Differential Cross Section and Photon-Beam Asymmetry for the γ[over →]p → π^{-}Δ^{++}(1232) Reaction at Forward π^{-} Angles for E_{γ}=1.5-2.95 GeV

Differential cross sections and photon-beam asymmetries for the γ[over →]p→π^{-}Δ^{++}(1232) reaction have been measured for 0.7<cosθ_{π}^{c.m.}<1 and E_{γ}=1.5-2.95  GeV at SPring-8/LEPS. The first-ever high statistics cross-section data are obtained in this kinematical region, and the asymmetry data for 1.5<E_{γ}(GeV)<2.8 are obtained for the first time. This reaction has a unique feature for studying the production mechanisms of a pure uu[over ¯] quark pair in the final state from the proton. Although there is no distinct peak structure in the cross sections, a non-negligible excess over the theoretical predictions is observed at E_{γ}=1.5-1.8  GeV. The asymmetries are found to be negative in most of the present kinematical regions, suggesting the dominance of π exchange in the t channel. The negative asymmetries at forward meson production angles are different from the asymmetries previously measured for the photoproduction reactions producing a dd[over ¯] or an ss[over ¯] quark pair in the final state. Advanced theoretical models introducing nucleon resonances and additional unnatural-parity exchanges are needed to reproduce the present data.

Excitation of the Isovector Spin Monopole Resonance via the Exothermic ^{90}Zr(^{12}N,^{12}C) Reaction at 175 MeV/u

The (^{12}N, ^{12}C) charge-exchange reaction at 175  MeV/u was developed as a novel probe for studying the isovector spin giant monopole resonance (IVSMR), whose properties are important for better understanding the bulk properties of nuclei and asymmetric nuclear matter. This probe, now available through the production of ^{12}N as a secondary rare-isotope beam, is exothermic, is strongly absorbed at the surface of the target nucleus, and provides selectivity for spin-transfer excitations. All three properties enhance the excitation of the IVSMR compared to other, primarily light-ion, probes, which have been used to study the IVSMR thus far. The ^{90}Zr(^{12}N,^{12}C) reaction was measured and the excitation energy spectra up to about 70 MeV for both the spin-transfer and non-spin-transfer channels were deduced separately by tagging the decay by γ emission from the ^{12}C ejectile. Besides the well-known Gamow-Teller and isobaric analog transitions, a clear signature of the IVSMR was identified. By comparing with the results from light-ion reactions on the same target nucleus and theoretical predictions, the suitability of this new probe for studying the IVSMR was confirmed.

Does the Internet provide patients or clinicians with useful information regarding faecal incontinence? An observational study

BACKGROUND

The Internet has become an important platform for information communication. This study aim to investigate the utility of social media and search engines to disseminate faecal incontinence information.

METHODS

We looked into Social media platforms and search engines. There was not a direct patient recruitment and any available information from patients was already on public domain at the time of search. A quantitative analysis of types and volumes of information regarding faecal incontinence was made.

RESULTS

Twelve valid pages were identified on Facebook: 5 (41%) pages were advertising commercial incontinence products, 4 (33%) pages were dedicated to patients support groups and 3 (25%) pages provided healthcare information. Also we found 192 Facebook posts. On Twitter, 2890 tweets were found of which 51% tweets provided healthcare information; 675 (45%) were sent by healthcare professionals to patients, 530 tweets (35.3%) were between healthcare professionals, 201 tweets (13.4%) were from medical journals or scientific books and 103 tweets (7%) were from hospitals or clinics with information about events and meetings. The second commonest type of tweets was advertising commercial incontinence products 27%. Patients tweeted to exchange information and advice between themselves (20.5%). In contrast, search engines as Google/Yahoo/Bing had a higher proportion of healthcare information (over 70%).

CONCLUSION

Internet appears to have potential to be a useful platform for patients to learn about faecal incontinence and share information; however, given one lack of focus of available data, patients may struggle to identify valid and useful information.

