Organic Gallium Treatment Improves Osteoporotic Fracture Healing Through Affecting the OPG/RANKL Ratio and Expression of Serum Inflammatory Cytokines in Ovariectomized Rats

This study aimed to investigate the impact of organic gallium (OG) on osteoporotic fracture healing in ovariectomized female Sprague-Dawley rats, as well as study the mechanisms of OG on osteoporotic fracture healing. Forty-five female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: sham operation group (Sxas control group), ovariectomized group (Ovx), and Ovx treated with OG group (Ovx + OG). Rat femoral fractures were studied using a standardized fracture-healing model utilizing bone fixation with an intramedullary pin. Six weeks later, analyses of micro-CT, histomorphometric, RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, and serum were performed following sacrifice of all mice. In comparison with Ovx group, OG can significantly increase bone volume (BV), tissue volume (TV), BV/TV radio, bone strength, callus bony area, and as similar to BMP-2 expression. OG treatment elevated OPG messenger RNA (mRNA) and inhibited RANKL mRNA, and showed an effect on OPG/RANKL ratio. OG treatment can inhibit the expression of TNF-α and IL-6. In conclusion, current study results indicate that organic OG can positively affect the OPG/RANKL ratio and inhibit the expression of serum inflammatory cytokines; thus, it can improve osteoporotic fracture healing.     

Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Enhanced Mesenchymal Stem Cell Recruitment through Stromal Derived Factor-1 Signaling in Fracture Healing

Low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been proven effective in promoting fracture healing but the underlying mechanisms are not fully depicted. We examined the effect of LIPUS on the recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and the pivotal role of stromal cell-derived factor-1/C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (SDF-1/CXCR4) pathway in response to LIPUS stimulation, which are essential factors in bone fracture healing. For in vitro study, isolated rat MSCs were divided into control or LIPUS group. LIPUS treatment was given 20 minutes/day at 37°C for 3 days. Control group received sham LIPUS treatment. After treatment, intracellular CXCR4 mRNA, SDF-1 mRNA and secreted SDF-1 protein levels were quantified, and MSCs migration was evaluated with or without blocking SDF-1/CXCR4 pathway by AMD3100. For in vivo study, fractured 8-week-old young rats received intracardiac administration of MSCs were assigned to LIPUS treatment, LIPUS+AMD3100 treatment or vehicle control group. The migration of transplanted MSC to the fracture site was investigated by ex vivo fluorescent imaging. SDF-1 protein levels at fracture site and in serum were examined. Fracture healing parameters, including callus morphology, micro-architecture of the callus and biomechanical properties of the healing bone were investigated. The in vitro results showed that LIPUS upregulated SDF-1 and CXCR4 expressions in MSCs, and elevated SDF-1 protein level in the conditioned medium. MSCs migration was promoted by LIPUS and partially inhibited by AMD3100. In vivo study demonstrated that LIPUS promoted MSCs migration to the fracture site, which was associated with an increase of local and serum SDF-1 level, the changes in callus formation, and the improvement of callus microarchitecture and mechanical properties; whereas the blockade of SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling attenuated the LIPUS effects on the fractured bones. These results suggested SDF-1 mediated MSCs migration might be one of the crucial mechanisms through which LIPUS exerted influence on fracture healing.     

Biomechanical Characteristics of Osteoporotic Fracture Healing in Ovariectomized Rats: A Systematic Review

Biomechanical tests are widely used in animal studies on osteoporotic fracture healing. However, the biomechanical recovery process is still unknown, leading to difficulty in choosing time points for biomechanical tests and in correctly assessing osteoporotic fracture healing. To determine the biomechanical recovery process during osteoporotic fracture healing, studies on osteoporotic femur fracture healing with biomechanical tests in ovariectomized rat (OVX) models were collected from PUBMED, EMBASE, and Chinese databases. Quadratic curves of fracture healing time and maximum load were fitted with data from the analyzed studies. In the fitted curve for normal fractures, the predicted maximum load was 145.56 N, and the fracture healing time was 88.0 d. In the fitted curve for osteoporotic fractures, the predicted maximum load was 122.30 N, and the fracture healing time was 95.2 d. The maximum load of fractured femurs in OVX rats was also lower than that in sham rats at day 84 post-fracture (D84 PF). The fracture healing time was prolonged and maximum load at D84 PF decreased in OVX rats with closed fractures. The maximum load of Wister rats was higher than that of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, but the fracture healing time of SD and Wister rats was similar. Osteoporotic fracture healing was delayed in rats that were < = 12 weeks old when ovariectomized, and at D84 PF, the maximum load of rats < = 12 weeks old at ovariectomy was lower than that of rats >12 weeks old at ovariectomy. There was no significant difference in maximum load at D84 PF between rats with an osteoporosis modeling time <12 weeks and > = 12 weeks. In conclusion, fracture healing was delayed and biomechanical property decreased by osteoporosis. Time points around D95.2 PF should be considered for biomechanical tests of osteoporotic femur fracture healing in OVX rat models. Osteoporotic fracture healing in OVX rats was affected by the fracture type but not by the strain of the rat.     

