Biomechanical characteristics of a novel interspinous distraction fusion device in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases: a finite element analysis.

Background: A novel interspinous distraction fusion (ISDF) device has been used to treat lumbar degenerative diseases. As a minimally invasive technique, ISDF differs from the traditional interspinous process distraction devices. Currently, biomechanical studies on ISDF are rare.

Neural Peptide -CGRP Coregulated Angiogenesis and Osteogenesis via Promoting the Cross-Talk between Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Endothelial Cells.

Background: The coupled vascularization and bone remodeling are key steps during bone healing, during which the cross-talk between mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial cells plays vital roles. Evidence indicates the well-characterized neuropeptide Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide- (CGRP) is proven to play an important role during bone regeneration. However, the regulatory effects of CGRP on angiogenesis and osteogenesis, as well as underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms, remain unclear.

PGC-1α attenuates the oxidative stress-induced impaired osteogenesis and angiogenesis regulation effects of mesenchymal stem cells in the presence of diabetic serum.

Oxidative stress is believed to induce dysfunction of the bone remodeling process and be associated with progressive loss of bone mass. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) is a master controller during mitochondrial biogenesis and the antioxidant response. We postulated that PGC-1α could function as a cyto-protective effector in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) under oxidative stress conditions.