The pathological changes were detected with digital radiography （DR）, computed tomography （CT）, magnetic resonance imaging （MRI）, ink artery infusion angiography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry. Results The imageological and pathological changes corresponded to the clinical characteristics of early stage ANFH. DR showed bilaterally increased bone density, an unclear epiphyseal line, and blurred texture of cancellous bone. CT showed spot-like low-density imaging of cancellous bone, thinner cortical bone, osteoporosis, and an unclear epiphyseal line. MR! showed bone marrow edema and spot-like high signals in T2-weighted imaging in cancellous bone. Ink artery infusion angiography showed fewer obstructed blood vessels in the femoral head. HE staining of pathological sections showed fewer trabeculae and thin bone, an increased proportion of empty osteocyte lacunae, decreased hematopoiesis, thrombosis, and fat cell hypertrophy. Immunohistochemistry showed attenuated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in osteoblasts and chondrocytes, and on the inner membrane of blood vessels. Conclusion Experimental rabbit model of early stage ANFH caused by corticosteroid can be successfully established and provide the foundation for developing effective methods to treat early stage ANFH.

Regulation of Quan Du Zhong capsule on VEGF/bFGF and expression of Bcl‑2/Bax and Caspase‑3 protein in the repairing process of canine femoral head necrosis

Objective:To explore the repair and treatment effect of Quan Du Zhong capsule on necrosis of femoral head in dogs.Methods:Totally 12 beagles were randomly divided into normal group,model group,Quan Du Zhong capsule group and Xianlinggubao capsule group,with three in each group.In addition to the normal group,the other groups established the femoral head necrosis model by liquid nitrogen alternative freezing.The normal group and the model group did not have any intervention during the modeling period,and the Quan Du Zhong group began to receive the Quan Du Zhong by gavage on the day of modeling;Xianlinggubao capsule group was given Xianlinggubao capsule by gavage once a day for 12 consecutive weeks on the day of modeling.The levels of VEGF and bFGF in the blood vessels of each group at the 12th week were compared,and the ratios of BMD,BS/BV,BV/TV,Tb.Th,Tb.N were measured by Micro CT,and the expressions of Bcl-2,Bax,Caspase-3 proteins were detected by immune reaction.Results:1.Compared with the normal group,the level of serum VEGF and bFGF in the model group decreased after 12 weeks of modeling(P<0.05);Compared with the model group,the levels of serum VEGF and bFGF water in the Xianlinggubao capsule group and the Quan Du Zhong capsule group increased on average at the 12th week of modeling,with statistical difference(P<0.05).The level of the Quan Du Zhong capsule group was the highest,followed by the Xianlinggubao capsule group.2.Compared with the normal group,BMD,BS/BV,BV/TV,Tb.Th and Tb.N in the model group were lower,and Tb.SP were higher,the results were statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the BMD,BV/TV,Tb.Th and Tb.N of Xianlinggubao capsule group and the total eucommia capsule group increased,while the BS/BV and Tb.SP decreased(P<0.05).3.The Quan Du Zhong capsule group and Xianlinggubao capsule group could significantly increase the expression of bcl-2 protein in the femoral head of dogs,which was significantly different from the model group(P<0.05).The expression of bax protein in the femoral head of dogs in the Quan Du Zhong capsule group and the Xianlinggubao capsule group was significantly reduced compared with the model group(P<0.05).The expression of caspase-3 protein in the femoral head of dogs was significantly reduced in the Quan Du Zhong capsule group and Xianlinggubao capsule group,which was significantly different from the model group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Quan Du Zhong capsule can increase the expression of VEGF and bFGF in serum,increase the expression of bcl-2,inhibit the expression of bax,and reduce the expression of caspase-3,which plays a synergistic role in the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head,and has potential targets.