Possible Role of Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Regeneration of Human Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells

Human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) play an important role in peritoneal functions. During long term peritoneal dialysis, it has been reported that HPMCs are damaged by high glucose solution via the signal of transforming growth factor (TGF)- ß1 produced by HPMCs. In this study, we focused on the effect of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), known as an anti-fibrotic and anti-TGF-ß1 agent, on HPMCs damaged by high glucose solution. HPMCs were isolated from specimens of the omentum from nonuremic patients after informed consent had been obtained. After confirming adhesion for 6 hours, 100 μL of DMEM with 0.5%FCS were added at different concentrations (D-glucose; 6, 30mM) with or without HGF (10, 30, 100 ng/mL) for 48 hours. We examined the effects of a high concentration of glucose and then focused on following four critical points: 1) the production of HGF from HPMCs exposed to a high concentration of glucose, 2) the expression of c-Met on HPMCs, 3) the viability of those cells, and 4) matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2). The following significant changes are described herein: high glucose solution and TGF-ß1 i) decreased HGF production from HPMCs and ii) up-regulated expression of c-Met on HPMCs, and addition of HGF iii) restored viability of HPMCs damaged by glucose, iv) suppressed TGF-ß1 production by HGF, and v) induced up-regulation of MMP-2 and decreased TIMP-2 production by HPMCs. Levels of HGF decreased by high concentrations of glucose in the peritoneal cavity may induce the loss of HPMCs and thereby result in peritoneal fibrosis. These results suggest that HGF is an effective agent in the regeneration of peritoneal membrane damaged by high glucose solution.

Study of the contribution of the 7Be(d, p) reaction to the 7Li problem in the Big-Bang Nucleosynthesis

Our research goal is to measure the 7Be(d, p) reaction to shed light on the 7Li problem in the Big-Bang Nucleosynthesis. We are developing an unstable 7Be target for a high-resolution measurement of the 7Be(d, p)8Be reaction. We plan to compare two methods to producethe 7Be target: (1) Activation method, and (2) Implantation method. We performed an activation methodexperiment at the Van de Graaff at Osaka University, and obtained the cross-section data. A second experiment to obtain more accurate data will take place at the Tandem Electrostatic Accelerator, Kobe University. We have also made a 7Be target with implantation method at CRIB, Center for Nuclear Study, Univer-sity of Tokyo. An experiment to measure the (d, p) reaction with the implanted target is scheduled for 2018 at Japan Atomic Energy Agency, tandem facility.

Test of the Brink-Axel Hypothesis for the Pygmy Dipole Resonance

The gamma strength function and level density of 1^{-} states in ^{96}Mo have been extracted from a high-resolution study of the (p[over →], p[over →]^{'}) reaction at 295 MeV and extreme forward angles. By comparison with compound nucleus γ decay experiments, this allows a test of the generalized Brink-Axel hypothesis in the energy region of the pygmy dipole resonance. The Brink-Axel hypothesis is commonly assumed in astrophysical reaction network calculations and states that the gamma strength function in nuclei is independent of the structure of the initial and final state. The present results validate the Brink-Axel hypothesis for ^{96}Mo and provide independent confirmation of the methods used to separate gamma strength function and level density in γ decay experiments.

Reinforcement in removable prosthodontics: a literature review

Removable prosthodontics are often associated with mechanical troubles in daily use, such as fracture or deformation. These troubles render prostheses unusable and reduce wearers' QOL. Various reinforcements are used to prevent such problems, but consensus on reinforcement has not been reached. This review aimed to summarise the effects of reinforcement and to propose favourable reinforcement based on material, design and position in the prostheses. Initially, 139 articles were selected by electronic and manual searches. After exclusion of 99 articles based on the exclusion criteria, 40 articles were finally included in the review. Electronic searches were performed for articles published from 2005 to 2015 in PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library, and manual searches were performed in 10 journals relevant to the topic of removable prosthodontics. For in vitro studies, certain dental alloys and fibres were mainly used. Their forms were different, including complicated forms in dental alloys and various forms in fibres. The materials were examined for mechanical properties like fracture strength, flexural strength and elastic modulus and compared with one another or without reinforcement. There were a few clinical studies and one longitudinal study. Cast metal reinforcement seemed to be most favourable in terms of fracture toughness and stiffness. The most favourable forms differed depending on the prostheses, but placement around thin and deformable areas was effective. However, randomised or longitudinal clinical reports and comparative clinical studies on the use of reinforcement were still lacking and such studies are necessary in the future.