Jmjd3和Ezh2拮抗调节小鼠骨折愈合

目的:探讨Jmjd3和Ezh2在小鼠骨折愈合过程中的作用。方法:以软骨细胞条件性基因敲除8-10周龄小鼠为研究对象,按基因型随机分为6组,每组5只:其中实验组基因型为Jmjd3~(fl/fl)/Col2a1-Cre ~(ERT2),Ezh2~(fl/fl)/Col2a1-Cre ~(ERT2)或Jmjd~(3fl/fl)/Ezh2~(fl/fl)/Col2a1-Cre ~(ERT2);对照组基因型为Jmjd3~(fl/fl),Ezh2~(fl/fl)或Jmjd3~(fl/fl)/Ezh2~(fl/fl)。建立骨髓腔中插入固定针的稳定性胫骨骨折模型,于骨折术后3天、5天和7天腹腔注射Tamoxifen 3 mg/次/天。各组于术后3W处死,并于骨折部位取材行X线片及组织学检查。结果:通过连续的X线影像学及HE组织切片观察,骨折术后3周是判断小鼠骨折愈合情况的最佳时间点。X线片发现骨折术后3W时软骨细胞内Jmjd3被敲除小鼠的骨折线较对照组明显且骨化骨痂大小和密度均较低,HE切片显示骨化骨痂面积显著低于对照组,而软骨骨痂面积高于对照组;相反,X线片发现Ezh2被敲除小鼠的骨痂面积明显大于对照组,且密度高于对照组,HE组织切片显示Ezh2被敲除的小鼠的骨化骨痂的钙化程度更高,骨小梁更粗更密集。最后,X线片和HE切片均没有发现软骨细胞Jmjd3和Ezh2同时被敲除的小鼠与对照小鼠之间存在明显差异。结论:以软骨细胞特异基因敲除小鼠为基础,我们首次发现Jmjd3具有促进骨折愈合的作用,而Ezh2具有抑制骨折愈合的作用;并且发现Jmjd3和Ezh2对抗调节小鼠的骨折愈合过程,这些发现为骨折愈合治疗提供了新的分子实验基础。     

Hyperbaric Hyperoxia Accelerates Fracture Healing in Mice

Increased oxygen tension influences bone metabolism. This study comprised two main experiments: one aimed to determine the bone mineral apposition and bone formation rates in vivo under hyperbaric hyperoxia (HBO), and the other aimed to evaluate the effects of exposure to HBO on fracture healing. In experiment 1, male mice were exposed to HBO [90 min/day at 90% O₂ at 2 atmospheres absolute (ATA) for 5 days]. In experiment 2, an open femur fracture model was created in mice, followed by exposure to HBO 5 times/week (90 min/day at 90% O₂ at 2 ATA) for 6 weeks after surgery. In experiment 1, HBO treatment significantly increased the mineral apposition and bone formation rates in the lumbar vertebra and femur and type 1 collagen alpha 1 and alkaline phosphatase mRNA expression in the lumbar vertebra. In experiment 2, at 2 weeks after fracture, the fracture callus was significantly larger in the HBO group than in the non-HBO group. Furthermore, at 4 and 6 weeks after fracture, radiographic findings showed accelerated fracture healing in the HBO group. At 6 weeks after fracture, femur stiffness and maximum load were significantly higher in the HBO group than in the non-HBO group. Urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine and plasma calcium concentrations were not significantly different between groups. These results suggest that exposure to HBO enhances bone anabolism and accelerates fracture healing without causing oxidative DNA damage or disruption of plasma calcium homeostasis.     

