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The aim of this study was to compare the bone regeneration ability of particle and block bones, acting as bone scaffolds, with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)-2 and evaluate them as rhBMP-2 carriers. Demineralized bovine bone particles, blocks, and rhBMP-2 were grafted into the subperiosteal space of a rat calvarial bone, and the rats were randomly divided into four groups: particle, block, P (particle)+BMP, and B (block)+BMP groups. The bone volume of the B+BMP group was significantly higher than that of the other groups (p &lt, 0.00), with no significant difference in bone mineral density. The average adipose tissue volume of the B+BMP group was higher than that of the P+BMP group, although the difference was not significant. Adipose tissue formation was observed in the rhBMP-2 application group. Histologically, the particle and B+BMP groups showed higher formation of a new bone. However, adipose tissue and void spaces were also formed, especially in the B+BMP group. Hence, despite the formation of a large central void space, rhBMP-2 could be effectively used with block bone scaffolds and showed excellent new bone formation. Further studies are required to evaluate the changes in adipose tissue.

Introduction/Background A decrement of AMP-activated protein kinase-eNOS bioavailability is critical for the pathogenesis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. We evaluated the neuro-protective effect of cinacalcet on DPN by activating the AMPK-eNOS pathway using db/db mice. Material and method The db/db mice and db/m controls at 8 weeks of age were divided to receive either a regular diet or a diet containing cinacalcet. Mice were evaluated sciatic motor nerve conduction and tactile response. We performed Mason's trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry for type IV collagen and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine, an oxidative DNA damage marker. For immunofluorescence double staining, apoptosis was detected by ApopTag Fluorescein In Situ Apoptosis Detection Kit. The sciatic nerve specimens were double stained and we measured unmyelinated fiber areas and axonal areas using NIH Image J under a transmission electron microscope. Western blot assay was performed total protein of sciatic nerve with specific antibodies for CaSR, CaMKK, total LKB1, phospho-Ser428 LKB1, total AMPK, phospho-Thr172 AMPK, total eNOS, phospho-Ser1177 eNOS, PGC-1. Results The db/db mice showed sensorimotor impairment, nerve fibrosis and inflammation, apoptosis, disorganized myelin with axonal shrinkage and degeneration, and fewer unmyelinated fibers in the sciatic nerve compared to db/m mice. Cinacalcet administration, without causing any changes in blood glucose and Ca++ concentrations, significantly increased the paw withdrawal mechanical threshold and decreased the motor conduction latency, and ameliorated the deterioration of sciatic nerve pathology, accompanied by increases in the expressions of calcium-sensing receptor-CaMKK and phosphorylation of AMPK-eNOS in diabetic mice. Conclusion Cinacalcet may play an important role in the prevention and amelioration of DPN by amplifying AMPK signaling.

Background and Objectives The early morning blood pressure surge (EMBPS) has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) parameters and conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Subjects and Methods Patients (n=346) never-treated for essential hypertension with no other cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, and nephropathy were enrolled. The EMBPS was defined as the early morning systolic BP minus the lowest night systolic BP. We compared the 24-hour ABPM parameters in two groups divided by age (28 mmHg) after adjusting for gender differences, body mass index, and various 24-hour ABPM parameters (odds ratio, 1.051; 95% confidence interval, 1.028-1.075; p