The prevalence of chronic peri-pouch sepsis in patients treated for antibiotic-dependent or refractory primary idiopathic pouchitis

AIM

Chronic peri-pouch sepsis (CPPS) may be mistaken for antibiotic-dependent or refractory primary idiopathic pouchitis (ADRP), but requires different treatment such as drainage. The study aimed to identify the prevalence of CPPS in patients thought to have ADRP. The secondary aims were to identify any specific features on pouchoscopy suggesting CPPS and to determine the results of treatment for CPPS.

METHOD

The records of patients who had been treated for ADRP between March 2006 and June 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Only those with endoscopic evidence of pouch inflammation who had also undergone MRI of the pelvis were included. The findings on pouchoscopy and the outcome of treatment were determined.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients (43 men, 63%) were identified with apparent ADRP between March 2006 and June 2015. MRI of the pelvis showed CPPS in 26 (38%). In those with CPPS, the inflammation was more often located in the upper pouch alone (15%) compared with patients without CPPS (0%) (P = 0.0184). Examination under anaesthesia was performed in 13 of those with CPPS. In five a collection was identified and drained; symptoms improved in only one (4%). Eighteen patients (69%) remained on antibiotics and seven (27%) had a defunctioning stoma or underwent pouch excision.

CONCLUSION

In patients thought to have ADRP, 38% had CPPS on MRI. There was no clinically relevant specific feature on pouchoscopy suggestive of CPPS. The possibility of CPPS should be considered early in patients with apparent ADRP and pelvic MRI performed. This might lead to earlier detection of CPPS and appropriate treatment.

Current practice of continence advisors in managing faecal incontinence in the United Kingdom: results of an online survey

AIM

To investigate the current practice of continence advisors in the United Kingdom.

METHOD

Continence advisors were contacted by email or letter to participate in a survey. The survey contained 27 questions which addressed the practice of each continence advisor, their knowledge of continence management and the adequacy of their training.

RESULTS

Two hundred and twenty-six out of a total of 448 continence advisors (50.4%), responded. One hundred and seventy (76.9%) advisors treated both faecal and urinary incontinence, 51 (23.1%) treated urinary incontinence. Thirty-six advisors (16.1%) were lone workers and 130 (58.6%) had more than 10 years' experience. The majority of the advisors (75.6%) performed a digital rectal examination as part of their assessment. Regarding the management of faecal incontinence, 148 prescribed suppositories, 127 offered enemas and 147 advised on rectal irrigation. Most of the advisors taught pelvic floor exercises (n = 207) and urge resistance techniques (n = 188). One hundred and fifty-nine (87.4%) prescribed the Peristeen Coloplast^® anal plug and 78 (47.6%) prescribed the Renew^® anal insert. Eighty-nine advisors (42.6%) felt they had not been adequately trained to provide a bowel continence service.

CONCLUSION

The majority of continence advisors in the UK manage faecal incontinence. They are able to initiate a broad range of conservative treatment options; however, almost half of the advisors who answered the survey felt inadequately trained and may be better supported by further training.

Complex abdominal wall reconstruction in the setting of active infection and contamination: a systematic review of hernia and fistula recurrence rates

AIM

Minimal evidence exists to guide surgeons on the risk of complications when performing abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) in the presence of active infection, contamination or enterocutaneous fistula. This study aims to establish the outcomes of contaminated complex AWR.

METHOD

Analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Pubmed databases was performed. Studies reporting exclusively on single-staged repair of contaminated complex AWR were included. Pooled data were analysed to establish rates of complications.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies were included, consisting of 601 contaminated complex AWRs, of which 233 included concurrent enterocutaneous fistula repair. The average follow-up period was 26.7 months. There were 146 (24.3%) reported hernia recurrences. When stratified by repair method, suture repair alone had the lowest rate of recurrence (14.2%), followed by nonabsorbable synthetic mesh reinforcement (21.2%), biological mesh (25.8%) and absorbable synthetic mesh (53.1%). Hernia recurrence was higher when fascial closure was not achieved. Of the 233 enterocutaneous fistula repairs, fistula recurrence was seen in 24 patients (10.3%). Suture repair alone had the lowest rate of recurrence (1.6%), followed by nonbiological mesh (10.3%) and biological mesh reinforcement (12%). Forty-six per cent of patients were reported as having a wound-related complication and the mortality rate was 2.5%.

