Cytokines and Chemokines Involved in Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis

Osteoarthritis is a common cause of disability worldwide. Although commonly referred to as a disease of the joint cartilage, osteoarthritis affects all joint tissues equally. The pathogenesis of this degenerative process is not completely understood; however, a low-grade inflammation leading to an imbalance between anabolic and katabolic processes is a well-established factor. The complex network of cytokines regulating these processes and cell communication has a central role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis. Concentrations of both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were found to be altered depending on the osteoarthritis stage and activity. In this review, we analyzed individual cytokines involved in the immune processes with an emphasis on their function in osteoarthritis.

Degenerative spondylolisthesis L4/ L5 radiological parameters in patient with L5 Sacralization

Background: L5 Sacralization is normal variation in lumbar anatomy, but many authors believed this condition because of concentration of pressure in L4/ L5 level can speed up degenerative process (disk degeneration or listhesis…). However no study was compare spondylolisthesis radiological parameters in patient with and without sacralization of L5, our purpose is evaluation of radiological parameters in spondylolistesisL4/L5 in patient with and without L5 sacralization. Methods: In cross sectional study we divided 78 patient with spondylolisthesis of L4/L5 in two group with (n=24) and without (n=54) L5 sacralization and evaluated facet osteoarthritis, degree of listhesis (%), disk degeneration, and facet orientation in two group and result was compared, Results: There was no significant difference in the degree of anterior slippage of L4 on L5 (17.02±6.21 versus 16.65±4.87, p=0.809), facet orientation (54.99±12.18 versus 56.23±4.35, p=0.642), facet osteoarthritis (3.43±0.59 versus 3.53±0.37, p=0.527), or disc degeneration (4.50±0.51 versus 4.35±0.61, p=0.340) between the two groups Conclusion: There is no significant relation between radiological parameters in two group and we thought influence of L5 sacralization on degenerative process of L4/L5 less significant than previously expected, but future study with large number of patient need to clarify the role of fixed L5 on degenerative process in lumbar spine.

Combined treatment modalities in wet AMD

Introduction: АМD is a disease of social significance and an increasing incidence. The patients with wet AMD need a life-long treatment in order to sustain useful vision. The Anti-VEGF treatment does not ameliorate the dry component of the disease. That’s why an alternative treatment is highly needed. Aim: To propose an alternative treatment as an adjunct to the standard of care in an attempt to prolong treatment-free intervals, to ameliorate the degenerative process and to suppress tachyphylaxis. Methods: Nanosecond laser (2RT, Ellex) was used as an adjunct to Anti-VEGF treatment in the first group of patients and Triamcynolon subtenonially and Anti-VEGF in the second group. Patients were followed with visual acuity, FA, FAF, OCT, Angio-OCT. Results: 20 patients were followed in the first group-AntiVEGF+2RT. Improvement of BCVA was achieved in 85% (1 to 3 lines on Snellen). In the follow-up-4 months of treatment-free period was maintained in 6 patient; 2 patients had 12 months of treatment free period; 6 patients had 6 months of treatment-free intervals. Ten patients were followed in the 2nd group. Improvement or stabilization of visual acuity and up to 6 months treatment-free intervals were achieved. Amelioration of degenerative cysts in 2/3 of the patients. Conclusion: The combined treatment of wet AMD with Anti-VEGF and 2RT or Anti-VEGF and Triamcynolone subtenonially can ameliorate the degenerative process by tissue stimulation, and suppression of inflammation. It also shows the potential to elongate treatment-free intervals and diminish tachifilaxis.

Actualización en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la Fascitis plantar.

Plantar fasciitis is a very common pathology. Over time, some aspects of this entity have generated controversy, so our objective is to group the latest available scientific evidence. Plantar fasciitis has its origin in a degenerative process resulting from repetitive microtrauma. In addition, multiple risk factors are involved that contribute to its overload the fascia and its collagen degeneration. Its diagnosis is clinical, reserving the performance of complementary tests to perform differential diagnosis with other entities, which may originate in the plantar fascia or adjacent structures, paying special attention to nerve entrapments. There are numerous treatments that have proven effectiveness, obtaining better results by individualizing each patient and with a combination of treatments.

Comparative stages of atretic oocytes between Episesarma versicolor and E. singaporense from Thailand: Implication on the reproductive success

Informative reviews on the oocyte atresia referring to degeneration and resorptive mechanism are warranted in common animals, but it is rarely still found in carbs. In this current study, we focused on characteristics and stage of the atretic oocyte from two important female sesarmid carbs (violet vinegar crab, Episesarma versicolor, and Singapore vinegar crab, E. singaporense) during ovarian maturation. A total of 30 female samples in each carb species were collected from the Palian mangrove area of Trang province, Thailand. The results shared among those carb samples that both primary growth (PGs) and secondary growth (SGs) phases underwent a degenerative process of atresia. The latter of atresia during SGs was also divided into five stages (I, II, III, IV, and V). The degeneration of follicular cell and yolk architecture identifying in the SGs were highlighted. The number of atresias was slightly compared between E. versicolor and E. singaporense; therefore, there were no significant differences. Our observation suggested that the low number of atresia might be associated with the increased reproductive success of two female sesarmid carb living in natural habitats.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Needle Tenotomy for Tendinosis

Tendinosis is an important cause of musculoskeletal pain and disability. Tendinosis is principally a degenerative process, rather than inflammatory as was traditionally believed. Consequently, traditional tendinosis treatments focused solely on decreasing inflammation, i.e. intratendinous corticosteroid injection has often been ineffective. The advancement of ultrasonography as for the guidance of musculoskeletal intervention has facilitated the development of percutaneous procedures focused on the regenerative healing process for the treatment of tendinosis. In this article, our aim is to illustrate the technical aspects of ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle tenotomy for the treatment of tendinosis.

Biological Signs of Aging in the Elderly

The aging process is one of the natural stages of human life, it is characterized by both changes in human appearance and the degenerative process of internal organs. It is considered natural to counteract this process and delay it gradually. It is possible with good knowledge of the pathophysiology of aging processes and the involution of individual systems and organs. Therefore, this work is a “small compendium of knowledge” reminding about the physiological aspects of aging in some systems, which should be the basis for the selection of a diagnostic and treatment method in accordance with current medical standards.

Treatment experiences of gonarthrosis by intra-articular infiltration of ozonated autologous blood

Knee arthrosis is a degenerative process with inflammatory characteristics that develops in the articular environment, resulting in irreversible alterations that tend to impair its functionality. In this study, we subjected 136 patients to a new infiltrative therapy by means of autologous ozonated blood. The study yielded positive results on pain symptoms and functional recovery.