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Joint cartilage damage affects 10-12% of the world's population. Medical treatments improve the short-term quality of life of affected individuals but lack a long-term effect due to injury progression into fibrocartilage. The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is one of the most promising strategies for tissue regeneration due to their ability to be isolated, expanded and differentiated into metabolically active chondrocytes to achieve long-term restoration. For this purpose, human adipose-derived MSCs (Ad-MSCs) were isolated from lipectomy and grown in xeno-free conditions. To establish the best differentiation potential towards a stable chondrocyte phenotype, isolated Ad-MSCs were sequentially exposed to five differentiation schemes of growth factors in previously designed three-dimensional biphasic scaffolds with incorporation of a decellularized cartilage matrix as a bioactive ingredient, silk fibroin and bone matrix, to generate a system capable of being loaded with pre-differentiated Ad-MSCs, to be used as a clinical implant in cartilage lesions for tissue regeneration. Chondrogenic and osteogenic markers were analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and cartilage matrix generation by histology techniques at different time points over 40 days. All groups had an increased expression of chondrogenic markers; however, the use of fibroblast growth factor 2 (10 ng/ml) followed by a combination of insulin-like growth factor 1 (100 ng/ml)/TGFβ1 (10 ng/ml) and a final step of exposure to TGFβ1 alone (10 ng/ml) resulted in the most optimal chondrogenic signature towards chondrocyte differentiation and the lowest levels of osteogenic expression, while maintaining stable collagen matrix deposition until day 33. This encourages their possible use in osteochondral lesions, with appropriate properties for use in clinical patients.

Articular cartilage injuries remain as a therapeutic challenge due to the limited regeneration potential of this tissue. Cartilage engineering grafts combining chondrogenic cells, scaffold materials, and microenvironmental factors are emerging as promissory alternatives. The design of an adequate scaffold resembling the physicochemical features of natural cartilage and able to support chondrogenesis in the implants is a crucial topic to solve. This study reports the development of an implant constructed with IGF1-transduced adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (immunophenotypes: CD105+, CD90+, CD73+, CD14-, and CD34-) embedded in a scaffold composed of a mix of alginate/milled bovine decellularized knee material which was cultivated in vitro for 28 days (3CI). Histological analyses demonstrated the distribution into isogenous groups of chondrocytes surrounded by a de novo dense extracellular matrix with balanced proportions of collagens II and I and high amounts of sulfated proteoglycans which also evidenced adequate cell proliferation and differentiation. This graft also shoved mechanical properties resembling the natural knee cartilage. A modified Bern/O’Driscoll scale showed that the 3CI implants had a significantly higher score than the 2CI implants lacking cells transduced with IGF1 (16/18 vs. 14/18), representing high-quality engineering cartilage suitable for in vivo tests. This study suggests that this graft resembles several features of typical hyaline cartilage and will be promissory for preclinical studies for cartilage regeneration.

ResumenAntecedentesLa reparación de una fractura implica procesos celulares complejos. Sin embargo, a pesar de un tratamiento óptimo, algunas fracturas curan lentamente o, simplemente, no se reparan. Estas complicaciones apoyan la necesidad de terapias innovadoras. La estimulación electromagnética es una tecnología no invasiva que pudiera tener un impacto directo sobre muchas vías celulares.ObjetivoDemostrar la eficacia de la electroestimulación por corriente alterna, aplicada durante una elongación ósea para acelerar el proceso de consolidación, por 30 días en un modelo animal.Materiales y métodosSe diseñó un dispositivo de circuito cerrado y voltaje graduado, que se mantuvo en contacto con el fijador externo. El grupo A fue elongado sin electroestimulación y el grupo B fue electroestimulado desde el inicio de la distracción. Se tomaron radiografías a los 15 y 30 días posquirúrgicos, se realizaron tinciones de hematoxilina y eosina, y de tricrómico de Masson.ResultadosNo se observó una diferencia significativa en la densidad ósea del grupo A (4.05±3.24, p=0.163). En el grupo B existe una diferencia significativa (61.06±20.17, p=0.03), en la densidad ósea. El grupo A mantuvo un tejido de reparación fibroso, con zonas de cartílago y matriz ósea. El grupo B presentó un tejido más organizado en las fases de reparación ósea.ConclusiónDebido a que existe una diferencia significativa en el crecimiento y formación del callo óseo a los 15 y 30 días entre ambos grupos, la electroestimulación podría considerarse como un adyuvante durante el proceso de elongación ósea.AbstractBackgroundA fracture repair involves complex cellular processes. However, despite optimal treatment, some fractures heal slowly or do not repair. These complications support the need for innovative therapies. Electromagnetic stimulation is a non-invasive technology that could have a direct impact on many cellular pathways.ObjectiveTo demonstrate the effectiveness of electro-stimulation by alternating current applied during bone elongation to accelerate the consolidation process for 30 days in an animal model.Materials and methodsA device with closed circuit and graduated voltage was designed and kept in contact with the external fixator. Group A was elongated without electro-stimulation and group B was electro-stimulated since the beginning of the distraction. Radiographs were taken at 15 and 30 days post-surgical. Haematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson's trichrome stain were performed.ResultsNo significant difference were observed in bone density of group A (4.05±3.24, P=0.163). In group B there was a significant difference (61.06±20.17, P=0.03) in bone density. Group A maintained a fibrous tissue repair, with areas of cartilage and bone matrix. Group B had more organised tissue in the stages of bone repair.ConclusionBecause there is a significant difference in the growth and callus formation at 15 and 30 days between groups, electro-stimulation could be considered as an adjuvant during bone elongation.