Experimental Study of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene Therapy for Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head

To explore a new method for the therapy of the avascular necrosis of the femoral head, the recombinant plasmid pCD-hVEGF 165 was mixed with collagen and was implanted in the necrotic femoral head The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was detected by RNA dot hybridization and immunohistochemical method The repair of the femoral head was observed by histological method The results showed that the expression of VEGF was detectable in the femoral head treated with VEGF gene Angiogenesis in these femoral heads was more abundant than the control Bone repairing was augmented in the femoral head treated with VEGF gene The results suggest that angiogenesis in bone tissue could be augmented by gene transfection of VEGF and bone repairing would be accelerated accordingly

Microstructures and properties of cancellous bone of avascular necrosis of femoral heads

The aim of this study is to investigate microscopic structure and characterize cancellous bone of avascular necrosis of the femoral head （ANFH）. The rabbit model of the ANFH is established. The histopathologic features are studied successfully. The differences between the steroidinjection group （S.G.） and the controlled group （C.G.） are examined, including the weight of rabbits, the hematological examination and the three-dimensional stnactures. It is found that the plasma levels of cholesterol （CHO）, high-density lipoprotein （HDL） and low-density lipoprotein （LDL） in S.G. are lower than those in C.G. when the triglyceride （TG） increased in the S.G.; but the bone mineral content （BMC） and the structural model index （SMI） of the organ and tissue decreased significantly in S.G. Three-dimensional structures of the femoral head are obtained using micro-computed tomography （CT） scanning and the mechanical model is established to analyze the influences of these structural changes on the mechanical properties of the cancellous bone.

BASIC FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR GENE TRANSFECTION TO ENHANCE THE REPAIR OF AVASCULAR NECROSIS OFTHE FEMORAL HEAD

Objective To explore a new method for the therapy of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Method The recombinant plasmid pCD-rbFGF was mixed with collagen and was implanted in the necrotic femoral head. Expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was examined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical method. Re-pair of the femoral head was observed by histological and histomorphometric analysis. Result Expression of bFGF was detected in the femoral head transfected with bFGF gene, indicating significant increase of angiogenesis 2 weeks after gene transfection and increased new bone formation 8 weeks after gene transfection on histom-orphometric analysis (P< 0.01). Conclusion Transfection of bFGF gene enhances bone tissue angiogenesis. Repair in osteonecrosis would be accelerated accordingly.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head: An update in year 2012

Osteonecrosis is a phenomenon involving disruption to the vascular supply to the femoral head, resulting in articular surface collapse and eventual osteoarthritis. Although alcoholism, steroid use, and hip trauma remain the most common causes, several other etiologies for osteonecrosis have been identified. Basic science research utilizing animal models and stem cell applications continue to further elucidate the pathophysiology of osteonecrosis and promise novel treatment options in the future. Clinical studies evaluating modern joint-sparing procedures have demonstrated significant improvements in outcomes, but hip arthroplasty is still the most common procedure performed in these affected younger adults. Further advances in joint-preserving procedures are required and will be widely studied in the coming decade.

Modified porous tantalum rod technique for the treatment of femoral head osteonecrosis

AIM: To study a modified porous tantalum technique for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head.METHODS: The porous tantalum rod was combined with endoscopy,curettage,autologous bone grafting and use of bone marrow aspirates from iliac crest aspiration in 49 patients(58 hips) with a mean age of 38 years.The majority of the patients had idiopathic osteonecrosis,followed by corticosteroid-induced osteonecrosis.Thirtyeight hips were of Steinberg stage Ⅱ disease and 20 hips were of stage Ⅲ disease.Patients were followed for 5 years and were evaluated clinically with the Merle D'Aubigne and Postel score and radiologically.The primary outcome of the study was survival based on the conversion to total hip arthroplasty(THA).Secondary outcomes included deterioration of the osteonecrosis to a higher disease stage at 5 years compared to the preoperative period and identification of factors that were associated with survival.The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to evaluate the survivorship ofthe prosthesis,and the Fisher exact test was performed to test associations between various parameters with survival.RESULTS: No patient developed any serious intraoperative or postoperative complication including implant loosening or migration and donor site morbidity.During the 5-year follow up,1 patient died,7 patients had disease progression and 4 hips were converted to THA.The 5-year survival based on conversion to THA was 93.1% and the respective rate based on disease progression was 87.9%.Stage Ⅱ disease was associated with statistically significant better survival rates compared to stage Ⅲ disease(P = 0.04).The comparison between idiopathic and non-idiopathic osteonecrosis and between steroid-induced and non-steroid-induced osteonecrosis did not showed any statistically significant difference in survival rates.The clinical evaluation revealed statistically significantly improved Merle d'Aubigne scores at 12 mo postoperatively compared to the preoperative period(P < 0.001).The mean preoperative Merle d'Aubigne score was 13.0(SD: 1.8).The respective score at 12 mo improved to 17.0(SD: 2.0).The 12-mo mean score was retained at 5 years.CONCLUSION: The modified porous tantalum rod technique presented here showed encouraging outcomes.The survival rates based on conversion to THA are the lowest reported in the published literature.