The impact of low-magnitude high-frequency vibration on fracture healing is profoundly influenced by the oestrogen status in mice

Fracture healing is impaired in aged and osteoporotic individuals. Because adequate mechanical stimuli are able to increase bone formation, one therapeutical approach to treat poorly healing fractures could be the application of whole-body vibration, including low-magnitude high-frequency vibration (LMHFV). We investigated the effects of LMHFV on fracture healing in aged osteoporotic mice. Female C57BL/6NCrl mice (n=96) were either ovariectomised (OVX) or sham operated (non-OVX) at age 41 weeks. When aged to 49 weeks, all mice received a femur osteotomy that was stabilised using an external fixator. The mice received whole-body vibrations (20 minutes/day) with 0.3 g peak-to-peak acceleration and a frequency of 45 Hz. After 10 and 21 days, the osteotomised femurs and intact bones (contra-lateral femurs, lumbar spine) were evaluated using bending-testing, micro-computed tomography (μCT), histology and gene expression analyses. LMHFV disturbed fracture healing in aged non-OVX mice, with significantly reduced flexural rigidity (−81%) and bone formation (−80%) in the callus. Gene expression analyses demonstrated increased oestrogen receptor β (ERβ, encoded by Esr2) and Sost expression in the callus of the vibrated animals, but decreased β-catenin, suggesting that ERβ might mediate these negative effects through inhibition of osteoanabolic Wnt/β-catenin signalling. In contrast, in OVX mice, LMHFV significantly improved callus properties, with increased flexural rigidity (+1398%) and bone formation (+637%), which could be abolished by subcutaneous oestrogen application (0.025 mg oestrogen administered in a 90-day-release pellet). On a molecular level, we found an upregulation of ERα in the callus of the vibrated OVX mice, whereas ERβ was unaffected, indicating that ERα might mediate the osteoanabolic response. Our results indicate a major role for oestrogen in the mechanostimulation of fracture healing and imply that LMHFV might only be safe and effective in confined target populations.KEY WORDS: Whole-body vibration, LMHFV, Fracture healing, Oestrogen receptor signalling, Wnt signalling     

Changes of substance P during fracture healing in ovariectomized mice

Neuropeptides may play an important role in the healing process of osteoporotic fractures. The objective of this study was to determine the role of substance P during osteoporotic fracture healing.One hundred ninety-two mice were randomized into ovariectomy (OVX) and control (CON) group (n = 96, respectively). Femoral shaft fracture was created 3 weeks after OVX. Bone mineral density (BMD), micro-CT (µCT) analysis of fracture callus formation and mineralization, µCT analysis of fracture site neovascularization and biomechanical property as well as substance P levels were evaluated 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after fracture and compared with CON group.Following OVX-induced bone loss, fracture healing in OVX mice was significantly poorer than that in CON mice, with a significant decrease of substance P at the fracture site at all time points and with the level at early stage (1 and 2 weeks) higher than later stage (4 and 8 weeks). Impaired angiogenesis was also noted in OVX mice. No significant change of substance P level in serum was found between different groups or time points.In conclusion, fracture healing is inferior in OVX-induced bone loss and associated with a significant decrease of substance P. Substance P may play an important role during osteoporotic fracture healing.     

Effects of Multi-Deficiencies-Diet on Bone Parameters of Peripheral Bone in Ovariectomized Mature Rat

Many postmenopausal women have vitamin D and calcium deficiency. Therefore, vitamin D and calcium supplementation is recommended for all patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis. We used an experimental rat model to test the hypothesis that induction of osteoporosis is more efficiently achieved in peripheral bone through combining ovariectomy with a unique multi-deficiencies diet (vitamin D depletion and deficient calcium, vitamin K and phosphorus). 14-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats served as controls to examine the initial bone status. 11 rats were bilaterally ovariectomized (OVX) and fed with multi-deficiencies diet. Three months later the treated group and the Sham group (n = 8) were euthanized. Bone biomechanical competence of the diaphyseal bone was examined on both, tibia and femur. Image analysis was performed on tibia via µCT, and on femur via histological analysis. Lower torsional stiffness indicated inferior mechanical competence of the tibia in 3 month OVX+Diet. Proximal metaphyseal region of the tibia showed a diminished bone tissue portion to total tissue in the µCT despite the increased total area as evaluated in both µCT and histology. Cortical bone showed higher porosity and smaller cross sectional thickness of the tibial diaphysis in the OVX+Diet rats. A lower ALP positive area and elevated serum level of RANKL exhibited the unbalanced cellular interaction in bone remodeling in the OVX+Diet rat after 3 month of treatment. Interestingly, more adipose tissue area in bone marrow indicated an effect of bone loss similar to that observed in osteoporotic patients. Nonetheless, the presence of osteoid and elevated serum level of PTH, BGP and Opn suggest the development of osteomalacia rather than an osteoporosis. As the treatment and fracture management of both osteoporotic and osteomalacia patients are clinically overlapping, this study provides a preclinical animal model to be utilized in local supplementation of minerals, drugs and growth factors in future fracture healing studies.     