Melittin is the main component of bee venom consisting of 26 amino acids that has multiple effects, including antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory in various cell types. This peptide forms pores in biological membranes and triggers cell death. Therefore it has potential as an anticancer therapy. However, the therapeutic application of melittin is limited due to its main side effect, hemolysis, which is especially pronounced following intravenous administration. In the present study, we formulated tetrameric melittin-carrying poly-D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles (PLGANPs) and analyzed the lytic activity of this system on liposomes that resembles breast cancer cells. Tetrameric melittin binds avidly to PLGA-NPs with an encapsulation efficiency of 97% and retains its lytic activity demonstrating the effectiveness of PLGA-NPs as nanocarriers for this cytolytic peptide. Key words: Melittin — PLGA nanoparticles — Liposomes — Leakage — Fluorescence — Circular dichroism

Articular cartilage tissue possesses poor ability to regenerate; as the lesion progresses, it extends to the underlying subchondral bone and an osteochondral (OC) defect appears complicating the therapeutic approaches. Cartilage tissue engineering has become a very active research area capable of contributing to medical technology innovation. In this regard, the development of new biomaterials in combination with cells represents one of the best alternatives for the treatment of OC injuries. In the last decades, the strategies have been designed without considering the cartilage as a complex tissue with a functionally stratified three-dimensional structure. Today, efforts are focused on creating a starting point in the process of cartilage formation with the development of a multiphase implants that recapitulates the cartilage as an OC unit, which improves its integration. This chapter will focus on a review of tissue engineering based on multiphase designs for cartilage and OC injuries, highlighting the importance of the biomaterial selection, and also the relevance of a biomimetic approach to reach a suitable microenvironment for the differentiation and maturation of the chondral tissue.

Ceramics and bioceramics, such as hydroxyapatite and zirconium, are used in bone tissue engineering. Hydroxyapatite has chemical properties similar to bone while zirconium offers suitable mechanical properties. The aim of this article is to evaluate the ability to support cell growth and osteoblastic mineralization of hydroxyapatite-zirconium obtained by a new system based on different low temperatures, such as 873 K (HZ600), 923 K (HZ650) and 973 K (HZ700). Hydroxyapatite-zirconia obtained by this new system was examined in terms of thermogravimetric features and x-ray diffractograms. Furthermore, the ability for supporting osteoblast growth and mineralization were analyzed. By x-ray diffraction analysis, we clearly demonstrated that no high-temperature processing was required. Moreover, it is possible to form tetragonal-zirconium at 923 K. Proliferation assays showed that osteoblast growth was not influenced by any of the composite evaluated. Regarding the osteogenic marker Col1, a 2-fold increase in expression was observed for HZ650 compared to HZ600 and HZ700. Interestingly, osteoblasts grown on HZ650 showed globular accretions covered with collagen bundles and calcium-rich extracellular matrix whereas HZ600 and HZ700 showed no phosphate or calcium deposits. This study demonstrated that at 923 K it is possible to generate stable tetragonal-zirconium and the resulting HZ650 composite is able to promote a suitable osteoblast mineralization process.