Vascular endothelial growth factor for the treatment of femoral head osteonecrosis: An experimental study in canines

AIM To evaluate the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head(ONFH) with the use of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF).METHODS In 30 mature beagles(6 groups of 5 beagles) ONFH was induced cryosurgically and one of the following solutions was administered locally in the femoral head(FH) in each group: Single injection of 500 μg VEGF(t-VEGFμ group); single injection of 500 ng VEGF(t-VEGFn group); continuous delivery of 500 μg VEGF through osmotic micropump(t-VEGFpump-μ group); continuous delivery of 500 ng VEGF through osmotic micropump(t-VEGFpump-n group); single injection of 0.9% sodium chloride(t-NS group), while one group that served as control group did not receive any local solution(No-t group). FHs were retrieved 12 wk postoperatively, underwent decalcification and hematoxylin/eosin and toluidine blue staining. In two canines per group, one half of FH was processed without decalcification and stained with modified Masson Trichrome. Histological sections were observed by light microscopy and measured with a semi-automatized bone histomorphometry system and Bone Volume/Total Volume(BV/TV), Marrow Volume/Total Volume(MaV/TV), and Trabecular Thickness(TbT h) were assessed. Standard and robust tests(Welch, Brown Forsythe) of analysis of variance along with multiple comparisons, were carried out among the categories.RESULTS The untreated(No-t) group had signs of osteonecrosis, whereas the VEGF groups revealed reversal of the osteonecrosis. Statistical analysis of the decalcified specimens revealed a significantly better BV/TV ratio and a higher Tb Th between the VEGF treatment groups(except the t-VEGFn group) and the No-t group or the control t-NS group. Single dose 500 μg VEGF group had significantly better BV/TV ratio and higher Tb Th when compared to the No-t group(50.45 ± 6.18 vs 29.50 ± 12.27, P = 0.002 and 151.44 ± 19.07 vs 107.77 ± 35.15, P = 0.161 respectively) and the control t-NS group(50.45 ± 6.18 vs 30.9 ± 6.67, P = 0.004 and 151.44 ± 19.07 vs 107.14 ± 35.71, P = 0.151 respectively). Similar differences were found for the prolonged VEGF delivery/pump groups of 500 μg and 500 ng. Analysis of the totality of specimens(decalcified/non-decalcified) enhanced the aforementioned differences and additionally revealed significant differences in the comparison of the TbT h.CONCLUSION In an experimental model of ONFH in canines it was found that local treatment with VEGF leads to bone tissue remodeling and new bone formation.

Study on the Effect of Youguiyin(右归饮) on Regulating Gene Expression Profile of the Rats with Femoral Head Necrosis Induced by Steroid

Objective： To observe the regulation of Youguiyin （YGY, 右归钦） on the gene expression profile of the rat with steroid-induced femoral head necrosis （sFHN）, for the sake of investigating its molecular mechanism of sFHN prevention and treatment. Methods： All the 30 rats were randomly divided into three groups, the normal control group （A）, the model control group （B）, and the YGY treated group （C）, 10 in each group. After rats in Groups B and C were being made into FHN models with steroid injection, they received a daily intragastdc administration of saline and YGY respectively in equal volume for a total of 6 weeks, while to the unmodeled normal rats in Group A, saline was administered instead. The rats were sacrificed at the terminal of administration; their mRNA from femoral head tissue was extracted and prepared to cDNA probe through inverse transcription for detecting gene expression profile by microarray, outcomes of which was passing fluorescence quantitative PCR verification, and the differential expressed genes were analyzed adopting gene ontology （GO） method. Results： Compared with Group A, the numbers of differential genes found in Groups B and C were 190 and 92, respectively, but the changing trend in the two groups was opposite, mainly manifested as down-regulating in Group B/Group A （GB/GA） and up-regulating in Group C/Group B （GC/GB）. The analysis showed that these differential genes were mainly assigned to cell apoptosis, signal transduction, metabolism, cell proliferation and differentiation, cell cycle, blood coagulation, antioxidant activity, etc. Conclusions： sFHN was regulated by various genes; the regulation of YGY on expressions of these genes and the intra]extra-cellular signaling processes was possibly the molecular mechanism of YGY for preventing/treating sFHN. This study gave an explanation to the effectiveness of Chinese medicine in preventing/treating FHN from aspects of gene expression and enriched the Chinese medicine theory of ＂Kidney （Shen） governing bones＂.