Systemic Treatment with Vanadium Absorbed by Coprinus comatus Promotes Femoral Fracture Healing in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats

The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of vanadium absorbed by Coprinus comatus (VACC) on fracture healing in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Forty-five male Wistar rats used were divided into three groups: normal rats (control), diabetic rats, and diabetic rats treated with VACC. A standardized fracture-healing model with a stable plate fixation was established for the rat femoral fracture. After a 4-week stable fixation, callus quality was assessed by microcomputerized tomography and histological and biomechanical examinations. In addition, bone samples were obtained to evaluate the content of mineral substances in bones. Compared with the diabetic group, vanadium treatment significantly increased bone mineral content and biomechanical strength and improved microstructural properties of the callus. The ultimate load was increased by 29.1 % (P?<?0.05), and the total bone volume of callus enhanced by 11.2 % (P?<?0.05) at 4 weeks post fracture. Vanadium also promoted callus bone formation, which caused a 35.5 % increase in the total area of callus. However, VACC did not accelerate the fracture repair process in histological analysis. In conclusion, the current study suggests that systemic treatment with vanadium could promote fracture healing in streptozotocin-diabetic rats.     

Neuritin在大鼠脑外伤合并骨折过程中的作用研究

目的：研究脑外伤合并股骨骨折的骨痂中Neuritin的表达及血清中变化,探讨中枢神经系统损伤加速对骨折愈合的作用,为临床难治性骨创伤提供新的理论依据。方法：取96只雄性SD大鼠随机分成：A组正常组8只、B组单纯骨折组40只、C组单纯脑外伤组8只及D组骨折合并脑外伤组40只,做股骨骨折和采用脑损伤液压装置建脑损伤模型,术后3、7、14、21、28天取血离心,ELISA法测血清中的Neuritin值。分时间处死B组和D组,取骨痂做切片,行免疫组织化学染色,观测各时间点骨痂中Neuritin的变化和骨折愈合情况。结果：①免疫组织化学染色：骨折愈合过程中血管内皮细胞、软骨细胞及成骨细胞的胞浆中有阳性表达,并显色强。D组1w至3w时的Neuritin阳性细胞百分数均高于B组有显著性统计意义（P〈0．05）,但4周时（P〉0．05）。②血清浓度值：A组值（81．37±1．37）,B组、C组、D组3天（94．94±3．77107．28±3．46118．35±1．43）逐渐升高,2周达到高峰（110．18±1．48131．89±3．26161．48±1．46）,然后下降,3d至3w时各组有显著性统计意义（P〈0．05）,4周下降为略高于正常（P〉0．05）。结论：血清和骨痂中Neuritin的表达显著升高,提示Neuritin可能是大鼠股骨骨折合并脑损伤时促进骨折修复的重要因素一。     

The Wnt Serpentine Receptor Frizzled-9 Regulates New Bone Formation in Fracture Healing