To determine the effects of autologous leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (LP-PRP) on the expression of markers involved in cartilage-extracellular matrix production and inflammation in cartilage explants bearing osteoarthritis.Cartilage explants and LP-PRP were obtained from 10 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty. The explants were cultured in spinner flasks for 28 days in the presence of interleukin (IL)-1β and/or LP-PRP. The gene expression of catabolic (MMP13, ADAMTS5, and IL1β) and anabolic factors (COL2A1, ACAN, and SOX9) was quantified. A histological assessment was performed according to a modified Mankin score, and quantification of type II and I collagen deposition.The gene expression of catabolic factors and the Mankin score were lower in LP-PRP- and LP-PRP/IL-1β- than in IL-1β-treated explants, suggesting less matrix degradation in explants cultured in the presence of LP-PRP. Higher expression of genes involved in cartilage matrix restoration was observed in LP-PRP and LP-PRP/IL-1β- when compared to IL-1β-treated explants. The explants treated with LP-PRP and LP-PRP/IL-1β exhibited a higher deposition of type II collagen as well as a lower deposition of type I collagen and also better surface integrity and a significant increase in the number of chondrocytes.LP-PRP treatment favored restoration in early osteoarthritic cartilage and reduced the pro-inflammatory effect of IL-1β. LP-PRP is a promising therapy for early osteoarthritis, as it promotes extracellular matrix repair, reduces inflammation, and slows cartilage degeneration.

Damage to cartilage causes a loss of type II collagen (Col-II) and glycosaminoglycans (GAG). To restore the original cartilage architecture, cell factors that stimulate Col-II and GAG production are needed. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and transcription factor SOX9 are essential for the synthesis of cartilage matrix, chondrocyte proliferation, and phenotype maintenance. We evaluated the combined effect of IGF-I and SOX9 transgene expression on Col-II and GAG production by cultured human articular chondrocytes. Transient transfection and cotransfection were performed using two mammalian expression plasmids (pCMV-SPORT6), one for each transgene. At day 9 post-transfection, the chondrocytes that were over-expressing IGF-I/SOX9 showed 2-fold increased mRNA expression of the Col-II gene, as well as a 57% increase in Col-II protein, whereas type I collagen expression (Col-I) was decreased by 59.3% compared with controls. The production of GAG by these cells increased significantly compared with the controls at day 9 (3.3- vs 1.8-times, an increase of almost 83%). Thus, IGF-I/SOX9 cotransfected chondrocytes may be useful for cell-based articular cartilage therapies.

Coccidioidomycosis is a respiratory fungal infection with occasional systemic dissemination. The disseminated coccidioidomycosis is considered a multifaceted disease. In medicine, disseminated coccidioidomycosis is included within a group of infectious diseases that have been referred as the great imitators. In many cases, malignancies are included in the presumptive diagnosis. In veterinary medicine, disseminated coccidioidomycosis is common in dogs. Nonetheless, despite of being a diagnostic dilemma, disseminated coccidioidomycosis is underestimated and frequently not included into differentials, even in endemic zones. Herein, we describe three cases of granulomatous inflammation caused by Coccidioides spp. which were masquerading malignancies in dogs (0.39 %). The presumptive diagnoses in these cases were osteosarcoma, lymphoma and neurofibroma, respectively. A PCR assay employing tissues in paraffin blocks resulted positive for C. posadasii in one of these cases. A comparative discussion on the ambiguous clinic-pathological presentation of disseminated coccidioidomycosis in dogs and humans is included.