Mid-term results of sub-trochanteric valgus osteotomy for symptomatic late stages Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

BACKGROUND The treatment of late stages of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease(LCPD)is controversial.Although the concept of femoral head containment is a well-established technique of treatment,its use remains debatable in the late stages of the disease,as it does not improve symptoms in terms of limb length discrepancy and gait.AIM To assess the results of subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy in symptomatic patients with late-stage Perthes disease.METHODS From 2000 to 2007,36 symptomatic patients with late stage of Perthes disease were surgically treated with subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy and followed-up for 8 to 11 years using the IOWA score and range of motion(ROM)variables.The Mose classification was also assessed at the last follow-up to reflect possible remodeling.The patients were 8 years old or older at the time of surgery,in the post-fragmentation stage,and complaining of pain,limited ROM,Trendelenburg gait,and/or abductor weakness.RESULTS The preoperative IOWA score(average:53.3)markedly improved at the 1-year post follow-up period(average:85.41)and then slightly improved at the last follow-up(average:89.4)(P value<0.05).ROM improved,with internal rotation increased on average by 22°(from 10°preoperatively to 32°postoperatively)and abduction increased on average by 15.9°(from 25°preoperatively to 41°postoperatively).The mean Mose deviation of femoral heads was 4.1 mm at the end of the follow-up period.The tests used were the paired t-test and Pearson correlation test,where the level of significance was a P value less than 0.05.CONCLUSION Subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy can be a good option for symptomatic relief in patients with late-stage of LCPD.

三七有效成分调控激素性股骨头坏死的相关信号通路

背景:激素性股骨头坏死是骨科领域难治和难愈性疾病,尚无确切研究观点完整解释其病理机制。随着三七有效成分干预多种疾病相关信号通路的研究增加,三七有效成分通过调控激素性股骨头坏死相关信号通路治疗该病逐渐成为时下研究热点。目的:系统总结分析近年来激素性股骨头坏死病理机制研究文献和三七有效成分调控该病相关信号通路的相关文献内容,为后续研究三七有效成分治疗该病提供参考。方法:检索中国知网及万方数据库,中文检索词为“糖皮质激素,激素性股骨头坏死,病理机制,信号通路,三七,有效成分”等;检索PubMed数据库,英文检索词为”Glucocorticoid,steroid associated necrosis of the femoral head,Pathological mechanism,signaling pathway,Panax notoginseng,active ingredient”等,筛选激素性股骨头坏死病理机制相关文献和三七有效成分调控激素性股骨头坏死相关信号通路文献,最终共纳入63篇文献。结果与结论:①三七主要成分包括三七总皂苷、人参皂苷、三七皂苷、槲皮素和山柰酚等。②在调控相关通路方面,三七总皂苷、人参皂苷Rb1和槲皮素作用于转化生长因子β/骨形态发生蛋白通路,能促进骨修复和血管新生;三七总皂苷、人参皂苷CK和山柰酚作用于Wnt/β-catenin通路,可促进成骨分化和脂质代谢;三七总皂苷及三七皂苷R1/R2作用于MAPK通路,抑制破骨和促进骨修复;三七总皂苷、人参皂苷Rb2及槲皮素作用于RANKL/RANK/骨保护蛋白通路,可抑制破骨增殖并促进成骨分化;三七总皂苷、槲皮素及山柰酚作用于缺氧诱导因子1α通路,能修复血管损伤和促进成骨。③三七皂苷R1、槲皮素联合羟基磷灰石纳米颗粒、三七总皂苷联合聚乙烯-L-乳酸等生物材料治疗激素性股骨头坏死具有良好的研究前景。④三七有效成分可通过多种机制调控激素性股骨头坏死相关信号通路,对该病起到积极的干预作用,但目前相关研究深度和广度不足,未来应基于现有的机制研究,深入探究三七调控该病不同通路的具体机制及通路间相互作用,将有利于运用三七有效成分治疗激素性股骨头坏死的多元发展。