CONCLUSION

It is feasible to perform simultaneous enterocutaneous fistula repair and AWR as rates of recurrent fistula are comparable with series describing enterocutaneous fistula repair alone. Hernias recurred in nearly a quarter of cases. This analysis is limited by a lack of comparative data and variability of outcome reporting.

Longitudinal study of factors affecting taste sense decline in old-old individuals

The sense of taste plays a pivotal role for personal assessment of the nutritional value, safety and quality of foods. Although it is commonly recognised that taste sensitivity decreases with age, alterations in that sensitivity over time in an old-old population have not been previously reported. Furthermore, no known studies utilised comprehensive variables regarding taste changes and related factors for assessments. Here, we report novel findings from a 3-year longitudinal study model aimed to elucidate taste sensitivity decline and its related factors in old-old individuals. We utilised 621 subjects aged 79-81 years who participated in the Septuagenarians, Octogenarians, Nonagenarians Investigation with Centenarians Study for baseline assessments performed in 2011 and 2012, and then conducted follow-up assessments 3 years later in 328 of those. Assessment of general health, an oral examination and determination of taste sensitivity were performed for each. We also evaluated cognitive function using Montreal Cognitive Assessment findings, then excluded from analysis those with a score lower than 20 in order to secure the validity and reliability of the subjects' answers. Contributing variables were selected using univariate analysis, then analysed with multivariate logistic regression analysis. We found that males showed significantly greater declines in taste sensitivity for sweet and sour tastes than females. Additionally, subjects with lower cognitive scores showed a significantly greater taste decrease for salty in multivariate analysis. In conclusion, our longitudinal study revealed that gender and cognitive status are major factors affecting taste sensitivity in geriatric individuals.

Dietary Intake Is Associated with Occlusal Force Rather Than Number of Teeth in 80-y-Old Japanese

There has been a growing interest in the association between the number of teeth and dietary intake in older populations. However, people around the age of 80 y have frequently lost most of their teeth, and dental prostheses replacing the missing teeth play an important role in masticatory function. Therefore, masticatory function cannot be evaluated by the number of teeth alone. The occlusal force of the complete dental arches is an index of masticatory function, reflecting not only the number of teeth, but the effect of removable dentures. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the relative importance of the number of teeth and occlusal force in association with dietary intake in 80-y-old Japanese people.

This study included 760 community-dwelling Japanese people aged 79 y to 81 y. The authors measured bilateral maximal occlusal force in the intercuspal position using pressure-sensitive sheets. Removable denture wearers kept their dentures in place during the measurements. Energy-adjusted food groups and nutrient intake during the preceding month were assessed by a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire. The authors assessed linear trends in food and nutrient intake in relation to the number of teeth and occlusal force after adjusting for gender and socioeconomic status (education level, financial status, family structure, resident area and BMI). P values of < 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.

The authors found that the number of teeth was not associated with the energy-adjusted intake of any food group examined. In contrast, a decline in occlusal force was significantly associated with a lower intake of vegetables, fish and shellfish, protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber and most vitamins and minerals ( P for trend < 0.05). We conclude that food and nutrient intake was more closely associated with occlusal force than the number of teeth in community-dwelling Japanese people aged 79 y to 81 y.

Knowledge Transfer Statement: This cross-sectional study of older Japanese people showed that, after controlling for considerable covariates, occlusal force rather than the number of teeth is positively associated with energy-adjusted intake of vegetables, fish and shellfish, protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber and most of vitamins and minerals. This means that reduced occlusal force may unconsciously lead older people toward a habitual unhealthy dietary intake. Older people have frequently lost most of their teeth and require prosthetics to restore masticatory function. Bilateral occlusal force is therefore a better measure of masticatory function than the number of remaining teeth. Our findings suggest that prosthetic rehabilitation is a significant factor in the prevention and management of chronic diseases and frailty through better dietary intake in older populations.