In cartilage tissue engineering, biphasic scaffolds (BSs) have been designed not only to influence the recapitulation of the osteochondral architecture but also to take advantage of the healing ability of bone, promoting the implant&rsquo, s integration with the surrounding tissue and then bone restoration and cartilage regeneration. This study reports the development and characterization of a BS based on the assembly of a cartilage phase constituted by fibroin biofunctionalyzed with a bovine cartilage matrix, cellularized with differentiated autologous pre-chondrocytes and well attached to a bone phase (decellularized bovine bone) to promote cartilage regeneration in a model of joint damage in pigs. BSs were assembled by fibroin crystallization with methanol, and the mechanical features and histological architectures were evaluated. The scaffolds were cellularized and matured for 12 days, then implanted into an osteochondral defect in a porcine model (n = 4). Three treatments were applied per knee: Group I, monophasic cellular scaffold (single chondral phase), group II (BS), cellularized only in the chondral phase, and in order to study the influence of the cellularization of the bone phase, Group III was cellularized in chondral phases and a bone phase, with autologous osteoblasts being included. After 8 weeks of surgery, the integration and regeneration tissues were analyzed via a histology and immunohistochemistry evaluation. The mechanical assessment showed that the acellular BSs reached a Young&rsquo, s modulus of 805.01 kPa, similar to native cartilage. In vitro biological studies revealed the chondroinductive ability of the BSs, evidenced by an increase in sulfated glycosaminoglycans and type II collagen, both secreted by the chondrocytes cultured on the scaffold during 28 days. No evidence of adverse or inflammatory reactions was observed in the in vivo trial, however, in Group I, the defects were not reconstructed. In Groups II and III, a good integration of the implant with the surrounding tissue was observed. Defects in group II were fulfilled via hyaline cartilage and normal bone. Group III defects showed fibrous repair tissue. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated the efficacy of a biphasic and bioactive scaffold based on silk fibroin and cellularized only in the chondral phase, which entwined chondroinductive features and a biomechanical capability with an appropriate integration with the surrounding tissue, representing a promising alternative for osteochondral tissue-engineering applications.

Since the introduction of bone morphogenetic proteins, their use has become an invaluable ally for the treatment of bone defects. These proteins are potent growth factors, related to angiogenic and osteogenic activity. The osteoinductive capacity of recombinant bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP) in the formation of bone and cartilage has been confirmed in in vitro studies and evaluated in clinical trials. To obtain a therapeutic effect, administration is systemic, by injection over the physiological dose. Among the disadvantages, ectopic bone formation or high morbidity in cases of spinal fusion is observed. In this review, the roles of bone morphogenetic proteins in bone repair and clinical applications are analyzed. These findings represent advances in the study of bone regeneration and application of growth factors for more predictable results.

Background A fracture repair involves complex cellular processes. However, despite optimal treatment, some fractures heal slowly or do not repair. These complications support the need for innovative therapies. Electromagnetic stimulation is a non-invasive technology that could have a direct impact on many cellular pathways. Objective To demonstrate the effectiveness of electro-stimulation by alternating current applied during bone elongation to accelerate the consolidation process for 30 days in an animal model. Materials and methods A device with closed circuit and graduated voltage was designed and kept in contact with the external fixator. Group A was elongated without electro-stimulation and group B was electro-stimulated since the beginning of the distraction. Radiographs were taken at 15 and 30 days post-surgical. Haematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson's trichrome stain were performed. Results No significant difference were observed in bone density of group A (4.05±3.24, p = 0.163). In group B there was a significant difference (61.06±20.17, p = 0.03) in bone density. Group A maintained a fibrous tissue repair, with areas of cartilage and bone matrix. Group B had more organised tissue in the stages of bone repair. Conclusion Because there is a significant difference in the growth and callus formation at 15 and 30 days between groups, electro-stimulation could be considered as an adjuvant during bone elongation.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative and progressive articular cartilage disease. Infiltration of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been proposed as a therapeutic alternative due to the content of biologically active cytokines in PRP. We aimed to compare the clinical response of acetaminophen and intra-articular leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP) in early knee OA.A total of 65 patients with clinically and radiographically documented knee OA (grade 1-2) were analyzed. Patients were randomized into two groups: 32 were treated with acetaminophen (500 mg/8 h) over 6 weeks, and 33 received three intra-articular injections of autologous LP-PRP (once every 2 weeks). All patients were evaluated by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) score, and the SF-12 health survey at baseline and 6, 12, and 24 weeks of follow-up. All LP-PRP preparations were analyzed for the platelet, leukocyte, IL-1ra, and TGF-β concentrations.The decrease in the VAS pain level in the LP-PRP group was greater than that in the acetaminophen group (p 0.05). Patients treated with LP-PRP showed a sustained improvement in knee function at week 24 (p 0.01). The SF-12 results only indicated an improvement in quality-of-life in the LP-PRP group at 6, 12, and 24 weeks of follow-up (p 0.01). Both IL-1ra and TGF-β were detected in the LP-PRP samples (313.8 ± 231.6 and 21,183.8 ± 8556.3 pg/mL, respectively).Treatment with LP-PRP injections resulted in a significantly better clinical outcome than did treatment with acetaminophen, with sustained lower EVA and WOMAC scores and improvement in quality-of-life (higher SF-12 score). Therapy with LP-PRP may positively modify the inflammatory joint environment by counteracting IL-1β action.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) are inducible to an osteogenic phenotype by the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). This facilitates the generation of implants for bone tissue regeneration. This study evaluated thein vitroosteogenic differentiation of ADMSCs transduced individually and in combination with adenoviral vectors expressing BMP2 and BMP7. Moreover, the effectiveness of the implant containing ADMSCs transduced with the adenoviral vectors AdBMP2/AdBMP7 and embedded in demineralized bone matrix (DBM) was tested in a model of tibial fracture in sheep. This graft was compared to ewes implanted with untransduced ADMSCs embedded in the same matrix and with injured but untreated animals.In vivoresults showed accelerated osteogenesis in the group treated with the AdBMP2/AdBMP7 transduced ADMSC graft, which also showed improved restoration of the normal bone morphology.