Wnt signaling is a key regulator of bone metabolism and fracture healing. The canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway is regarded as the dominant mechanism, and targeting this pathway has emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of osteoporosis and poorly healing fractures. In contrast, little is known about the role of non-canonical Wnt signaling in bone. Recently, it was demonstrated that the serpentine receptor Fzd9, a Wnt receptor of the Frizzled family, is essential for osteoblast function and positively regulates bone remodeling via the non-canonical Wnt pathway without involving β-catenin-dependent signaling. Here we investigated whether the Fzd9 receptor is essential for fracture healing using a femur osteotomy model in Fzd9 ^−/− mice. After 10, 24 and 32 days the fracture calli were analyzed using biomechanical testing, histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry, and micro-computed tomography. Our results demonstrated significantly reduced amounts of newly formed bone at all investigated healing time points in the absence of Fzd9 and, accordingly, a decreased mechanical competence of the callus tissue in the late phase of fracture healing. In contrast, cartilage formation and numbers of osteoclasts degrading mineralized matrix were unaltered. β-Catenin immunolocalization showed that canonical Wnt-signaling was not affected in the absence of Fzd9 in osteoblasts as well as in proliferating and mature chondrocytes within the fracture callus. The expression of established differentiation markers was not altered in the absence of Fzd9, whereas chemokines Ccl2 and Cxcl5 seemed to be reduced. Collectively, our results suggest that non-canonical signaling via the Fzd9 receptor positively regulates intramembranous and endochondral bone formation during fracture healing, whereas it does not participate in the formation of cartilage or in the osteoclastic degradation of mineralized matrix. The finding that Fzd9, in addition to its role in physiological bone remodeling, regulates bone repair may have implications for the development of treatments for poorly or non-healing fractures.     

糖尿病对大鼠骨折愈合影响的实验研究

目的:观察糖尿病大鼠的骨折愈合过程,探讨糖尿病影响大鼠骨折愈合的可能的机制,为临床实践提供理论依据。方法:雄性Wister大鼠140只,随机分成二组,每组70只,A组为糖尿病骨折组;B组为非糖尿病骨折组。建立糖尿病动物模型后,无菌条件下在各组大鼠胫骨中点用手术方法制成骨折模型。术后1周、2周、4周、6周、8周各时间点进行X线检查,观察骨折愈合情况。术后1周、2周、3周、4周、6周、8周分别用ELISA法检测血清中IGF-1含量。分别在1、2、4、6、8周各时间点观察5只大鼠骨痂生长情况并取骨折断端组织行HE染色光镜观察。术后4周、6周、8周每组处死10只大鼠留取双侧胫骨标本,冷冻保存后集中进行生物力学检测。结果:1、大体标本观察结果:各时间点A组骨痂生长减缓延迟。2、X线结果:A组骨折愈合质量在各时间点均明显低于B组。3、生物力学测定结果:4周、6周、8周个时间点A组骨折处骨痂的机械强度均明显低于B组。4、组织学染色显示:术后各时间点1、2、4、6、8周A组与B组相比骨折处局部骨痂成熟延迟并且软骨细胞肥大。5、血清IGF-1含量测定:A组大鼠血清中IGF-1含量低于B组,且高峰延迟1周。结论:1.患有糖尿病后大鼠骨折愈合质量差,比较容易出现愈合延迟甚至不愈合;2.患有糖尿病的大鼠骨折后血清中的IGF-1表达明显低于对照组,且高峰推迟1周。     

Complement C3 and C5 Deficiency Affects Fracture Healing

There is increasing evidence that complement may play a role in bone development. Our previous studies demonstrated that the key complement receptor C5aR was strongly expressed in the fracture callus not only by immune cells but also by bone cells and chondroblasts, indicating a function in bone repair. To further elucidate the role of complement in bone healing, this study investigated fracture healing in mice in the absence of the key complement molecules C3 and C5. C3^-/- and C5^-/- as well as the corresponding wildtype mice received a standardized femur osteotomy, which was stabilized using an external fixator. Fracture healing was investigated after 7 and 21 days using histological, micro-computed tomography and biomechanical measurements. In the early phase of fracture healing, reduced callus area (C3^-/-: -25%, p=0.02; C5^-/-: -20% p=0.052) and newly formed bone (C3^-/-: -38%, p=0.01; C5^-/-: -52%, p=0.009) was found in both C3- and C5-deficient mice. After 21 days, healing was successful in the absence of C3, whereas in C5-deficient mice fracture repair was significantly reduced, which was confirmed by a reduced bending stiffness (-45%; p=0.029) and a smaller callus volume (-17%; p=0.039). We further demonstrated that C5a was activated in C3^-/- mice, suggesting cleavage via extrinsic pathways. Our results suggest that the activation of the terminal complement cascade in particular may be crucial for successful fracture healing.     