Factors related to taste sensitivity in elderly: cross-sectional findings from SONIC study

The sense of taste is important, as it allows for assessment of nutritional value, as well as safety and quality of foods, with several factors suggested to be associated with taste sensitivity. However, comprehensive variables regarding taste and related factors have not been utilised in previous studies for assessments of sensitivity. In the present study, we performed cross-sectional analyses of taste sensitivity and related factors in geriatric individuals who participated in the SONIC Study. We analysed 2 groups divided by age, 69-71 years (young-old, n = 687) and 79-81 years (old-old, n = 621), and performed a general health assessment, an oral examination and determination of taste sensitivity. Contributing variables were selected by univariate analysis and then subjected to multivariate logistic regression analysis. In both groups, females showed significantly better sensitivity for bitter and sour tastes. Additionally, higher cognitive scores for subjects with a fine taste for salty were commonly seen in both groups, while smoking, drinking, hypertension, number of teeth, stimulated salivary flow salt intake and years of education were also shown to be associated with taste sensitivity. We found gender and cognitive status to be major factors affecting taste sensitivity in geriatric individuals.

The role of the defaecating pouchogram in the assessment of evacuation difficulty after restorative proctocolectomy and pouch-anal anastomosis

AIM

Restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the most frequently performed operation for intractable ulcerative colitis (UC) and for many patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). It can be complicated by a functional evacuation difficulty, which is not well understood. We aimed to evaluate the role of defaecating pouchography in an attempt to assess the mechanism of evacuation difficulty in pouch patients.

METHOD

All RPC patients who had had a defaecating pouchogram for evacuation difficulty at one hospital between 2006 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. The findings and features were correlated with the symptoms. Demographic, clinical and radiological variables were analysed.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven [55 (63%) female] patients aged 47.6 ± 12.5 years (mean standard ± SD) were identified. Thirty-five had a mechanical outlet obstruction and 52 had no identified mechanical cause to explain the evacuation difficulty. The mean age of these 52 [33 (63%) female] patients was 48.2 ± 13 years. Of these 52 patients, significantly more used anti-diarrhoeal medication (P = 0.029), complained of a high frequency of defaecation (P = 0.005), experienced a longer time to the initiation of defaecation (P = 0.049) and underwent pouchoscopy (P = 0.003). Biofeedback appeared to improve the symptoms in 7 of 16 patients with a nonmechanical defaecatory difficulty. The most common findings on defaecating pouchography included residual barium of more than 33% after an attempted evacuation (46%, n = 24), slow evacuation (35%, n = 18) and mucosal irregularity (33%, n = 17). Correlation between radiological features and symptoms showed a statistically significant relationship between straining, anal pain, incontinence and urgency with patterns of anismus or pelvic floor descent or weakness seen on the defaecating pouchogram. Symptoms of incomplete evacuation, difficulty in the initiation of defaecation, high defaecatory frequency and abdominal pain were not correlated with the radiological features of the pouchogram.

CONCLUSION

Defaecating pouchography may be useful for identifying anismus and pelvic floor disorders in pouch patients who have symptoms of straining, anal pain or incontinence. In patients with a high frequency of defaecation and abdominal pain it does not provide clinically meaningful information. Patients who complain of straining, incontinence, anal pain or urgency and have anismus or pelvic floor disorders may benefit from behavioural therapy.

Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty for Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis

Eleven patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenotic lesions underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Seven patients had stenosis in M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), two in the cavernous internal carotid artery, one in M2 segment of the MCA and one in the P2 segment of the posterior cerebral artery. Initial successful dilatation (less than 50% residual stenosis) was obtained in nine patients (81.8%). Permanent neurological deficit related to PTA was seen in one patient and transient symptoms were observed in two. Re-stenosis was revealed in two cases (18.2%) in the early follow-up period. All patients with successful dilatation and without re-stenosis never had TIA or stroke after PTA. Intracranial PTA is an effective procedure, but several problems remain to be solved.

Interference Effect between ϕ and Λ(1520) Production Channels in the γp→K^{+}K^{-}p Reaction near Threshold

The ϕ-Λ(1520) interference effect in the γp→K^{+}K^{-}p reaction has been measured for the first time in the energy range from 1.673 to 2.173 GeV. The relative phases between ϕ and Λ(1520) production amplitudes were obtained in the kinematic region where the two resonances overlap. The measurement results support strong constructive interference when K^{+}K^{-} pairs are observed at forward angles but destructive interference for proton emission at forward angles. Furthermore, the observed interference effect does not account for the sqrt[s]=2.1  GeV bump structure in forward differential cross sections for ϕ photoproduction. This fact suggests possible exotic structures such as a hidden-strangeness pentaquark state, a new Pomeron exchange, or rescattering processes via other hyperon states.