Background Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are actively involved in ossification, and BMP-2 participates throughout the entire process. Gene therapy for bone regeneration using adenovirus-expressing BMPs has been successful in small mammals, but it has not been satisfactory in large mammals. Methods We generated a 3-component implant (3C graft) comprising autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), ex vivo transduced with an adenovirus vector-expressing BMP-2 and embedded in a demineralized human bone matrix (DBM). Results In vitro studies demonstrated vector-induced osteogenesis; osteoblast population and mineralization of the extracellular matrix were greater in the vector-transduced cultures than in the controls (nontransduced MSCs stimulated with osteogenic media were used as positive controls, and nontransduced MSCs served as a negative control). The 3-component grafts were used to fill osteotomies created by bone distraction surgery in mongrel dogs. Control groups comprised dogs with bone distraction alone and dogs with nontransduced MSC grafts. The radiography follow-up, performed 10 weeks after distraction, demonstrated a remarkable reduction in the consolidation period compared with controls. Postmortem mandibles submitted for anatomic and histologic analyses showed improved remodeling and bone maturation in the 3C-grafted dogs. Inflammatory infiltrates were not observed in any of the treated areas, and no liver toxicity was detected. Conclusions We demonstrated acceleration of osteogenesis in a dog model for bone distraction by using an implant of BMP-2 modified MSCs. These results are helpful for future clinical trials of mandible bone distraction.

Ceramics and bioceramics, such as hydroxyapatite and zirconium, are used in bone tissue engineering. Hydroxyapatite has chemical properties similar to bone while zirconium offers suitable mechanical properties. The aim of this article is to evaluate the ability to support cell growth and osteoblastic mineralization of hydroxyapatite-zirconium obtained by a new system based on different low temperatures, such as 873 K (HZ600), 923 K (HZ650) and 973 K (HZ700). Hydroxyapatite-zirconia obtained by this new system was examined in terms of thermogravimetric features and x-ray diffractograms. Furthermore, the ability for supporting osteoblast growth and mineralization were analyzed. By x-ray diffraction analysis, we clearly demonstrated that no high-temperature processing was required. Moreover, it is possible to form tetragonal-zirconium at 923 K. Proliferation assays showed that osteoblast growth was not influenced by any of the composite evaluated. Regarding the osteogenic marker Col1, a 2-fold increase in expression was observed for HZ650 compared to HZ600 and HZ700. Interestingly, osteoblasts grown on HZ650 showed globular accretions covered with collagen bundles and calcium-rich extracellular matrix whereas HZ600 and HZ700 showed no phosphate or calcium deposits. This study demonstrated that at 923 K it is possible to generate stable tetragonal-zirconium and the resulting HZ650 composite is able to promote a suitable osteoblast mineralization process.

La osteoartrosis es un padecimiento del aparato locomotor con una prevalencia elevada y en crecimiento, paralela al envejecimiento de la poblacion. La infiltracion intraarticular de sustancias para aliviar la sintomatologia de la osteoartrosis es una practica comun en el consultorio medico de los especialistas que atienden esta enfermedad. Aunque la sintomatologia mejora con la infiltracion de anestesicos locales, corticoesteroides y suplementos viscosantes, es aun incierto el efecto que estas sustancias tienen sobre la integridad del cartilago articular. Este estudio explora a nivel macroscopico e histologico el efecto de la infiltracion de ropivacaina, metilprednisolona y acido hialuronico sobre el cartilago articular en un modelo de osteoartrosis quimica en conejos (n=24). Nuestros resultados indican que en los grupos infiltrados con metilprednisolona (n=8) y ropivacaina (n=8) la estructura del cartilago articular presento alteraciones mas severas con respecto a su grupo control, ademas de una disminucion importante en la sintesis de matriz extracelular. En el grupo infiltrado con acido hialuronico (n=8), las alteraciones macroscopicas e histologicas del cartilago articular mejoraron con respecto a su grupo control, presentando una estructura integra y sintesis de matriz extracelular normal.