不同植入物内固定治疗四肢创伤骨折后骨不连的临床对比研究

目的:探讨不同植入物内固定治疗四肢创伤骨折后骨不连的临床疗效。方法:选择我科2010年2月~2013年2月四肢创伤骨折后骨不连患者38例,按照随机数表法将38例患者随机分为两组,分别为LC-DCP组以及LCP组,每组各19例,观察两组患者的平均手术持续时间、骨折临床愈合时间、X线骨痂评分以及并发症。结果:LC-DCP组平均手术持续时间为(134.73±12.91)min,LCP组为(129.54±14.87)min,两组比较不存在统计学差异(P0.05)。LC-DCP组患者平均骨折临床愈合时间为(3.94±0.83)月,LCP组为(3.81±0.69)月,两组间不存在统计学显著性差异(P0.05)。LC-DCP组患者X线骨痂评价标准平均评分值为(2.73±0.51)分,LCP组为(2.86±0.49)分,两组间差异不存在统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:两种钢板联合植骨治疗四肢创伤骨折后骨不连均能够取得良好的治疗效果,均可以作为治疗四肢创伤骨折后骨不连患者的有效方法。     

Prediction of the Time Course of Callus Stiffness as a Function of Mechanical Parameters in Experimental Rat Fracture Healing Studies - A Numerical Study

Numerous experimental fracture healing studies are performed on rats, in which different experimental, mechanical parameters are applied, thereby prohibiting direct comparison between each other. Numerical fracture healing simulation models are able to predict courses of fracture healing and offer support for pre-planning animal experiments and for post-hoc comparison between outcomes of different in vivo studies. The aims of this study are to adapt a pre-existing fracture healing simulation algorithm for sheep and humans to the rat, to corroborate it using the data of numerous different rat experiments, and to provide healing predictions for future rat experiments. First, material properties of different tissue types involved were adjusted by comparing experimentally measured callus stiffness to respective simulated values obtained in three finite element (FE) models. This yielded values for Young’s moduli of cortical bone, woven bone, cartilage, and connective tissue of 15,750 MPa, 1,000 MPa, 5 MPa, and 1 MPa, respectively. Next, thresholds in the underlying mechanoregulatory tissue differentiation rules were calibrated by modifying model parameters so that predicted fracture callus stiffness matched experimental data from a study that used rigid and flexible fixators. This resulted in strain thresholds at higher magnitudes than in models for sheep and humans. The resulting numerical model was then used to simulate numerous fracture healing scenarios from literature, showing a considerable mismatch in only 6 of 21 cases. Based on this corroborated model, a fit curve function was derived which predicts the increase of callus stiffness dependent on bodyweight, fixation stiffness, and fracture gap size. By mathematically predicting the time course of the healing process prior to the animal studies, the data presented in this work provides support for planning new fracture healing experiments in rats. Furthermore, it allows one to transfer and compare new in vivo findings to previously performed studies with differing mechanical parameters.     

Parathyroid hormone promotes cartilage healing after free reduction of mandibular condylar fractures by upregulating Sox9

After high fractures of the mandibular condyle, the insufficient blood supply to the condyle often leads to poor bone and cartilage repair ability and poor clinical outcome. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) can promote the bone formation and mineralization of mandibular fracture, but its effects on cartilage healing after the free reduction and internal fixation of high fractures of the mandibular condyle are unknown. In this study, a rabbit model of free reduction and internal fixation of high fractures of the mandibular condyle was established, and the effects and mechanisms of PTH on condylar cartilage healing were explored. Forty-eight specific-pathogen-free (SPF) grade rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. In the experimental group, PTH was injected subcutaneously at 20 µg/kg (PTH (1–34)) every other day, and in the control group, PTH was replaced with 1 ml saline. The healing cartilages were assessed at postoperative days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Observation of gross specimens, hematoxylin eosin staining and Safranin O/fast green staining found that every-other-day subcutaneous injection of PTH at 20 µg/kg promoted healing of condylar cartilage and subchondral osteogenesis in the fracture site. Immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction showed that PTH significantly upregulated the chondrogenic genes Sox9 and Col2a1 in the cartilage fracture site within 7–21 postoperative days in the experimental group than those in the control group, while it downregulated the cartilage inflammation gene matrix metalloproteinase-13 and chondrocyte terminal differentiation gene ColX. In summary, exogenous PTH can stimulate the formation of cartilage matrix by triggering Sox9 expression at the early stage of cartilage healing, and it provides a potential therapeutic protocol for high fractures of the mandibular condyle.     