European Society of Coloproctology consensus on the surgical management of intestinal failure in adults

Intestinal failure (IF) is a debilitating condition of inadequate nutrition due to an anatomical and/or physiological deficit of the intestine. Surgical management of patients with acute and chronic IF requires expertise to deal with technical challenges and make correct decisions. Dedicated IF units have expertise in patient selection, operative risk assessment and multidisciplinary support such as nutritional input and interventional radiology, which dramatically improve the morbidity and mortality of this complex condition and can beneficially affect the continuing dependence on parenteral nutritional support. Currently there is little guidance to bridge the gap between general surgeons and specialist IF surgeons. Fifteen European experts took part in a consensus process to develop guidance to support surgeons in the management of patients with IF. Based on a systematic literature review, statements were prepared for a modified Delphi process. The evidence for each statement was graded using Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence. The current paper contains the statements reflecting the position and practice of leading European experts in IF encompassing the general definition of IF surgery and organization of an IF unit, strategies to prevent IF, management of acute IF, management of wound, fistula and stoma, rehabilitation, intestinal and abdominal reconstruction, criteria for referral to a specialist unit and intestinal transplantation.

The effect of denture installation at mandibular rest position on unsteady motion of the centre of pressure in postural sway

Wearing dentures has been believed to decrease the instability of the postural sway using the total length of centre of pressure (CoP) trajectory or the magnitude of its variability. However, the physical aspects of the postural sway have not been taken into account while evaluating the CoP in patients who wear dentures. The CoP fluctuations are found to show a random walk process. Therefore, changes in the random movement of CoP caused by wearing dentures should be examined by nonlinear dynamics that enables analysis of the characteristics found in the random movement. We evaluated the effect of complete denture installation on CoP sway for twenty-six edentulous patients by performing the following steps. First, we excluded subjects who did not show crossover in spectral analyses. Then, we evaluated the spectral characteristics and phase shifts of the velocities of CoP sway for the subjects who showed crossover. We found that wearing complete dentures decreased the fluctuations in the high-frequency part of the power spectral density (PSD) and the phase shift in the mediolateral direction. On the other hand, we also found that the use of complete dentures decreased the fluctuations of PSD amplitude in the anteroposterior direction. From the point of view of the kinetic energy of the musculoskeletal system, we suggested that the use of complete dentures could reduce the energy consumption for the standing posture.

Inflammation in arthritis induces expression of BMP3, an inhibitor of bone formation

OBJECTIVES

Inflammation in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) stimulates osteoclast-mediated articular bone erosion and inhibits osteoblast-mediated bone formation, leading to a net loss of bone. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and antagonists of the Wnt signalling pathway have been implicated in the inhibition of osteoblast differentiation and activity in RA, contributing to the erosive process and impairing erosion healing. Importantly, osteoblast differentiation and function are also regulated by the osteogenic bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling pathway, which is antagonized by BMP3. We therefore examined the potential role of BMP3 in inflammatory arthritis.

METHOD

Two murine models of RA, K/BxN serum transfer arthritis (STA) and antigen-induced arthritis (AIA), were used to establish the temporal expression of BMP3 and the cellular sources of BMP3 mRNA and protein in inflammatory arthritis. To determine the effects of inflammation on the expression of BMP3 in osteoblasts, murine calvarial osteoblasts were treated with pro-inflammatory cytokines and BMP3 expression was assessed.

RESULTS

In both murine models of RA, BMP3 mRNA and protein are highly expressed by osteoblasts lining inflammation-bone interfaces late in the course of arthritis. Synovial tissues are not a significant source of BMP3. BMP3 expression is induced in osteocalcin-expressing osteoblasts in vitro following stimulation by tumour necrosis factor (TNF).

CONCLUSIONS

These data implicate BMP3 as a novel factor that may act locally to contribute to the erosive process and inhibit the repair of articular bone in RA through inhibition of osteoblast differentiation and function.