in the treatment of early osteoartrosis, analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are frequently used to relieve pain. Currently, platelet rich plasma is used as an alternative in the treatment of osteoartrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of platelet rich plasma compared to paracetamol as a treatment for patients with knee osteoartrosis grade I.we evaluated 42 patients who were randomized into two groups. Group one was treated with 5 mL of platelet rich plasma in two applications, while group two was treated with 1 gr of oral paracetamol every 8 hours for 30 days. Both patient groups received supervised physical rehabilitation during the 6 month observation period. Peripheral blood samples were taken to measure plasma IL-1β, TNF-a and TGF-β1 levels at day 0 and at 6 months post-treatment. Clinical evaluation was conducted using the KOOS at the start of the study and for every subsequent month during the study period.the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for group one at the start of the treatment was measured at 30.1 points, whereas at the end, it was measured at 48.2 points, showing a clinical improvement of 60%. There were no statistically significant differences in IL-1β and TNF-a levels between groups treated either with platelet rich plasma or paracetamol.Our patients treated with platelet rich plasma showed a statistically significant increase in the serum levels of TGF-β1, which was associated with an improvement in the clinical evaluation used (KOOS).Antecedentes: la osteoartrosis se caracteriza por dolor, rigidez articular y crepitación, con datos radiológicos específicos. El dolor se controla con analgésicos y antiinflamatorios no esteroides. En la actualidad, el plasma rico en plaquetas es una alternativa de tratamiento de esta enfermedad. Objetivo: comparar el efecto del plasma rico en plaquetas versus paracetamol en el tratamiento de pacientes con osteoartrosis de rodilla grado I. Material y métodos: ensayo prospectivo y experimental en el que se estudiaron 42 pacientes que se asignaron al azar a dos grupos. Al grupo 1 (experimental) se le indicaron 5 mL de plasma rico en plaquetas, en dos aplicaciones; el grupo 2 (control) se trató con 1 g de paracetamol oral cada 8 horas durante 30 días. Ambos grupos recibieron terapia física supervisada, con un tiempo de seguimiento total de seis meses. Para determinar las concentraciones de sangre periférica se tomaron muestras de IL-1β, TNF-a y TGF-β en plasma el día 0 y a los 6 meses. La valoración clínica se realizó con el Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) al inicio y mensualmente durante el estudio. Resultados: los resultados de IL-1β y TNF-a no mostraron diferencia significativa entre los grupos tratados con plasma rico en plaquetas y paracetamol. La escala KOOS para el grupo 1 al inicio del tratamiento fue de 30.1 puntos y al finalizar el tratamiento 48.2 puntos, con mejoría clínica de 60%. Conclusiones: los pacientes tratados con plasma rico en plaquetas tuvieron un incremento significativo en las concentraciones séricas de TGF-β1 que se asoció con la mejoría clínica relacionada con el KOOS.

Se realizó un estudio preliminar para obtener evidencia serológica de la presencia del virus del síndrome respiratorio y reproductivo porcino (PRRS, por sus siglas en inglés) y del riesgo de infección en las diferentes áreas y etapas de producción en cinco granjas porcinas de ciclo completo en Nuevo León, México. Se obtuvieron 60 muestras de sangre de cada granja (diez para cada etapa de producción: destete, iniciación, fi nalización, cerdas gestantes, lactando o en monta-servicio). La detección de anticuerpos antivirus del PRRS se realizó utilizando un equipo comercial. Todas las granjas resultaron positivas en las diferentes etapas de producción. La seroprevalencia fue mayor en las etapas de inicio y fi nalización (36% y 56%, respectivamente).

