Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor sertraline inhibits bone healing in a calvarial defect model

Bone wound healing is a highly dynamic and precisely controlled process through which damaged bone undergoes repair and complete regeneration. External factors can alter this process, leading to delayed or failed bone wound healing. The findings of recent studies suggest that the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs) can reduce bone mass, precipitate osteoporotic fractures and increase the rate of dental implant failure. With 10% of Americans prescribed antidepressants, the potential of SSRIs to impair bone healing may adversely affect millions of patients’ ability to heal after sustaining trauma. Here, we investigate the effect of the SSRI sertraline on bone healing through pre-treatment with(10 mg·kg-1sertraline in drinking water, n = 26) or without(control, n = 30) SSRI followed by the creation of a 5-mm calvarial defect. Animals were randomized into three surgical groups:(a) empty/sham,(b) implanted with a DermaMatrix scaffold soak-loaded with sterile PBS or(c) DermaMatrix soak-loaded with542.5 ng BMP2. SSRI exposure continued until sacrifice in the exposed groups at 4 weeks after surgery. Sertraline exposure resulted in decreased bone healing with significant decreases in trabecular thickness, trabecular number and osteoclast dysfunction while significantly increasing mature collagen fiber formation. These findings indicate that sertraline exposure can impair bone wound healing through disruption of bone repair and regeneration while promoting or defaulting to scar formation within the defect site.

Obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetic retinopathy: Beyond hyperglycemia

Diabetic retinopathy(DR) is the most feared ocular manifestation of diabetes. DR is characterized by progressive retinal damage that may eventually result in blindness. Clinically, this blindness is caused by progressive damage to the retinal microvasculature, which leads to ischemia, retinal swelling, and neovascularization. Retinopathy is associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, with DR being the leading cause of new onset blindness in United States adults. Despite this strong association with diabetes, it must be noted that the development of retinopathy lesions is multifactorial and may occur in individuals without an established history of diabetes. Metabolic syndrome is a multifactorial condition of central obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, fasting hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance. Although several studies examined the individual components observed in the metabolic syndrome in relation to the development of DR, there is conflicting data as to the association of the metabolic syndrome with the development of retinopathy lesions in nondiabetic subjects. This review will summarize the current literature on the evidence of the metabolic syndrome on retinopathy in subjects with and without an established history of diabetes. This review will also discuss some of the mechanisms through which metabolic syndrome can contribute to the development of retinopathy.

ARBs improve stroke outcome through an AT2-dependent, BDNF-induced proangiogenic and prorecovery response

Preclinical stroke research has introduced a number of potential interventions that can be utilized to enhance recovery after stroke（Lo and Rosenberg,2009）.

TIMP-1 and its potential diagnostic and prognostic value in pulmonary diseases

Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases(TIMPs)have caught the attention of many scientists due to their role in various physiological and pathological processes.TIMP-1,2,3,and 4 are known members of the TIMPs family.TIMPs exert their biological effects by,but are not limited to,inhibiting the activity of metalloproteases(MMPs).The balance between MMPs and TIMPs is critical for maintaining homeostasis of the extracellular matrix(ECM),while the imbalance between MMPs and TIMPs can lead to pathological changes,such as cancer.In this re-view,we summarized the current knowledge of TIMP-1 in several pulmonary diseases namely,acute lung injury(ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS),pneumonia,asthma,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),cystic fibrosis,and pulmonary fibrosis.Considering the potential of TIMP-1 serving as a non-invasive di-agnostic and/or prognostic biomarker,we also reviewed the circulating TIMP-1 levels in translational and clinical studies.