circCDR1as/miR-7-5p/RAF1轴参与调控激素性股骨头坏死中的自噬

背景:自噬可能参与激素性股骨头坏死的病理过程。有研究证实环状RNA(circular RNA,circRNA)在激素性股骨头坏死中具有调控机制,然而,circCDR1as是否在激素性股骨头坏死中影响自噬尚未被研究。目的:探讨激素性股骨头坏死中自噬水平及circCDR1as的调控机制。方法:①从GSE26316数据集中获取激素性股骨头坏死及对照组大鼠的基因表达谱并进行差异表达分析,随后分析差异表达基因的生物学功能。通过数据库预测circCDR1as的靶标miRNAs及靶标基因。比较靶标基因与差异表达基因,构建circCDR1as的调控网络。②收集激素性股骨头坏死患者及健康对照人群的股骨头样本;同时应用骨髓间充质干细胞进行细胞实验:随机分为骨髓间充质干细胞组、模型组(甲泼尼龙处理)、模型+si-NC组、模型+si-CDR1as组。利用RT-qPCR检测组织和细胞circCDR1as及靶标基因的表达,Western blot检测自噬相关蛋白的表达。③构建荧光素酶报告基因载体:pmirGLO-CDR1as(WT)、pmirGLO-RAF1(WT)、pmirGLO-CDR1as(MUT)和pmirGLO-RAF1(MUT),转染到细胞中,并设miR-7-5p mimic和mimic NC组,检测circCDR1as网络的靶向调控关系。结果与结论:①大鼠激素性股骨头坏死组与对照组之间鉴定了1283个差异表达基因,主要参与细胞凋亡和自噬信号通路。预测发现circCDR1as靶向调控6个miRNAs,这些miRNAs靶向调控305个靶标基因,其中有31个靶标基因在激素性股骨头坏死中差异表达,RAF1参与自噬被选择为关键基因,并构建了circCDR1as/miR-7-5p/RAF1的调控网络。②与对照组比较,circCDR1as,RAF1和自噬水平在激素性股骨头坏死患者及激素诱导的骨髓间充质干细胞中表达上调(P<0.05),miR-7-5p表达下调(P<0.05);敲降circCDR1as后细胞自噬水平显著下降(P<0.05)。③双荧光素酶报告检测证实了circCDR1as与miR-7-5p以及miR-7-5p与RAF1的靶向调控关系。④结论:CircCDR1as/miR-7-5p/RAF1可能通过自噬信号促进激素性股骨头坏死,靶向circCDR1as是通过部分自噬修复治疗激素性股骨头坏死的潜在策略。

基于TGF-β/BMP/Smad信号通路治疗激素性股骨头坏死中医药研究进展

激素性股骨头坏死(steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head,SIONFH)是由于糖皮质激素使用不当或过度而引起的髋关节疾病,发病机制尚未统一,临床疗效亦不佳。当前,没有效果明确的药物可以延缓疾病进程,而中医药治疗SIONFH在临床上取得一定疗效。即便如此,仍未能完整的从分子生物及细胞生物学角度阐明中药治疗SIONFH的作用机制。转化生长因子-β(TGF-β)/骨形态发生蛋白(BMP)/Smad信号通路的转导是防治SIONFH的研究热点之一,故该文阐明了该信号通路的转导机制以及与SIONFH的联系,检索了基于该通路治疗SIONFH的全部中药及复方并阐述其影响机制。基于中医对SIONFH的认识,现临床上使用补肝肾强筋骨以及活血祛瘀通络类的方药治疗SIONFH,且具有良好的疗效。中药通过调控该通路,可刺激骨髓间充质干细胞成骨分化,降低破骨细胞含量,减少脂肪生成,改善微循环,抗氧化损伤,促进股骨头内血管新生,从而促进股骨头损伤的修复。现基于TGF-β/BMP/Smad信号通路对中医药治疗SIONFH的研究进展做一综述,期许为中医药治疗SIONFH提供理论依据及参考。