Coccidioidomycosis is a respiratory fungal infection with occasional systemic dissemination. The disseminated coccidioidomycosis is considered a multifaceted disease. In medicine, disseminated coccidioidomycosis is included within a group of infectious diseases that have been referred as the great imitators. In many cases, malignancies are included in the presumptive diagnosis. In veterinary medicine, disseminated coccidioidomycosis is common in dogs. Nonetheless, despite of being a diagnostic dilemma, disseminated coccidioidomycosis is underestimated and frequently not included into differentials, even in endemic zones. Herein, we describe three cases of granulomatous inflammation caused by Coccidioides spp. which were masquerading malignancies in dogs (0.39 %). The presumptive diagnoses in these cases were osteosarcoma, lymphoma and neurofibroma, respectively. A PCR assay employing tissues in paraffin blocks resulted positive for C. posadasii in one of these cases. A comparative discussion on the ambiguous clinic-pathological presentation of disseminated coccidioidomycosis in dogs and humans is included.

Introducción. El implante de condrocitos autólogos (ICA) es una técnica terapéutica diseñada para reparar lesiones del cartílago hialino ubicado en la superficie de las articulaciones sinoviales. Objetivo. Implementar el cultivo de condrocitos autólogos humanos para el transplante en defectos articulares. Material v Métodos. Se obtuvieron condrocitos humanos a partir de una biopsia de cartílago tomada de la rodilla de un paciente de 23 años con una lesión osteocondral en el domo del astràgalo izquierdo. Se realizó una curva de crecimiento y se estimó el tiempo de duplicación y la viabilidad de condrocitos cultivados en medios suplementados con SHA o SBF. A las células cultivadas en un medio suplementado con SHA, se les realizaron dos pasajes para aumentar la población a 15 x 10® células, posteriormente se incluyeron en una matriz de fibrina para generar un implante de condrocitos autólogos que fue colocado en la lesión del paciente 24 horas post-inclusici celular. Se comparó la matriz extracelular (MEC) de una biopsia de cartílago con la MEC sintetizada por los condrocitos establecidos en monocapa y al ser incluidos en la matriz tridimensional, se realizaron pruebas de RT-PCR e IHQ a los 7, 14 y 21 días para la detección de Sox 9, de colágeno tipo I y II. A manera de seguimiento, se realizó IHQ a una biopsia tomada del injerto seis meses post-implante. Resultados. No se encontró diferencia significativa en el tiempo de duplicación ni en la viabilidad de los condrocitos cultivados con SHA o SBF. El colágeno de tipo II y el factor de transcripción Sox 9, estuvieron presentes en la biopsia de cartílago hialino, en donde no se observó el colágeno tipo I. El colágeno I se detectó desde la primera semana en la monocapa, sugiriendo un proceso de desdíferenciación. Sin embargo, las células expresaron colágeno II y el factor Sox 9 en todo el período de cultivo. Durante la permanencia de los condrocitos en la fibrina, fue más apreciable el colágeno I. No obstante, también se pudo distinguir el factor Sox 9 y el colágeno de tipo II. La IHQ confirmó estos hallazgos y reveló la extensión de la MEC formada. Muchos de los condrocitos incluidos en la fibrina demostraron su viabilidad migrando a la caja de cultivo para establecerse en monocapa Seis meses postimplante, el paciente se reportó incorporado a sus actividades diarias, se tomó una biopsia en el borde extemo del injerto, y se encontró que el colágeno de tipo I estaba rellenando esa zona del implante. Conclusión. El ICA permitió la recuperación clínica del paciente tratado, aunque a los seis meses postimplante, se detectó predominantemente colágeno tipo I. Perspectivas. Deberá hacerse una valoración del tipo de cartílago presente en el injerto a un tiempo más prolongado para determinar si hay formación de cartílago hialino.

In this review, the composition, actions, and clinical applications of acemannan in medicine and its effectiveness as an adjunct in the treatment of diseases are presented. An electronic literature search was performed up to January 2014 for studies and research presenting data to validate the efficacy of acemannan. A total of 50 titles, abstracts and full-text studies were selected and reviewed. Acemannan has various medicinal properties like osteogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial, which accelerate healing of lesions. Also, acemannan is known to have antiviral and antitumor activities in vivo through activation of immune responses. It was concluded that Aloe vera has immense potential as a therapeutic agent. Even though the plant is a promising herb with various clinical applications in medicine and dentistry, more clinical research needs to be undertaken to validate and explain the action of acemannan in healing, so that it can be established in the field of medicine and a more precise understanding of the biological activities of these is required to develop Aloe vera as a pharmaceutical source.