Chronic Electrical Stimulation of the Superior Laryngeal Nerve in the Rat: A Potential Therapeutic Approach for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Enhancing Osteogenic Potential: Controlled Release of Dopamine D1 Receptor Agonist SKF38393 Compared to Free Administration

Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disorder and is characterized by decreased bone density, which has a relationship with the quality of life among the aging population. Previous research has found that activation of the dopamine D1 receptor can improve bone mass formation. SKF38393 is an agonist of dopamine D1 receptors. However, as a small-molecule drug, SKF38393 is unstable and releases quickly. The aim of this study was to prototype polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)/SKF38393 microspheres and assess their potential osteogenic effects compared to those under the free administration of SKF38393. The cytocompatibility of PLGA/SKF38393 was determined via CCK-8 and live/dead cell staining; the osteogenic effects in vitro were determined with ALP and alizarin red staining, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting; and the in vivo effects were assessed using 25 Balb/c mice. We also used a PCR array to explore the possible signaling pathway changes after employing PLGA/SKF38393. Our experiments demonstrated that the osteogenic effect of D1Rs activated by the PLGA/SKF38393 microsphere was better than that under free administration, both in vitro and in vivo. According to the PCR array, this result might be associated with six signaling pathways (graphical abstract). Ultimately, in this study, we prototyped PLGA/SKF38393, demonstrated its effectiveness, and preliminarily analyzed its mechanism of action.

The Inflammatory Contribution of B-Lymphocytes and Neutrophils in Progression to Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by structural deterioration and low bone mass, leading to fractures and significant health complications. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms by which B-lymphocytes and neutrophils contribute to the development of osteoporosis and potential therapeutics targeting these immune mediators to reduce the proinflammatory milieu. B-lymphocytes-typically appreciated for their canonical role in adaptive, humoral immunity-have emerged as critical regulators of bone remodeling. B-lymphocytes communicate with osteoclasts and osteoblasts through various cytokines, including IL-7, RANK, and OPG. In inflammatory conditions, B-lymphocytes promote osteoclast activation and differentiation. However, B-lymphocytes also possess immunomodulatory properties, with regulatory B-lymphocytes (Bregs) secreting TGF-β1 to restrain pathogenic osteoclastogenesis. Neutrophils, the body's most prevalent leukocyte, also contribute to the proinflammatory environment that leads to osteoporotic bone remodeling. In aged individuals, neutrophils display reduced chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and apoptosis. Understanding the delicate interplay between B-lymphocytes and neutrophils in the context of impaired bone metabolism is crucial for targeted therapies for osteoporosis.

The Possible Role of Electrical Stimulation in Osteoporosis: A Narrative Review

Osteoporosis is mainly a geriatric disease with a high incidence, and the resulting spinal fractures and hip fractures cause great harm to patients. Anti-osteoporosis drugs are the main treatment for osteoporosis currently, but these drugs have potential clinical limitations and side effects, so the development of new therapies is of great significance to patients with osteoporosis. Electrical stimulation therapy mainly includes pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF), direct current (DC), and capacitive coupling (CC). Meanwhile, electrical stimulation therapy is clinically convenient without side effects. In recent years, many researchers have explored the use of electrical stimulation therapy for osteoporosis. Based on this, the role of electrical stimulation therapy in osteoporosis was summarized. In the future, electrical stimulation might become a new treatment for osteoporosis.

The modulatory effect and implication of gut microbiota on osteoporosis: from the perspective of "brain-gut-bone" axis

Osteoporosis (OP) is a kind of systemic metabolic disease characterized by decreased bone mass and destruction of the bone microstructure. In recent years, it has become an expected research trend to explore the cross-linking relationship in the pathogenesis process of OP so as to develop reasonable and effective intervention strategies. With the further development of intestinal microbiology and the profound exploration of the gut microbiota (GM), it has been further revealed that the "brain-gut" axis may be a potential target for the bone, thereby affecting the occurrence and progression of OP. Hence, based on the concept of "brain-gut-bone" axis, we look forward to deeply discussing and summarizing the cross-linking relationship of OP in the next three parts, including the "brain-bone" connection, "gut-bone" connection, and "brain-gut" connection, so as to provide an emerging thought for the prevention strategies and mechanism researches of OP.

Functional Evaluation of Larynx Nerve Stimulator With EMG Acquisition Capability and Wireless Connectivity

Recently, an electrical stimulation of the paralyzed muscle, as a potential therapy for restoring function of a denervated muscle system, has been debated as an innovative treatment in the management of patients with laryngeal paralysis. Numerous studies in acute and chronic animal models have demonstrated that electrical stimulation of the paralyzed posterior cricoarytenoideus muscle (PCA) offers an approach to induce vocal fold abduction and restore ventilation through the glottis. The study aims to test applicability of the controlled opening of the rima glottides via direct electrical stimulation of the posterior cricoarytenoideus muscle. We developed for this purpose a novel instrument system for the controlled larynx nerve stimulation. An acute experiment on the 4 years old pig showed effectiveness of the engineered stimulator. The controlled opening of rima glottidis of both posterior cricoarytenoid muscles and afterwards of both PCA muscle contraction were observed as a result of the electrical stimulation with the applied current in the range of 0.1-3 mA and pulse width of 1 ms and 10 ms. Performed research indicates a large potential of the novel nerve stimulator for the human larynx stimulation.