益气续骨方调节PI3K/Akt信号通路对激素性股骨头坏死大鼠骨代谢的影响

目的探究益气续骨方调节磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(Akt)信号通路对激素性股骨头坏死大鼠骨代谢的影响。方法将50只SD雄性大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、益气续骨方低剂量组、益气续骨方高剂量组、益气续骨方+LY294002组,每组10只。除正常组外,其余组大鼠右臀肌肉注射醋酸泼尼松龙注射液4周建立激素性股骨头坏死模型。造模结束后,益气续骨方低、高剂量组大鼠分别给予益气续骨方0.5 mL(含生药0.285 g/mL)和1 mL(含生药0.57 g/mL)灌胃,益气续骨方+LY294002组大鼠给予益气续骨方1 mL灌胃并腹腔注射6 mg/kg的LY294002,正常组和模型组给予等体积生理盐水灌胃,均1次/d,连续干预8周。ELISA检测大鼠血清白细胞介素-4(IL-4)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、血钙、血磷、骨保护素(OPG)、骨钙素(OCN)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)水平,Micro-CT检测观察股骨头形态,HE染色观察股骨头组织病理形态,TRAP染色观察破骨细胞生成情况,Western blot法检测股骨头组织中骨特异性转录因子2(Runx2)、骨形态发生蛋白2(BMP-2)、裂解半胱天冬酶-3(Cleaved-Caspase-3)、PI3K、Akt蛋白表达情况。结果与正常组比较,模型组大鼠血清IL-4、IL-6、TNF-α、OPG、ALP水平和骨小梁分离度(Tb.Sp)、空骨陷窝率及股骨头组织中Cleaved-Caspase-3蛋白相对表达量均明显升高(P均<0.05),血钙、血磷、OCN水平和骨体积分数(BV/TV)、骨小梁数目(Tb.N)、骨小梁厚度(Tb.Th)及股骨头组织中Runx2、BMP-2、p-PI3K/PI3K、p-Akt/Akt蛋白相对表达量均明显降低(P均<0.05),破骨细胞数量增多,股骨头破坏、骨小梁空间结构紊乱;与模型组比较,益气续骨方低、高剂量组大鼠血清IL-4、IL-6、TNF-α、OPG、ALP水平和Tb.Sp、空骨陷窝率及股骨头组织中Cleaved-Caspase-3蛋白相对表达量均明显降低(P均<0.05),血钙、血磷、OCN水平和BV/TV、Tb.N、Tb.Th及股骨头组织中Runx2、BMP-2、p-PI3K/PI3K、p-Akt/Akt蛋白相对表达量均明显升高(P均<0.05),破骨细胞数量减少,股骨头破坏程度减轻,骨小梁空间结构形态改善;LY294002可减弱益气续骨方对上述指标的改善作用,各指标与益气续骨方高剂量组比较差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。结论益气续骨方可改善激素性股骨头坏死大鼠骨代谢,降低炎症因子水平,减少破骨细胞数量,减轻大鼠股骨头坏死,机制可能与激活PI3K/Akt信号通路有关。

Vascular endothelial growth factor gene transfection to enhance the repair of avascular necrosis of the femoral head of rabbit

Objective To explore a new method for the therapy of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Methods The recombinant plasmid pCD-hVEGF 165 was mixed with collagen and was implanted in the necrotic femoral head. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was examined by RNA dot hybridization and immunohistochemical techniques. Repair of the femoral head was observed by histological and histomorphometric analysis.Results The expression of VEGF was detected in the femoral head transfected with the VEGF gene. The femoral head transfected with the VEGF gene showed a significant increase in angiogenesis 2 and 4 weeks after gene transfection and a significant increase in bone formation 6 and 8 weeks after gene transfection on histomorphometric analysis ( P <0.01).Conclusions Transfection of the VEGF gene enhances bone tissue angiogenesis. Repair of osteonecrosis could be accelerated accordingly,thus providing a potential method for therapy of osteonecrosis.

Long-term Outcome of Multiple Small-diameter Drilling Decompression Combined with Hip Arthroscopy versus Drilling Alone for Early Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head

Background： Avascular necrosis of femoral head （AVNFH） typically presents in the young adults and progresses quickly without proper treatments. However, the optimum treatments for early stage of AVNFH are still controversial. This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of multiple small-diameter drilling decompression combined with hip arthroscopy for early AVNFH compared to drilling alone. Methods： This is a nonrandomized retrospective case series study. Between April 2006 and November 2010, 60 patients （98 hips） with early stage AVNFH participated in this study. The patients underwent multiple small-diameter drilling decompression combined with hip arthroscopy in 26 cases/43 hips （Group A） or drilling decompression alone in 34 cases/55 hips （Group B）. Patients were followed up at 6, 12, and 24 weeks, and every 6 months thereafter. Radiographs were taken at every follow-up, Harris scores were recorded at the last follow-up, the paired t-test was used to compare the postoperative Harris scores. Surgery effective rate of the two groups was compared using the Chi-square test. Results： All patients were followed up for an average of 57.6 months （range： 17-108 months）. Pain relief and improvement of hip function were assessed in all patients at 6 months after the surgery. At the last follow-up, Group A had better outcome with mean Harris＇ scores improved from 68.23 ± 11.37 to 82.07 ± 2.92 （t = -7.21, P = 0.001） than Group B with mean Harris＇ scores improved from 69.46 ± 9.71 to 75.79± 4.13 （t = -9.47, P = 0.037） （significantly different： t = -2.54, P = 0.017）. The total surgery effective rate was also significantly different between Groups A and B （86.0% vs. 74.5%; Z2 = 3.69, P = 0.02）. Conclusion： For early stage of AVNFH, multiple small-diameter drilling decompression combined with hip arthroscopy is more effective than drilling decompression alone.