骨质疏松骨折与非骨质疏松骨折治疗比较

目的:对比骨质疏松骨折与非骨质疏松骨折的临床特点和治疗方式,为骨折的临床诊治提供依据。方法:选取2010年12月至2013年12月在我院接受治疗的骨折患者186例。根据骨质疏松情况,将所选患者分为骨质疏松骨折组和非骨质疏松骨折组,每组各93例。分析并比较两组患者的治病原因、治疗方法以及临床效果。结果:非骨质疏松骨折组患者交通事故和砸伤致伤率均显著高于骨质疏松骨折组,而跌倒伤致伤率低于骨质疏松骨折组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);两组患者手术治疗方式差异无统计学意义(P0.05);骨质疏松骨折组患者保守治疗的临床疗效优于非骨质疏松骨折组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);两组手术治疗的临床疗效比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:在临床治疗的实践中,应根据患者骨质疏松病情实施针对性的治疗,从而提升治疗的针对性和有效性。     

Osteogenic growth peptide enhances the rate of fracture healing in rabbits

The discovery of growth factors, such as osteogenic growth peptide (OGP), that stimulate bone formation led to experiments to discover whether they can accelerate fracture healing. To determine whether OGP enhances the rate of healing in rabbits, fractures were made in the tibiae of New Zealand White rabbits and immobilized with either a plastic plate (unstable mechanical conditions), or a dynamic compression plate (stable mechanical conditions). OGP was administered to experimental animals by intravenous injection from day 4 until the day before sacrifice; control animals were not injected. After treatment with OGP, callus development under unstable mechanical conditions was accelerated. At 7 days, the cartilage in the centre of the callus was covered by bone and endochondral ossification had started; these events occur at 10 days in control fractures. Subsequently, endochondral ossification is completed earlier which allows the invasion of the fracture gap by cells, so that cortical union is complete by 21 to 28 days. In control fractures, bone is only beginning to form in the gaps at 28 days. There was no increase in the size of the callus in any of the experimental fractures compared to the untreated controls. Treatment with OGP has no observable effect on the rate of healing of fractures under stable mechanical conditions. These observations suggest that under unstable mechanical conditions only, the rate of callus formation and subsequent cortical healing is enhanced by treatment with OGP, but that the size of the callus is determined by mechanical and other factors.     

Mesenchymal stem cells from osteoporotic patients reveal reduced migration and invasion upon stimulation with BMP-2 or BMP-7

Fractures to the osteoporotic bone feature a delay in callus formation and reduced enchondral ossification. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC), the cellular source of fracture healing, are recruited to the fracture site by cytokines, such as BMP-2 and BMP-7. Aim of the study was to scrutinize hMSC for osteoporosis associated alterations in BMP mediated migration and invasion as well as in extracellular matrix (ECM) binding integrin expression.     

人脐带间充质干细胞对脊柱骨折大鼠愈合及神经功能的影响

摘要 目的：探讨人脐带间充质干细胞(Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells,hUC-MSCs)对脊柱骨折大鼠愈合及神经功能的影响。方法：脊柱骨折Sprague-Dawley雄性大鼠模型30只随机分为hUC-MSCs组与对照组,各15只。hUC-MSCs组大鼠在骨折部位移植0.5 mL的hUC-MSCs(细胞浓度为2×10⁶/mL),对照组大鼠移植同体积的生理盐水,记录大鼠愈合及神经功能变化情况。结果：两组造模后15 min、30 min、90 min的平均动脉压都波动明显,不过组间对比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。与造模后2 w对比,两组造模后4 w的神经功能BBB评分均升高,且hUC-MSCs组造模后2 w、4 w的神经功能BBB评分都高于对照组(P<0.05)。hUC-MSCs组造模后8 w的骨体积分数高于对照组(P<0.05)。hUC-MSCs组骨折部位附近有少量骨痂生长,骨折线逐渐消失;骨痂已明显包裹骨折部位。hUC-MSCs组造模后8 w的脊髓细胞凋亡指数低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论：hUC-MSCs在脊柱骨折大鼠的应用能促进骨折愈合与改善神经功能,也可以抑制脊髓细胞凋亡,从而发挥很好的治疗作用。