Association of sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 genetic polymorphisms with avascular necrosis of the femoral head in the Chinese population

Background Sterol regulatory element binding protein （SREBP）-2 plays a key role in lipid homeostasis by stimulating gene expression of cholesterol biosynthetic pathways. The insulin-like growth factor binding protein （IGFBP） family regulates growth and metabolism, especially bone cell metabolism, and correlates with osteonecrosis. However, association of their gene polymorphisms with risk of avascular necrosis of the femoral head （ANFH） has rarely been reported. We determined whether SREBP-2 and IGFBP-3 gene polymorphisms were associated with increased ANFH risk in the Chinese population. Methods Two single nucleotide polymorphisms of SREBP2 gene, rs2267439 and rs2267443, and one of IGFBP-3 gene, rs2453839, were selected and genotyped in 49 ANFH patients and 42 control individuals by direct sequencing assay. Results The frequencies of rs2267439 TT and rs2267443 GA of SREBP2 and rs2453839 TT and CT of IGFBP-3 in the ANFH group showed increased and decreased tendencies （against normal control group）, respectively. Interaction analysis of genes revealed that the frequency of carrying rs2267439 TT and rs2267443 GA genotypes of SREBF-2 in ANFH patients was significantly higher than in the control group （P 〈0.05）. Association analysis between polymorphisms and clinical phenotype demonstrated that the disease course in ANFH patients with the rs2453839 TT genotype of IGFBP-3 was significantly shorter than that of CT＋CC carriers （P 〈0.01）. CT＋CC genotype frequency in patients with stage Ill/IV bilateral hip lesions was significantly higher than in those with stage Ill/IV unilateral lesions and stage II/111 bilateral lesions （P 〈0.05-0.02）. Conclusions Our results suggested that interaction of SREBP-2 gene polymorphisms and the relationship between the polymorphisms and clinical phenotype of IGFBP-3 were closely related to increased ANFH risk in the Chinese population. The most significant finding was that the CT＋CC genotype carriers of IGFBP-3 rs2453839 were highly associated with the development of ANFH.

不同入路人工全髋关节置换后步态及髋关节活动能力的比较

背景:在微创全髋关节置换手术入路的选择上,有关直接前入路与后侧入路在术后步态、肢体平衡及髋部运动能力方面是否存在差异还有很大争议,因此,有必要进行进一步的研究。目的:采用前瞻性随机对照研究的方法评估直接前入路与后侧入路人工全髋关节置换后早期患者的步态及髋关节活动能力恢复情况。方法:纳入2019年1月至2020年6月青岛市市立医院收治的单侧股骨头坏死患者61例,其中男40例,女21例,平均年龄(64.83±5.52)岁,采用随机数字表法分为直接前入路组(n=28)与后侧入路组(n=33),分别经直接前入路、后侧入路进行初次人工全髋关节置换手术。术前及术后1,3,6个月对患者进行步态分析(步长、步频、单足支撑时间、足底压力差等步态时间-空间参数)及髋关节活动能力(站立-行走计时测试与2 min步行测试)测评。结果与结论:①随着术后时间的延长,两组患者的步态时间-空间参数逐步改善,直接前入路组患者术后1个月的步长、步频、单足支撑时间、足底压力差测试结果均显著优于后侧入路组(P<0.01),术后3个月的步频、单足支撑时间、足底压力差测试结果显著优于后侧入路组(P<0.05),术后6个月的足底压力差测试结果优于后侧入路组(P<0.01);②随着术后时间延长,两组患者的站立-行走计时测试及2 min步行测试结果逐步改善,直接前入路组患者术后1,3个月的站立-行走计时测试及2 min步行测试结果优于后侧入路组(P<0.05);③结果显示,两组患者术后步态和髋关节活动能力恢复情况不一致,直接前入路组患者术后早期步态和髋关节活动能力优于后侧入路组。